Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Release Day Review: Fiery by Nikki Duncan




Fiery
Whispering Cove, #11
Nikki Duncan
5/27/2014
Samhain Publishing
77 pages


The one way they don’t rub each other wrong is in each other’s arms.

Whispering Cove, Book 11


Carmen Smith’s artist’s eye saw inspiration wherever she glanced as soon as she set foot on the cobbled streets of Whispering Cove, and among the inspiration she’s found the slower pace she always hoped for.

But as warm as her new life is, she harbors a secret dream to find a man who sees her as an equal and who loves her for who she is, rather than out of charity. The man she’s been partnered with to re-design the town square gets her fired up—but not in a way she expected.

Ryan Alden gave up his military career to help his father with the family business. He’s accepted his place in Whispering Cove, but still feels like an outsider at times. When he meets the bombshell babe with a vintage flare who challenges him like no other, he glimpses the life he has always longed for—but not in a way he anticipated.

From the get-go, they clash like oil and watercolor. And a relationship that looked good on paper might not be the right composition at all…

Warning: This title contains an order-barking Gunny, a woman who won’t be told what to do, and a whole new meaning for “home is where the heart is.”

Laura's Review: 

Another Whispering Cove matchmaking success! Although, this one had more than its share of bumps along the (somewhat short) path to that success. Carmen and Ryan get thrown together by the local "grandpas" to design and build the town square, but after a rough start (and despite some fantastic chemistry) Carmen does her best to stay out of the way and avoid Ryan. But, Ryan has other ideas and luckily for both of them, he is pushy enough to get his way on this one. It's touching to see two people who felt so alone at the start finally get the place they deserve...with each other. The ending was a bit abrupt even for a novella but this is still a heartwarming tale readers of the Whispering Cove series will adore. Although most definitely part of the series, it stands alone just fine, too, but I guarantee a newcomer will want to pick up the rest of Ms. Duncan's books after reading this one!

Fiery: 4/5 stars.


Note: I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange of an honest review.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Review Tour & Giveaway: What Happens Tomorrow by Elle Michaels

Along with Elle Michaels, we are excited to share with you her new release “What Happens Tomorrow”. Make sure to join the Facebook Release & Tour Event, read the EXCERPT & enter the Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY below!

No one knows what happens tomorrow...
When Brooke Adams suffers the unimaginable, she knows her heart will never be whole again. Faced with the choice of giving in to her grief, or fighting to regain a resemblance to the life she once knew, she chooses to fight.
Not ready to give up, Brooke starts a new life where no one knows her past. As she slowly puts the pieces of her life back together, Brooke meets her neighbor, Tyler Reynolds. Soon, he becomes her friend, her rock...
and her complicated constant.
Despite her best efforts, she finds herself falling for him, but what will happen if Tyler learns the truth about her past and realizes just how deep the damage is?
The risk might be too much...

Laura's Review: 

I've been reading a lot of YA and New Adult books lately that deal with "damaged" heroes or heroines that I was a little wary of reading this one. But, it had a decidedly more "grown up" feel to it, which gave a bit of new light to a slightly overdone theme.
I loved that Ms. Michaels didn't feel the need to occupy huge chunks of the book with flashbacks and that it basically started with Brooke and Tyler already in the thick of their established friendship, but I do think it took a little away with the connection and understanding I had of the characters. While Brooke is understandably "broken" over her past, it seemed odd that so many years later she wasn't even working a part time job. This may be me being judge-y, but I respected her less for that.
Tyler, on the other hand, was amazingly great - exactly what anyone would want in a boyfriend IRL, but a little dull for a romance novel hero. There were a couple of moments that made me think we were going to see another layer to him besides the sweet, thoughtful, caring guy he is on the surface, but they were unfortunately fleeting. Still, he and Brooke deserved the happy ending they got, and it was a really great way to end a nice romance.

What Happens Tomorrow: 3.5/5 stars

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.


