Monday, August 29, 2016

Release Blitz: A Cowboy Christmas by Carolyn Brown

I adore Carolyn Brown's sexy cowboy romances and I've enjoyed all the tales from Burnt Boot, Texas so I was excited to participate in the Release Blitz for her newest in the series, A Cowboy Christmas Miracle!  For my post I have an excerpt as well as a giveaway, so go on and read about Declan and Betsy's turn at love and then make sure to scroll down for a chance to win



Publication Date: September 6th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BAM

About the book:

It will take a miracle bigger than the state of Texas for these two feuding families to survive the holidays!

Opposites might attract…
The Brennans and the Gallaghers put aside their one-hundred-year feud every Tuesday for their weekly poker game. This week, the stakes are sky-high. Goaded to recklessness, Declan Brennan bets one thousand dollars that he can woo the next woman to walk into the saloon. A minute later, fiery-haired Betsy Gallagher pushes through the doors. If Declan can tame this wild Gallagher, he’ll have earned every penny.

If they don’t kill each other first…
Betsy can outshoot anybody in Burnt Boot and loves ranching more than anything—until she falls for Declan. He’s fallen for her too. But when she discovers what sparked their courtship, Declan will need a Christmas miracle to save his hide—and his heart.

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author and RITA Finalist, Carolyn Brown, has published more than seventy books.  These days she is concentrating on her two loves:  women’s fiction and contemporary cowboy romance. She and her husband, a retired English teacher, make their home in southern Oklahoma.


Excerpt:

