Over the Edge Blog Tour

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Theย Over the Edgeย Blog Tour started yesterday – check outย TWCS for details concerning the tour hereย and you can also preorder a copy, due out next week,ย here.ย  A summary of the book can be found below but be sure to come back on May 20th for my review and a guest post from author Suzanne Carroll on her favorite romances and the influence they had on her writing.

Over the edge large blog tour button

In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realizes sheโ€™s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiancรฉ, and his motherโ€”who has joined the fight via conference call.

Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no romantic entanglements. Itโ€™s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.

Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past canโ€™t dance. Not one step.

Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicized failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.

What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realizes where her heart lies, will it be too late?

Author Bio: ย Suzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and children.ย  By day she works in an office where she sneakily scribbles plot ideas on yellow sticky notes and hopes they don’t accidentally end up on the departmental monthly report. ย One such sticky note has turned into her first novel,ย Over the Edge.

Sand Castle Bay

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cover23033-mediumI love how Sherryl Woodsโ€™s books are about family as much as they are about romance.ย  They are always filled with lively characters, heartfelt issues, and just that right amount of humor.ย  In Sand Castle Bay, she introduces readers to the Castle family โ€“Emily, Gabriella and Samantha, plus their grandmother Cora Jane.ย  Each of the sisters will get her own story and this first one belongs to Emily.ย  She left town ten years ago to make a name for herself, leaving behind the man who held her heart, which he promptly breaks by marrying someone else.ย  But now heโ€™s a widower and a single father.ย  When the two realize that their feelings are just as strong as ever, can they find a way to make a relationship work?

Full of a sweet Southern charm that just draws readers in, Woodsโ€™s books are populated with interesting people, and realistic issues, in a compelling style that keeps you coming back for more.ย  The conflict between Emily and Boone is complicated in so many ways โ€“ first they have to get past their hurt and pride, then once they agree to try again they have to figure out how to balance their separate lives while having to deal with the fallout from his mother-in-lawโ€™s grief.

I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting cast โ€“ Emilyโ€™s sisters who will have books of their own soon and the men that will impact their lives, as well as the assorted friends who make an appearance.ย  Woods does a fantastic job of giving everyone just enough page time to get your invested in them, leaving you with a hint of what future books will hold.ย  Itโ€™s a well-rounded group and one that I look forward to knowing better.

My only problem was that Iโ€™m not sure that all of Emily and Booneโ€™s issues are completely resolved.ย  I think that there was maybe one more conversation that needed to be held to get everything wrapped up.ย  But hopefully that will be addressed in the coming books.

Sand Castle Bay is the perfect kick-off to what looks to be a wonderful new series.ย  If you are looking for books full of the sincerity, warmth, and allure of the Carolinas, start right here.

Cowboy Take Me Away

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cover21883-mediumYears ago, Luke Dawson left Rainbow Valley, Texas with a broken heart and a chip on his shoulder the size of his home state.ย  The son of the town drunk and self-made bad boy, not many people missed him when he left . . . except Shannon.ย  Now, back for his dadโ€™s funeral, Luke is forced to stay for a few weeks due to an accident.ย  A professional bull rider on his way to the World Championships, he needs a place to stay and a way to make a little cash.ย  Shannon is now the director of the animal shelter where they both worked as kids, and the only person willing to give Luke a job.ย  But can they get beyond that night all those years ago and what happened to cause him to leave town so suddenly?

I adore Jane Gravesโ€™s books, she has that perfect blend of humor and angst.ย  Luke is so delightfully messed-up.ย  Heโ€™s carried a burden for a very long time and it is wonderful to see him be able to share it, finally letting go of all the pain and hurt.ย  After years of being chased by his demons, heโ€™s finally forced to confront them and it proves to be the most difficult thing he has ever faced.ย  Shannon comes from a prominent family but was never really understood by anyone, except Luke.ย  Both outsiders for different reasons, they formed a special bond as kids.ย  It takes a little forgiveness and a lot of communication but they eventually get that back and it is so sweet to see.

Cowboy Take Me Away is the first of Gravesโ€™s โ€œRainbow Valleyโ€ series and I am anxiously waiting for the next one.ย  There are some supporting characters I am looking forward to getting to know better, including Shannonโ€™s former boyfriend Russell.ย  Heโ€™s got a good heart but heโ€™s a little misguided so Iโ€™m ready for a woman to set him straight.ย  If you are looking for a book full of Texas charm and addictive people, this is a canโ€™t miss treat.

