Category: April 2015

Hard To Be Good by Laura Kaye…Release Day Event

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We are so, so excited to bring you guy the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO BE GOOD!! HARD TO BE GOOD is a novella in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. We absolutely love Laura’s Hard Ink men and are so excited to see Jeremy and Charlie get their HEA!!

 

Hard to Be Good - Cover

Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iTunes| Kobo

HARD TO BE GOOD on Goodreads

 

About HARD TO BE GOOD:

Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother’s stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy’s whole world has been turned upside down—not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.

Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he’s drawn into the SF team’s investigation of his army colonel father’s corruption, he’s surprised to find acceptance and friendship—especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie’s opposite in almost every way.

With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can’t help but wonder why they’re trying so hard to be good…

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EXCERPT:

“You should be inside celebrating,” Jeremy said, his voice a raw scrape. “You and Marz did an amazing thing this morning.” An hour ago, Marz and Charlie had cracked open a heavily encrypted microchip that contained a wealth of information that not only seemed likely to help the team clear its name, but proved that Charlie’s father hadn’t been dirty, like they’d all thought. “And I’m so happy for you about your dad.”

A wounded darkness passed through Charlie’s gaze, but he finally nodded. “Didn’t feel right without you there.” Pink filtered into his cheeks, and damn if that wasn’t as cute as it was sexy. Jeremy wasn’t sure anything had ever made him blush.

“I’m just not—” Jeremy shrugged and looked down at Charlie’s chest again. Having seen the guy dress more than once, he knew that shirt covered lean muscle that ran from strong shoulders down to his narrow hips. Jeremy fisted his hands against the urge to burrow them under the hem of the tee. After weeks of looking, and wanting, he was dying to touch. Jeremy found Charlie hard to read though, and hadn’t wanted to do anything to scare him off. “—very good company right now. I’m sorry if that—”

Charlie nudged Jeremy’s chin up with his hand, his fingers just barely touching Jer’s stubble-covered skin. But then his thumb landed softly against his lips.

Jeremy’s heartbeat kicked up and his lips fell open. Slowly, oh so tentatively, Charlie stroked the soft pad of his thumb back and forth across them.

“Charlie,” Jeremy whispered as arousal surged through his body, spiking his pulse, tensing his muscles, hardening his dick.

Uncertainty poured off Charlie as the man’s hand trembled where it touched him, but those blue eyes absolutely blazed desire. No way was Jeremy imagining that.

“You’re always good company, to me,” Charlie said in a low voice, his gaze dropping to Jeremy’s lips. Charlie leaned in closer, and closer still, and Jeremy could hardly believe the other man was the one to initiate this. But he was fucking thrilled.

Jeremy swallowed, his lips anticipating that first soft brush. Charlie was so close his shaky breath caressed Jeremy’s lips. His pace was maddening but so damn sexy Jer could barely breathe. And then Charlie’s eyelids fluttered closed and he was right there…

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard as It gets

Hard As It Gets

 

Hard as You Can

Hard As You Can

 

Hard To Hold On To

Hard to Hold On To

 

Hard To Come By Cover

Hard To Come By

Praise for the HARD INK SERIES:

“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

 

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Wild With You by Sara Jane Stone…Release Day Event

 

 

Happy Release Day to Sara Jane Stone and WILD WITH YOU!

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Synopsis

One night with a hero is just what she needs. But more spells trouble . . .

Dr. Katherine “Kat” Arnold left Oregon and never looked back at the town that failed her as a child. But when a new patient from Independence Falls joins her clinical trail, she returns determined forward to show everyone in her hometown how she has thrived—including her high school crush.

Brody Summers saves people. For years, he looked out for his younger siblings and ran the family business. Now, he works search and rescue. After a failed mission, Brody plans to take a night off. When a blonde city-girl knocks him off his feet, he refuses to walk away from desire. But it doesn’t take long for Brody to realize the past is returning to haunt him—and it goes back further than one wild night.

The last thing Kat wants is a reason to extend her stay in Independence Falls. But she can’t escape the memory of Brody’s wicked touch. As their passion heats up, Brody wonders if he’s falling for the one woman who doesn’t need rescuing.

