Review: The Chocolate Touch by Laura Florand

July 30, 2013
Kensington
298 pages

Synopsis:
La Vie en Chocolat
Dominique Richard's reputation says it all--wild past, wilder flavors, black leather and smoldering heat. Jaime Corey is hardly the first woman to be drawn to all that dark, delicious danger. Sitting in Dom's opulent chocolaterie in Paris day after day, she lets his decadent creations restore her weary body and spirit, understanding that the man himself is entirely beyond her grasp.

Until he touches her. . .
Chocolate, Dominique understands--from the biting tang of lime-caramel to the most complex infusions of jasmine, lemon-thyme, and cayenne. But this shy, freckled American who sits alone in his salon, quietly sampling his exquisite confections as if she can't get enough of them--enough of him--is something else. She has secrets too, he can tell. Of course if she really knew him, she would run.

Yet once you have spotted your heart's true craving, simply looking is no longer enough. . .

Review: 

The writing in this book was beautiful - at times lyrical and poetic. Which was fitting for the Parisian locale in which it is set. But, it also was it's downfall for me because in between the bits of poetry were pages of overly long descriptions and disjointed conversations. It almost felt like someone had translated it from another language - and at times it needed a translation itself. There were so many moments where the author threw in French phrases, but didn't translate them - it created a feeling of snobbery. This only added to the frustration I felt reading about a courtship between two extremely insecure people who were constantly either misjudging each other or jumping to conclusions. The number of times they found themselves reassuring the other of their interest became nauseating. I did love being immersed in this amazing world of chocolate - and the few moments where Jaime and Dom allowed themselves to be together and happy were wonderful. I just wish there were more of them with more dialogue between them. As it was, this 298 page book felt like 600.

The Chocolate Touch: 3/5 stars
Cover: 3/5 (cute,but not at all what I imagined the characters to look like based on the author's description)

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

Dual Review: Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

November 6, 2012 (reissue)
Gallery Books
530 pages

Synopsis: For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.


Laura's Review:

I was told by so many people just how much I had to read this book - they loved it so much. Well, I read it and I loved it at times, but I hated it too - and, in the end, the hate won out and is what I was left feeling. I really wish I hadn't wasted my time because I just so disliked Kiera that I couldn't be happy that she ended up with anyone in the end. Both guys deserved way better than how she treated them, and I just didn't understand her appeal that would make them stay and put up with the abuse. I felt like I was reading a book about one of those girls in high school that had all the guys wrapped around her finger, and she treated each and every one of them like sh*t. I have to give credit to Ms. Stephens though - if her intent was to make me feel something while reading her book, she certainly accomplished that. However, I read books (at least romances) as an escape, I don't want to be disgusted as I read - even if the author acknowledges that with the title of "Thoughtless." Indeed.

Thoughtless: 3/5 stars
Cover: 3/5 stars

Tanya's Review:

 I had a total love hate relationship with this book. Laura had read it a few days before me and as I was reading it I kept emailing her about my progress and venting my frustration about this one. First I adored Kellan. He made me swoon and is everything I want my book boyfriend to be. As I kept reading though, I began to dislike Keira, more and more. She was so very selfish and well thoughtless. Her actions made me so angry I wanted to hurt her and thought how is anyone getting a HEA at the end of this book, both guys deserve so much better. I am so glad Laura is not only my friend but co-blogger as we have similar tastes in books and I was relieved that it was not just me that had some serious dislike towards Keira. This book was well written and evoked a lot of feeling but not one of my favorites as I normally need to at least like the heroine a little bit.

Thoughtless:     2.5/5
Cover:             3.5/5 

Wednesday's Words & Quippish Quotes: Lewis Carroll

I recently came across my old, battered, and worn copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass. The first time I actually read it was my freshman year in college for a class called "Literary Voyage of Exploration." I loved that class - my favorite that entire year full of introductory classes and labs in biology and chemistry. I clearly remember being in awe of how many levels there were in that Wonderland - many more than I saw as a child watching one of the many movie versions. And with those levels, came some of the best quotes in literature. Here are a few of my favorites from Lewis Carroll:

image from gutenberg.org

“I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.” 

― Lewis Carroll

“Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

“Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

“I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 

“Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

“I'd give all the wealth that years have piled, 

the slow result of life's decay, 

To be once more a little child 

for one bright summer day.” 

