Book Review – It Takes Two to Tangle

08 Friday Nov 2013

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Book Review, It Takes Two to Tangle, Theresa Romain

Time for another book review.

*****

Though he lost the use of an arm in the Napoleonic Wars, Henry Middlebrook returns to London society and begins an ambitious courtship of the ton’s reigning beauty. When he experiences limited success, he decides to ask for assistance from the beauty’s companion, Frances Whittier. A soldier’s widow with a murky past, Frances admires Henry’s courage and sends him a secret letter. He thinks the letter is from her mistress, and Frances must correct his mistake if she wants to engage his heart.

The blurb seems a little choppy but the book itself is beautifully done and both Frances and Henry are engaging and fascinating. Henry has a lot of baggage left over from the war, not only from his arm but also from the battle that caused his injury. He’s finding it difficult to reclaim a place in society and he sees Caroline as the way to get him there …. and Caroline’s companion, Frances, as a means to win. He’s a man of great pride and that pride is going to cause him issues when it goes contrary to his heart.

Frances has a history of making poor choices with men. And I think that is the only reason that I’m not sure I understand her decisions. She knows what deceiving a man can do but she doesn’t tell Henry the truth right away. I think I would understand her reasoning a little better if she hadn’t had something similar go so poorly in the past and she knows that Henry is not going to take it well when he finds out she’s the letter writer.

But I love the friendship that sparks between these two. They mesh well and understand each other, are witty and charming and humorous together, but with a deeper connection. You know that it is going to blow up at some point, and of course resolve itself, but the journey is sweet. In It Takes Two to Tangle, Romain creates two enthralling characters that pull you in right away and keep you glued to the pages until the very end.

Book Review – Love at First Date

07 Thursday Nov 2013

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Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.

When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.

Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?

I read this one in just over an hour and loved every minute of it. It reminded me a little of Bridget Jones’s Diary, although Ellen didn’t get herself into quite as much trouble. But it had that perfect mix of humor, zaniness, miscommunication, embarrassment, and most importantly romance. It’s a short book, but it didn’t lose a lot of the details needed to make the characters and story interesting. I really felt for Ellen as she tried to figure out what was important to her in a relationship, what she needed to make her happy. She’s very analytical about it all but she definitely had her reasons and luckily she didn’t take too long to realize what was important.

Love at First Date is the perfect choice for your lunch break or a long soak in the tub – in just a handful of pages, it made me giggle and smile and brightened up my day.

Cover Reveal – Fighting Love and Honor Reclaimed

07 Thursday Nov 2013

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Abby Niles, Fighting Love, Honor Reclaimed, Tonya Burrows

Today we get a sneak peek at Fighting Love by Abby Niles and Honor Reclaimed by Tonya Burrows. I am VERY excited about both of these – I read the other stories in both series and absolutely loved them. You can check out my review for Extreme Love by Abby Niles here and Tonya Burrows’ books SEAL of Honor here & Wilde Nights in Paradise here.

*****

FIGHTING LOVE by Abby Niles

“…the cat-and-mouse chase of budding love is sweet and the sexual chemistry is a knockout” – RT Book Reviews on EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles

Publication: December 31st, 2013 by Entangled Select

Blurb:

After the MMA scandal of the year, former Middleweight champion Tommy “Lightning” Sparks’ career is in shambles. While he fights to get back on his feet, he’s forced to swallow his pride and move in with his best friend, Julie. But righting his own wrongs won’t be his only battle. Another fighter has his sights set on Julie, and for the first time Tommy’s place in her life is threatened.

Julie Rogers fell for Tommy the day he helped her find her lost puppy at ten years old. As a thirty-two-year-old veterinarian, she still has her love for animals–and for Tommy. Over the years, she’s come to accept that Tommy will never look at her with anything other than brotherly love. After he moves in, the feelings she’s kept locked away threaten to burst through their restraints.