Elle Michaels is a professional in the tech sector, residing with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Having spent years acting in and directing stage productions, she dreamed of writing a screenplay, but at the suggestion of a friend, she decided to write a novel instead. She has always had a passion for reading and romance. There is nothing she loves more than to get lost in a sexy romance story. When not working or writing, she can be found spending time with the love of her life, her two young children and Yorkshire Terrier.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Elle-Michaels/538029962926582
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elle_michaels
Email: ellemichaels1@gmail.com
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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Review Tour and Giveaway: Perfectly Damaged by E.L. Montes

Along with E.L. Montes, we are very excited to share with you her new release "Perfectly Damaged". Make sure to watch the TRAILER, check out the TEASERS & enter the GIVEAWAY for Amazon Gift Cards below!

 

Come join our Facebook Release Day Event

Author: E.L. Montes
Book Title: Perfectly Damaged
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Stand-alone Novel
______________________________________________

Schizoaffective disorder: a mental illness in which a person experiences a combination of mood disorder and schizophrenia symptoms.

I know about this illness—very well—because I suffer from it. It’s been four years since my diagnosis, and ever since, I’ve been living in a dark hole. Voices constantly invading my thoughts. Hallucinations. All of which force me to question if what I’m experiencing is even reality.
But here I am, still hanging on, still breathing and living through it.
That is, until he stumbled into my life. Logan Reed. I don’t want any part of him. I’ve pushed him away, but he isn’t easily deterred. I’ve told him I’m different, but he doesn’t care. He’s trying to slowly break me down. I’m trying just as hard not to let him. He doesn’t know how truly damaged I am; what will happen when he does?
I know the truth—he’ll never be able to look at me the same way again. Just like everybody else.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Facebook & Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter, Authorgraph

 

Other books by E.L. Montes:

Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/12wBrwi
Buy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1925cFT

Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cEGPlQ
Buy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1cZP8ZU
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Laura's Review: 

Being a medical professional by day, I was very excited to read this book and to see mental illness being tackled in a romance novel format. Ms. Montes does an exceptional job at painting a realistic picture of what a person living with schizoaffective disorder goes through, but I felt like it overshadowed the rest of her personality and I had trouble believing Logan would wait around for the few little glimpses we did see. But, he's clearly a better person than most and as good a book boyfriend as it gets. Hot and sweet and kind and more patient than a saint...yes, he's pretty much perfect. He, along with all the characters really, came across as much younger than they were stated to be. The story dragged in the middle while we were kept waiting for the big reveal -- which came frustratingly late in the game. While there was a ton of drama over the whole novel, it was more a steady trickle than one big rush at the end, which left me feeling just a bit disappointed. Most definitely a book worth reading, and I hope a lot of people do, but lacking some elements that would make it a great romance novel.

Perfectly Damaged: 3.5/5 stars

Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange of an honest review.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Review: Sinners at the Altar by Olivia Cunning

                                                                         Sinners at the Altar
                                                                             Olivia Cunning
                                                                        e-book, March 11,2014
                                                                                     413 pgs
Synopsis: 

Even Sinners need love...

Sinners at the Altar
includes four complete wedding stories, each about a different member of the rock band Sinners. These novellas are intended to be read after the Sinners on Tour series as each story is an epilogue to a different book in the series and thus riddled with major spoilers for not only individual books, but in some cases, the entire series.

When Sinners tie the knot, things don't always go as planned.

Appetite for Seduction - Epilogue to Backstage Pass
Lead guitarist Brian Sinclair may have finally won Professor Myrna Evans heart and her consent to wed, but being part of a high-maintenance band might just ruin his long-anticipated wedding day and steamy wedding night. Will the couple ever find a moment's peace or are some things more important than a night of uninhibited love-making?

Sweet Love of Mine - Epilogue to Wicked Beat
Drummer Eric Sticks is determined to marry sweet and sassy soundboard operator, Rebekah Blake, on the spur of the moment. But can he really offer the love of his life the wedding of her dreams in a small, unplanned ceremony? And can Rebekah offer Eric the one thing missing from his life that never realized he wanted?

Patience - Epilogue to Rock Hard
Lead singer Sed Lionheart never really wanted a big fancy wedding. He just wanted the girl. But his hot-tempered fiancee, Jessica Chase, has her heart set on a memorable ceremony and she is determined to persist through the aggravation to have the wedding of her dreams. The ceremony turns out to be memorable, all right, but not necessarily in the way they'd planned. Can the stressed-out couple recognize what's really important on their wedding day, or is the honeymoon over before it even begins?

