Release Day Launch & Giveaway: Torn (Billionaire Bachelor's Club #2) by Monica Murphy

Monica Murphy's sexy new Billionaire Bachelors Club Series book, TORN, is out today and we are excited to join in the release day launch for it. TORN is a steamy and amazing Contemporary Romance. Check out what we have for you today and then enter to win in the release day launch giveaway! There's also a fantastic excerpt for you to check out!

EXCERPT:

“Tell me your name.” 

A shiver runs down my spine at the commanding, deep voice that sounds in my ear. I keep myself still, trying my best not to react considering we’re surrounded by at least a hundred people, but oh, how I want to.

If I could, I’d throw myself into the arms of the man who’s standing far too close to me.  He’s demanding to know my name as if I owe him some sort of favor, which I can’t help but find hot.

Irritating, but hot.

“Tell me yours first,” I murmur in return, turning my head in the opposite direction, so it appears I’m not even talking to him. He stands behind me, tall and broad, imposing in his immaculate black suit and crisp white shirt—the silvery tie he wears perfectly knotted at his throat.

I might not be looking at this very moment, but I’d memorized everything about him the moment I first saw him not an hour ago. He’d drawn plenty of attention without saying a word, striding into the room as if he owned it, casting that calculating gaze upon everyone in attendance. Looking very much like the mighty king observing his lowly subjects—until his eyes lit upon me.

He watched me for long, agonizing minutes. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I felt his hungry eyes rake over my body, and for a terrifying moment I wondered if he could see right through me. I shifted the slightest bit, inwardly cursing myself for coming tonight, but I held firm. I refused to react.

I still refuse to react.

“You don’t know who I am?” He sounds amused at the notion, and I’m tempted to walk away without a word. My earlier nerves evaporate, replaced by a steely spine and an even steelier attitude. He’s so confident, so arrogant, I’m sure he believes he has me.

He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with then, does he?

We’re at a local wine- and brewery-tasting, and I’m here representing the bakery my family owns. The one I was recently allowed to take over and run since I’d graduated college. The business they all believe is going to fail. So why not give it to Marina? She can’t screw it up too badly.

That’s what I overheard my father telling my uncle. The memory of his words still cuts straight to the bone.

Finally I chance a glance at the man behind me, drinking in his thick brown hair tinged with gold, the way it tumbles across his forehead, his twinkling green eyes, the faint smile that curves his full lips. The combination gives him a boyish appearance. It’s a complete illusion because there is nothing boyish about this virile man before me.

“Perhaps you can enlighten me.” I offer a carefree smile and turn to face him, the nerves returning tenfold when he takes a step toward me, invading my personal space. His scent hits me first: clean and subtle, a mixture of soap and just . . . him. No cologne that I can detect.

Rather unusual. Most of the men I know slather themselves in expensive scents all with the purpose of drawing us silly women in. Instead, they end up choking us.

With the exception of this man. I find the uniqueness refreshing.

A slow smile appears, revealing perfectly straight white teeth. “Gage Emerson.” He thrusts his hand toward me. “And you are . . .?”

He’s not very subtle. And he’s exactly who I suspected, not that I had any real doubt. The very man who recently bought up what feels like half of the Napa Valley, all in the hopes of turning it around and selling it to God knows who just to earn a hefty profit.

Not caring in the least that he’s forever changing the landscape of the very place I’ve grown up in. And devastating my family in the process.

“Marina Knight,” I say. God, I sound breathless, and I want to smack myself. I’m not here tonight because of him. I came for other reasons. To promote the family bakery, to mix and mingle with local business owners, many I consider friends. My life in the Napa Valley is all I know.

And this gorgeous man standing in front of me is trying to take what I know away from me for good. 

*Amazon*     *Barnes and Noble*

ABOUT TORN (Book 2 in the Billionaire Bachelors Club Series):

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy mixes business with pleasure in the second book of her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series …
Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family's real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …
When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn't seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.
Gage's persistence and intense passion war with Marina's determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn't see coming, Marina's torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear?

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Connect with Monica Murphy:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

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Review: Willing Captive by Belle Aurora

Willing Captive by Belle Aurora

Publication Date: September 26th 2013

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

(Author note: This is NOT a dark romance.)

Delilah “Lily” Flynn is used to her drab existence. Lily’s been living it for twenty two years.
Her boring life is suddenly turned on its head when she’s rudely kidnapped from her bedroom.
Or so she thinks.