Terrified of losing their friendship, Julie resolves to date another fighter and let go of Tommy. But as she begins to move on, Tommy starts to see her with new eyes. Now, he’s more determined to than ever to emerge the victor and become the man she deserves, before he loses the only woman who means everything to him.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622660471/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-love-abby-niles/1114591191?ean=9781622660469

*****

Author Info:

Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She didn’t plan for writing to become an obsession, but it did. Today, she juggles work, home life, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy? When Abby’s not writing, you can find her playing ‘Just Dance’ with her kids or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list.

Website: http://www.abbynilesauthor.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/abbynilesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbyniles

*****

HONOR RECLAIMED by Tonya Burrows

“A super sexy thrill ride guaranteed to make you swoon” – New York Times Bestselling Author, Laura Kaye on HONOR RECLAIMED by Tonya Burrows

Publication: May 27th, 2014 by Entangled Select

Blurb:

Former Marine scout sniper Seth Harlan is new to HORNET and anxious to prove he can still do his job despite an ongoing battle with PTSD. He remembers all too well what it’s like to sit inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. So when a wounded veteran contacts HORNET to rescue a buddy who was left behind, all sorts of nasty memories strain his newfound stability.

When an interview with a runaway Afghan child bride leads photojournalist Phoebe Leighton to an arms deal involving a suitcase bomb powerful enough to wipe out a mid-sized town, she realizes this is one battle she can’t win on her own. Forming an unlikely alliance with a ragtag team of military and government delinquents, she meets Seth, a sniper carrying as many emotional scars as physical, who impresses her with his steely will and ignites passions within her she thought long dead.

Suddenly this mission is about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of HORNET struggle to stop that bomb before it reaches it’s final destination: The United States.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Honor-Reclaimed-HORNET-Tonya-Burrows-ebook/dp/B00FO7ZPQS/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honor-reclaimed-tonya-burrows/1117011644?ean=9781622662548

*****

Author Info:

Tonya received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and she’s now working on an MFA in popular fiction. She spends her time reading, writing, and exploring. A geek at heart, she pledges her TV fandom to Supernatural and Dr. Who.

She shares her life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. She’s from a small town in New York, but she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust, and ends up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, her animals are all excellent travel buddies.

Website: http://www.tonyaburrows.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tonyaburrows

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tonyaburrowsauthor

Book Review – Fatty Patty

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

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Book Review, Fatty Patty, Kathleen Irene Paterka

Review time!

*****

Small towns, long memories. Everyone in the exclusive summer resort of James Bay, Michigan remembers FATTY PATTY, the chubby little girl with the round face and wild red curls. All grown up now, Patty Perreault teaches at the same elementary school where the painful playground memories still taunt her. She hasn’t forgotten the cruel nickname—plus she still hasn’t lost those extra pounds. Convinced her weight is the biggest reason why she’s a four-time loser in the semifinals for Teacher of the Year, Patty resolves to make some changes in her body and her life.

Sam Curtis, an overweight accountant she meets at the community pool, swims into Patty’s life with romance on his mind. But as their friendship grows, Patty finds it hard to see beyond his extra pounds. She’s torn as Sam refuses to deal with his own overweight issues. Her heart tells her one thing, but her eyes see another. She’s not interested in an overweight boyfriend.

When it comes to winning the Grand Prize in life and love, Patty has some hard lessons to learn. Will she be able to confront her fears about the kind of woman she yearns to be? Will she be able to put down the fork and give her heart a try?

I honestly did not like Patty for much of this book … But I think that was kinda the point. We were meant to be able to identify with her but not necessarily find her likable. She knows that she’s making bad choices and saying or doing unflattering things, but she can’t help herself. Some of it broke my heart but I could see myself thinking or doing the same things.

Paterka does a fantastic job of giving readers someone who could just as easily live next door as between the pages of a book. It is so easy to see how Patty gets herself into these situations and why she does what she does. She’s so believable and relatable.

