pssst….We’ve got an EXCLUSIVE bookish gift promotion just for Read-Love-Blog Fans!

Howdy all you lovely Read-Love-Blog fans!  Jillian here with something super fun…

I recently fell in love with an awesome on-line shop, Literary Book Gifts.  They have the coolest stuff for booklovers like us and I actually had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful and creative gal behind it all.  Everyone, meet Melissa! We teamed up for something a little bit different than our norm here and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it.

I was curious how the shop began and where her inspiration came from for the designs and she graciously let me pick her brain in the interview below.

But, on top of that, she is giving you guys a promo code for 20% off your ENTIRE purchase!  HOW COOL IS THAT!? 

The code is in bold at the bottom of her interview 🙂

Well, without further adieu, enjoy the interview and thanks for stopping by!

  • You have the CUTESET things! How did you come up with the idea for your shop?

Thank you so much! Literary Book Gifts was an idea that came about because I wanted to express my love of literature not through writing, but through design. I was intrigued by the fact that because artwork is visual, we can all experience it at the same time. When reading books at the same time we are often chapters, or books apart, so when it comes time to discuss the ideas aren’t always fresh in our minds. With the designs being integrated into one’s wardrobe, you could see someone wearing a Beowulf shirt and say you know, “I loved that story!”, or is “Beowulf a good story?” thus bringing about discussions based around reading, writing, and books.

  • What design is your absolute fave?

I have so many, it’s hard to choose! I definitely love how the The Call of the Wild turned out, I love the silhouette of the dog!

  • Is there a book you’ve read recently that you’d love to make a design for?

Yes definitely! There are so many I’d love to make designs for. One would be A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and perhaps I will just in time for the holidays!

  • How many designs have ended up on the cutting room floor?

Lots actually, I am quite selective about which designs go into the collection. There are some titles that I haven’t been able to come up with anything suitable for so I’ve put them on the backburner for now. For Moby Dick I’ve lost count of how many times I redid that one. I’m pretty happy with it now but I think there were about six previous ones that were tossed.

  • What literary character (dead or alive) would you love to have dinner with?

Hmmmm, I would say Elizabeth Bennet from [Pride and Prejudice]!

  • What literary world would you love to live in?

This is an easy one, I am a big Harry Potter fan so I would love to live in J.K. Rowling’s world of fantasy and magic. In particular at the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

  • What book are you reading right now?

Right now I’m reading The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow. I think it is absolutely amazing, it reminds me a lot of On the Road by Jack Kerouac but is quite different and unique in it’s own way.

 

 

Use the exclusive code Read-Love-Blog20 at checkout to receive 20% off on your order! This coupon code does not expire and there is no minimum.

Check out some of their designs…

 

Death is Not Enough by Karen Rose…Review

 

Synopsis:

A ruthless gang leader. A deadly vendetta. Karen Rose returns with the break-neck follow-up to MONSTER IN THE CLOSET, and the sixth book in the heart-pounding Baltimore Series. 

Gwyn Weaver is as resilient as anyone could be. Having survived an attempted murder, she has rebuilt her life and reclaimed her dignity and strength. She’s always known about her feelings for defence attorney Thomas Thorne, but as her friend and a colleague there could be no chance of anything more… or could there?

Thorne has known violence and pain all his life. He’s overcome the hardships that have been thrown at him thanks to his own steel, and the love of his loyal friends. Now he’s thinking it might finally be time to let his guard down, and allow himself to let in the woman he’s always admired from afar.

Then Thorne’s whole world is torn apart — he is found unconscious in his own bed, the lifeless body of a stranger lying next to him, her blood on his hands. Knowing Thorne could never have committed such a terrible crime, Gwyn and his friends rally round to clear his name.

But this is just the beginning — the beginning of a brutal campaign to destroy Thorne, and everything he holds dear…

 

My Review:

Death is Not Enough is the newest release from author Karen Rose, and admittedly the forst of her work that I’ve read.  That being said, I am now a new fan.  I was hooked from this book from the very first page and will absolutely be looking at the rest of her books!

The story opens with our hero, Thomas Thorne being in quite the pickle, and by pickle I mean found in bed with a dead woman.  So, you can imagine the trouble that ensues when he implores his innocence and leads down the path to finding the real killer.  That path has twists and turns I never saw coming and those ups and downs kept me glued to each page.