― Lewis Carroll

“He was part of my dream, of course -- but then I was part of his dream, too.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

"Well, now that we have seen each other," said the unicorn, "if you'll believe in me, I'll believe in you.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

image from gutenberg.org

Review: Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi

Love Overdue
Pamela Morsi
August 27, 2013
432 pages
Harlequin MIRA

Synopsis:

Meet Dorothy Jarrod: devotedly unsexy librarian

Buttoned-up book lover DJ is all sensible shoes, drab skirts and studious glasses. After an ill-advised spring-break-fueled fling left her mortified, she's committed to her prim and proper look. When she's hired by a rural library in middle-of-nowhere Kansas, she finally has the lifestyle to match-and she can't wait to get her admin on.

But it's clear from day one that the small-town library is more interested in circulating rumors than books. DJ has to organize her unloved library, win over oddball employees and avoid her flamboyant landlady's attempts to set her up with the town pharmacist. Especially that last part-because it turns out handsome Scott Sanderson is her old vacation fling! She is not sure whether to be relieved or offended when he doesn't seem to recognize her. But with every meeting, DJ finds herself secretly wondering what it would be like to take off her glasses, unpin her bun and reveal the inner vixen she's been hiding from everyone-including herself.

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Review: This book was great - except for the little fact that it was missing it's ending. Seriously, it was like someone ripped out the last 30 pages of the book, leaving just the epilogue. I actually got a little angry when I saw that I was at "98%" completed and realized there was no way everything could get dealt with in that short bit of time. My favorite part of a romance novel is a good tension filled confrontation - which this one definitely should have had because everything led up to it, and then it just ended. No conversation about how they first met or why she kept it a secret. We don't even get to see the moment when all those fireworks that they had initially get reignited, so to speak. Really a big let down. If the author needed more room, she could have edited out some of the too-long section on wheat harvesting - it was nice to see the details of that, but not at the expense of the more important parts of the book. Up until the end, it was a nice book with sweet mis-communicating characters and a meddlesome mother (which I normally would find super-irritating, but she really didn't bother me here). I would have given this book 3.5 or even 4 stars if it actually had an ending. Based on some of the other reviews I have read, I think the author might want to seriously consider a big rewrite on that. Otherwise, she might not get any repeat readers. I certainly won't be one if this is what I can expect from her.

Love Overdue: 2/5 stars (3.5/5 for the first 95% of the book)
Cover: 4/5 stars
Rating: PG-13

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

TRIPLE GIVEAWAY! Flirt University's Back to School New Adult Giveaway Blog Hop!

The Revolving Bookcase is happy to participate in Flirt University's New Adult Blog Hop! In addition to Flirt's TWO giveaways (details below), we are throwing in an additional giveaway of a paperback copy of Monica Murphy's New Adult Romance, One Week Girlfriend (which I loved, see my REVIEW). So there are THREE total giveaways going on in this post - two are rafflecopters and one is just for the commenters. Good luck!

Welcome to Flirt University's Back to School celebration! It's time for the Three R's, Flirt style—Reading, (W)Riting, and Romancing! In the spirit of getting to know one another on the first day of school, Flirt, Random House's New Adult imprint, has set up a New Adult blog hop so you can discover other blogs that love the hottest new romance genre.

As part of the hop, Flirt is giving away its signature "I <3 New Adult" tote (for carrying books, ereaders, and other fun things), and its signature "I <3 New Adult" mug (perfect for that morning coffee pick-me-up)! Just check out the Rafflecopter below—stop by each blog for more chances to win, and to meet awesome New Adult fans and reviewers! 

Head back to Romance at Random on Tuesday, September 3 to find out if you won (we'll email winners, too!), and don't miss your first Flirt University "lecture" from one of Flirt's esteemed New Adult Author Professors! They'll be sharing their thoughts on everything New Adult!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In addition to the Rafflecopter giveaway, one lucky commenter will win an ecopy of ISN'T SHE LOVELY by Lauren Layne. To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us why you love or are excited for New Adult or Lauren Layne's book! 

Isn't She Lovely

Flirt New Adult Romance

Written by Lauren Layne

On sale October 28, 2013

978-0-345-54911-2

The rules are clear—until they’re broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.
 
“Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?” 
 
Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund . . . or does he?
 
As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.
 
But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating them. And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

Lauren Layne graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in political science that she has yet to put to good use. After dabbling in an e-commerce career in Seattle and Southern California, Layne moved to New York City, where she now writes full-time. She lives with her husband and their plus-size pomeranian in a tiny Manhattan studio.