November Rain - Epilogue to Hot Ticket
Professional dominatrix Aggie "Mistress V" Martin is madly in love with bassist Jace Seymour, but she's not in any real hurry to marry him. She's not really the wife "type". That all changes the moment she lays eyes on the perfect place to say "I do". With more than one obstacle in their path to wedded bliss, will these two ever make it down the aisle or will everything fall apart at the whim of others?


Tanya's Review:  
     I adored Olivia Cunning's Sinner's on Tour series, it is one of my all time favorite sexy series. This book is a delightful glimpse into what happened at all of those rocker weddings.They are short stories or longer epilogues, however you choose to view them.  It has everything I have come to expect in this series, fun (love those one liners), heart and oozing with the steamy love scenes (these rockers know how to love their women). Each wedding suited the couples perfectly and it was fun to get updates on how everyone was evolving and getting used to married life. This is a must read for fans of the Sinners series. This book is not a stand alone and the Sinners series should be read before reading this book.

Sinners at the Altar:    4.5/5  stars

        

Monday, May 12, 2014

Blog Tour: Review: Waiting For You by Heather Huffman


Book Title: Waiting for You
Release Date:  May 7, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Heather Huffman

Sometimes a single spark is all it takes to change your life for good.

Blurb:

For years, Karise McAlister has been running: from her family, from herself, and from her dreams. Now she’s made it, with a successful career and a promising engagement. But when she meets the compelling and creative Aidan Donnelly, his down-to-earth charm provides the wakeup call Karise badly needs. Moving across country to start over, Karise devotes herself to her work, convinced she needs to be independent. But with handsome Aidan just down the road and a mischievous group of friends determined to set her up, Karise must face her concerns about life and romance head-on.

Laura's Review: 

This was a sweet, light, fun romance. Although certainly interesting (the main characters were an architect and a goat farmer!), it didn't have any dark twists or melodramatic moments. I absolutely loved the banter between Karise and Aiden and felt like they would fit right in with my group of friends. Karise smart and kind and just self-deprecating enough too be very likable, and Aiden..well, what's not to like about a gorgeous, talented man who is great with kids and kind to everyone? I was a bit surprised at the depth of the story and all its characters for being so brief, page-wise. I think it's because there wasn't a lot of intro - we got into the action right away, maybe even a bit too hurriedly, but I much prefer that to long, drawn-out beginnings. This was the first of Heather Huffman's books I've read, so I went into this series blind, but I felt like I got caught up fairly quickly. It definitely made me want to go read the previous stories in this series!

Waiting For You: 4/5 stars


Authors Bio: 

Heather Huffman calls the beautiful Missouri Ozarks home. When not writing, this homesteading mother is busy raising three boys or tending the family’s myriad of animals, which includes alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks. Huffman’s optimistic and somewhat quirky view of life often finds its way into her novels.
Heather is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire, Tumbleweed, Devil in Disguise, Roses in Ecuador and Fool’s Game.

You can find out more about her family’s adventures as they strive to live off the land, as well as her writing and charitable work on http://www.heatherhuffman.net.





Excerpt:

Karise stepped forward, holding a hand out to skim the tops of the flowers as she waded into their midst. “Magical,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” he agreed, his voice taking on a huskier tone.

Karise studied the field for a moment longer before turning back to smile at Aidan. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He took a step toward her. “You’re welcome.”

“You may never get me out of here. I just might decide to live right here, in this field.”
Aidan chuckled. “You might get cold at some point. Besides, the poppies don’t last long.

This is the peak of their season. After that, it’s just a field.”

“A field with a promise worth waiting for,” she amended.

“Something like that.” There was a pause. The expression on his face made Karise wonder what he was thinking. She was pretty sure that whatever it had been, it was more than his suggestion that they pick a spot to eat, which were the next words out of his mouth.