Nox Taylor is far too high up in his field to be assigned a babysitting job.
There’s nothing more he wants than to complete his mission so he can be rid of the smartass tomboy, Lily.

Day after day, Nox watches Lily and her strange ways. She’s unlike any woman he’s ever met.
Getting close to the girl is purely for her own protection…right?

Lily never imagined she’d make her first real friends in captivity.
What lengths would she go through to keep them?

**This is a stand alone novel and is unrelated to Friend-Zoned**

My Thoughts:

Willing Captive was sweet, sassy, and oh so much fun!

Lily has led a sheltered life rarely out of the eye of her overly protective father. Her father’s mansion feels more like a prison with the only consolation being her books. Her books make life bearable by taking her to faraway places without having to leave the confines of her bedroom. Little does Lily know there’s a good reason her father is overly protective, but she’s about to find out.

One night she’s taken under protection by three commando types and put under complete lock-down.  Away from her parents and sister, she panics at first. She discovers there are real threats looming about her life, but also that her father has been keeping secrets from her. However, being taken captive is probably the best thing to happen to Lily. Her eyes are opened to the sheltered life she was living, and the things she lacked: friends and self-confidence.  She gets both of those when her rescuers/commandos take her under their wing, and befriend her.

Nox is the leader of the commandos and he knows he’s got his work cut out for him when he takes on the job of protecting Lily. She’s got a smart mouth that never seems to close and she doesn’t know when to follow an order. She’s maddening and he fears she’ll be the death of him if he doesn’t strangle her first. Here’s a silent prayer Nox utters:

Dear god, please give me strength to make sure that I don’t become the threat against the girl I’m trying to protect. This little woman is grating my nerves something fierce. With her smartass comments and talking back I’m gonna go nuts locked up her with her.  

Lol!

This was more of a romance than suspense plot. In fact the threat is put on the back burner for most of the book with little attention or development of the mystery behind it. That’s fine with me as I’m a romance girl at heart, and this one was quite sweet and oh-so-sexy! Antagonistic romances are a favorite of mine and this was a lot of fun to see unfold.  There were a lot of funny parts because Lily has a sassy, smart mouth and Nox liked to push her buttons and rile her up.  But underneath all that he’s a sweet and chivalrous guy, and she’s a girl with a big heart. These two have chemistry and spark that will light your Kindle on fire!

His eyes darken as he strides over to me, trapping me between the door and his chest. He mutters, “Maybe you want that. Maybe you like the idea of being a captive. Being helpless.” Leaning forward, the tip of his nose brushes my earlobe and his whispers, “Does that turn you on, princess?”

Yes, yes it does!

It’s not long before hate tips over into love, and Lily and Nox form an intense connection.  But, as a reader you wonder how a long term relationship can work out once the threat is contained?  Nox is an undercover operative, and Lily will have to go back to her life at some point. These two are so perfect for each other you long for things to work out.

For such a lighthearted story there were some surprisingly emotional and heartbreaking moments there at the end, but I loved how things wrapped up!  The ending warmed my heart and was utterly perfect!

Favorite Quote:

“There are girls out there you want to f*ck, and there are girls out there you want to love.” He looks me in the eye. “Not ashamed of you, Lily.” He stops speaking for a moment, allowing that to sink in. Leaning his chin on top of my head, he utters, “You’re not for the background.” Burying his nose into my hair, he mutters, “You deserve center stage.”

4.5 Suns

Connect with Belle Aurora:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Remember When 2 (Remember Trilogy #2) by T. Torrest

Remember When 2: The Sequel (Remember Trilogy #2) by T. Torrest
Published June 20th 2013

You know how sometimes, your high school crush grows up to be an insanely famous movie star? Okay, probably not. But I do. ~Layla Warren
Back in high school, Trip Wiley’s fanbase only encompassed the denizens of the nothing little suburb of Norman, New Jersey.

Ten years later, all that is about to change.
In the summer of 2000, Layla Warren is enjoying her career as a journalist in New York City (well, sort of), while Trip spends most of his time grabbing Hollywood by the balls. In the days before what will turn out to be his skyrocketing fame, they’ll find themselves confronted with some life-altering choices.

Remember When 2 is the second story in an NA romance trilogy. It will bring you back to that exuberant and riotous time of life in your twenties when you struggled to figure out your place in the world and the person you were meant to be…
…and the person you were meant to be with.