Links to Buy

Amazon ~ http://amzn.to/1DnlUQX
B&N ~ http://bit.ly/1EORxlW
iBooks ~ http://bit.ly/1D9ileo
Google ~ http://bit.ly/1wmBEnz
Kobo ~ http://bit.ly/1BplID2

Wild With You Teaser Card (1)

 

Additional books in this series

 

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Hero By Night

Book Three: Independence Falls

Synopsis

He was nobody’s hero until he landed in the wrong bed …

Armed with a golden retriever and a concealed weapons permit, Lena Clark is fighting for normal. She served her country, but the experience left her emotionally numb and estranged from her career-military family. Staying in Independence Falls seems like the first step to reclaiming her life until the town playboy stumbles into her bed …

Chad Summers is living his dream—helicopter logging by day and slipping between the sheets with Mrs. Right Now by night. Until his wild nights threaten his day job, leaving Chad with a choice: prove he can settle down or kiss his dream goodbye. But when he ends up in the wrong bed, the one woman in Independence Falls he can’t touch offers a tempting proposition. Chad is ready and willing to give in to the primal desire to make Lena his at night—on one condition. By day, they pretend their relationship is real.

But their connection extends beyond the bedroom, threatening to turn their sham into reality if Chad can prove he’s the hero Lena needs night and day … forever.

Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google ~ Kobo

FullExposure (1)

Book Two: Full Exposure

No touching allowed …

After serving her country, Georgia Trulane craves adventure—and sex. She’s set her sights on her brother’s best friend—now her boss, since she took a temporary job as his nephew’s live-in nanny. Only problem? Eric refuses to touch her. That doesn’t stop Georgia from seducing him. But an earth-shattering encounter leaves her fully exposed, body and soul.

Eric has a long list of reasons to steer clear of the woman he has wanted for as long as he can remember. For one, he refuses to be her next thrill ride. When he claims her, it will be for good. But the attraction is undeniable, and the more they fight it, the stronger it pulls. But will it be enough to conquer their obstacles?

Links to Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google Play ~ Kobo

Book Three: Caught in the Act caught in the act

Falling for his rivals’ little sister could cost him everything …

For Liam Trulane, failure is not an option. He is determined to win a place in Katie Summers’ life before she leaves Independence Falls for good. But first, he needs to make amends for the last time they got down and dirty.

Only problem?

His professional success hinges on striking a deal to buy Katie’s family business. And after Liam’s relationship with their Katie went south years ago, the Summers brothers are more enemy than friend. If both parties agree to set the past aside, they can reach an understanding. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam risks everything to make her his.

After Liam betrayed her trust, Katie Summers will do anything to keep him from walking away with the family business. She decides to seduce him, knowing that when her brothers find out, they will back off from the deal. And she’ll finally have her revenge. But when her plan spirals out of control, Katie learns that payback may come at too high a price …

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Google Play ~ Kobo

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Author Bio
After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream—writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Visit her online at www.sarajanestone.com or find her on Facebook at Sara Jane Stone.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Beautiful Secret by Christina Lauren….ARC Review

Beautiful Secret releases tomorrow, April, 14!

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Synopsis:

AN UPTIGHT BRITISH EXECUTIVE. AN ADVENTUROUS AMERICAN NEWBIE. A SEXY INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL IN THE MAKING.

New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series hook up in Beautiful Secret for an erotic intercontinental romp that celebrates the best of both worlds!

When Ruby Miller’s boss announces he’s sending her on an extended business trip to New York City, she’s shocked. As one of the best and brightest young engineers in London, she knows she’s professionally up to the task. The part that’s throwing her is where she’ll be spending a month up close and personal working alongside—and staying in a hotel with—Niall Stella, her firm’s top urban planning executive and The Hottest Man Alive. Despite her ongoing crush, Ruby is certain Niall barely knows she’s alive…until their flirty overnight flight makes him sit up and take notice.