Swollen ankles. Puffy face. And now mood swings.
Even with all that, Betsy was so jealous of Angela that she could feel her soul turning neon green. It’s a wonder she didn’t glow with envy like an alien life force.
Angela wiped tears away with a soggy tissue. “It’s a boy, and I’m naming him Christian because he’s arriving during the Christmas season, and he’ll be too old to be baby Jesus next year, and I wanted him to grow up to be a preacher like my daddy and my brother, John, and now he’ll grow up to be a… Oh no…”
“What?” Betsy tensed. “Is it labor? Do I need to call Jody?”
Angela grabbed for more tissues. “No, it’s worse. Burnt Boot isn’t going to have Christmas. It’s an omen. Christian will grow up to be an outlaw and put shame on the Gallagher name.”
Betsy patted her on the arm and wished she had a shot of whiskey, but there wasn’t even a beer in Jody and Angela’s house. Angela abstained from anything that had a drop of liquor in it—she didn’t even have a slice of butter rum cake at the family holiday parties.
“It’ll be okay,” Betsy said. “It’s a season of miracles. Something could happen so that we’ll have Christmas.”
Angela’s blond hair covered her tear-streaked face when she bent forward, head in hands, and wept. “That would take more than a miracle. It would take magic the way the Brennans and the Gallaghers have both set their heels and refuse to give anything to the church for new Christmas decorations.”
“What about the other folks in town?” Betsy asked. “Those who aren’t part of this feud?”
“If they help out with the program, then the feudin’ folks won’t do business with them, so they’re between a rock and a hard place.” Angela lifted her head and threw a handful of soggy tissues in the trash. “I want a Christmas program at the church, and I want my son to be baby Jesus, and I know you can make it happen, Betsy Gallagher.”
Betsy’s emerald-green eyes widened. “I’m not a magician.”
Angela inhaled deeply, straightened her back, and crossed her hands over an enormous baby bump. “I’m depending on you, Betsy. If anyone in the whole state of Texas can put my Christian in that manger for the Christmas program, you can do it.”
“Come on, Angela, you know that Granny would disown me if I lifted a finger to make Christmas happen. You’ll have to be content with the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street,” Betsy said.
Angela held up a finger and sniffled. “No! I won’t be satisfied with that. I want my Christian to be wrapped in swaddling blankets in a manger, and I want the wise men and the shepherds to come and see him.” The finger shifted to point straight at Betsy. “And you are going to talk those two old women into letting it happen.”
Betsy flinched. “Granny will go up in flames if she hears you call her old.”
“I’m sick of this feud. It’s time to bury the hatchet or sign a treaty in blood or spit in their hands and shake like a couple of kids—whatever it takes to end this shit,” Angela said.
“You said a bad word,” Betsy whispered.
Tears started in earnest again. “That should”—hiccup—“tell you”—hiccup—“how much Christmas means to me?” A final hiccup.
Betsy patted her shoulder and handed her the box of tissues from the coffee table. “I’ll do what I can—I promise.”
Angela blew her nose loudly and hauled herself off the sofa. “Time to go to the bathroom again. All I do is cry and pee. It’s a wonder Jody stays with me.”
Betsy quickly pushed up out of the recliner and said, “I should be going anyway. It’s getting late.”
“I hear Jody driving up in the yard. He’ll be excited that you are going to fix it so that we have a Christmas program.” Angela smiled brightly. “Why don’t you stick around and have a glass of tea with us?”
Betsy needed something a hell of a lot stronger than sweet tea at that moment. She really, really needed a strong shot of good old Irish whiskey, preferably Jameson or at least a beer. “No thanks. I really do have to go, but you hang in there, girl. It’s only another week until that baby boy will be here. Then, according to what I hear, you won’t get any sleep for a few months.”
Jody pushed through the door, letting a blast of cold November air into the small house. Angela gave him a kiss. “Hello, darlin’. I want to hear about the meeting with Granny Naomi right after I get out of the bathroom. Bundle up, Betsy.”
Jody held Betsy’s coat for her and whispered, “Whatever you did, thank you. She seems happy.”
Betsy raised a shoulder. “I’m supposed to work miracles in the middle of the worst feud war we’ve ever had. She wants me to talk Granny into having a Christmas program at the church. Might as well try to talk a donkey into changing into Cinderella.”
“If anyone can do it, you can.” Jody grinned.
Betsy took those words out the door and into the cold night air, wishing she was as mean and tough as everyone thought. Tanner, her favorite cousin, said she was ninety percent bluff and ten percent mean.
“But you don’t want to test that mean part.” He’d laughed when she’d given him the old stink eye.
Light shined out from the living room window, giving the brown grass a yellow glow, like the star that used to hang from the ceiling at the Christmas program. What Angela wanted was totally impossible, but Betsy would try to think of something. Maybe they could have a Gallagher program at the Christmas dinner, complete with a nativity scene.
She sat in her hot-pink pickup truck for several minutes. Through the window, she saw Jody hug Angela. Their body language said they were in love, and the way Jody’s hands went to Angela’s rounded tummy left no doubt that they couldn’t wait for their son to be born.
Betsy blinked the tears back, refusing to let them fall. She wouldn’t cry for what she couldn’t have. She finally started the engine but sat for several more minutes, staring at the house. It was one of a dozen small log cabin homes scattered about Wild Horse Ranch. They’d been built one by one as first homes for the newly wedded Gallagher couples. When the couple got on their feet and had enough money to buy their own land, they then moved to another section of the ever-growing ranch. She wanted a house like they had. She didn’t care if she never had a big spread of her own. She’d be content to work for her granny and live in a little log cabin the rest of her life if she could have a husband who loved her as much as Jody loved Angela.



Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Ravenous by M.S. Force


Ravenous (Quantum #5) by M.S. Force
Publication Date: August 23rd 2016
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

About the book:

A stand-alone Quantum story from New York Times bestselling author M.S. Force!

She wants a baby. He wants her. Simple enough, right?

Ellie Godfrey has kissed her share of frogs. So many, in fact, that she fears she won’t recognize her prince if and when he finally comes along. Tired of waiting for THE ONE, Ellie decides to have a baby on her own before it’s too late.