My Thoughts

Wow! What an ending!! Now I get why fans of Layla and Trip are chomping at the bit to get RW3. Great installment to the series that is filled with awesome dialog, applause-worthy characters and an ending that leaves you craving for more! Next one please!!!

Remember When Two takes place close to ten years from where the last book left off. Layla Warren is a copywriter at Howell House Publishing, and she’s hoping this position is a stepping stone to a much more attractive position in journalism. However, all she’s managed to gain is a proposal from her Senior Editor, Devin Fields and the constant set-back of having to wait on the sidelines for her chance to move up. So, when Layla lands a prime opportunity to interview the next up-and-coming movie star, she can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes her… possibly back into the arms of her high school sweetheart who also happens to be the subject of her next article.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was fun to jump back into Layla’s head as she stumbles through life, love and all that keeps you up at night. Her mental dialog was truly entertaining and for that reason alone, I’d get the sudden urge to hug her when she made mistake after mistake. I like how Layla was honest about her decisions and feelings, so much so that it never occurred to me to judge her for questionable choices because it was clear she was doing that enough for the both of us.

The moments between her and Trip were both awww-worthy and frustrating! This couple wins the award for most angst-ridden journey to love. I can’t believe how many stops and starts these two have experienced, but the adventure was oddly entertaining and endearing.

Overall, it was fun revisiting the cast of Remember When and I enjoyed my time with Layla and Trip. I can’t wait for the final installment to see how it all ends. Bring it on!!

4 Suns

Review: Divide & Conquer (Cut & Run #4) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Divide & Conquer (Cut & Run #4) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Published October 14th 2011 by Dreamspinner Press 

Cut & Run Series Book Four - Sequel to Fish & Chips

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city in alarming distress. Rising violence is fanning the flames of public outrage, and all law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are catching blame. Thus the FBI’s latest ideas to improve public relations: a municipal softball league and workshops for community leaders. But the new commitments just mean more time Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have to spend apart when they’re happily exploring how to be more than by-the-book partners.

Then the latest spate of crime explodes in their faces—literally—throwing the city, the Bureau, and Ty and Zane’s volatile partnership both in and out of the office into chaos. They’re hip-deep in trouble, trying to track down bombers and bank robbers in the dark with very few clues, and the only way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel together requires Ty and Zane to close their eyes and trust each other to the fiery end.

Arlene's Thoughts

“First time I saw you, after I got over hating you, I knew,” he said, echoing Ty’s words, “I knew I’d fall in love with you.”

Amazing! Simply amazing! More please...
At the risk of sounding redundant, I’m just going to say it... This series keeps getting better and better!! I just can’t figure out how Roux and Urban do it. I fall more and more in love with Ty and Zane as I blow through each installment, and my enthusiasm for this series has truly passed the “seriously addicted” stage. We’re talking RED.ALERT! Divide & Conquer delivers the right amount of action, drama and romance from beginning to end. Anymore and I’d simply pass out from the adrenaline rush these characters fuel. Love Ty and Zane! Love them!

In Divide & Conquer, Ty and Zane begin to work a local Baltimore case that involves random bombings and bank robberies happening throughout the city. As part of a public service publicity effort, they are not only asked to work the case but also put themselves out there to ease citizen unrest by means of local activities and speaking engagements. Unfortunately, their public appearances make them easy targets for those responsible for the attacks. Becoming the main target for a personal vendetta against law enforcement, Ty and Zane must find a way to maneuver through the constant attacks and hope to come out in one piece when it’s all said and done.

I have to say that the one thing that stood out the most in this installment is the clear intimacy between Ty and Zane. I loved to read the texts and see how they expressed their feelings for one another. They’re not the perfect couple by any means, but they’re perfectly flawed which makes them even more attractive.

My heart broke when I had to witness their struggles and the physical, emotional and psychological damage they incurred as a result of this case, but in the end the way they balance their relationship is absolutely rewarding to experience as a reader.

Overall, the romance is off the charts, the characters deliver a worthy performance and the plot is perfectly executed to create an explosive adventure. Aside from the ending being painful cliffy hell, I couldn't have asked for anything more!! I can’t wait to jump into the next installment. ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE!!!