Not one for letting loose and breaking rules, recently divorced Niall would describe himself as hopeless when it comes to women. But even he knows outgoing California-girl Ruby is a breath of fresh air. Once she makes it her mission to help the sexy Brit loosen his tie, there’s no turning back. Thousands of miles from London, it’s easy for the lovers to play pretend. But when the trip is over, will the relationship they’ve built up fall down?

My Review:

Beautiful Secret is the 4th book in the Beautiful Bastard Series brought to us by the dynamic writing duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I have been a super fan girl to the extreme of this series since the very beginning and I know I’ve said it before, but these two gals just keep getting better with each book. Niall and Ruby totally go down as one of my favorite book couples of all time. With her spunky, fun personality and his buttoned up reserve, these two were an opposites attraction made in heaven.

California girl Ruby Miller was living in London and realizing her engineering dreams and life was pretty damn good. Making it even better was getting to see the tall, dark, and handsome Niall Stella in the office each day. She had stared from afar, with stars in her eyes while signing dreamily, for months now and when she gets the news that she’s to accompany him on a trip to NYC for a project, she’s all out of sorts and feeling too many things. He was recently divorced, and ripe for the taking, if she could just get up the nerve and not make an arse of herself while doing it. That, of course, would prove much easier said than done. Let the games begin…

Young and successful, Niall Stella at one time had had it all. Now, he wasn’t sure what that even meant anymore. Sure he had a great career and loved what he did but his life was lacking in the love department. And if he’s being honest with himself, it was lacking long before he and his ex-wife had split up. These last few months alone had him realizing maybe her never knew what real love had been. Maybe he never would? Lucky for him fate had thrown him a bone when he was paired with the bright and full of life intern, Ruby. Now he just had to realized the gift that’s been handed to him…

They are opposites in every way. She’s colorful and bright with a lust for life that oozes out of into facet of her life. He’s reserved and conservative making a stiff upper lip look damn good in a three-piece suit. But never before have two opposites fit more perfectly in every way that matters than the way these two do.

It’s at this point I just want to type “buy this book” repeatedly for the rest of this review, because really, you just need to trust me when I say you need this book. But alas, with so much to swoon over, I promise I’ll give you more than a phrase set on repeat (but seriously, get this book!).

This story, hands down, was the most emotional in the series for me. Niall is every woman’s dream. He’s successful, handsome, well-mannered, smart and kind. He’s got a reserved grace that would make any woman weak in the knees. Any woman except his ex-wife. Things had truly gone sour between them and even though they ended things amicably and on good terms, it ruined something in Niall. It left him doubting himself and his worth as a lover and as a man. God, my heart broke for him too many times to count. I wanted to reach into the pages and just hug him. Enter Ruby. If ever there was someone tailor-made for Niall it’s Ruby. If ever there was anyone able to build Niall back up to the loving and passionate potential he has buried deep within it’s Ruby. She is one of the best book gals I’ve read to date. Not only is she smart and sassy, she is funny as all get out and is filled with such honest passion that you can’t not love her. Together they are just…just…incredible.

Their journey in getting Niall to kick his doubt to the curb is a smoking hot one. Never had non-sex been so damn sexy! But then again, with Christina and Lauren writing it, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Their banter was delicious and their slow journey into intimacy was not only smoking hot, it was a thing of beauty.  Truly.

I felt so many things while reading Beautiful Secret. I laughed (a whole lot) and I cried (a whole lot). I ignored all responsibilities and read this book from cover to cover because Niall and Ruby were just that consuming…and I just adored every minute spent with them.

Thank you. Christina and Lauren, for once again writing an amazing couple on an amazing ride to an amazing relationship. You gals never cease to amaze me and I will continue to look forward to each and every release you put out.

5LovesRLB

Five Loves

 

Book Links:

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Kobo  |  Target 

About the authors:

Christina Lauren author picLauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. These days you’ll probably find her on tumblr. She is married and absolutely not old enough to be the mom of a 14 year old (right??), thinks she’s the luckiest person in the world to write books with her best friend, and is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter. She also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.

You can follow their shenanigans at:

@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!

For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @christinalauren.