Connect with Lauren: Facebook | Twitter | Website

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Cover Reveal: All I Want for Christmas is You by Molly O'Keefe

All I Want for Christmas Is You (Short Story)

By Molly O'Keefe

Loveswept | 978-0-345-54244-1

On Sale November 4, 2013

Book Blurb: 

In this touching eBook novella, a prequel to Molly O’Keefe’s Crazy Thing Called Love, a young woman swept up by first love is ready to say “I do”—until challenges arise during the holiday season.

 

Maddy Baumgarten and Billy Wilkins are spontaneous, in love, and prepared to elope the day after Christmas—that is, if Maddy’s family doesn’t throw a wrench in their plans. Her parents are more than a little reluctant to give their blessing to the impending nuptials. After all, Maddy’s barely out of high school and Billy’s a notorious bad boy. Maddy doesn’t care about Billy’s rough past—all she cares about is living in the here and now. But after Maddy’s mother stops speaking to her in protest, and a Christmas Eve heart-to-heart with her father leaves her with butterflies, Maddy starts to get cold feet. She loves Billy, but is she taking this big step too soon?

About the Author

Molly O’Keefe published her first Harlequin romance at age twenty-five and hasn’t looked back. She loves exploring each character’s road toward happily ever after. She’s won two Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice awards and the RITA for Best Novella in 2010. Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, two kids, and the largest heap of dirty laundry in North America.

Pre-order ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Review: Handcuffed in Housewares by Nikki Duncan

Handcuffed in Housewares
(Tulle & Tulips, #3)
 Nikki Duncan
August 20, 2013
104 pages

Synopsis: 

Some couples just click. Others require a hard hat and a stud finder.

Tulle and Tulips, Book 3

Monday mornings have a reputation for sucking, and today is no different for Burton Anderson. One year ago, his “perfect” life full of prestige, money, success and travel crumbled in the glaring light of betrayal.

This morning? This close to making his new construction business a success, a date gone awry has left him handcuffed to a toilet in a housewares store. Naked. And the first customer of the day is coming down his aisle.

Planning and shopping for other couples’ Big Day is about as wild and crazy as buttoned-up Leigh Schyuler gets. Until she gets an eyeful of Hearth and Home’s daily special. He’s definitely a “designer” temptation while she’s “off the rack”.

But there are risks, and then there are risks. Burton isn’t sure he can once again trust his heart to a woman who holds the power to ruin him. And Leigh discovers too late that indulging in a little no-strings sex is tying her dream of Devoted Love into hopeless knots…

Warning: Contains a hard-hatted, hard-bodied hero who’s good with his hands, and a woman who’d like him to build a bridge over her sexual boundaries. Nuts and bolts never had it so good.

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Review:

This book has one of the best first scenes in a romance novel - how awesome would it be to get to say you met the love of your life when you stumbled upon him handcuffed to a toilet in a home improvement store? Oh, did I mention he was completely naked, too? And who better to find Burton, than prim and proper Leigh. Or so we think. Burton turns out to be a big softie - whom I just wanted to hug, and Leigh turns out to be just a bit naughtier than she shows the world. It was a fun, quick read, but due to its short length, it felt just a little bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen their romance drawn out just a bit more. Still, a great, fun "beach" read. I'm looking forward to the rest in this series now.

Handcuffed In Housewares: 4/5 stars.
Cover: 4/5 stars.

Ebook Giveaway: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

A few weeks ago, I discovered the new book networking site, Libboo. Basically, you spread the word (or "buzz") about books, and get rewarded if you are a top buzzer for that week. Last week, my buzzing about a book earned me 2 free copies of that book, Illuminate - so I'm going to share the wealth and give one of those copies away. If you win, you will be given a link to download the book in either epub or mobi format from Libboo's site (you might need to sign up for an account to claim it, but that's quick and free.) The link is only good for a week, so I'm going to make this giveaway a quick one! 

BTW - if you are interesting in signing up for a Libboo account to earn your own free books, click HERE. 

What can you win? An ecopy (in either epub or mobi format) of the YA novel Illuminate by Aimee Agresti. Enter using the rafflecopter after the book synopsis. Good luck! 

March 6, 2012
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
534 pages

Synopsis: 

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

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Cover Reveal: Heating Up the Holidays Anthology

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS

3-Story Bundle (Play with Me, Snowfall, After Midnight)

Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers, Serena Bell

Published by Loveswept

On Sale October 28, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-8041-7840-2

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS features three sexy holiday novellas, each one centered on a different holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. With stories from bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, the popular Mary Ann Rivers, and Loveswept debut author Serena Bell, HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS is the perfect anthology to keep the romance going throughout the holiday season! 

ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES (Play with Me): 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES which has sold to more than twelve countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

ABOUT MARY ANN RIVERS (Snowfall)

Mary Ann Rivers was an English and music major and went on to earn her MFA in creative writing, publishing poetry in journals and leading creative-writing workshops for at-risk youth. While training for her day job as a nurse practitioner, she rediscovered romance on the bedside tables of her favorite patients. Now she writes smart and emotional contemporary romance, imagining stories featuring the heroes and heroines just ahead of her in the coffee line. Mary Ann Rivers lives in the Midwest with her handsome professor husband and their imaginative school-aged son.

ABOUT SERENA BELL (After Midnight)

Serena Bell writes stories about how sex messes with your head, why smart people do stupid things sometimes, and how love can make it all better. She wrote her first steamy romance before she was old enough to understand what all the words meant and has been perfecting the art of hiding pages and screens from curious eyes ever since—a skill that’s particularly useful now that she’s the mother of two school-age children.

Pre-order HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS from your favorite retailers!

Connect with Lisa Renee Jones: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Connect with Mary Ann Rivers: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Connect with Serena Bell: Facebook | Twitter |  Website

Connect with Loveswept: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Trust In Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J. Lynn

It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?

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Review: Crave and Interview with Author Monica Murphy

We at The Revolving Bookcase are very excited to have Author Monica Murphy stop by today to answer a few questions. I became an instant fan when I read her book One Week Girlfriend last month (see Review). And then I found out (through this interview!) that Monica Murphy also writes as Karen Erickson, whom I've been a fan of for years! I guess it wasn't so "instant" after all :) Either way, I was on board with reading whatever she came out with next, which happened to be Crave, the first of the Billionaire Bachelor's Club series. I loved the premise, and I loved the book too. Read my review and then check out the interview!

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Crave
Monica Murphy
August 6, 2013
Avon Impulse
100 pages (ebook)

Synopsis:
Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride.

Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels.

But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.

Review:
I had high expectations for this book given how much I adored Monica Murphy's (and Karen Erickson's) previous work and was worried I'd be disappointed because it was so short. Somehow, Ms. Murphy turned a quick romance into what felt like a full flushed-out story. While I felt like the premise was a bit ridiculous (even for a romance novel), I still loved what developed from it. The chemistry between Archer and Ivy was palpable right from the start and who wouldn't want to fall for your older brother's hot friend who happens to be a billionaire? I felt the ending could have been just a bit more drawn out - but other than that, I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.

Crave: 3.5/5 stars
Cover: 4/5 stars

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

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Interview with Author Monica Murphy:

First off, thank you for stopping by The Revolving Bookcase today.

Thank you so much for having me! I'm definitely excited to be here and talk about CRAVE.

Crave is the first of The Billionaire Bachelors Club series, tell us a bit about these books. How many are you planning for the series? Will be they be connected or stand-alones?

The Billionaire Bachelors Club are made up of three friends who've known each other since they were teens. They're young, successful and think they're invincible--especially when it comes to love. These three idiots--ahem I mean, men--make a very expensive bet that they will never ever let themselves get tied down. Which means of course, I make them fall hopelessly in love.

There will be three books, three different couples, they're slightly connected but they can stand alone.

Did you always know you wanted to write New Adult Contemporary Romances? If you weren't a writer, what other career do you think you'd have?

No, I started out writing regular old contemporary romance (and erotic romance) under my other name, Karen Erickson. Over the years though, I would get rejections from editors that said, "These characters read too young." For real. So when new adult books started popping up, I came up with an idea and wrote One Week Girlfriend and self published it under the Monica Murphy pen name. The rest is history...

What would I be if I wasn't a writer? Hmm. I've done retail, I worked at a newspaper, I worked as a personal assistant, clerical type work, stay at home mom...I don't know what I'd be. All I know is I'm glad I'm a writer. Best job in the world!

What's the next project you're working on?

I'm working on edits for Gage's book TORN which is the second book in the Billionaire Bachelors Club series. I need to write the third one. I'm also working the fourth book in the One Week Girlfriend series, Four Years Later (Owen's book, Fable's little brother). Needless to say, I'm swamped.

Do you have any writing rituals or superstitions?

