Hard To Hold On To by Laura Kaye….Release Day Event

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO HOLD ON TO! HARD TO HOLD ON TO is a Contemporary Romance filled with suspense and is a novella in the Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Impulse (an imprint of HarperCollins). And if this novella weren’t hot enough on its own, Laura is donating 100% of her proceeds from the first two weeks’ sales to a national non-profit organization that assists veterans transitioning back to civilian life!!

 

Hard To Hold On To

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EXCERPT:

Easy tugged down the covers and gestured for Jenna to get in. She chose the side that would allow her to lie on the uninjured side of her face.

“After what you’ve been through, I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable,” Easy said.

Propping herself on an elbow, Jenna shook her head. “You won’t. You’re the—” She blanched as if she hadn’t meant to say whatever she’d nearly said.

Which made Easy need to know. He crawled on the bed as if lured by the words. “Finish. That. Sentence.”

She eased back onto the pillow, red hair sprawling around her shoulders like silk, and stared up at him. And it took everything Easy had not to settle himself on top of her and tease the words out with his hands and tongue.

“The only one who makes me feel safe,” she whispered.

Satisfaction humming through him, Easy turned and stretched out on his back. Because if he kept looking at her while she was looking at him like that, he might not be able to restrain himself from having what he wanted. A taste. A chance.

None of which she was in any shape for. And given the shitstorm in his head, probably neither was he.

“Good. That’s good,” he murmured, blowing out a long breath. Damn, he was tired. Not just because he hadn’t slept much the night before. But because of the size of the load he’d been shouldering for the past twelve-plus months. If he could only figure out how to put it down. He scrubbed his hands over his face, wishing he could shake himself out of this fucking slump.

If Rimes were here, he’d kick Easy’s ass for being such a morose motherfucker.

But he wasn’t here. Which was the damn problem in a nutshell.

He dropped his arms to the bed and peered over at Jenna.

She lay on her side facing him, hand tucked under her chin, not looking the least bit settled or relaxed.

“Whatchu need?”

“You.” She spoke the word without any hesitation, any doubt, any seeming self-consciousness.

“Have me, Jenna. Whatever you want,” he said, his cock stirring no matter how hard he reined himself in.

Holding his gaze, she moved closer until her head rested on his shoulder and her body trapped his arm between them. And, suddenly, she wasn’t fucking close enough.

“Here,” he whispered, lifting his arm and inviting her closer. And damn if his heart didn’t soar when she fitted herself the rest of the way against him, her face against his throat, her breasts against his ribs, her leg curling up onto his thigh.

He wasn’t sure whose sigh was louder. All Easy knew was that this was the first time in more than a year he didn’t feel alone. Wrapping his arm around her, he couldn’t resist squeezing her in just a little closer.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her breath ticklish against his neck.

He laced his fingers between hers where they rested on his chest. “I gotchu. You just close your eyes and know I’m here.”

 

Did you have a favorite line? Thanks for reading!

 

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About Hard To Hold On To:

Edward “Easy” Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves—which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight.  He may have just met her, but Jenna’s the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can’t describe how he makes her feel–and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.

As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

 

Hard to Hold On To on Goodreads

 

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Men of Hard Ink

Other Books in the Hard Ink Series:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Come By (11/25/14)

Hard to Be Good (3/10/15)

Untitled (7/28/15)

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:

For Hard As You Can:

“TOP PICK! There is a sinister and desperate edge to this tale that will keep readers glued to their seats. Kaye has dark romantic suspense nailed!” ~ RT Book Reviews Magazine

“Hard As You Can is another five star read. The characters Ms. Kaye has created are wonderfully broken and the drama is gritty, but the burgeoning romance and the tight-knitted relationship of the team leaves you with a sense of redemption. A must read series!” ~San Francisco Book Review

For Hard As It Gets:

“Edgy, sexy and full of suspense!  A great read from a great new author!” ~ #1 NYT Bestselling Author J.R. Ward