When Jasper Autry hears about Ellie’s plan, what else can he do but step in and offer to “contribute” to her project. Does that make him an opportunist? Whatever. He wants the perpetually out-of-reach Ellie Godfrey, and when he sees his chance, he takes it. That she’s the sister of his business partner and close friend Flynn gives him pause, but it doesn’t stop him from having what he wants.

As Jasper and Ellie embark upon their secret “project,” he makes it clear that for as long as they’re together, he’s in charge—in the bedroom anyway. After the hottest sex of her life, Ellie realizes she’s made a deal with the devil himself.

Warning: If you hate foul-mouthed heroes who like it a little rough and dirty, this might not be the book for you…Contains hot and sexy BDSM scenes among other things that might not appeal to the faint of heart. Enter at your own risk and enjoy!


Excerpt:












About the author:
Author Bio: M.S. Force is the erotic alter-ego of New York Times bestselling author Marie Force. All three books in her initial Quantum Trilogy were New York Times bestsellers in 2015, and the Quantum Trilogy became the Quantum Series with Rapturous and now Ravenous, with more to come!

With more than 5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York TimesUSA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author more than 50 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published Gansett Island Series has sold 2.5 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin's HQN, as well as the New York Times bestselling Green Mountain Series, among other books and series, including the Quantum Series, written as M.S. Force.

Her goals in life are simple--to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie's mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor, on Twitter @marieforce and on Instagram at instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.


Connect with M.S. Force:




A copy of Ravenous to one lucky Wave of Fiction Follower! Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.





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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Review: Ruined by Shiloh Walker


Publication Date: July 19th 2016 by InterMix
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

From the national bestselling author of Busted and Razed comes an unforgettable story of a love that transcends tragedy...
 
As one of the Barnes brothers, Sebastien has always felt blessed. Not only does he have an amazing family, but he’s become a Hollywood golden boy who has everything he’s ever wanted—with one exception. He’s had a thing for Marin since he was a kid, but when he finally summons the courage to ask her out, she turns him down. Marin is ready to settle down, she wants commitment and stability, and Sebastien is still too much of a playboy, caught up in the wild life of the spotlight.

Still reeling from the rejection, Sebastien’s luck runs out later that night when he saves a girl from an assault. The shining knight role fits him just fine, but his armor—and his perfect life—become tarnished when the near-deadly attack lands him in the hospital. Physically scarred, he gives up acting and retreats from everybody.

If anyone can pull Sebastien back from the abyss, it’s Marin. But first she has to convince him that beauty is not only skin deep...
My Thoughts:
I loved the premise of Ruined, a once beautiful man, scarred and emotionally damaged getting the girl he’s been in love with for years speaks to me.  After an assault, Sebastien tries to shut everyone out, except for Marin.  Marin won’t go away and he loves that she is a constant in his life even if he thinks it’s just out of pity that she keeps coming around. Marin didn’t want to open her heart to Sebastien before, because she wanted a family and commitment, and Sebastien didn’t seem like he was on the same page.  He was living like a playboy taking all the benefits a much sought after, gorgeous movie star could take advantage of, but all that changed after the assault, and with all the time Marin spends with him, it’s impossible to keep up that guard.

I actually read Ruined in one day, because I had to find out how it all turned out, but there was a fair amount of angst and drama, and that prevented me from completely loving the story.  A lot of that could’ve been avoided if both Sebastien and Marin didn’t assume they knew what the other was feeling, and also if Marin would’ve cleared up a misunderstanding right away, instead of letting it go on.  With all that said, I did enjoy the romance, it was pretty steamy!  Marin and Sebastian were so hot for each other; there was longing on both sides.  Plus, it contains a trope I do love (I won’t spoil the plot by telling which trope) so even with all the drama I did end up enjoying the story more than I thought I would.  I would say if you’re a fan of angst Ruined will definitely be right up your alley.  If not, I’d still give it a shot, because it still might work like it did for me.

3.5 Suns




Connect with Shiloh Walker:






Thursday, August 11, 2016

Review & Giveaway: Reaper's Fire by Joanna Wylde



I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Joanna Wylde's newest Reaper's MC installment, Reaper's Fire because, as you probably already know, I love this series!  As part of my stop I have my review, an excerpt and a lovely giveaway!