Patty does a lot of growing throughout the story and by the end I found myself rooting for her – she learns what’s important and where she belongs. Fatty Patty is a sweet story about love, growth and learning what is important. And I’m glad I read through to the end.

Book Review – Undeniable

05 Tuesday Nov 2013

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Book Review, Shannon Richard, Undeniable

It’s review time again!

*****

Grace King knows two things for certain: she loves working at her grandmother’s café and she loves the hunky town sheriff. She always has. As she bakes him sweet treats, Grace fantasizes about helping him work up an appetite all night long. But whenever she thinks she’s finally getting somewhere, he whips out some excuse to escape. Growing up, he never looked twice at her. Now Grace won’t rest until she has Jax’s undivided attention.

Jaxson Anderson can’t deny that his best friend’s kid sister is the sexiest woman in Mirabelle, Florida. Unwilling to burden Grace with his painful past, Jax keeps the sassy blonde at arm’s length. Yet one heated kiss crumbles all of his carefully built defenses. But when a town secret surfaces, threatening to destroy everything they believe in, can the man who defended Grace from bullies as a child protect her now?

Undeniable is Richard’s follow up to Undone, which tells the story of Grace’s brother (and Jax’s best friend) Brendan and his wife Paige. As with a lot of series, this one can technically stand on its own but I think that you might miss some of the nuances not having read the previous book. BUT having said that, if you want to start here you’ll be fine. I haven’t read Undone (yet) and I thought this one was fantastic.

Readers are given a great mix of suspense and romance with Jax and Grace’s story. Jax, as a sheriff’s deputy, is investigating break-ins around town and of course the culprits cross paths with Grace at some point. You can probably figure it out somewhat easily but even so it is well-developed and interesting. Richard does a great job of keeping it simple and to the point – she doesn’t throw in a lot of twists and turns – making it realistic and believable.

The biggest part, though, revolves around Grace’s long-standing love for Jax and whether he will ever admit, and give in, to his feelings for her. The emotional damage done by Jax’s abusive parents is the main thing holding him back. Even though he had people in his life that loved and supported him, it is extremely hard to let go of those feelings of worthlessness that come from years of having his own father tell him he’s nothing. Jax screws up so many times with Grace but knowing what his life was like you can definitely understand why he would feel the way he does.

Grace is pretty well adjusted, especially for someone who has spent a lot of her life being called a bastard. She has never known who her father is and always wondered why he wouldn’t want to know her. She’s also spent almost all of her life loving Jax and she’s tired of waiting for him to love her back so she takes matters into her own hands. Things are definitely rocky for the two but she handles it like a trooper.

Richard does an amazing job of giving us realistic characters with realistic problems and reactions – they are so believable that I hurt and celebrated right along with them. And as much as I absolutely LOVED these two, my favorite part is that the story is about so much more than them. They have a fantastic group of friends and family who have genuine love and support for one another. They all have their own problems and they are guaranteed to have heart-breaking stories when given their own books. I’m looking forward to each and every one.

Undeniable gives readers rich characters, quirky small-town charm, and heartfelt highs and lows, with just that perfect touch of mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Blog Tour – Far Too Tempting

05 Tuesday Nov 2013

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Far Too Tempting, Lauren Blakely

Check out below for a look at Lauren Blakely’s sexy new read, Far Too Tempting. Not only do you get a sneak peek at Jane & Matthew, her hero and heroine, but you can also get into the mood by listening to Jane’s Favorite Sexy Songs here.

*****

Far Too Tempting

by Lauren Blakely

Blurb:

Jane Black has written the breakup album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband’s unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees—as long as her personal life is completely off-limits.

British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew’s the first guy Jane’s been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer’s block. How can the queen of the break up pen the perfect follow-up when she’s seriously in love?