I really enjoyed getting to know this cast of characters, especially Thomas and Gwyn. Thomas’ past was utterly heartbreaking and, as we find out, may have a role in the current situation.  I don’t want to ruin anything for you, so I’ll keep this review brief (I know! But I hate being spoilery!).

If you’re looking for a well-written, juicy mystery with unforgettable characters, this is a must read!  Thank you, Ms. Rose, for a stellar book.

 

Four-and-a-Half Loves

 

Book Links:

Amazon  |  B&N  |  Goodreads

 

 

About the author: 

Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn’t concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON’T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published more than fifteen novels and two novellas. Her twenty-second novel, SAY YOU’RE SORRY, will be released in 2019.
Karen’s books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London’s Sunday Times, and Germany’s der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa(#1) and Australia!
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Her novels, I’M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America’s RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into more than twenty languages.

A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, two dogs, and a cat.

Find out more on her WEBSITE

Runaway Girl by Tessa Bailey…Review

Synopsis:

It’s Naomi Clemons’s big day. Her dream wedding. And she’s outta here.

One moment. A chance meeting of gazes through the church window pane with someone familiar who radiates intrigue. Independence. It’s the final push Naomi needs to realize…she’s boring. A blonde, cookie cutter, well mannered trophy wife-to-be. How can she expect to lead a fulfilling married life when she’s never lived?

Special Forces diver Jason Bristow needs a beauty pageant coach. Not for himself—although the tattooed bruiser could definitely use some charm. For his little sister who he has returned to St. Augustine, Florida to raise. When a beautiful southern debutante lands on his doorstep, she awakens a hunger that won’t be ignored. If only she wasn’t planning on winning back the ex-fiancé she left at the altar…

Despite the potential for ruin, heat continues to build between Naomi and Jason beneath the sultry Florida sunshine, consuming them both. But they’re on borrowed time…and it’s about to run out.

 

My Review:

Ok.  Guys.  I’ll start off by saying if you take away one thing from this review, it’s that you MUST READ this book (well, you MUST READ Getaway Girl first and then this book). I loved this book HARD CORE.  And moving on…

I’ll admit that I wanted to not like Naomi.  I mean she legit left her groom at the alter and fled her wedding.  I didn’t really mind that she left Elijah, per se, because he ended up finding his perfect match, and that wouldn’t have happened if she married him, but still.  As much as I didn’t want to like her, I was also dying to get to know all about her.  Why did she leave her entire life behind on a split second decision? Why run the way she did? I was going to be a tough sell, but if anyone could have made me like a gal I wanted to not-like, it’s Tessa Bailey.

Once Naomi’s story began, and we got a glimpse into her head, I was totally Team Naomi.  Hell, I was president of the Team Naomi Fan Club by the end of the first chapter.  This character you guys.  THIS CHARACTER! She is a freaking hot mess and I loved her.  She’s a lost soul who had her whole life planned out for her from the day she was born.  She’s never done things that most of us have, and don’t give a second thought to.  Make tacos, eat at a restaurant alone, traveled to another city by herself…none of it.  I mean how could you NOT have empathy for a woman who wants to know what it’s like to just be free? Yep, Team Namoi all.  the.  way.

So, Naomi takes off on her journey of self discovery and lands on the doorstep of Jason and his sister Birdie. I am now also the president of the Team Jason Fan Club, btw. Jason is an Army Ranger home temporarily to help with his sister.  Now, if you’ve read a Tessa Bailey book you KNOW she does alpha males like no other.  Of course, Jason is totally alpha male all the way but there’s a side to him that is so opposite his outward bad ass appearance.  It’s a side of tenderness and understanding.  A side to him where he has taken all of his life experiences and turned them into a need to protect without being smothering, to love without leaving words unspoken, to live without regrets.  He’s hands down one of my all-time favorite heroes.

Together these two are opposite in every way, and that makes them perfect in every way.  She’s a southern belle, groomed for galas and high society.  He’s a gruff rugged soldier, groomed for sacrifice and war.  No two people could be more different but no two people could be more well matched.  I freaking loved them.  So I combined my two fan clubs and am now the president of the Team Nason Fan Club. I have a bazillion spots open if you want to join 😉

The other character in this story is Birdie.  Oh, Birdie.  Beautifully complicated, emotional, snarky, witty, teenage Birdie. I loved her just as much as Naomi and Jason.  She’s had it pretty rough over the last few years and most teens would wallow and just trudge through life but not Birdie.  She’s taking the crappy cards life has dealt her and making the most of it, even when it’s not an easy task.