“Sizzling romance… The intriguing tattoo parlor and military background will appeal to fans of Suzanne Brockmann and Lindsay McKenna.” ~Publishers Weekly Review

“Kaye’s depiction of sexual tension and her sex scenes are masterful and this will appeal to fans of Maya Banks’ KGI and Julia Ann Walker’s Black Knight’s series.” ~Booklist

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. 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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Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby….Release Day Event

We are so excited to share with you a bit of Kristen Proby’s SEDUCING LAUREN today! You can read an excerpt, read all about this new release, and enter a fantastic giveaway! SEDUCING LAUREN is the second title in Proby’s Love Under the Big Sky Series! Check out everything below and then go 1-click this amazing new title!

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EXCERPT:

As I approach his house, I see his Jeep parked in the drive, the hood up, and a tight, jean-clad ass bent over the side.

Okay, he’s definitely home.

I tentatively wander around the other side of the Jeep and lean against the side, looking at the engine. He hasn’t noticed that I’m here yet, and I’m not even sure how he’ll react to seeing me here, but I can’t seem to stay away. His dark head is bent low, his arms buried in the engine, tinkering with something. His arms are bare as he’s pulled off his T-shirt, which is draped over the windshield. A thin sheen of sweat covers his shoulders and back, and his entire sleeve tattoo, which runs from just above his wrist all the way up to the top of his right shoulder, is on full display, making my girlie parts all tingle and come to life.

Holy Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

He’s so fucking toned it’s crazy. Jeez, his muscles bunch and stretch as he pulls on the wrench in his hand.

“Come on, you motherfucker,” he mutters. I have to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” I finally ask when he doesn’t notice me, keeping my eyes trained on the engine when his head whips up to look at me. I slowly lift my eyes to his and grin.

“I didn’t hear your car,” he murmurs with a smile.

“I walked.” I shrug and look back down into the bowels of his Jeep. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“You walked from your house?” he asks incredulously.

“No.” I shake my head and chuckle. “From Sips. I had coffee with Cara this morning.”

He stands up straight and leans his palms on the side of the Jeep, watching me. My eyes immediately fall to one drop of sweat slowly making its way down his hard chest.

“You had coffee with Cara?” He smiles.

“Yeah.” I shrug shyly. “I’m sorry to just stop by like this. I was out for a walk and just sort of found myself here.” I feel my cheeks heat and I back away, but he shakes his head and smiles widely.

“I’m glad you came by.” He raises his brows as I continue to stare.

I shake my head and raise my eyes to his, then bust out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a shirt. I didn’t realize the tats went all the way up your arm. Who would have thought that under it all you’re just a bad boy?”

His eyes flash with heat as he narrows them on my face, watching me. He pulls a rag out of his back pocket and begins wiping off his hands, but his gray eyes stay on mine. Did I offend him?

“I’m not such a bad boy. Looks can be deceiving, Lauren.” He smirks as he lowers the hood on his Jeep. “But from the look of you right now, you don’t seem to mind the tats.”

“I don’t mind.” I shrug nonchalantly and try to ignore the way my heart picks up speed as he slowly saunters around the hood of the vehicle.

“Do you have any tats?”

“Yeah.”

His eyes widen in surprise and then rake over me from head to toe.

“Where?”

I grin, enjoying this flirtatious banter. “Here and there.”

“I have ways of making people talk, you know.”

“Bright lights and rubber hoses?” I ask with a raised brow.

He tosses his head back and laughs, an all-out belly laugh. “I’m not a cop,” he smirks.

“You might get to see them. Someday.”

He closes the gap between us and kisses me gently on the forehead, not touching me anywhere else.

“I hope someday comes sooner rather than later,” he whispers before pulling back and smiling softly down at me. “I would hug you, but I’m dirty.”

I wave him off, as if it’s no biggie, although I don’t mind so much that he’s a bit dirty and sweaty. “What were you doing?” I gesture to the car.

“Changing the oil.”