Karise only nibbled at the food he spread out in front of them. Her mind was racing in too many different directions, and her stomach had way too many butterflies for food to be a top priority. She listened as Aidan talked about how this field had inspired many of the designs used in his marketing material. The gentle cadence of his voice was like a caress. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of him – all of the excuses she’d been hiding behind faded away a little more with each syllable that fell from his lips.

Aidan paused mid sentence to eye her warily. “Is everything okay?”

Karise nodded. “Yes, sorry. Go on.”

“Am I boring you?”

“Quite the contrary.”

“You’re killing me, Karise. What is it?”

She hesitated then took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind. It’s possible she leapt at him. She couldn’t be entirely sure. All she really knew was that she was right where she wanted to be now: in his arms. His surprise quickly gave way to eager acceptance as he met her kiss with one of his own. He was salty and sweet at once. The hint of sandpaper on his jaw grazed her soft skin. A low growl of longing rumbled deep in his throat as he pulled her more firmly on his lap.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, arching into him as his mouth pulled away from hers to roam the skin exposed by the V of her shirt. Her fingers sank greedily into his dark hair as he left a trail of fire across her flesh. Karise couldn’t tell if she was flying or falling or something in between.

She kissed his temple, then his cheek, then reclaimed his lips. He leaned into her, deepening the touch. Time melted away. Karise was aware of only two things: She’d never felt anything remotely like this before, and she wanted more of him. She shifted positions, gently pushing him back on the blanket. She ran her hands up his sides, shoving his shirt out of the way as she did. Karise had lost many nights’ sleep thinking about the very muscles she now traced with her fingers. She moved to kiss his jaw, then his throat, then met her hands at his chest. He stopped breathing when she traced a feathery trail of kisses along his abdomen.

With lightning speed, he scooped her up and flipped her onto her back, his mouth setting fire to her throat while his hands splayed her small waist before moving up to her rib cage. He shifted his weight, the friction of his jeans against her shorts nearly her undoing. It hit her like a tidal wave – she’d reached the point of no return. Either she stopped him here or they crossed a threshold in this poppy field.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Royally Lost by Angie Stanton



TitleRoyally Lost
Author: Angie Stanton
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Summary: Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

About Angie: Angie Stanton never planned on writing books; she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural Wisconsin, with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history.

Angie is the author of six books including Royally LostRock and a Hard Place, and Snapshot. She graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is a proud double finalist of the National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em.

Website: http://angiestanton.com/

Twitter: angie_stanton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor


Excerpt: 

Nikolai opened his eyes, chilled, as a cloud blocked out the sun. Next to him, Becca slept, her hand curled in his. She smiled in relaxed slumber.
He gently released her hand and looked around. A couple of people lounged on the distant beach and a lone man sat in the sand with a camera aimed straight at him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
Nikolai turned his back to the beach and nudged her. “Becca!”
“Hmm?” She stirred.
“There’s a guy on the beach and I’m pretty sure he’s taking our picture.”
Her eyes sprang open. “What?” She sat up and spotted the man. “You think he’s paparazzi?”
“It sure isn’t a random tourist aiming a long lens at us. How the hell did he know I was here?” Nikolai slid on his shorts.
“Oh crud.” Becca grabbed her clothes and quickly pulled them on. “You think he’s been taking pictures of us sleeping?”
“That and more. Lord only knows how long he’s been here.” He didn’t notice him when they were in the water, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t been lurking in the trees, snapping pictures.
Nikolai stuffed their leftover lunch items into his backpack. How did this camera-wielding jerk find him?
Dressed, with everything packed up, they headed for the motorbike. Their path unfortunately forced them to pass the creep with the camera. Nikolai pulled his baseball cap low and hid behind his sunglasses. He led the way with Becca’s hand firmly in his.
“Prince Nikolai, why did you run from the palace?” The photographer, a short, heavyset man with cameras strapped across his chest moved closer.
Nikolai picked up the pace, but the man stayed with them, walking backward and snapping pictures. This was no official appearance where Nikolai owed the press a friendly smile and kind word.
“Do your parents know where you are?”
He ignored him.
“Your friend is beautiful. Is she the reason you fled? What’s her name?”
Nikolai bristled and fought the urge to shove the man to the ground and bust his camera. He glanced at Becca, her face pink with embarrassment. She didn’t need to be targeted by this oily loser.
“Have you heard that your sister, Princess Alexi, has gone missing?”
Nikolai hesitated for an instant, but then hurried on. The man was lying. He was sure of it, and he wouldn’t let this vile intruder ruin their day.
They reached the bike. He hurried and strapped on the pack and hopped on. Becca climbed up, hugging him from behind. Nikolai liked the feel of her body secure against his. It made him feel better able to protect her.
The photographer kept snapping pictures and wouldn’t back off. “There are rumors that you have renounced the throne,” he baited.
Nikolai stiffened, but didn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction. He started the engine.
“Where are you going next?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Nikolai grinned, revved the engine, and spun gravel as they raced away.