Altogether these three make for an unforgettable book. Add in the gang from the first book, Getaway Girl, and it serves up a sublime journey with a cast of folks I just adore.

Thank you, Tessa, for bringing these characters into our lives.  I miss them already <3

 

Five Loves

 

Book links:

Amazon  |  B&N Goodreads

 

About the author:

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of ten years and six-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Find out more on her website

 

Strong by Kylie Scott…Excerpt Blog Tour Stop

 

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON US | AMAZON AUS | AMAZON UK

 

 

 

“Ooh, busted,” said Lizzy. “The bodyguard caught you looking.”

“Shut it.” I inched my chin up a bit, trying not to frown because frowning gave you lines. “Sam and I have known each other for years and nothing has ever happened. You’re completely wrong about this.”

“Am I?”

“Yes, there’s nothing between us.”

“So that’s why you were staring at him?”

I chose not to answer that. “And you know he prefers to be called executive protection officer instead of bodyguard.”

At this, Lizzy burst out giggling, a malicious glee in her eyes. No wonder I liked my sister-in-law these days.

Ben shot us both an irritated glance. We both ignored it.

Of course, I’d known Sam would probably be here. Rock stars going out in public could be a delicate thing. People had a tendency to get overexcited. And while one person wanting an autograph wasn’t a problem, twenty or thirty of them suddenly swarming definitely could be. Having once been part of the entourage, I’d seen it happen to Ben and his fellow Stage Dive band members enough times to be wary. And you couldn’t get by with ordinary security. Rock stars needed protection from their over-zealous fans, but on the other hand they didn’t want the fans roughed up or hurt in any way. It required a delicate balance: control, experience, and a whole gamut of scary physical skills. Hence Sam.

Still, Portland seemed generally less crazy than the good old days back in LA. All of the guys seemed calmer and more settled away from the constant craziness of the party scene. Not to mention the effect of all of the wives/partners and various offspring. The biggest rock band in the world had officially been domesticated.

It was kind of cute. Or sad. I don’t know.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stir you,” she lied. “What do you think of your brother’s new musical bromance?”

On the small stage set up in the corner of the room, a young man wailed his heart out while playing an acoustic guitar. Much angst about a girl who only called him after midnight. Trust a rockster to turn a simple booty call into a heartbreaking ballad. The song was damn good though. He had talent. If only I hadn’t had my fill of the type when I was younger. The kid looked to be in his early to mid-twenties. Lanky with lots of tattoos. Your typical rock ’n roll Prince Charming. Gag. These days my type ran more toward…actually, what I needed or wanted in a male was a total mystery.

And my gaze did not stray back to Sam. That did not happen.

 

 

 

 

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Strong by Kylie Scott…Release Day Event

 

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON US | AMAZON AUS | AMAZON UK

 

 

 

“I don’t believe this,” I bitched. “My Valentino boots are actually sticking to the floor. That’s how gross this place is.”

Lizzy just smiled. “Told you to dress casual.”

“I am.”

The smile widened.

“Jeans and a tee is casual.”

“A tee? It’s velvet, Martha.” She held a bottle of beer up to her lips, taking a sip. “I said we were going to a dive bar. You have only yourself to blame for the fashion faux pas.”

“But velvet is in!”

“Would you two quit talking? I’m trying to listen,” said my brother, Ben. The big hairy idiot was slouched back in his chair, bopping his head in time to the music.

Lizzy shuffled closer all conspiratorial-like. “I know why you’re all dressed up.”

I said nothing. There was nothing to be said.

Next her gaze went to the man standing at the end of the bar across from us. No, no, I would not turn my head. I would not fall prey to her bullshit. After all, I’d managed to successfully avoid him for the forty-eight or so hours since my not so triumphant surprise return to the West Coast. Even with us both being in the same house. A very big sprawling house, but still.

On the other hand, it should probably be mentioned that he looked awfully good tonight in jeans and a white T-shirt with a leather jacket. Samuel Rhodes, otherwise known as Sam. Not a pretty man with his harsh features and bull-like neck, but something about him appealed to me. As always, his head was shaved and his body was built and my idiot fingers itched to explore.

Okay. So I guess at some point I must have turned my head. And shit, he caught me looking.