Goodreads Amazon Buy Link Barnes & Noble Buy Link

*****

Author Info:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like
the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, Trophy Husband, and Far Too Tempting. On November 21, she’ll release the edgy new adult novel THE THRILL OF IT. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Newsletter

*****

Excerpt:

Our quartet makes our way down the red carpet, as countless more camera crews shout directions and snap shots, capturing the parade of musicians for E!, Entertainment Tonight, MTV, and numerous other outlets. Then we enter the vast air-conditioned expanse of the Staples Center.

I see Matthew Harrigan in the lobby, because it’s impossible to miss him.

He’s so good-looking that my friend Kelly once called him eminently lickable when she was checking out a picture of him online before Crushed came out. I begrudgingly agreed—because even though he’d ripped my first three albums to shreds, I also couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen, either. He could make or break a musician, but he could probably make or break a heart, too, given the way he smiles with the most inviting grin and the way he’s a very eligible bachelor in New York City. Not just because of his post atop music criticism, but because of his pedigree. He’s scanning the crowd, always alert, dressed for the occasion in a tuxedo. He probably owns the tux, considering how it fits his tall and trim frame. Then again, he’s the sort of man tuxes were made for. The sort of man who has the means to own tuxes, and not simply because he’d been dubbed the most powerful tastemaker in rock music.

His dark hair falls deliciously on his forehead, and he has the most mesmerizing blue eyes. I swear they twinkle, and he can probably even use them to hypnotize any gal to do his bidding. And while I was 100 percent faithful to my husband when we were married, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t noticed Matthew’s looks every single time I ran into him at an event. Because you just can’t look away from that kind of a face—that jawline, those dimples, that devilish fucking smile.

“Hi, Matthew,” I say as we walk past him. He flashes me his patented grin that sends a quick rush of shivers through me.

“You look absolutely stunning, Jane. Will you give me the first sit-down interview when you win?” he asks in that delicious British accent of his. Yeah, if he wasn’t already winning on looks and job alone, he has the trump card in that accent that makes me want to swoon and say yes to anything he asks. And while I’m sure he’s only saying I look stunning so I’ll agree to the interview, I still feel pretty damn good about myself tonight in my knee-length dark blue dress, with its sapphire-and-aqua pattern of swirls. Barely there straps hug my shoulders. My impossibly curly hair has been straightened into submission tonight, courtesy of Natalie, an expert with a flat iron. It falls long tonight, to the middle of my back.

“Of course, but I’m not going to win,” I say, giving him a wink, because why the hell should I not flirt back? The man is hot.

****

Giveaway:

Be sure to enter Lauren’s contest!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554165/

*****

Tour Schedule:

10/21: Spotlight – You Gotta Read Reviews

10/23: Guest post – Ramblings from this chick

10/24: Spotlight and Review – The Revolving Bookcase

10/25: Spotlight – Erzabet’s Enchantments

10/27: Spotlight – Indie Authors Books and More

10/29: Guest post – Romancing the Rakes

10/30: Guest post – The Book Queen’s Palace

10/31: Spotlight – In Shadows

11/1: Guest post – Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews

11/2: Spotlight – As the Page Turns

11/4: Spotlight – Becky on Books

11/4: 2nd stop – Spotlight – Books-n-Kisses

11/5: Guest blog – Romantic Reads and Such

11/6: Interview & Review – Storm Goddess Book Reviews

11/7: Spotlight and Review – Lusty Penguin Reviews

11/8: Spotlight – Melissa Kendall

Blog Tour – Cinderella Screwed Me Over

04 Monday Nov 2013

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Cinderella Screwed Me Over, Cindi Madsen

Today I have the pleasure of having author Cindi Madsen stop by for a guest post and a look at her new book, Cinderella Screwed Me Over. I’ve read a couple of Cindi’s books (Falling For Her Fiancé and Act Like You Love Me) and thoroughly enjoyed them so I’m really looking forward to this one. Check it all out below.