5 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts:
I am exhausted from squeeing!  I never thought I would say that but I have squeed ever since the moment I picked up Cut & Run and I haven't stopped.  When I started Divide & Conquer I thought okay I'm four books in the squeeing will stop I'm sure, but not only did I not stop I squeed more than ever!  I'm exhausted but you know what I can't complain!

Divide & Conquer picks up with Ty and Zane having adapted to their somewhat strange relationship. The L word has been thrown by Ty and Zane still isn't sure how he feels about it.  This quickly becomes the least of their problems when a new criminal seems to be targeting the pair.  Ty and Zane have to deal with blindness for one, jealousy, and the loss of a dear friend.  Just another day in the Cut & Run series!

Like with the past installments I love the stolen moments between Ty and Zane.  They have some of the best moments I have ever read and they just keep getting better and better not to mention sweeter.  Nose nuzzles and ties will never be the same for me after this.

I love Ty, he is the one that has surprised me the most out of this series.  He really took the plunge by telling Zane he loved him in the last book and he keeps upping the ante in this one.  I was so proud of him for his choices even though there is one thing that happened that made me want to smack him upside the head.  Why didn't he move!!  I'm still mad, but with everything that happened I can forgive him and move on.

Okay the elephant in the room has to be addressed.  There is something that happens at the end that had me screaming NOOOO!! but I have to breathe because things can't always be perfect right??!  I know I am just trying to calm myself down, but I have faith in the authors that this little hiccup will be fixed in the first chapter of the next book..it better be!

5 Suns

Blog Tour, Review, & Giveaway: Mine by Katy Evans

Waves of Fiction is excited to be participating in the blog tour for Mine by Katy Evans!

Mine by Katy Evans
Published: November 5, 2013
Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Publisher: Gallery Books

Blog Tour Hosted by: The SUBClub Books

About the book:
“I will do anything to make her MINE.” —Remington Tate 
In the international bestseller REAL, the unstoppable bad boy of the Underground fighting circuit finally met his match. Hired to keep him in prime condition, Brooke Dumas unleashed a primal desire in Remington “Remy” Tate as vital as the air he breathes . . . and now he can’t live without her. 
Brooke never imagined she would end up with the man who is every woman’s dream, but not all dreams end happily ever after, and just when they need each other the most, Brooke is torn away from the ringside. Now with distance and darkness between them, the only thing left is to fight for the love of the man she calls MINE.

My Thoughts:

Do you love a bossy alpha male and lots of long steamy scenes? This series is definitely for you.

This book picks up where book one left off, so you definitely need to read Real before you dive into this one. I really enjoyed Real and was excited to read the continuation of their story.

Brooke and Remy are in an all-consuming love. While she's trying to learn how to deal with her jealousy issues and Remy is trying to keep her from running and feeling insecure, as well as dealing with his own demons and issues - other obstacles arise that will force them to test their love and the strength of their relationship.

The core of the story was entertaining and I liked how she ended it. Overall it was an entertaining read and I definitely still loved Remington Tate!

3.5 Suns

About the Author:

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Email

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Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Torn (Billionaire Bachelor Club #2) by Monica Murphy

I’m a huge fan of Monica Murphy’s romances so I was excited to be part of the tour for Torn, the second installment of her Billionaire Bachelor’s Club series. Both Crave (Book #1) and Torn (Book #2) are now only .99 cents at both Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Kobo.  This tour is hosted by InkSlinger PR. Thanks for including us! For our tour stop I have a review and giveaway.

Torn (Billionaire Bachelors Club #2) by Monica Murphy

Publication Date: November 19th 2013 by Avon Impulse

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the Book:

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy mixes business with pleasure in the second book of her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series …

Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family's real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …

When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn't seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.

Gage's persistence and intense passion war with Marina's determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn't see coming, Marina's torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear?

My Thoughts:

I’m a big fan of Monica Murphy’s Drew+Fable series so I was really excited to pick up Torn.

Marina Knight is the daughter to two of the wealthiest families in Napa Valley.  Unfortunately the market downturn hit her family hard and the temptation to sell off long held property is high.  Part of the most coveted property is in downtown St. Helena where she runs Autumn Harvest, a boutique bakery.  The bakery is Marina’s life and focus, and she pours her heart and soul into it. 