“There are places you can go,” I inform him with a perfectly straight face, “where you pull into this big garage, and then you leave your car and go into this small room with five-year-old magazines and stale coffee, and the people there will change your oil for you.”

“Or, smart-ass, I can do it myself in my own driveway.”

“Suit yourself.” I shrug.

“Did you sleep okay on the couch?” he asks, changing the subject.

“Yeah, actually, I did. But I could always sleep just about anywhere.”

“Hence the chaise in your office.” He chuckles.

I nod and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I’m sorry that I interrupted your morning. I was just out for a walk and found myself here.”

“I’m glad you did.” He scratches his stomach, and my eyes follow the movement. His abs are just delicious. For being so dark haired, he has little hair on his chest and stomach, but a light trail of hair falls from his navel and disappears into his jeans. He’s also sporting a V in the muscles on his hips that the heroes in my novels would covet.

“Lo?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Yeah?” I drag my eyes up to his again.

“I lost you for a second.”

I blink rapidly and feel heat fill my cheeks. Jesus, get a grip! You’ve seen hot men before, Lauren. “Sorry, my mind wandered.”

Seducing Lauren

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SEDUCING LAUREN Synopsis:

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

 And don’t forget to read the first book in the Love Under the Big Sky Series…

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 LOVING CARA

KristenProbyAbout Kristen Proby:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

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

SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18123205-seducing-lauren?ac=1

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No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones…Release Day Event

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Today we’re having the release day launch of Lisa Renee Jones No In Between, book 4 in her Inside Out series. Read below for the book info and Lisa’s amazing giveaway!!! 🙂

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No In Between Synopsis:

NoInBetween-300x450The fourth in the Inside Out erotic romance series by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, this steamy novel resolves Chris and Sarah’s relationship and leads into Mark’s story.

 

“Chris and I have faced our demons and bared our souls to one another in Paris. Now that we are back home in San Francisco, I want to believe that nothing can tear us apart. Not Ava’s accusations against me to the police, or Chris’s fear that he will destroy me as he feels he did Amber. And not Mark, who was once too intimately a part of our lives, and who I can see crumbling inside out. He believes he is invincible, just as I want to believe Chris and I are invincible. We have to be invincible. We need each other too much for any other ending.”

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Lisa Renee Jones Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed Lisa-Renee-Jones-Headshot-275INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

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

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

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Midnight Vengeance by Lisa Marie Rice…Review

 

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Synopsis:

Morton “Jacko” Jackman isn’t afraid of anything. He’s a former Navy SEAL sniper, and he’s been in more firefights than most people have had hot meals. Lauren Dare scares the crap out of him.

Gorgeous, talented and refined, she’s the type of woman who could never be interested in a roughneck like him. So he’s loved her fiercely in secret, taken her art classes, and kept a watchful but comfortable distance. Until now.

Lauren had finally found a home in Portland, far from her real identity, far from the memories of her mother’s death, and outside the reaches of the drugged-out psycho who’s already tried to kill her twice. One tiny misstep—a single photograph—has shattered it all. She has no choice but to run again, but this time she’ll give herself a proper farewell: one night with Jacko.

Their highly charged emotional encounter changes everything. In Jacko’s arms there cannot be fear, there can only be pleasure. Anyone wishing her harm will have to pass through him, and Jacko is a hard man to kill.

 

My review:

Midnight Vengeance is book number 4 in author Lisa Marie Rice’s Midnight series and admittedly the first in the series I have read. Well, I’m hooked and will be grabbing the first three in the series because this book was fabulous. Pulse-pounding, smoking hot and full of suspense, Midnight Vengeance is a win all around!