*****

Why I write romance

I’ve never considered myself a romantic type of person. (You can ask my husband, I’m really not.) But there’s something about watching two people fall in love, whether it’s onscreen, or in the pages of a novel, that I find incredibly addictive. I love the butterflies, and seeing the characters’ change what they want because what they want is the other person. Plus, there’s kissing! Nothing’s better than a perfect first kiss. Of course awkward ones can be pretty funny, too. When it comes to romance, there are a few authors who’ve inspired me.

Charlotte Bronte. Because Jane Eyre! I’ve probably mentioned this novel many times in guest posts. It’s one of my all-time favorite love stories. Two people with rough pasts, who get each other and find love, even though neither one of them is perfect? I love that kind of story! And this one’s such a beautiful one.

Sophie Kinsella is another one of my favorite authors. Funny plus swoony is a read I can always get down with. Those kinds of books are my go-to comfort reads.

Elizabeth George Speare wrote the novel that I’ve read the most times in my life. In high school, I mostly read serial killer novels because I wanted to solve the mystery. But when my mom gave me the Witch of Blackbird Pond, there was something about it that pulled me in. It made me want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials, and I also wanted a sailor like Nat to come to my town. I’m still a little disappointed he didn’t. Lol.

Another series I’ve mentioned several times is Anne of Green Gables. I actually read this back in elementary school, and there was always something about Gilbert Blythe. Every few years I like to re-watch the movies and remember that first time Gil called Anne carrots.

There’ve been a lot of other great romance writers who’ve influenced me, from classic, to contemporary, to YA. I have fabulous writer friends who always inspire me, and I get to critique writers who aren’t even published, but make me feel the love every time I read them. Basically, give me great characters who fall in love, and I’ll fall in love right along with them. As I’m writing, that’s what I’m hoping to do with my characters, so that when my readers close the book, they’re smiling and sighing and feeling the tingly happiness of love. Because everyone could use a little more happily ever after in their life.

*****

Cinderella Screwed Me Over

by Cindi Madsen

Finding the one has never been so fun frustrating.

Blurb:

Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She’s sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she’s happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she’s culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.

*****

Excerpt:

I stepped off the treadmill, thinking about all I had to do that day. And came face-to-face with Jake.

“I thought that was you,” he said.

I tugged the earphones out of my ears and blinked, hardly able to believe my eyes. He was wearing long mesh shorts and a T-shirt that stretched tight across his well-defined chest.

Last night after my date, when I’d had trouble falling asleep, I’d thought of all the things I should say to him the next time we ran into each other. But they’d abandoned me somewhere around the time I’d checked out his pecs.

“W-what are you doing here?” Smooth, Darby. Real smooth.

“Same thing as you,” he said. “Going for a run.”

I really wished I wasn’t so sweaty. My face was probably all red, too. “But… You don’t live here? In this building?”

One corner of Jake’s mouth twisted up. “It would be kind of strange for me to go running here if I didn’t live here.”

Heat filled my cheeks and I took another swig from my water bottle. Time for the apology. Then maybe I could stop feeling so guilty and get this guy off my mind. “Look, I’m sorry about the misunderstanding at the restaurant. I just thought you were one of those guys who tells everyone he owns the restaurant or runs the company or whatever to seem impressive. I thought that since I knew everyone, you were lying to try to impress me.”

There. I’d apologized. Now I could move past this guy and get back to my normal life.

“I was trying to impress you, but not with my job.” He tucked his thumbs into the

pockets of his shorts and shrugged. “I guess I need to work on my skills, because obviously my natural rugged charm wasn’t enough.” He flashed me a smile to punctuate his statement and I tried—and failed—not to let it melt me the tiniest bit.

“Oh, you were plenty charming. Just not enough to make up for being a liar. Which for all I know, you’re not, so again, sorry.”

“Do you always assume the worst in people?”

I crossed my arms. “Yes. That way I’m never disappointed. It saves a lot of time and trouble.”

His eyebrows shot up and his smile faded. It only lasted a moment, then the smile returned. “I guess there’s only one thing to do about that. Let’s go to dinner, and I’ll prove to you I’m not a liar.”