Gage Emerson is a very wealthy bachelor on a streak of making highly profitable real estate deals.  He’s got his eye on some properties in Napa, long held by the Molina family who is property rich but cash poor at the moment.  Gage threatens to take Marina’s life and livelihood away by scooping up the family’s bakery and selling it off.  This makes him enemy number one in her mind.  Too bad their bodies didn’t get the memo.

“Don’t you feel it, Marina? Feel the chemistry between us, brewing and popping? Don’t you want to do something about it?” 

Oh, how I love a good old antagonistic romance!  Gage and Marina push each other’s buttons and tick each other off, so the sparks fly! And soon, so does their clothes.  This one was lots of fun with white hot scenes sure to make you squirm and fidget. I swear, these two couldn’t keep their hands off of each other!  I did really enjoy the passion between Marina and Gage but I did feel this relationship lacked development that would’ve given me a deeper connection to their romance. Still, it was a fast and thrilling read.

Monica Murphy has a talent of writing a romance that warms your heart on one page and incinerates you panties on the next.  I’m going back to read the first installment in this series, Crave, next. 

3.5 Suns

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Connect with Monica Murphy:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Purchase Links for Crave:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Purchase Links for Torn:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

                                             

As part of this post we have this generous giveaway provided. A SIGNED copy of both Crave and Torn as well as a basket of baked goodies!  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: In the Arms of a Stranger by Virginia Kelly

I loved In the Arms of a Stranger by Virginia Kelly so I'm thrilled to be part of the Blog Tour. The tour is hosted by Entangled Publishing and you can see the complete list of stops HERE. Our tour stop includes my review, and exclusive excerpt and a giveaway,

In the Arms of a Stranger by Virginia Kelly

Publication Date: October 28th 2013 by Entangled: Ignite

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Amazon UK 

About the Book:

A dangerous man on the run…

Wounded and accused of treason, CIA operator JP Blackmon is on the run from his own agency and desperate to clear his name. When he finds out his old partner is dead, he’ll do anything to get to the truth...including using his partner's widow.

Finds a vulnerable woman looking for answers…

Abby Price wanted nothing more than a family and a safe home. But her late husband kept big secrets from her—secrets that got him killed and has government agents watching her every move. And she’s started fearing for her life. The only man who can help her is a mysterious stranger who suddenly appears out of nowhere. But can she trust him?

Together they discover a passion worth dying for.

As danger stalks them at every turn, unexpected passion flares between JP and Abby. But the last thing either wants or needs is more complications. Romance? No. Way. That would involve trust—something neither is willing to do. But in the end, sharing their deadly secrets is their only hope for survival…their only hope to hold onto the love they’ve just begun to share… 

My Thoughts:

In the Arms of a Stranger is romantic suspense at its finest.  The writing is tightly paced keeping you on the edge of your seat, and eagerly clicking through the pages. I was glued to my Kindle for several hours straight loving every minute! Add in a romance with just the right amount of tension and build-up and I was a happy girl!

Abby Price is left hungering for answers after her husband’s murder.  She’s hurt by the secrets Wade kept from her about his work and his life, and now she’s being hounded by his CIA boss who implies he died while up to no good.  Abby wants to clear his name so her young son Cole can remember his father with pride. This is when JP Blackmon, a dark and mysterious (and yes, handsome!) stranger tumbles into her life.  Will she finally get the answers she’s been looking for?

JP has been on the run for the last year, framed by someone unknown after a mission gone wrong.  He’s shocked to find out Wade Price, his CIA partner was killed.  Now the only key to clearing his name is Wade’s widow, Abby.  She wants answers too, but he’s afraid to hurt her further with the truth.  And using Abby sets her up as a target for the dangerous men that are after him.  Even worse is the attraction he feels for Abby which couldn’t come at a more inconvenient time.

The mystery behind Wade’s death and JP’s frame-up was engrossing and kept me hooked trying to figure out what would happen next. I had my suspicions at who was behind it, and that’s an important component to writing a good mystery: making the reader feel part of the solving by giving little hints here and there.  Twists and action packed turns kept the tension high, making this an addictive read.

Abby was a heroine anyone would admire. Not a whiny or illogical bone in her body.  She was a good mother, strong woman, full of determination. My heart went out to Abby for the betrayal she felt knowing Wade kept so many things hidden.  It was nice that she had JP to lean on! *wink, wink* I wouldn't mind leaning on those strong arms myself.  You did see the cover, right? O_O  JP was capable, caring, and maybe a little overprotective.  Just what want in my male heroes!