Reaper's Fire (Reaper's MC #6) by Joanna Wylde
Publication Date: August 9th 2016 by Berkley
Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

About the book: 

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the “wild and raw”* world of the Reapers MC with the story of Gage and Tinker…
 
The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

Soon.


My Thoughts:
Gage is loyal to his brotherhood, the Reapers MC, so when he’s asked to go undercover to find out what is going on with the Nighthawk Raiders in Washington, a supposed alley MC to the Reaper’s, Gage agrees. As part of his cover he takes on a handy-man job, as Cooper Romero, in exchange for housing in Tinker Garrett’s apartment complex.  Gage is immediately taken with Tinker, and he senses she wants him too, but he’ll have to put all that on the back burner, because the quickest way into the Nighthawks Motorcycle club is dating Talia Jackson, the club president’s sister. Still, while pretending with Talia, every hour he spends working for and with Tinker brings them closer and closer, and Talia notices, putting Tinker in danger.

Tinker is overseeing her family’s rental properties while healing from a bad divorce, and caring for her ailing father.  Cooper (Gage) blows into her life and turns everything upside down. Tinker was just such a nice and genuine person, but not a pushover either, and I immediately loved her character!  Even though Gage was a force to be reckoned with, Tinker had some spine, too.  Also, she didn’t let the Cooper/Gage situation overtake her every thought and life.  Tinker was definitely more than attracted, but tried to keep it platonic seeing as he had a girlfriend (even if that girlfriend was the daughter of Satan!).

I do wish Tinker and Gage got together sooner instead of Gage having to pretend with Talia for so long. However, there was never any doubt on Gage’s side that he was only doing his duty to the club and that he completely despised Talia the whole time.  Tinker didn’t know Gage’s inner thoughts, and so couldn’t understand why a seemingly nice guy could stoop so low as to screw Talia, even if she was hot, because Talia was so evil!  I hurt for Tinker every time she had to witness them together! Little did Tinker know is that Gage was just biding his time until he could claim her. 

When the truth comes out, Gage has a lot of explaining to do.  I know he was supposed to be doing it for the club, but come on! He hurt Tinker and lied to her, and in my mind it didn’t need to go on quite so long.  I just knew if I were in Tinker’s shoes it would take me some time to wrap my head around the whole situation. But, still, Gage was tortured having to keep himself back from Tinker. He fell for her a little more every day spent as her tenant/handy man, so even though he did hurt Tinker, I couldn’t help but feel bad and fall for him, too.

I will say if you haven’t read Painter and Melanie’s story, Reaper’s Fall (the last book, #5), yet, you may want to read this one first and then Reaper’s Fall because Talia and her brother’s story concludes more fully in Reaper’s Fall.  I went back and read a bunch of scenes, because I forgot so much that happened, and trust me, a lot happens!  I felt like all the loose ends in Reaper’s Fire were nice and tied in Reaper’s Fall.   

I gobbled this story up, reading it in one day to find out what happens.  I had been picking up books and setting them aside trying to find a story that would hold my interest when I decided to pick up Reaper’s Fire and I was hooked!  This story was raw and ugly in parts, but completely riveting! Joanna Wylde certainly doesn’t present a heart-n-flowers sort of romance with her Reapers MC series. Her romances are more primal, gritty, all-consuming, and I can't wait for the next one!