Master Of Freedom by Cherise Sinclair…ARC Review

Master of Freedom - Cover

Synopsis:

Detective Atticus Ware gave up Idaho to start again in the California mountains, close to his imprisoned brother. Although he’s found good friends, the experienced Dominant wants more than the “do me” submissives flocking around him. He needs a woman to give her heart as well as her body.

After Virginia Cunningham exhausts herself propping up a failing relationship, she accepts a social worker job far, far away in a California prison. Invited to observe BDSM classes on a wilderness camping trip, she’s shocked—her fiancé had insisted BDSM was a fabrication to sell books. But when Atticus lures her into participating, she learns submission under the hands of a powerful Dom is beyond anything she’d imagined. Nonetheless, she can’t permit a relationship—she’d just lose herself again.
Finally, Atticus has found the woman he wants in his life. In his bed. In his cuffs. Only she keeps backing away. Well…if he has to help a little counselor get her head on straight, he’s just the Dom for the job.

 

My Review:

Master Of Freedom is book number four in the 2015 1,001 Dark Nights lineup as well as book number five in author Cherise Sinclair’s Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series. Admittedly this is the first in the Mountain Masters & Dark Haven Series I’ve read and after finishing this novella, I will be adding the entire series to my to-read list. I loved every single word of this story. Every single minute I spent reading it. It was phenomenal.

New to town, Virginia Cunningham was thrilled to have met some new people. Especially the gals she was now chatting with. They were fun and interesting and had just informed her that the BDSM world she had only read about in her favorite books was, in fact, a very real thing, To say that piqued her interest would be an understatement. And they had just invited her along to the mountain retreat that hosted a BDSM getaway. Since moving to California and leaving her fiancée, and their relationship, in the dust, this was a welcome adventure. Something to explore. Yes, she liked her new position as a social worker in the prison system, and it was a departure from working with kids, a job she truly loved, but even that wasn’t enough. Right now, at this moment, what Gin realized she wanted more than anything was to give this trip a go. Head out with these women, meet their spouses, and see where this could lead. This could be just what the doctor ordered….

Detective Atticus Ware had noticed Gin immediately and was drawn to her. Clearly this was her first time being around the BDSM lifestyle and, as a Dom, that called to him on a different level. He wanted to teach her. Wanted to show her how amazing this world could be. He could tell she was curious, open to learning and experiencing, and right then he knew he would be the one to teach her. He was tired of the subs who didn’t really take things seriously. Tired of the fake. He wanted something real. Something meaningful. One that only a true D/s relationship can give. After meeting her that night, talking with her, and her willingness to submit to him, he knew Gin would fit him as comfortably as the ropes he loved so much fit in his hand.

Atticus and Gin start off on a journey of self discovery that builds into a bond that neither one had expected, but both had longed for. But before they can revel in their new bond, things are put to the test and Atticus and Gin will find themselves not in a fight for a relationship, nut instead a fight for Gin’s life…

I had the chance to interview Ms. Sinclair about this book and one of the questions I asked was if she ever found it difficult to write the beautiful combination of emotion that goes into a true D/s relationship. I asked that particular question because, in my opinion, she is one of the best there is when it comes to that. This novella was no exception. The trust and bond that builds between Atticus and Gin is painted in beautiful brushstrokes of love and patience. Curiosity and understanding. Respect and adoration. This wasn’t a bumbling and immature fumble through BDSM, this was journey that I enjoyed every minute of. Gin is an amazing gal who is honest with herself and isn’t afraid to give her trust over to Atticus, especially in the very beginning stages. I loved that about her. Atticus is patient and easy to trust. Easy to talk to. He’s also sexy as hell with a delicious Alpha streak that had me swooning. I absolutely loved them together. The heat and passion were palpable and jumped off the pages. Totally delectable! Of course, they both have their own issues to work through before they can truly give themselves to one another, but it just made me love them even more. I couldn’t get enough of them and I was so sad I read their story as fast as I did.

Now, I have to add a little bit about the suspense element to this story. Holy hell, talk about one hell of an ending! I can’t give anything away but I will tell you that I was reading the last few pages wide-eyed and with sweaty palms. Don’t worry though….Ms. Sinclair ended things just perfectly!