The corner of his lips rose just a little, just enough to mess with me, before he returned to doing his job by casually surveying the packed room. My heart did not speed up due to anything done by him. Clearly, I hadn’t totally caught my breath from when we’d walked in half an hour ago or something. That was all. Interesting to note, he did none of the checking me out typical of a heterosexual male who might have been into me. In fact, he didn’t really give me any signals at all. Ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Lawbreaker by Kat and Stone Bastion…Review

 

 

LAWBREAKER Cover


Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AU
iBooks | NookBooks | Kobo

Heartbreaker on Goodreads

About LAWBREAKER:

Raised on the streets, Shay Morgan yearns for a real family, where love is unconditionally offered—even when trust doesn’t come easy. Before that day arrives, she trespasses and steals in order to provide for the few people who’ve gone out of their way to protect her.

Born to privilege, Ben Bishop loathes his family for the despicable things they’ve done, and not done. He vows to be different, play by the rules, do the right thing. Building a thriving nightclub with those who share his values dominates his world.

One explosive night at his bar, Loading Zone, changes everything. For both of them. Forever.

A dance of opponents commences as they thwart with suspicion, start to trust, then sidestep to protect themselves from a fatal blow. Until they soon wonder if they’ve been fighting for the same side all along.

As they begin to open their hearts, they up the stakes with a one-week pact. She shows him the power in breaking the law. He demonstrates the virtue of following it.

Then a far-reaching crime is suddenly exposed—that his family committed. And for one chance moment, Shay and Ben hold the key to right the wrong, correct the injustice. But at what cost?

Will they be able to return from the other side together? Or will their differences tear them apart?

Flirting with danger…has never been so tempting.

***LAWBREAKER is a standalone, full-length new adult romance told in dual POV. Due to mature themes and adult language, this book is for those 18 and older.***

My Review:

I have to tell you that I’ve been a huge fan of this writing duo for years now after falling in love with their Highland Legends series.  I was so excited when this series came out and I’ve been hooked from the very first book and this latest installment was just as awesome as I had hoped it would be.

I adored Shay and Ben.  Their journey is one filled with self-discovery, delicious sexual tension, emotion, and finding the happily ever after they both ultimately deserve.  From the very beginning, the push and pull between them had me knowing this was going to be one helluva read, and boy, was it ever.  I loved every minute!

While this book can be read as a standalone, I think the series as a whole is totally binge-worthy and highly recommend them all 🙂

Thank you, Kat and Stone, for another phenomenal read!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

 

 

About Kat & Stone Bastion:

Shoe and Boot Photo

Kat Bastion won several awards for her bestselling debut novel Forged in Dreams and Magick.

Kat and Stone Bastion’s bestselling first novel No Weddings and the No Weddings series were named Best of 2014 by multiple romance review blogs.

When not defining love and redemption through scribed words, they enjoy hiking in vivid wildflower deserts and ancient tropical forests.

Blog * Facebook * Kat’s Twitter * Stone’s Twitter * Website

 

 

 

Got it Bad by Christi Barth….Review Tour Stop

Today we have the blog tour of GOT IT BAD! Check out the sexy new release and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: GOT IT BAD

Author: Christi Barth

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

About GOT IT BAD:

Kellan Maguire’s on the run from the mob, living a secret life. The only bright spot is his U.S. Marshal handler. Yeah, he wants to handle her….a lot. And in spite of all the rules it would break, Federal Marshal Delaney Evans secretly fears she’d risk everything for one night with Kellan. Even though Delaney’s career, her entire world, could implode if she admits how important he is to her. And all that is before the biggest complication of all hits…

 

My Review:

Christi Barth is an author I always love to read, and this whole trilogy was another great series of books from her.

While I’m sad to see the Maguire brothers go, this was a great send off.  I love a forbidden romance, and Kellan and Delany sure walked that line.  Falling for your U.S. Marshal handler, and giving in to the attraction that had been simmering for far too long definitely checks off that box and I loved it.  I adored getting to know more of these two characters and I really enjoyed watching them grow and develop, both on their own, and as a couple.  They were sexy and sweet together with a fun banter and undeniable chemistry…the whole package!

While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire trilogy to really experience the Maguire boys.

Thank you, Ms. Barth, for another amazing read!  I can’t wait to see what you cook up next!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

 

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay

About the Author:

USA TODAY bestselling author Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series.