Shot of Sultry

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cover20968-mediumMacy Beckett welcomes readers back to Sultry Springs, Texas.ย  In Sultry with a Twist, she introduced us to June, Luke and all their friends and family.ย  Now weโ€™re back, this time with Lukeโ€™s sister, Bobbi, and Lukeโ€™s best friend, Trey.ย  Bobbi is a documentary film-maker, but a scandal has ruined her career.ย  Now her only way back is to work on a sleazy dating reality show filmed in her brotherโ€™s small home town.ย  A chance to fix her reputation is very important to her and she canโ€™t afford to be distracted by her brotherโ€™s oh-so-sexy friend.ย  Trey has an opportunity to clear the Other Than Honorable discharge from his military record by spending two years doing private security in Dubai.ย  But when Luke asks him to help watch over Bobbi while sheโ€™s in town, Trey may find it hard to keep his promise, and his hands off his best friendโ€™s little sister, until the end of the summer.

I absolutely could not put this book down โ€“ in fact, I read it in just a day.ย  Bobbi was only a mention in the fist book, but Trey played a prime role and he was one of my favorites in a long list of well-loved characters.ย  Iโ€™m so thrilled he got his own story.ย  He has that standard romance novel issue of commitment issues, but he has his reasons.ย  Heโ€™s had almost no examples of a good marriage โ€“ pretty much only Luke & June โ€“ not only has he had a couple of unfaithful girlfriends, plus Lukeโ€™s first wife, but his own dad has been cheating on his mother for years.

Bobbi has her own issues.ย  She had a less than typical upbringing โ€“ an addict mother who cared little about food, hygiene or clothes for her young daughter.ย  When her mother died, she ended up in foster care and then adopted by two wonderful men.ย  But by that time she had quite a few scars from spiteful children.ย  She may still struggle with feelings of adequacy but not as much as she struggles with her intense attraction to Trey.ย  And together they are witty, funny and quite sexy.

As much as I loved the extended cast in the first Sultry Springs book, I could not get enough of the supporting characters in A Shot of Sultry.ย  Trey has a wonderful teen who is spending a community service stint working for him and the relationship between the two is so sweet, in a guy kind of way.ย  The quirky guys working on Bobbiโ€™s documentary crew add a touch of hippie charm to Beckettโ€™s small Texas town zaniness.ย  But the best is by far Sherriffโ€™s deputy Colton.ย  Heโ€™s quite the womanizer but heโ€™s got problems of his own and I absolutely cannot wait to get to the bottom of them in Surrender to Sultry coming in August.

A Shot of Sultry is that perfect mix of charm, humor and warmth.ย  The characters are quirky and fun, with the perfect mix of banter and heart, and quite a bit of heat to keep things spicy.ย  If you are looking for a steamy book on those hot summer nights, Beckett is your go-to-girl.

The House that Love Built

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cover26817-mediumIn The House that Love Built, Beth Wiseman brings her readers a touching story about learning to love again and finding both faith and family.ย  Brooke Holloway has always lived in the small Texas town of Smithville.ย  She married her high school sweetheart, only to lose him too young.ย  Now sheโ€™s raising their two kids and running the familyโ€™s hardware store.ย  Owen Saunders came to town purely out of spite.ย  Heโ€™s fresh out of a bitter divorce and has bought the kind of house his ex always talked about having, only he realizes that it is more house, and work, than he needs.ย  Still in love with his ex, he befriends Brooke and her kids but makes it known that he isnโ€™t ready for anything more.ย  Which is fine with Brooke, she canโ€™t imagine replacing her husband and her son is definitely not ready to see a man in her life.ย  But as they spend more time together, their attraction builds.ย  Are they ready to let the past go and move on with each other?

There is a large cast of characters involved in this story and all of them are compelling.ย  In addition to Owen and Brooke, Wiseman introduces us to Brookeโ€™s mother and estranged father, Owenโ€™s uncle Denny, the townโ€™s screw-up Hunter, his grandmother and his drug addict parents.ย  The best part of this story is how itโ€™s about all of these characters learning to forgive where forgiveness is needed, give second chances, and love one another.ย  I think Hunter touched my heart the most.ย  Heโ€™s had such a rough life for one so young and there are parts of his story that brought tears to my eyes.ย  All of them are dear to me, but he is the one I fell for the hardest.

The House That Love Built is billed as a love story but it is so much more โ€“ itโ€™s about finding a place in the world you can call home and realizing that family is more than the people you are related to.