I also have to mention that Atticus’ brother, Sawyer, has a part in this story and I really hope we get to see more of him! I loved him almost as much as I loved Atticus *dreamy sigh*.

Thank you. Ms. Sinclair, for once again writing one a story that combines a ton of heat, raw emotion, and a healthy dose of suspense that had me devouring every word written on the pages. I will be anxiously awaiting more (and crossing my finger, hoping for Sawyer!).

 

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Book Links:

Amazon  |  1,001 Dark Nights

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About the author:

Having to wear glasses in elementary school can scar a person for life.

Dubbed a nerd at an early age, Cherise Sinclair has been trying to live up to the stereotype ever since. And what better way than being an author?

Known for writing deeply emotional stories, the USA Today Bestselling Author has penned sixteen erotic romance novels, most with a BDSM theme. (Please do not mention the phrase mommy porn in her presence.) Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a GoodReads BDSM group award for best author of the year.

Cherise lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Their two fledglings have left the nest recently to try their wings and hopefully will fly high and strong. The “ascendant erotica queen” (Rolling Stone Magazine) now spends her days writing with occasional supervision from a sadistic calico cat.

Visit Cherise Sinclair’s website and follow her on:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest 

 

 

 

Review…Lessons In Pure Life by Audrey O’Connor

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Synopsis:

Freshly minted grad Emilia Noble arrives in Costa Rica to teach English in the tropical community of Pacifica. Its carefree, pura vida lifestyle is a welcome contrast to her dark and wintry origins. Tossing caution aside like an old winter coat, she plunges headfirst into an exotic cocktail of sensory pleasure.

Diego is a local whose surfer body and cool detachment make Lia buzz with a long-lost thrill. Fascinated by her new environment, she can’t help but wonder about the moody inner workings of the boy with triceps like Wolverine and a grimace to match.

Diego seems to have no problem ignoring Lia, though. Caught up in his family’s conflicted attitude toward foreigners, he notices her only when it’s convenient. But as Lia thrives in her new surroundings, Diego might just find reason enough to defy his embattled, insular father. When north and south are mixed together, the results are intoxicating.

 

My Review:

Lessons In Pure Life is the debut new adult work from author Audrey O’Connor and quite an enjoyable freshman effort. Rich with description and with interesting characters, it was a book I was happy to spend an afternoon with.

American Emilia Noble has decided to take a position teaching English in a small, beautiful town in Costa Rica and is immediately struck, not only with the beauty of her surroundings, but with a handsome local. Unfortunately his completely aloof attitude overshadowed his chiseled good looks. She would have been able to forget about him, but fate had another plan altogether and she soon realized he’s the brother of the director of the school she taught at and he was helping with renovations. Now it seemed as though she couldn’t go one day without seeing him at least once. It was disarming, to say the least, and when he starts to warm to her, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to withstand the attraction she felt. Now she just hoped the signals he was throwing in her direction weren’t being misread on her part and he was becoming as attracted to her as she was with him…

As I said earlier, this was an enjoyable read. I admired Emilia for her determination and strength in deciding to go to a completely new place and to try a new way of life. She is a pretty strong gal with a good head on her shoulders. Diego was also a great character, with a dark and mysterious way that really had me guessing as to what the reasons were behind his facade. He would give brief glimpses to a kind and warm man beneath the harder exterior and I was just as drawn to him as Emilia was. I really enjoyed reading their relationship and how it grew from a tentative start to a strong and unexpected bond.

Of course there were more than a few stumbles song the way and Diego’s father turns out not to be the most accepting of American women, which causes quite the rift between Emilia and Diego. Now I’m not a spoiler fan so I won’t give anything away, but know that I don’t recommend books that have unhappy endings *wink wink*

One thing I have to admit I had a teeny issue with was the author using Spanish phrases and not really giving the reader an idea of what was being said. Most of the time I could get an idea of what the translations were but there were more than a few times  I was at a total loss. I felt like I missed out on some of the emotion and relationship dynamics because of that.