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

 

Connect with Christi:

Website | Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Instagram

 

Enter Christi’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Cyclone by Janie Crouch…ARC Review

Cyclone releases tomorrow, 9/24

 

Synopsis:

He’d protect her from any threat…
But what if the biggest threat is him?

Doctor Anne Nichols is back in Oak Creek, Wyoming, only because she has no other options. Here, she was always the shy, stuttering girl, invisible to everyone.

Except Zac Mackay. The very reason she left in the first place.

Zac’s years in Special Forces taught him survival skills, and he’s created a company—Linear Tactical—to teach those skills to others, so they never have to live in fear.

Then why is Annie, the last person he’d ever want to hurt, afraid of him?

Zac’s determined to wipe the fear from the eyes of the woman who has never been far from his mind. And fix the mistakes—his mistakes—that put that look there in the first place.

But a predator has set his sights on Annie. And now survival skills will become much more than lessons…

My review:

Cyclone is the first book in a new series from author Janie Crouch.  Admittedly this is the first of her works that I’ve read and I’m so happy to have found her.  I loved this book!

I’m a big fan of second chance romances, especially ones where the past between the hero and heroine is a bit messy, and Cyclone definitely checked those boxes off.  Anne left town years ago with a broken heart and a tattered sense of self-esteem.  Zac, unknowingly, was responsible for it. Now that they’re both back and living in the same small town, you can bet long-buried feelings are going to surface, for both Anne and Zac.  Working through those emotions and feelings take Anne and Zac on one helluva ride that had me experiencing all of the ups and downs as if I were right there in the book with them.

I loved Anne and her resiliency.  She’s one tough cookie but also has a vulnerable side I found wonderfully endearing.  Zac is all male with a huge sense of loyalty and a soft spot for the people he holds close.  His past is beyond sad and if anyone deserved a happily ever after, it’s definitely him.

Layered into the story is a mystery unfolding in the town where someone is assaulting women. As the story unfolds, the cases start to mount and begin escalating.  This suspense aspect had me glued to each page and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You can bet that I’ll be keeping up with this series and I’m already looking forward to the next installment.  Thank you, Mrs. Crouch, for a fantastic read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon  |  B&N  |  Goodreads

 

About the author:

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Her favorite quote: “Life is a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller.

Check out Janie’s updates and more on her website at http://www.janiecrouch.com (

 

Runaway Girl by Tessa Bailey…Release Day Event

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Title: Runaway Girl
Author: Tessa Bailey
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 24, 2018
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Blurb
It’s Naomi Clemons’s big day. Her dream wedding. And she’s outta here.
One moment. A chance meeting of gazes through the church window pane with someone familiar who radiates intrigue. Independence. It’s the final push Naomi needs to realize…she’s boring. A blonde, cookie cutter, well mannered trophy wife-to-be. How can she expect to lead a fulfilling married life when she’s never lived?
Special Forces diver Jason Bristow needs a beauty pageant coach. Not for himself—although the tattooed bruiser could definitely use some charm. For his little sister who he has returned to St. Augustine, Florida to raise. When a beautiful southern debutante lands on his doorstep, she awakens a hunger that
won’t be ignored. If only she wasn’t planning on winning back the ex-fiancé she left at the altar…
Despite the potential for ruin, heat continues to build between Naomi and Jason beneath the sultry Florida sunshine, consuming them both. But they’re on borrowed time…and it’s about to run out.

 

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Purchase Links

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

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Author Bio
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Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.
Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.
She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of ten years and six-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.
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More Than Crave You by Shayla Black…Promo Tour Stop

 

I’m Evan Cook—billionaire tech entrepreneur and widower. Professionally, I’ve got it all. But since my wife died, my personal life has fallen apart. Remarrying seems like the obvious answer, so I place an ad. I’m not asking for much. The ideal woman only needs to be smart, organized, pretty, and helpful—both in and out of bed—without expecting romance. I never thought to look right in front of me…but it turns out that Nia Wright, my sexy, sassy assistant, just might be the perfect candidate.

After an unexpectedly hot night together, I’m ready to stop interviewing strangers and simply marry her. On paper, she ticks every box on my list. Best of all, she’s far too sensible to fall for me. I didn’t see the flaw in my logic until it was far too late. I never thought I’d lose my heart for the first time. And I definitely never imagined that she could consume me until I more than crave her. But she’s harboring a secret that could tear us apart—just as I’m finally putting myself together.