Artist Lauren Dare loves her home, her town, her friends, her artwork, all of it. Unfortunately, she has to leave it all behind. Lauren has been on the run from an extremely dangerous and deadly man for years now and after having her picture taken at her art event last night, she knows her time here is up. She is heartbroken to have to leave her life behind, again, but loves her friends too much to ever put them in danger. And danger is exactly what they will be in if the man looking for her comes here. But she still has one night left here and she decides at the last second to take a chance with the man she has secretly been pining after for months….Jacko. The strong, silent, and dangerously handsome man in her group of friends and the unlikely student in her art class. For one night she could give in and give herself over to the attraction she had been hiding. Hopefully Jacko will give her this last piece of happiness before her life on the run takes over once again…

Former SEAL Morton “Jacko” Jackman has been through more than a few tough situations in his life. Being a SEAL tended to do that to a person. Now he worked in high-profile security and still nothing seemed to scare him sensless like Lauren Dare did. It seems like whenever he was near her, he turned into a different person and lost all his ability to remain calm, cool, and collected. He loved it though. She was unlike anyone he had ever met and he admired so much about her. He wanted nothing more than to take things to the next level with her but surely there was no way a refined woman like her would want a rough and tumble guy like him. Things have a way of working out though and when he is tasked with taking her home early from one of her art events he is certain of two things… One, something is very wrong and he picked up on it the minute her picture was taken and she turned as pale as a ghost and two, there was no mistaking her intentions when they pulled into her driveway. She wanted him and he would gladly take her…and maybe after he would get to the bottom of what had her scared senseless.

Lauren never would have thought Jacko would have picked up on her plan to flee…then again she should have known better. Now he just has to convince her to stay and trust that he will keep her safe at any cost. Easier said than done when you’re dealing with a crazed madman. Could Lauren finally have a shot at a normal life and love with Jacko?

Talk about one hell of a ride! From the very first chapter we are treated to the mystery surrounding Lauren and her past. Once the secret is out, we realized just why she’s been running and why she wants to protect the friends she’s made by fleeing again. Enter Jacko. That man is one hell of a rock and is just who Lauren needs by her side. He’s deadly and dangerous all while being caring and warm when it comes to Lauren. He is a total softie when it comes to her and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Lauren is strong and smart and has a whole lot on her plate that she’s been dealing with alone for years. I was so glad Jacko foiled her plan to go back on the run. Their chemistry is intense and smoking hot and with the whole opposites attract thing going for them, it’s totally delicious. In the meantime we have a different plot forming in the way of another threat to Lauren’s safety and that aspect of the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. We knew about the crazed drug dealing step cousin but this second threat was a real surprise and may have threatened Lauren’s safety more. Talk about a nail biter! Oh, and the lead into the next installment in this series at the end was amazing and really well done. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Thank you, Lisa Marie, for one hell of a smoking hot suspense. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!

 

 

4LovesRLBFour Loves

 

 

About the author:

image004Lisa Marie Rice is eternally 30 years old and will never age. She is tall and willowy and beautiful. Men drop at her feet like ripe pears. She has won every major book prize in the world. She is a black belt with advanced degrees in archaeology, nuclear physics, and Tibetan literature. She is a concert pianist. Did I mention her Nobel Prize? Of course, Lisa Marie Rice is a virtual woman who exists only at the keyboard when writing erotic romance. She disappears when the monitor winks off.

 

Praise for Lisa Marie Rice

“Lisa Marie Rice is an auto-buy author for me. She never disappoints! Her books are comfort reads that I re-read time and time again. Hands down she is one of my favorite authors.”

– NYT bestselling author Maya Banks

“Heart of Danger is a deeply compelling read that shows what miracles love can accomplish when least expected…a marvelous concept.”

–Fresh Fiction

“The right blend of romance and pulse-pounding thrills makes this a riveting story. Rice creates strong characters that develop and grow…Sensual sex scenes, action, suspense and some unpredictable twists keep the pages turning.”

–RT Book Reviews

“Ms. Rice weaves a fast-paced story that captivates and mesmerizes. She hooked me at the first few pages. I love the way she creates a great plot and dynamite characters.”

–Coffee Time Romance on Dangerous Secrets

Pocket Star eBook Summer Event & Giveaway…Try Me On For Size by Stephanie Haefner

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Your summer Mondays just got more exciting!