Is he seriously asking me out right now, while I’m all sweaty and makeup free? My gaze accidentally drifted to his toned chest and arms. My pulse quickened and the temperature in the room climbed even higher. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted.

I swallowed, forcing from my mind thoughts of how good he’d look shirtless, and reminding myself of the rules that had kept me heartbreak-free for a year. Guys like Nick, they were safe. The guy standing in front of me was the total opposite. “Sorry, but you’ve got two strikes against you already. You work at my favorite restaurant, and you live in my building. That’s just asking for trouble.”

Jake took a step closer. “Or maybe it’ll be convenient.”

“A girl does like to be called convenient.” My voice shook a little, thanks to his proximity. He was tall, too—in my sneakers, I barely came to his shoulder, which meant he’d still have a few inches on me in my highest heels. Forcing as much indifference into my expression as I could manage, I glanced at my watch. “I’ve got to go get some work done.”

Jake reached out and put his hand on my hip, just like he’d done the other night. My skin heated under his touch and my breath caught in my throat. Part of me was screaming, Just go for it, and the other part was yelling, Mayday, mayday, we’re going down!

“Just so you know,” he said, leaning close enough his chest bumped my arm, “I’m an expert on baseball, and two strikes isn’t enough to get out. You need three.”

I stared up into those startling blue eyes of his, and worked at keeping my voice steady. “I’m sure the third will come up soon.”

The wattage on his smile kicked up a couple extra notches. “I’ll see you around, Darby.”

*****

About the Author:

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, and Demons of the Sun and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, and Cinderella Screwed Me Over.

*****

Tour Schedule:

10/29: Spotlight – Ever After Romance

10/30: Guest Post – Lusty Penguin Reviews

10/30: 2nd stop – Interview – Romance with Flavor

10/31: Review – The Autumn Review

11/4: Guest Blog – Romantic Reads and Such

11/5: Review – Bibliophilia, Please

11/6: Spotlight & Review – My Book Addiction and More

11/7: Interview – Perusing Princesses

11/8: Guest blog – Crazed Bookie

11/9: Review – In The Name of Books

11/10: Review/Spotlight – LeBook Squirrel

11/11: Interview – A Passion for Romance

11/12: Interview and Review – Storm Goddess Book Reviews

11/14: Review – Fictionators

11/18: Spotlight – Reader’s Edyn

11/21: Guest Blog – Inside the World of Books (Books to Get Lost In)

11/26: Spotlight – Rose & Beps Blog

11/28: Guest Blog – Ramblings From This Chick

11/29: Guest Blog – Read Love Blog

11/30: Interview – Book Bliss

Cover Reveal – Tangled Hearts and Crimson Hearts

03 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Captured Heart, Crimson Heart, Heather McCollum, Highland Heart, Highland Hearts, Tangled Hearts, Untamed Heart

Entangled Publishing has a fun giveaway for you related to their upcoming Highland Hearts novels – Tangled Hearts and Crimson Hearts – and a look at the previous books from the series. Readers can vote for their favorite cover by commenting and enter for a chance to win an Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card worth $15.

*****

In the time of Tudor rule, when the land grew untamed and the men fought fiercely, the HIGHLAND HEARTS trilogy follows Scottish warriors of the Macbain and Munro clans on their quests for justice and survival. This historical, paranormal romance series sweeps from the raw grandeur of the Highlands to the opulence of King Henry’s court, where bold strategies, royal intrigue, and murder twist together with white magic as these warriors become entangled with three English lasses from very different lives. With secrets exposed and distrust shadowing their happiness, can they conquer the darkness to win the purest form of magic that exists – love?

In total, the HIGHLAND HEARTS series includes three main, full-length novels, CAPTURED HEART, TANGLED HEARTS, and CRIMSON HEART. A very short novella (13K words), HIGHLAND HEART (missing the all-important “s” at the end) is a prequel to the series, revealing how the first dragonfly-magic came to the western Highlands. UNTAMED HEARTS is a long novella (40K words) which bridges the gap between TANLGED HEARTS and CRIMSON HEART. Although each title is written to stand alone, reading them in the following, chronological order will enhance one’s immersion into this 16^th-century world of adventure, love, and magic.