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I charge down the hall toward what might be the stupidest mistake of my life.
I move through the sea of bodies, shrugging past the Latina dancer, a few of the French maids, then bump into my assistant’s handsy dance partner. I stare him down. He looks at me blankly. One thing I realize instantly? My gaydar is absolutely silent. He’s every bit as straight as I am.
As he hovers protectively around Nia’s dressing room, I snarl and shoulder my way past him.
He grabs my arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“To see Nia. Let go.”
His eyes narrow. “Is she expecting you?”
No. In fact, I’m about to shock the hell out of her. I don’t know if I’ll be unwelcome, but I’m going to test Bas’s theory that she wants me. If he’s right…this could get messy really fast.
I shake him off, barrel inside the room, and shut the door. Behind me, I immediately hear the asshole jimmying the knob. I throw my weight against the portal to keep him out and lock it behind me.
Nia whirls to the sound of my intrusion, dressed in an inch of stage makeup, a silky white robe—and nothing else.
The moment she recognizes me, her mouth drops open. Shock spreads across her face. “E-Evan?”
“Nia.” I can’t find more words. I can’t do anything except stare and put one foot in front of the other. I certainly can’t defuse the anger and possessiveness I know I have no right to feel.
“What are you doing here?”
“That’s my question for you,” I growl. “Why the fuck are you taking your clothes off for strangers?”
She rears back and blinks at me. I don’t think she’s ever heard me curse. I keep the office professional, totally aboveboard. But I can’t manage decorum now when she’s breathing hard and her nipples are poking her thin robe.
She raises her chin and glares at me. Everything about her demeanor is like waving a red cape in front of a bull.
“It’s burlesque, not stripping,” she snaps. “I don’t do this for money. I do it because I enjoy dancing.”
“Yeah? You enjoy that asshole’s hands all over you, too?” Even though the logical side of my brain tells me I’m way out of line, I point at the door behind me and stalk closer to her. “You enjoy sex standing up with him?”
Her nostrils flare. Her mouth presses into a firm line. “Last time I checked, boss, I don’t have to justify my personal life to you.”
The fact she’s right only pisses me off more. “You do when your behavior reflects badly on Stratus Solutions.”
She shoots me a quelling glare. “You’ll have to do better than that. No one in the audience knows who I am. I never take off my mask and I never use my real name. Nothing I do on stage can taint your reputation.” Arms crossed over her chest, she saunters closer. “Why don’t you be honest and tell me what’s really bothering you? I know you’re not this mad simply because I was dressed a little risqué and gyrated on stage with Kyle?”
I debate the wisdom of blurting the truth. The rational part of my brain tells me to shut up, leave, and act on Monday like nothing happened tonight. Every other part of me knows that ship has sailed. My cock is especially eager to lay my cards on the table, grab Nia in my arms…and not worry about what happens next.
“You’re right. I’m mad because I think you’ve fucked him.”
She jerks as if I’ve slapped her. “Not that it’s any of your business, but we haven’t been together in almost two years. Thanks for letting me know you think I’m a whore.”
Hearing I was right royally pisses me off. Having her put words in my mouth kills what’s left of my patience, stripping away anything resembling professional civility.
I try not to squeeze her arms as I drag her close. “I never said that. Or thought it. I’m telling you that I can’t stand knowing he’s touched you. I don’t like the fact you still have anything to do with him. I don’t even understand why I’m here yelling and angry. I’m just…”
How the hell do I put the storm raging inside me into words? No clue, but I need to get it all out somehow or I’m going to explode.
“Jealous?” Soft surprise crosses her face.
Something about her confusion rips the confession from me. “Yes.”
“Because you…want me?”
I grit my teeth and try again to think through the wisdom of spilling all this to her. But I can’t keep it in. The softness of warm silk and hot woman under my palms almost undoes me. “Yes. I know I shouldn’t. I’ve spent forty-eight hours telling myself what I’m feeling is ridiculous and I can’t allow this—whatever it is—into our perfectly comfortable, efficient working relationship. But I can’t turn it off. I can’t fight it. I can’t pretend it doesn’t exist.”
“Is that what you’d rather do? Bury your head in the sand and not feel it?” She looks hurt.
Her expression makes me feel like an asshole. Nia always asks insightful questions. Why should now be different?
I shake my head. “For the first time in months—maybe years—I feel alive.”
Nia stares at me in silence, her gaze fused to mine. I swear I see a hundred thoughts whip through her head. For once, I can’t read a single one.
“Say something.” If she doesn’t soon, I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t even know if I can be responsible for what happens next.
“Have you been drinking?”
“Not enough to drown out how much I want you.”
“In spite of your opinion about my sexual past? And what about our working relationship?”
She’s not wrong, but they’re barbed questions. I have to maneuver around them carefully. “Nothing matters to me except touching you right now.”
Before Nia can chew on my answer and remember all the reasons she should say no, I pull her against me. She gasps. The instant her soft body makes contact with my hard, aching cock, I groan and hold her tighter, cupping her face and lowering my mouth to her parted lips.