He was very focused. It was the way he did everything. One hundred percent. And when he brought all that male intensity to bear on her, she was helpless to resist.

The intensity of the situation just lends itself to a juicy romance.  The simmering attraction was right at the surface for Abby and JP.  Heated glances, and stolen kisses amp up the anticipation making the payoff oh-so-sweet when these two finally give in!  This was more than just physical attraction, though, with both yearning for more of a connection:

He’d never wanted anything like he wanted this woman. What was laughable was that it wasn’t about wanting sex. He’d had sex before without any deeper feelings. This was different. No, he wanted what Abby promised. Home. Hearth. Family. Stability.

*sigh*

Romantic suspense is one of my all time favorite types of reads. I love the adrenaline rush that the danger, action and mystery bring.  In the Arms of a Stranger checks all those boxes while delivering an intense and delicious romance as well!  This was my first novel by Virginia Kelly, but it won’t be my last.  There’s a novella in this series that I’m eager to get my hands on next: Dancing in the Dark which centers on JP’s sister, Janey, getting a second chance at romance.  

4.5 Suns

Excerpt:

JP sat on a bale of hay and unzipped his windbreaker, revealing the holster and gun. They suited him. A gun suited him. She should be scared, but she wasn't. That said more about her than about him.

When she saw the blood-soaked, makeshift T-shirt bandage, she fought back momentary panic. “Maybe you should lie down.”

“No,” he replied quickly. “No. You can get to it just fine with me sitting.”

All right. Maybe that was too much familiarity for him. Or vulnerability.

She knelt in front of him and pulled up his shirt. She had to bite her lip to contain her gasp.

“That's deep.” And bloody. “Is this a knife wound or a bullet wound?” she asked. She’d never seen either before, never thought she would.

“Bullet. Never mind. I can take care of it myself,” he said, pulling his shirt back down.

“Don’t be silly,” she said, knowing full well he’d understood her shocked reaction.

“It’s pretty ugly.”

“No one could ever accuse a bullet wound of being pretty.” She took clean gauze and soaked it with antiseptic lotion.

He winced as she wiped around the wound. She held her breath.

“How did it happen?” she managed.

“My luck ran out,” he said on a hiss as she used a fresh, antiseptic-soaked gauze pad to dab gently at the area.

“The bullet—?”

“Just grazed me.”

She looked up to see him gazing beyond her, pain evident in the terse line of his lips.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

He looked down at the wound, then up, to meet her eyes. “That it grazed me?”

She laughed. Hysteria, she was sure. Prepared to apologize, she caught the uptilt of one side of his mouth. The smile reached his eyes, softened his features. It made him look younger, even more attractive. He held her gaze for an uncomfortable moment, then reached for the gauze still clutched in her fingers.

She shook her head. “No, I can do it. Let me…” But her protest died on her lips. She couldn’t figure out what to do with his hand on hers, couldn’t deal with the look in his eyes. The same look she’d seen when she came back into the barn.

Heat?

No. No way. She was projecting.

Virginia Kelly Bio:  An RWA Golden Heart® finalist, Virginia Kelly’s first book was published as To the Limit and finaled in several contests such as the Holt Medallion, The Golden Quill and The Aspen Gold.

Virginia has always loved adventure novels, but romance is at the core of her stories—romance with the adrenalin rush of danger. Against the Wind, a full-length novel, and Dancing in the Dark, the prequel novella to In the Arms of a Stranger, are about dangerous men and the adventurous women willing to take a chance on them.

Traveling is a passion that came early in life. Her first airplane ride was a trip over the Andes Mountains in Peru at the ripe old age of two months. Her travels provide the settings for her novels, whether it’s a fictitious Latin American country based on Peru, the country of her birth, or Florida and the American South where she now lives.

A graduate of the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in Library Science, Virginia is an academic librarian. She tries to include a librarian in all of her books as either the heroine or as a minor character. Having taught high school and college, she has a great appreciation for teachers and often uses that as the profession for her heroines.

Connect with Virginia Kelly:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Spotlight Tour Schedule

As part of this tour Virginia Kelly has generously provided this amazing giveaway:

1st place prize of $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card, + a digital copy of the novella prequel to In the Arms of a Stranger: Dancing in the Dark.

2nd place prize is a digital copy of the novella prequel to In the Arms of a Stranger: Dancing in the Dark.