The Love Shack

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cover22360-mediumChristie Ridgway delivers more sun, sea and sexiness with The Love Shack, the final installment of her yummy beach-themed series.

Gage, like his brother Griffin from Beach House No 9, is a media correspondent in the Middle East.ย  But where Griffin writes about his war experiences, Gage takes amazingly evocative pictures of some of the harsher realities of life.ย  Heโ€™s in Crescent Cove to decompress from a bad experience and to spend time with Skye, whose letters got him through so much.

Skye, who has been a bit player in all of the stories, finally gets her own book and we find out exactly what has happened to make her so tense.ย  Having Gage around does a lot to help her feel more secure, but it will also break her heart when he leaves.ย  They rely on each other, both knowing it is temporary, but not counting on wanting so much more.

As with the other books, there is a secondary love story between Teague (who also appeared in Beach House No 9) and his best friend, Polly.ย  Being the B plot, it is a little bit shorter, but it is no less emotional.ย  I donโ€™t think we got a good read on Teague when he first appeared, but Ridgway does a fantastic job of providing a heart-warming resolution to his romantic woes.

The Love Shack gives us complex, damaged characters who have to deal with a lot.ย  They are compelling โ€“ pulling on your heart strings and making you sigh with both happiness and sorrow (and maybe wanting to thump them on the head a time or two).

With this series, it is such a treat to have so many related characters who have their own issues but mesh so well together.ย  They make for an engaging and captivating group, who end up feeling like old friends.ย  Which means that readers of the previous books will love the updates on all the characters โ€“ almost everyone makes an appearance in this story and those who donโ€™t are mentioned.ย  (I think that is my favorite part of a romance series, getting that update of everyoneโ€™s HEA life.)

I really enjoy Ridgwayโ€™s books โ€“ full of scrumptious men and sassy women, with intriguing problems to overcome.ย  If you havenโ€™t already, go pick up Beach House Beginnings, Beach House No 9, and Bungalow Nights.ย  This series is the perfect excuse for relaxing in the shade and reading all day, so pull up a chair and enjoy.

Smooth Sailing

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When an ex tells Jeb Whitcomb heโ€™s nothing more than an irresponsible playboy, he sets out to prove her wrong. She promises him one year to show her that he can be a better man. After a year of celibacy helping put to rights an island devastated by a hurricane, Jeb is stunned to find out that his ex is getting married to someone els and he has four days to get to Florida to stop the wedding. Nurse Haley French is also helping on the island. She doesnโ€™t exactly see eye to eye with Jeb but she decides to relax and enjoy herself at his going away party. Both are surprised when sheโ€™s accidentally a stowaway on his trip to Florida. With nowhere to go to get away from each other, will they be able to ignore the attraction that has been simmering between them?

Iโ€™m not sure why it took me so long to read this book. I really like Lori Wildeโ€™s stuff and this one was no different. Jeb is fantastically fun. Heโ€™s a little lost and a whole lot conflicted, but heโ€™s earthy and honest and sexy. He is trying so hard to be a better person, although as far as I can tell there really wasnโ€™t that much wrong with the old one. Yeah, he was a little self-centered, well who isnโ€™t. But now heโ€™s looking outward and seeing where he can help. Granted heโ€™s doing it for a selfish reason, to win back a girl, but that doesnโ€™t mean the changes arenโ€™t for the good and wonโ€™t last. Heโ€™s a great fit for Haley. He needs someone to remind him to be more giving occasionally and she definitely needs someone to remind her to loosen up. Sheโ€™s a workaholic who tends to be a little stuffy and prudish. Sheโ€™s forgotten what it is like to be young and have fun, which means that Jeb is the perfect person to remind her. The conflict brewing while they fight their attraction is well thought out and works with what we learn about the two. The time they spend on the boat is the perfect opportunity to learn more about each other and most importantly about themselves.

Smooth Sailing is the perfect summer read โ€“ full of sun and sea and oh-so-sexy characters – itโ€™ll complement your fruity drink wonderfully. So pull up your chaise lounge, put on your sunglasses, and lose yourself in this entertaining beach read.

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Taking Shots

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Review is now available below.ย  And don’t forget to enter the contest here!

cover28946-mediumTaking Shots is the first book in Toni Aleoโ€™s sexy hockey series.ย  Photographer Elleanor Fisher loves the Nashville Assassins, so sheโ€™s thrilled to have the opportunity to do publicity shots โ€ฆ. and stunned to have caught the eye of her favorite player, super-hot Shea Adler.ย  Elli canโ€™t believe that someone like Shea could be interested in someone like her.ย  Sheaโ€™s tired of his playboy lifestyle, ready to find someone settle down with, and heโ€™s floored by super-sexy Elli.ย  Can he convince her that his feelings are real?