 

Books In More Than Words Series

More Than Want You, Book 1

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More Than Need You, Book 2

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More Than Love You, Book 3

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Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than sixty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

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Got it Bad by Christi Barth…Release Day Event

Today we have the release day blitz of GOT IT BAD! Check out the sexy new release and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: GOT IT BAD

Author: Christi Barth

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

About GOT IT BAD:

Kellan Maguire’s on the run from the mob, living a secret life. The only bright spot is his U.S. Marshal handler. Yeah, he wants to handle her….a lot. And in spite of all the rules it would break, Federal Marshal Delaney Evans secretly fears she’d risk everything for one night with Kellan. Even though Delaney’s career, her entire world, could implode if she admits how important he is to her. And all that is before the biggest complication of all hits…

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Exclusive Excerpt:

“I know that you may have been on dates since you met me. But none of them distracted you from whatever’s simmering between us. You want to turn back the clock to the day I asked you out and follow through on it.”

“I don’t.” Her words were the verbal equivalent of a foot stamp. Then, softer, as if she didn’t mean to speak it out loud at all, Delaney said, “We can’t.”

In response, Kellan framed her face with his hands, tilted her head back more, and kissed her.

Not the light, polite, introduction kiss they’d shared the first time. Delaney had obviously pushed him past that step. Kellan kissed as if he needed her to know just how badly he wanted her. His lips worked across her mouth, moving and kneading. Kellan nipped at her wide bottom lip. It felt like punishment for her making him wait so long

It also felt like a reward for waiting so long, and she rewarded him with a tiny moan.

Delaney’s hands fisted in his thick hair, pulling and tugging. It undoubtedly showed him the insta-heat burning her up inside as much as the way her leg wrapped around his calf.

She wanted more.

His tongue teased at the seam of her lips, and Delaney opened for him like they’d already done this dance a hundred times. She tasted the sweetness lingering from his drink. Desire rocketed through her, turning her nerves to lava. From the way his penis had hardened to pure steel against her belly, Kellan felt the same.

He streaked the backs of his knuckles down the undersides of her raised arms. Kept going to just lightly brush them along the sides of her breasts, her ribs, the flare of her hips to finally land on the curve of her ass.

Kellan dug his fingers in and lifted. Just high enough to press her center against his penis. Instantly, she got on board with the position, rocking against him even as her tongue twined and teased.

It was impossible to stop the little, breathy moans that kept escaping from her. It was impossible not to undulate against his rock hard abs and dig her fingers into the sculpted muscles of his back. Kissing Kellan wasn’t foreplay. It was a sex act all by itself. Utterly satisfying even as it drove her hunger up immeasurably.

And while Delaney would’ve sworn it was impossible, he was a million times better in reality than all the ways she’d fantasized being with him over the past months. Kellan ripped his mouth away to burn a trail of kisses down the side of her neck.

A semi rolled by, and the driver honked for a long time. It had been easy to ignore the white noise of the cars passing, but the horn broke through to Delaney. It reminded her they were on the edge of a green-scummed pond, across from a strip mall. The world could see them making out. And they’d already shot way past a reasonable stopping point.

So she unwound her leg and put her foot back down on the ground. Kellan seemed to get the signal. He dialed back the intensity on his kisses and rained them up the side of her face, down her nose, to end with a light peck on her mouth before easing back. Then he moved his hands to her shoulders.

It took a moment for her eyes to re-open. When they did, it took another moment before Delaney fully focused on him.

“Not only can we kiss,” Kellan said with enough authority to make her realize he wouldn’t allow her to pretend this hadn’t happened. To pretend that she hadn’t just climbed him like a tree and responded with a fervor that matched his own. “We’re absolutely doing it again.”

 

 

 

About the Author:

USA TODAY bestselling author Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series.

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

 

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