Giveaway:
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Love's Encore by Sandra Brown




Loves Encore
In one reckless night, Camille Jameson's life was changed forever: a tall, handsome stranger, an evening of romance -- and enough regrets to last a lifetime. Two years later, Camille is a successful interior decorator with the opportunity to restore one of Mississippi's proudest plantations. She arrives excited and eager to face her greatest professional challenge to date -- until Zack Prescott saunters through the mansion's front door and back into her life. He is exactly as she remembers, except for the knowing look in his eyes that reminds her of what they once shared. Now, forced to live in unbearably close quarters, Camille and Zack will discover if they have the courage to face the past -- and, perhaps, build a future together . . .
Purchase links:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1iJzqVY


Laura's Review: 

Sandra Brown was one of the first authors that made me fall in love with romance novels. She, along with Barbara Delinsky and Nora Roberts, were probably all I read in high school. In fact, I think this book was one of the ones I read then, and after thousands of other books read, I still felt a deep sense of familiarity with the characters. But, there is a world of difference between romance novels in the 80s and 90s and now and parts of Love's Encore really felt dated - Ms. Brown herself even acknowledges that in the forward - it was a little difficult to get past, but then I sort of approached it as if I were reading a historical novel instead of a contemporary one. And in doing so, I focused on the relationship between Camille and Jack instead of the almost impossible-to-believe-in-this-time circumstances, and it made the book so much better. Because, when it comes down to the heart of the matter, Ms. Brown knows how to write books from the heart, and that was as true in 1981 as it is now.

Love's Encore: 3.5/5 stars





Author Bio:

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE (2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006), and CHILL FACTOR, all of which have jumped onto the Times bestseller list in the number one to five spot.

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-four languages.

Brown holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She served as the president of the Mystery Writers of American in 2012 and was named ITW's Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Places to find Sandra Brown:


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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Cover Reveal: Breathe With Me by Kristen Proby

Breathe With Me Cover
We are beyond thrilled to share the cover of Kristen Proby's BREATHE WITH ME!! BREATHE WITH ME is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novel and is the 7th book in the With Me In Seattle Series. It is due to be released on June 24, 2014!!!
~Cover designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations~
  ABOUT BREATHE WITH ME: Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time… Mark Williams has loved Meredith since he was seventeen. A successful man with a strong family, he’s worked hard to move on from Meredith breaking his heart all those years ago. When his path crosses with the only woman he’s ever loved again years later, Mark knows there is nothing he won’t do to keep her in his life. But when the going gets tough, will Meredith stick around or will he lose her again? …But true love has a way of finding its way back. Meredith Summers is a dancer. One of the first things she learned in following her dreams is that timing is everything. She has spent the past ten years following her dream touring with mega-stars while trying to forget the high school sweetheart she left behind. Now she’s back in Seattle, running a successful dance studio with her best friend Jax and determined to move on from her gypsy past. Until the day she sees Mark Williams and time stands still. It’s as if no time has passed at all when Meredith finds herself in Mark’s arms again. The chemistry, the bonds and the love are as strong as ever and hearing Mark whisper breathe with me in her ear is a balm to her wounded soul. But will she grab onto this second chance at love, or is the timing all wrong for them again? Don't miss catching up with the Montgomery and Williams clans in this latest installment of the With Me In Seattle Series from New York Times bestselling author, Kristen Proby. “There were days that I would have exchanged a year of my life just to touch you one more time.” –Mark Williams   Author photo

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Probyis the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.