Overall, I think this was an entertaining story with the author giving the reader a chance to take a trip to a lush and beautiful land. Thank you, Audrey, for a great read!

 

3andaHalfLovesRLB

Three-and-a-Half Loves

 

Book Links:

Amazon  |  B&N

About the author:

Audrey O’Connor can’t help but color outside the lines with big, bright markers. She’s fascinated by the influence of popular culture on the female experience and inspired by creative boldness and the breaking of the dumb rules women are supposed to follow. Audrey lives in Chelsea, Quebec, where she can be found DJ-ing at local events or scanning a cafe for outlets for her laptop.

Website

Harlequin’s April Weddings Blog Tour

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Happy Sunday!

I’ve got some amazing books and recipes to share with you for Harlequin’sApril Weddings Blog Tour featuring  a few of Harlequin’s most anticipated series titles of the month.

From a spontaneous Vegas wedding fueled by a night of passion (and tequila) to a marriage of convenience with a twist, these scintillating tales will have you begging for more.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

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Bon Appétit and a Book: The Billionaire’s Bridal Bargain by Lynne Graham

Cesare’s Salsiccia al vino rosso

Ingredients (serves 3)
½ kilo homemade or good quality pork mince
30g seedless grapes
10g pine nuts
½ finely chopped white onion
2 glasses good red wine

2 tsps honey
1 sliced red peper
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste


This is the perfect meal for an Italian Tycoon!

Pour some oil into a large thick based saucepan (le cruset are my favourites!), brown the onion until cooked through. Pour in the wine and let it bubble up until the alcohol evaporates, then add the sliced red pepper. Rinse the grapes and cut them in half. Add the grapes, salt, pine nuts and honey into the pan and cook for 10 minutes. In a separate pan, heat some more oil and add the pork mince. Make sure the heat is high to get rid of any excess fat. When the meat is cooked through (and do be careful with pork mince, it must be properly cooked through!) transfer to the sauce pan with the grape sauce and cook for another ten minutes. Lovely to serve with pasta or chunks of toasted ciabatta!

 

 

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Bon Appétit and a Book: From Fake to Forever by Kat Cantrell

Hummus and Pita Chips

This is my recipe for hummus, which I love to make fresh because store-bought generally has a high sodium content, as well as preservatives and other yucky stuff. This is easy to make and doesn’t call for tahini which can be expensive.

Ingredients (4 servings)

 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 drops sesame oil, or to taste (optional)

 

PREP

5 mins

READY IN

5 mins

 

Directions

Blend garbanzo beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and sesame oil in a food processor; stream reserved bean liquid into the mixture as it blends until desired consistency is achieved. Spoon into a serving bowl. You can let the flavors blend several hours or overnight before serving this.

 

To make fresh pita chips:

Cut two-three pitas into wedges (like a pizza)

Arrange on a pan and brush with olive oil

Grind or sprinkle salt and pepper to taste

Cook for 15 minutes at 375.

 

 

 

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Bon Appétit and a Book: The Italian’s Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward

A Caprese Salad is one of my favourite appetizers to serve guests at a dinner party. It’s particularly amazing when it’s made with tomatoes grown under the Tuscan sun, but even if you can’t rustle up Italian tomatoes in your kitchen, it’s still perfect for any season. And the ideal dish to enjoy alongside Italian’s Deal For I Do which takes place in Milano. One of my favourite scenes from the book is the opening where my hero, fashion magnate Rocco tracks down former supermodel Olivia at one of the very popular cafes along the canals in Navigli, determined to find some truths. I wish I was enjoying a fabulous meal there right now, but rustling up my own Caprese salad with a great bottle of Chianti will do nicely! Here’s the recipe:

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

Vine ripe tomatoes – ¼-inch slices

Fresh mozzarella – ¼-inch slices

Fresh basil

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt & Pepper

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a serving platter. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. And enjoy!

This is such an easy snack. I love to make it with my two boys and there are things even the little one can do. He likes to use the basting brush to “paint” the chips with oil. My older son likes to use the food processor–probably because I don’t make him clean it!