4 Suns






Excerpt
“I can’t believe how late it is,” Tinker said, yawning, and I realized the movie had ended. Now she stretched upward, the blanket falling to her waist as her boobs pushed forward.
God, how much should a man be expected to take?
I should’ve stayed away from her completely—that’d been the plan—but something had snapped when I’d seen her out in the courtyard. Couldn’t remember the last time I’d met a woman like Tinker. She was smart and sexy and funny, and she worked damned hard to take care of her family and business. Sure, I wanted to fuck her—you’d have to be gay not to—but I respected her, too.
“I should probably get going,” she said, offering me a smile so sweet I wanted to bite her lips. “I like to check on Dad before going to sleep, and I’ve got to be up early in the morning. I’ve got to package orders for the courier tomorrow—if they aren’t ready by two p.m., I’m screwed.”
I considered rolling over on top of her. Pushing her down into the couch cushions, shoving my leg between hers, and showing her what a real man feels like.
“Cooper?” she asked, looking confused. I blinked a couple times, forcing myself to focus on her face.
“I’m going to watch another one,” I told her, because I’m a goddamn masochist. “You sure you’re ready to head out?”
She frowned, and I could almost read her thoughts. Yes, she should leave. But she wanted me as much as I wanted her. And yeah, I realize that makes me sound like an egotistical ass, but this wasn’t my first rodeo. I saw the lust in her eyes, and the way she licked her lips and stared at my mouth. This wasn’t a one-way street, not even close.
“I guess I could stay a little longer,” she whispered. Christ, she was so sweet and soft. I wanted to bite her even more now. Suck that pouty lower lip into my mouth and shove a finger up her ass.
Break her.
You’re one sick fuck.
Why yes. Yes, I am. Thanks for noticing.
I managed to control the urge, catching her hand instead, giving it a friendly squeeze like some kind of pathetic tool. Her fingers tightened on mine, then she pulled away and snuggled back down under the blanket, raising her feet to rest on the coffee table. I grabbed the remote and clicked through the menu.
Tomorrow I’d do my job. I’d fuck Talia and spy on Marsh and look for any kind of weakness that might end this situation, the faster the better. Tonight, though . . . Tonight I’d pretend this wasn’t a waste of time.
Goddamn, but my dick hurt.
The next hour was torture.
Tinker sat next to me, all cute and classy and absolutely refusing to make any kind of eye contact. I don’t know how she felt, but to me the sexual tension hanging in the air was thick and heavy. I kept thinking about her hand in mine—small, but strong. The hand of someone who knew how to work hard. So far as I knew, Talia had never held down a job, let alone supported herself.
The couch shifted, and I glanced over to find Tinker sliding deeper into the cushions, drawing the blanket up to her chin. Our legs were maybe six inches apart. She shifted again, and then her hand bumped mine under the blanket. She jerked it back quickly, and I caught the hint of a flush on her cheeks. That was another thing I liked about her—her skin was so pale that I could see every hint of arousal.
Grabbing her hand, I pulled it over to rest on my thigh. This was a really bad idea, so I pointedly refused to think it through. Her hand tensed at first, then relaxed into my strength. My cock swelled against the fabric of my jeans, just inches from her fingers—it’d be so easy to push her hand toward it, wrap it around my painfully swollen dick, and just go to town.
Tinker’s fingers gave a quick squeeze—almost more of a spasm—and I bit back a groan.
Yeah, okay. Really, really bad idea. I should get off the couch and shut this shit down right now, because I couldn’t afford to blow things with Talia just yet. Instead I found myself leaning toward Tinker, bumping shoulders.
God.
I’d grown a pussy. No other explanation, because I couldn’t figure out why the hell else an adult man would sit holding hands under a damned blanket like a kid. 





About the author: Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Goodreads



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Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Review: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt


Publication Date: August 1st 2010 by Grand Central Publishing
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

A man controlled by his desires...

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand— she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk.

A woman haunted by her past...

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control—one that may well destroy them both.

A bargain neither could refuse.

My Thoughts:
Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, and Temperance Dews are both on a mission.  Lazarus is searching for a violet killer in St. Giles, but he needs someone with knowledge of the town and connections to get the residents to talk.  Temperance Dews is just the lady and being that she needs another benefactor for the foundling home she and her brother, Winter, run he’s in a position to strike a deal. If Temperance escorts him about St. Giles, he’ll introduce her to society to obtain another benefactor.  Temperance and Winter are just about broke and with so many orphaned children depending on them, she has no choice but to accept Lord Caire’s offer.  She can’t let his scandalous reputation put her off, and if she’s quite honest, that reputation excites more than frightens her. 