Not really...I'm trying to break the diet Coke habit but it's my fuel of choice. So there is always a can of diet Coke on my desk it seems. I'm drinking less of it though lately I swear!

Who is your writing inspiration or favorite author?

This I cannot answer because there are just too many authors out there that I love and admire. I stalk Jill Shalvis. Does that count? I really love her. And I'm inspired by all of the friends I've made in the writing community. There are so many amazing women who write books that I can call my friend. I feel really lucky.

Any upcoming appearances or signings?

I'm at the Naughty Mafia book signing in Vegas in mid-August! Excited about that one. I'm also going to be in Seattle in mid-October...

Is there anything you'd like readers/your fans to know about that we haven't asked?

I want to mention that the Billionaire Bachelors Club series is more of a mix of my Monica and Karen self. Not strictly a new adult romance per say, and not necessarily a straight contemporary romance either. It's lighter and sexier than my new adult titles but the characters are younger and the books are written in first person point of view. I hope readers enjoy the series. I know I've had fun writing the books!

And I also want readers to know how much they mean to me. I couldn't do this without them and when they write me emails, leave me messages and tweets, I love it. They make my day.

Thanks again for stopping by today! 

Thank you again for having me!

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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.

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Website: http://www.monicamurphyauthor.com/# 

Blog: http://missmonicamurphy.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsMonicaMurphy 

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

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy  

CRAVE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852029-crave

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG

Avon Romance: http://www.avonromance.com/

Avon Twitter: https://twitter.com/avonbooks

Avon Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/avonromance

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Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crave-Billionaire-Bachelors-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BKZGOHM/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1375548915&sr=8-1&keywords=crave+monica+murphy

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crave-monica-murphy/1115181599?ean=9780062289346&itm=1&usri=crave+monica+murphy

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Loving Cara by Kristen Proby

CHEMISTRY WAS NEVER THIS SEXY IN HIGH SCHOOL.

In her sizzling new series, USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby sets the stage for a passionate reunion under the breathtaking Montana sky.

Cara Donovan’s summer tutoring job is turning out to be a challenge—and not just because of her troubled twelve-year-old student. It’s his uncle Josh who’s the real problem. If problem is the word for an irresistibly cocky, muscle-bound rancher with a taste for tight Levi’s and shameless flirtation. . . .

Cara is nothing like the wallflower Josh King remembers good-naturedly teasing in high school. This Cara is gorgeous, confident, fun. From the moment the fiery teacher steps foot on his family’s Lazy K Ranch, the stubborn playboy is determined to corral her. So what happens when his luscious lover takes over the reins?

The first in a steamy trilogy, Kristen Proby’s enthralling novel is filled to the brim with one hardworking family’s triumphs and challenges, all the wild adventure of the modern West, and a whole lot of titillating fun.

EXCERPT:

“Where are your jeans?” Josh asks as he meets me at my car the following morning.

“These are jeans.” I pull my tote bag out of the car and walk toward the front door of his house. “Is Seth here yet?”

“No, he’ll be a few minutes. I have him feeding the dogs at the big house.”

“Okay.”

“Those are not jeans.” He’s scowling down at my denim shorts like they’re the devil incarnate.

“They’re denim.”

He narrows his chocolate eyes at me, but I see the humor there, and the butterflies take up residence in my belly again.

I love riling this guy up.

“Fine, they’ll have to do. Go ahead and get settled, Seth will be here in a minute. I have to ride out with a few of the guys to repair a fence, so I’ll see you at lunch time.” He pulls on some gloves and settles his green baseball cap on his head backwards again.

“You don’t wear cowboy hats?” I ask without thinking.

“Not usually. I have one, if you’d rather I wear it.” He smirks.

“No, just curious,” I mumble and head toward the house.

“Don’t leave before I get back. I have plans for you.”

He grins wide, winks, and saunters off toward the massive barn that sits between his house and the big house.

Well, isn’t that view nice? His Levi’s hug his ass perfectly and sit low on his hips, and as he walks I can see his buttocks and thighs flex.

Dear God, I’m lusting after a rancher.

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

KRISTEN PROBY is the USA Today bestselling 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.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

LOVING CARA 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18115028-loving-cara?ac=1

Amazon Pre-Order: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Cara-ebook/dp/B00DX0F2Y8/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1376330939&sr=8-1&keywords=loving+cara+kristen+proby

Barnes and Noble Pre-Order: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-cara-kristen-proby/1116055719?ean=9781476758992&itm=1&usri=loving+cara+kristen+proby