 

Mr. Right Now Vol. #2 by H.J. Bellus….Release Day Event

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Synopsis

Volume #2
The Sterling brothers have marked LA with their sin. Dax finds himself fighting old demons. He lost count of the number of women he has entertained in LA, but then he sees the redhead who has been haunting his dreams for weeks.

When he happens to run into her again, he refuses to take no for an answer. Six weeks promised, and so many possibilities lying ahead of him. But can Dax keep out of trouble—and jail—long enough to enjoy it?

-This is a four-part erotic serial.-
Not suitable for readers under 18.

Mr Right Now Teaser

Buy Links

(links to be sent when available)

the series

Volume One

AMAZON * AMAZON UK

About the author

I’m just a simple girl who loves the country life.. .oh yeah! & a good corn dog! Throw in a little Vanilla Ice, and shits bound to get crazy! Be brave…

-Loves country life & music
-Gets the case of the “eff-its” often
-Loves Big
-Hurts Big
-love corn dogs & candy…. & (sex & candaaay)
-My heart is happy writing!!!

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Say My Name by J. Kenner…Blog Tour Stop & Excerpt

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saymynameAbout SAY MY NAME

New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner kicks off a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new trilogy that returns to the world of her beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. Say My Name features Jackson Steele, a strong-willed man who goes after what he wants, and Sylvia Brooks, a disciplined woman who’s hard to get—and exactly who Jackson needs.

I never let anyone get too close—but he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel alive.

Meeting Jackson Steele was a shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room . . . or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.

Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn’t risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go.

Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong—and it could either save me or scorch me forever.

Say My Name is intended for mature audiences.

You can read the first chapter of SAY MY NAME here!

Add it to your Goodreads list here!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play

Excerpt:

I was about to go out on a real date, a very rare occasion for me. And dammit, I liked the way I felt. I wanted to hang on to the feeling. More than that, I deserved to hang on to it.

I busied myself with making coffee, then didn’t want to drink it for fear it would linger on my breath. When the quick, firm knock sounded promptly at ten-thirty, I just about sprinted to the door.

“Hey,” I said, breathless as I flung it open, and even more breathless when I saw him standing there, tall and lean, his dark hair wind-tossed just enough to give him a sexy, reckless vibe. When he stepped inside, his primal, raw scent enveloped me. Earth and wood and rain, blending together in a way that was uniquely Jackson.

“Don’t move,” he said as he stood just inside my apartment. “I want to look at you.”

“I like the dress,” I said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said as his gaze raked over me with such intensity that I was certain he was seeing both the dress—and what was underneath.

“I like the lingerie, too,” I said boldly, and was rewarded by the heat in his eyes and the way his jaw tightened, as if he was fighting for control.

“Do you?” he said, and those two simple words seemed to hold a world of questions.

I lifted my chin slightly, and when I spoke, my voice was breathy. “Yes. Do you want me to show you?”

 

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About J. Kenner

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures.

Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries.

J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.

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Cover Reveals….Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series gets a new look!

COVER REVEAL

I am beyond excited to be a part of the reveal of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series’ new covers! 

Here are the Hot Hot Hot Off the Press new looks for:

 

A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER

HUNGER

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

NO REST

and 

THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER

WARLORD

And, each of the above will be available in eBook format at a special price of $1.99 from now until May 3, 2015.

But wait, there’s more! Head on over to Kresley’s Facebook page for tomorrow’s Throwback Thursday (#TBT) photo and topic: “What is your favorite quote from any Immortals After Dark book?”

and

For your listening pleasure, here’s a link to Kresley’s interview on XOXO Darkcast: http://xoxoafterdark.com/2015/02/13/xoxo-darkcast-1-50-shades-xoxo/

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cover Reveal….Beat by Vi Keeland

Beat

(A standalone novel)

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00072]

Genre: A contemporary romance novel

Add Beat to your TBR list on Goodreads!

http://bit.ly/1lY5edD

Want a sneak peek of Beat?  Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and get a sneak peek! http://eepurl.com/ba8vov 

RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2015

 Cover

Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative

Model: Nicolas Simoes

Stalk  Model Nicolas Simoes on Instagram

https://instagram.com/nicolassimoes/

Photographer: Brice Hardelin

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00072]

Blurb

Dimpled smile of a boy
Hard body of a man
Sings like an angel
Fucks like the devil

I was stuck between a rock(star) and a hard place.