Lord Caire has strong, particular cravings in the bedroom and he senses a similar hunger in Temperance, and he wants nothing more than to satisfy it. Can he get the prim and proper lady to give into what they both want and need? And can Lazarus keep Temperance safe as their investigations stir up trouble?

Elizabeth Hoyt dazzles with Wicked Intentions is definitely my favorite so far! The sensual dance between Lazarus and Temperance definitely lit me up, so wickedly hot!  The danger they stir up looking for a killer added some thrills and action, too! 

I’m going to skip book two (for now) to get Silence’s (Temperance’s sister) story with Mickey in Scandalous Desires. I felt so horrible for her!

4.5 Suns



Connect with Elizabeth Hoyt:


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Release Blitz: Reapers Fire by Joanna Wylde


I'm addicted to Joanna Wylde's Reaper's Motorcycle Club series and so I'm thrilled to be part of the Release Blitz!  Reaper's Fire is available TODAY, and I think the fans are going to love Gage and Tinker's story! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down!

Are you ready for Gage and Tinker’s story?
Reaper’s Fire NOW AVAILABLE! 


Publication Date: August 9th 2016 by Berkley

Purchase Links:

About the book: 

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the “wild and raw”* world of the Reapers MC with the story of Gage and Tinker…
 
The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

Soon.




Have you heard?
Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde has a NEW COVER!


Meet Horse & Marie for ONLY $3.99 (normally $7.99)
Author’s Note: This book was originally released through a small publisher in 2013. This independent edition has been lightly edited, and contains a bonus short, “Sticky Sweet” (originally published on the author’s website) and a Q&A with the author.

Purchase Links:




About the author: Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Goodreads



Monday, August 8, 2016

Cover Reveal: Every Little Thing by Samantha Young

Samantha Young has captured my heart with her sexy romances for some time.  I'm eagerly looking forward to her newest series, Hart's Boardwalk, so I'm excited to be part of the cover reveal for the second book, Every Little Thing, the second book in the series!


About the book:

Hartwell, Delaware—the perfect place to get away from it all, and find what you never knew you needed…
 
Bailey Hartwell has many reasons to feel content—her successful business, a close circle of friends, and her steady boyfriend…even if their romance feels staid after ten years without a serious commitment. The only challenge in her life comes in the form of sexy businessman Vaughn Tremaine. She thinks the ex-New Yorker acts superior and that he considers her a small-town nobody. But when Bailey’s blindsided by a betrayal, she’s shocked to discover Vaughn is actually a decent guy.

Vaughn admires Bailey’s free spirit, independence, and loyalty. As his passion for her has grown, his antagonism toward her has only worsened. Every little thing Bailey does seduces him. But when Vaughn’s painful emotional past makes him walk away in fear he will hurt her, it opens an old wound in Bailey, and she uncharacteristically retreats.
Once Vaughn begins to realize he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he has no choice but to fight like he’s never fought before to convince Bailey that the love they’ve found together only comes around once in a lifetime.

I can’t wait for Bailey and Vaughn’s story! But in the meantime, I'm looking forward to the first book, The One Real Thing, that goes on sale September 6th!


About the book:

Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…
While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life.  Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.
Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations.  But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her.
Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for…


Pre-order links:

Amazon           Barnes and Noble       iBooks             BAM               Kobo


About the author: Samantha Young is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series, including Moonlight on Nightingale WayEchoes of Scotland Street, and Fall from India Place, as well as the standalone novel Hero. She resides in Scotland.

Website           Facebook         Twitter             Instagram



Sunday, August 7, 2016

Review: Forged in Smoke by Trish McCallan


Publication Date: July 19th 2016 by Montlake Romance
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About the book:

Faith Ansell could never be mistaken for an action hero. The scientist is content in her lab, working with her team on life-changing discoveries. But when a mysterious organization captures her colleagues, she’s forced to flee for her life with SEAL Team 7.