Elli was in a serious relationship that left her devastated.ย  He was only interested in her money, not her, and he broke her โ€“ cheated on, lied to, and abused her.ย  But this was just one in a long line of people who mistreated her.ย  Even her mother and siblings beat her down emotionally, so it isnโ€™t any surprise that she has very low self-esteem and serious doubts about her appeal.ย  Shea has a serious battle in front of him to convince her that he isnโ€™t like her ex and that he can be trusted.ย  I really enjoyed getting to know both Elli and Shea.ย  She is sweet and spicy, but with some long-standing issues.ย  He is charming and fun, willing to take on Elli and all her baggage, knowing that she is worth it.

But this book absolutely tied me up in knots.ย  Iโ€™m cruising along, thinking that these two were finally getting it together โ€“ theyโ€™d had their issues but they seemed to be working it out and moving toward an HEA.ย  Then I see this โ€œThey were in love, and nothing would ever come between thatโ€.ย  Oh, red flag!ย  With about 100 pages left to go, this is the point I realize I should have paid more attention to all of those flashing signs introduced earlier because they were going somewhere I probably wasnโ€™t going to like (yes, yes, they are obvious but I was just hoping for something different to happen), so I put down the book and walked away for a little bit (not in a bad way, but because I was so invested in their relationship that I knew it was going to break my heart).ย  Iโ€™m very happy that I came back.ย  Although it hurt to have this one last conflict between them, the resolution made me smile.ย  Yes, they both are a couple of idiots with too much pride (mostly Ellie) but when they are together they can melt the rink ice.ย  It made all the difficulty worth it to see them happy together.

For lovers of sports romances, Taking Shots is a must read.ย  And youโ€™ll be ecstatic to know that this is part of a series so youโ€™ll get to see more of Shea and Elli later, along with new sassy heroines and the sexy athlete heroes that love them.

Hockey Hop is on!

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Romance at Random is bringing you another wonderful giveaway.ย  Click here (or on the picture) to enter.ย  You can also find other places to enter by visiting here.ย  Good luck!ย  (Oh, and be sure to come back later for a review of the first book, Taking Shots.ย  It made me laugh and cry and just little bit angry …. visit again soon to find out why.)

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Extreme Love

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In celebration of the Extreme Love giveaway going on now, please check out the review below.ย  A link to the contest can be found here or in the box on the right.ย  Enter now –ย the contest ends on 4/30.

EL 500pxCaitlyn Moore has no idea why MMA fighter Dante Jones would be interested in her.ย  Yes, sheโ€™s lost a lot of weight but sheโ€™s still heavy and a guy like him could get any girl he wants.ย  Dante is intrigued by the voluptuous redhead who seems to be fighting her attraction to him.ย  But with the biggest fight of his career in just two months, can he afford the distraction?

Wow!ย  Extreme Love is a scorcher. Dante is all alpha and heโ€™s not afraid to put every tool he possesses to use in trying to win Caitlynโ€™s attention. So letโ€™s stop right here โ€“ do you like masterful, take charge, chest thumping (but oh-so-seductive and sexy) romance heroes?ย  No?ย  Then this book is SO not for you.ย  Dante goes after what he wants with everything he has โ€“ both in the cage and in the bedroom.ย  Heโ€™s built, determined and willing to fight.ย  When he lets that primal part of himself free, it is decidedly HOT.

Dante is instantly drawn to Caitlynโ€™s innate goodness and innocence, which is tinged with a little bit of sass.ย  Sheโ€™s hard-working and sincere in everything she does but she is understandably cautious.ย  Sheโ€™s been obese for much of her life and, although sheโ€™s lost 80 pounds, she still isnโ€™t in the same league as the skinny groupies that are usually found hanging around fighters.ย  Being overweight and self-conscious, Caitlyn does not have much of a dating history.ย  So given her inexperience with men, even average men, she is no match for someone like Dante.ย  With her history and her insecurities, it is very understandable why she would be out of her comfort zone and resisting his advances.ย  But Dante is definitely not going to give up.

Not everyone is going to like that, which is fine.ย  But if this is your scene, you are going to devour Extreme Love.ย  And with other hottie fighters for Niles to choose from, I am so hoping to see more stories soon.