HIGHLAND HEART (short novella)

CAPTURED HEART – Book 1

TANGLED HEARTS – Book 2

UNTAMED HEARTS – (long novella)

CRIMSON HEART – Book 3

*****

Tangled Hearts by Heather McCollum

Publication: January 28, 2014 from Entangled Select

The Tudors take on The Pirates of the Caribbean in this 16th century romantic adventure!

Pandora Wyatt is the most complicated woman alive. Raised by a pirate captain, Dory risks exposure of her magic to free the only father she’s ever known from the Tower of London. But when she’s tied to a smoldering witch’s pyre, her powers aren’t enough to save her.

Ewan Brody is on a mission to deliver a traitor’s corpse to King Henry VIII when he rescues a beautiful spitfire from a horrific fate. Saving the lass’s life leads him on an adventure he never intended. Thrust together in the roles of husband and wife, they dodge royal intrigue, dark twists, and secrets as they attempt to find the true traitor at the Tudor court.

Magic and adventure spark, igniting a fire between Ewan and Dory, consuming them and tangling their hearts together forever. But to reach forever, they first need to survive the day.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Hearts-Highland-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00FOAJ8V8/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tangled-hearts-heather-mccollum/1117011635?ean=9781622663651

Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum

Publication: May 27, 2014 from Entangled Select

As the illegitimate daughter of King Henry VIII, Elena Seymour has spent most of her life in hiding. Keeping her royal blood a secret has been a success for years, but now, with a new, fiercely Catholic queen on the throne, Elenas Protestant caretaker is being targeted. And when Bloody Mary discovers Elenas lineage, she must not only flee to Scotland for her freedom, but also for her life.

Highland warrior Searc Munro has secrets of his own. In a family of healers, his own dark, killing magic must never be known. But when his fathers life is threatened, Searcs secret is revealed. No longer welcome in his clan, he sets off alone, only to find another use for his magic to save a beautiful young lass being attacked in the forest.

Teaming up as exiles, Elena and Searc head toward Edinburg to find refuge. Yet, with a series of ritual killings haunting the city and a traitor attempting to assassinate Scotlands regent, suspicion turns to Searc as word of an illegitimate British heir reaches the country. Now, the two must find a way to trust each other, despite their secrets, before its too late.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crimson-Highland-Hearts-Entangled-ebook/dp/B00FUWKLHU/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crimson-heart-heather-mccollum/1117011706?ean=9781622663613

Captured Heart by Heather McCollum

Publication: September 12, 2012 from Entangled Select

Fleeing with only her bow, horse, enormous pet wolf, and the cryptic clues hidden in her mother’s medicine journal, healer Meg Boswell gallops north towards freedom, running from the man who falsely accused her mother of witchcraft. Cursed with magical healing abilities, Meg knows that if she’s captured, she will die like her mother—atop a blazing witch’s pyre.

Winter winds rip across the Highlands, pressing Chief Caden Macbain forward in his desperate plan to save his clan. He’s not above using an innocent woman to bargain for peace if it keeps his clan from starving. But Meg isn’t who Caden thinks she is, and when she kills a man to save the clan, he must choose between duty and her life. For although he captured her to force a peace, Meg’s strength and courage have captured Caden’s heart.

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Captured-Highland-Hearts-Heather-McCollum/dp/1620610574/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/captured-heart-heather-mccollum/1108785660?ean=9781620610572

Highland Heart by Heather McCollum (A Highland Hearts Novella)

Publication: December 17, 2012 from Entangled Flirt

Alec Munro, chieftain of the Munros, has captured the Englishman who swindled his father. Set on retribution, he’s caught off-guard by the thief’s beautiful daughter, a lass whose beauty and spirit leave him questioning the value of revenge.