Lieutenant Seth “Rawls” Rawlings, ST7’s corpsman, hasn’t been himself since a near-death experience in the Sierra Nevadas. He’s tense and distracted, and the team caught him arguing with himself—loudly. Despite his erratic behavior, Rawls is the only one Faith feels comfortable confiding her life-threatening secret in.

But Rawls has a secret of his own: his wasn’t the only spirit to return to the physical plane when he was resuscitated. At first, Rawls assumed the “ghost” he saw and heard meant he was having a complete mental breakdown. But the apparition soon becomes convincingly real, and what’s more, he may be the key to the conspiracy looming over them. Rawls had better act quickly because ST7’s race to save their reputations—and Faith’s life—is on.
My Thoughts:
Faith Ansell is a brilliant scientist, and her work made her the target of a ruthless group intent on taking her research.  When her colleagues are kidnapped, SEAL Team 7 swoops in and rescues Faith, and now they’re in hiding, planning their next move.  In the midst of all this, Faith has a medical issue and needs help from one of the team’s members, Seth Rawls.  He’s sexy, and intimidating and Faith’s overcome with a wild attraction every time he’s near. Trouble is he seems to be having a crisis of his own. 

Seth was at death’s door until Kait and Cosky stepped in.  But Seth didn’t come back alone, and now he’s being haunted by a malevolent ghost who grows more powerful with every day that passes.  Seth needs to figure out how to get rid of this spirit before he can harm his other teammates or the civilians they now have staying with their group.  His attraction to the sweet, sexy scientist is not a complication Seth wants right now, but he can’t seem to stay away from her.

I LOVE this series! The combination of mystery, action, suspense and romance is well done and the stories have been pretty fast paced and exciting!  While the series is connected with an ongoing story arc/mystery, each book centers on one of a team mate’s romance.  There’s a paranormal element in each of the books, Zane, Cosky, Beth, and Kait all have a particular gift that has come in handy for their mission, and I think more is to come.  They’re up against a powerful group, so they’ll need all the advantages they can get!

I’m eagerly looking forward to Abby and Mackenzie’s story!  I’m very worried for Abby’s sons. Abby’s been through so much, but still remains strong and very capable! I love a kick-ass woman, and Mackenzie needs someone who can go toe to toe with him!

I received and e-copy for review, but I couldn't resist buying the audio version since Luke Daniels was narrating.  He is one of my all-time favorite male narrators, and as usual his performance only enhanced my enjoyment! I went back and forth between audio and e-copy.

4.5 Suns





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Friday, August 5, 2016

Review & Giveaway: Just What I Needed by Lorelei James


Publication Date: August 2nd 2016 by Signet
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

The second sexy novel in the Need You series, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Mastered Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series.
 
Trinity Carlson might be having the worst day ever. And that was before she started drinking in a dive bar, right across from her ex and his new girlfriend. So when she finally decides enough is enough, she grabs hold of a hot, blond stranger and gives him the kiss of his life.

Walker Lund never expected that a chance at love would hit him right on the mouth. Since the moment his brother decided to settle down, Walker has been dodging his family’s hopes that he’ll do the same.  He’s never been interested in following in anyone’s footsteps. But when he discovers his sexy assailant has given him a fake name and number he suddenly finds himself in the mood for a little hot pursuit...

My Thoughts:
Just What I Needed was fun, flirty and oh-so-hot! But it had a serious side to it as well. Trinity’s issues were more at the forefront, but Walker had some struggles as well.   I loved that these two just clicked and got each other so well, were a listening and supportive ear through their trials.