At fifteen, his poster hung on my bedroom wall. At twenty-five his body hovered over mine. Every girl’s fantasy became my reality. I was dating a rockstar. Yet I was slowly falling for another man. The problem was—the two men—they shared a tour bus.

Flynn Beckham was the opening act.
Dylan Ryder was the headliner.

What happens when the opening act begins to shine so bright, it seems to dim everything else in its wake?

I’ll tell you what happens. Things get ugly.

 

beat... Teaser

 

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Throb

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1BgqIUD

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CsRg9d

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zk882K

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1x5c3P8


Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1slglLN

 

Worth the Fight (MMA Fighter Series, Book One)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xC6epE

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1alpVES

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1dbzZ8R

Smashwords – http://bit.ly/1is0zNX

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1co2ZpF

 

Worth The Chance (MMA Fighter Series, Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1xC71aa

B&N: http://bit.ly/1gwTyJw

Itunes:  http://bit.ly/1gHMCZg

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1fqQcnj

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/NU2rCR

 

Worth Forgiving (MMA Fighter Series, Book Three)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1wbsJEK

B & N: http://bit.ly/1ljdVzb

iTunes:  http://bit.ly/XBTLFX

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1kWP4ka

 

Belong to You (A Cole Novel, Book One)

Amazon US : http://amzn.to/1jdAlRk

 

Made For You (A Cole Novel, Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLLdIk

 

First Thing I See (Stand Alone)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLL4ET

 

Left Behind (Stand Alone)
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1wvew5K

About the author:

vi keeland bioVi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work.  She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout…Cover Reveal & SURPRISE!

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for EVERY LAST BREATH, the hotly anticipated conclusion to the Dark Elements trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout!! EVERY LAST BREATH is a Young Adult Paranormal being published by Harlequin Teen and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Dark Elements Series. It is being released on July 28th, 2015. Pre-order EVERY LAST BREATH and then be sure to read the first books in this amazing series before its release!

Every Last Breath - Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM

 

EVERY LAST BREATH Synopsis:

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

“Armentrout is a major talent…I just can’t stop reading!”

—New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

“Armentrout works her magic with swoon-worthy guys and a twist you never see coming.”

–#1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines on White Hot Kiss

And we have a surprise for you! The first books in the series have been given a new look too!!

Don’t miss the previous titles in The Dark Elements Series-now with new covers! Readers interested in downloading the new cover jackets for their previously purchased Dark Elements Series titles, can download them HERE!

downloadhere

For best results when downloading the new cover jackets:

  • Print on 8.5×14″ (Legal paper)
  • Use landscape or horizontal setting = 8.5″ tall x 14″ wide
  • Print at 100% scale or “actual size”
  • Print with the image centered on page
  • Fold and trim to fit

White Hot Kiss - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** BAM ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** Walmart

 

WHITE HOT KISS synopsis:

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she’s crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Stone Cold Touch - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM

STONE COLD TOUCH Synopsis:

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

“Constantly entertaining…the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance.”

—Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss

And the Prequel Novella, BITTER SWEET LOVE…

 

Bitter Sweet Love - New Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** BAM ** Kobo

 

BITTER SWEET LOVE Synopsis:

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn’t just Jasmine’s crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn’t help that Jas’s father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he’s back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn’t taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

“With her signature flare for combining humor, romance and action, Armentrout weaves a fast-paced read that will have readers’ hearts racing in more ways than one. Like Armentrout’s previous heroines, Jasmine is fun and full of attitude, while Dez is as snarky as he is sexy. This is a must read for new and old fans alike!” –RT Book Reviews

 

Author Photo

Jennifer L. Armentrout/J.Lynn Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads | EVERY LAST BREATH Goodreads | STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads | WHITE HOT KISS Goodreads | BITTER SWEET LOVE Goodreads