Rachel Brindle has a secret: she can heal people with her magic. While journeying with her father and sister into the Highlands, she becomes a prize sought between two warring clans. She must use her cunning and her healing magic to prevent the same slaughter that started the blood feud a century ago. But when her secret is exposed, will it condemn her in the eyes of the barbarian who has capture not only her family, but also her heart?

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Heart-Entangled-Flirts-ebook/dp/B00BFQANUK/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-heart-heather-mccollum/1113993116?ean=9781622669950

Untamed Heart (A Highland Hearts novella) – Cover Coming Soon!

*****

About the Author:

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical paranormal romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Maine, much to her English professor’s dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and was a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist. Ms. McCollum has four full length historical, paranormal romances released in both electronic and digital formats. She also has one short novella released in electronic format.

When she is not busy writing and answering calls of “Mom”, she can be found educating women about ovarian cancer. She is a teal warrior herself and just finished slaying the ovarian cancer beast.

She currently resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast. More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at www.HeatherMcCollum.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherMcCollumAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMcCollumAuthor

*****

Contest:

Vote for your favorite cover from the Highland Hearts series and win!

Readers can vote for their favorite cover by commenting and enter for a chance to win an Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card
worth $15.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554203/

*****

Cover Reveal – It’s a Shame by CE Hansen

01 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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C. E. Hansen, It's a Crime, It's a Shame

Today we get a look at C. E. Hansen’s It’s a Shame, sequel to It’s a Crime. I’ve not read Hansen’s work but these look like great reads for those who like a good dose of suspense with their love stories. Check out info on both books below and pick up It’s a Crime now for just 99 cents!

*****

It’s a Shame

by C. E. Hansen

Grace and Cole were trying to put the pieces of their broken lives back in place, working towards a future together. It seems as though things were just starting to get back to normal. Well, as normal as things could be for the survivors of a twisted serial killer. What they didn’t know, what neither of them expected, was that their nightmare was just beginning.

They were about to be pulled back into the clutches of a madman, but this time, they weren’t the only potential victims.

Was their love strong enough to get them through the next disaster? Do they have what it takes to stay together, or is whats lurking around the corner too much for them both?

Goodreads

website http://www.c-e-hansen.me

twitter CynthiaEHansen

Buy Book 1 on AMAZON

Book 2 It’s A Shame available November 11th

*****

It’s a Crime

by C.E. Hansen

Wealthy New York socialite Grace Preston uses men for amusement, holding her heart inside an ice fortress for protection. Spurned by a sociopathic male model, Grace picks up a new man with all the right moves; smooth as bourbon, Cole slides under her wall and touches her in places she thought were well-guarded. But after a weekend of fiery passion, he leaves, devastating her.

Cole Grayson has spent ten years building his commercial real estate firm and chasing the arsonist who killed his family when he was a boy. Women are a dalliance, and have no place in his personal quest. Then Grace rocks his world—not only sexually, but in her arms, his nightmares cease. To protect her, he pushes her away; he’s close to finding the culprit and Grace must not get tangled in the cross-fire.

When women matching Grace’s description start turning up dead in Central Park, Cole is forced to divide his influence between personal revenge and protection for the woman he has come to love. But throwing money at the problem only goes so far. Grace is in danger—can he get to her in time?

$0.99

Original Price: $3.99

Get this deal: Amazon

Holiday Hop – Miracle Road by Emily March

01 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Emily March, Miracle Road

Today begins the first of Random House’s Holiday Hops – this one features Emily March’s newest release, Miracle Road. To celebrate, they are having a fantastic giveaway including:

10 Print copy Giveaways of Emily’s book – Miracle Road

5 Net Galley copies of Heating Up the Holidays Loveswept Anthology

5 Net Galley copies of Isn’t She Lovely by Lauren Layne

and one Grand Prize – a complete print set of Eternity Springs

Be sure to enter here right away!