At first Trinity’s manic, impulsive behavior had me wanting to shake some sense into her, but she grew on me. She had a zest for life and a fun sense of humor, a believable personality for an artist.  Also, Walker was just the right fit for her and vice versa. Trinity struggled with self-doubt, thanks to her upbringing (horrid father and stepmother!), but she didn’t let it totally win.  Even when Trinity made a stupid decision or assumption, she’d eventually think it through logically, and come to her senses, and after she was forthright with Walker about her feelings every time. I’m glad I stuck with the story past a couple of Trinity’s knee-jerk reactions, because I really enjoyed this romance!  Every time these two were around each other sparks flew and the temperature definitely soared!  

While I had some initial reservations about Trinity, Walker was an absolute dream throughout the book! He was sweet, hot, and sexy with touch of possessiveness, ready to stand up for Trinity at every turn! I was pleased that Trinity felt the same sort of protective instincts for Walker, too. 

Walker’s mom, Selka, is a woman I’d want in my corner! Both Walker and Trinity’s happiness seemed very important to her and her husband.  The family was just the right amount of fun craziness! I’d love to know what happened with Annika and “Santa”.

Lorelei James took a straightforward romance and made it unique, and fun!

4 Suns





The wonderful people of Signet graciously provided a giveaway of Just What I Needed by Lorelei James to one lucky reader!  Giveaway is open to US and CA residents only!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Review: Only Her by Sandra Owens


Publication Date: July 19th 2016 by Montlake Romance
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts has returned from Afghanistan with too many demons and a simple wish: to be left alone. Working for K2 Special Services, caring for the war dogs he rescued, playing his guitar—that’s all he wants to do. But Cody is as protective as his nickname, “Dog,” suggests. A man like that can’t sit back when he realizes the beautiful veterinarian next door is being targeted by an unknown enemy.
Riley Austin is desperate to find out who’s poisoning her animal patients, and she’s stunned by her mysterious neighbor’s suggestion that it’s personal. But Cody makes her feel something else, too: a powerful attraction. He insists he’s no good for her, but those haunted eyes and that chiseled body tell Riley that surrendering to their mutual lust is worth the risk. And despite his conditions—no falling for each other, no regrets once it’s over—she’ll fight to love him just as fiercely as he’ll fight to save her.


My Thoughts:
Cody Roberts is home from Afghanistan, retiring as a sniper SEAL, but he can’t stop the nightmares that plaque him.  He knows he’d better get a handle on them or risk his position with K2, the Security Team he works for with his former SEAL mates.  The last thing Cody needs in his life is a woman, but his neighbor across the street is somehow irresistible to him, and clearly in danger. 

It takes a while for the obvious to sink in: Riley is being targeted personally.  At first she thought the poisoned pets showing up at her clinic were just a coincidence, but when the attacks become more personal, Riley must acknowledge there is someone out to get her.  Yet, for the first time in her life, Riley doesn’t feel quite so alone knowing her dark, broody, and gorgeous neighbor, Cody, is on her side.

Cody and Riley’s romance had some bumps, as any relationship does.  Cody thinking he was too screwed up to be worthy of Riley long-term, but his protests were pretty weak when you considered his actions.  Riley didn’t let his reluctance stop her from taking whatever Cody could offer, and I was pleased that their setbacks were short lived and nothing over-the-top.  They had a mature relationship, talking things through instead of letting hurt drive a permanent wedge between them.

I’m a huge animal lover, so really enjoyed the animals featured.  Cats and dogs; each given a distinct, cute personality.  Their reactions to each other were too adorable! 

What kind of evil person would poison helpless pets?  The villain was quite deranged and horrid, and made this story a nail biter at times. The situation only became more dangerous and sinister for Riley as the story progresses.  By the end, I was on the edge of my seat with worry!  Fortunately, Riley had Cody, as well as the K2 team at her back!

This is the first Sandra Owens story I’ve read, but I’d like to go back and read the other books in this series.  I’m a big fan of romantic suspense and I’m always excited to find an author that can find the right balance between a thrilling, action-filled plot, and romance. Ms. Owens achieved that along with making Riley and Cody feel real and relatable.

4 Suns




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