XOXOAfterDark, Pocket Star’s romance and genre fiction community site, is hosting a special Summer eBook event!
Every Monday in July and August, you’ll find a Pocket Star-E Night post on XOXOAfterDark featuring three great Pocket Star eBooks…and Read-Love-Blog will also be highlighting one of the amazing titles each Monday!
So, mark your calendars to stop by every Monday to see what exciting new title is highlighted AND for a chance to win an copy of that title!

TRY ME ON FOR SIZE - cover

Try Me On For Size

by Stephanie Haefner

Today Read-Love-Blog is thrilled to feature TRY ME ON FOR SIZE by Stephanie Haefner!
We will also be having a giveaway for 5 ecopies of TRY ME ON FOR SIZE!
Just comment on this blog post to be entered to win.
Thanks for stopping by!

SUMMARY:

A sexy, laugh-out-loud love story about a woman trying to save her failing lingerie business with a new product—“personal massagers” made to the specs of the spokesman of her choice! But when she falls for the first model she meets, how can she prove she’s his perfect fit?

With their business in trouble, Mia and Bryn must pull out all the stops to save their shop. Things get sticky when Mia, owner ofClassy ‘n’ Sassy Lingerie, has to go on five blind “dates” to find the right model for the big marketing plan that will save the store. But they aren’t your ordinary blind dates. Mia has to test out the “goods” to find the perfect spokespenis—the model for Classy ‘n’ Sassy’s newest line of lifelike dildos.

Not realizing Mia is on a mission, Oliver Christensen approaches her in a bar and Mia mistakes him for model #1. Oliver decides to play along. But just how far is he willing to take this charade in order to get closer to Mia? And what happens if Mia’s Blind Date #1 turns out to be The One?

EXCERPT:

“We need a new product,” Bryn said, finally adding to the conversation. “Something different.”;

“Different how? Like shapers or something? Those are all the rage.”;

“No. I mean really different.” Bryn stood. “We built this business by catering to two kinds of women and their significant others. The ones who like simple and classic bras and panties, and the ones who want something sexier, edgier. We have something to spark the interest of every lover, no matter what his or her tastes are, from beige cotton to red lace. But what about the women who don’t have a man? Or don’t want one?”;

“Uh, you kinda lost me,” Mia said.

“Look, I no longer have a husband. And at this point in my life, I honestly have no desire to replace him. But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss a certain part of his anatomy every so often, if you know what I mean. Without giving all the dirty details, I have, on occasion, partaken in some . . . selfpleasuring. And so far it hasn’t been all that orgasmic. It’s hard as hell ordering things online. The products are never how they’re described. And it’s not like people love going to their local porn shop. So why don’t we give our customers the opportunity to shop for these beloved intimate accessories in a friendly, comfortable environment?”’

“You want to sell vibrators?” Penny asked.

“Well, yes. And other things. But I only want to carry products we know are good.”;

“You volunteering to test them out before stocking them?” Mia asked.

“Why not? Our customers have always come to us for quality products and solid advice. That’s what sets us apart! And for this new venture, I want our customers to trust us in helping them satisfy this . . . need.”;

Penny jumped in with her thoughts. “We can throw a launch party for the line. Keeping it classy, of course, and show women it’s okay to own these types of things.”;

The wheels in Mia’s head began spinning, too. They needed something big if they were going to survive. A line of tried-and-true toys wasn’t enough. They had to offer their customers something exclusive.

“We need something special. Something women can’t get everywhere else.”;

“Like what?”;

Mia remembered an ad she’d seen in the back of a lingerie catalog. A do-it-yourself dildo mold. Any woman could make a rubber replica of her man’s junk to use when he was away.

“How about selling those custom dildo-making kits? Couples can take them home and make it together.”;

“That’s good. I think you’re on the right track.” Bryn’s brow furrowed as she walked to the window. “But how many women out there are like me and don’t have a model at home to mold?”;

“So, maybe we can find guys to mold. Like have a catalogue of penises or something?”;

Bryn spun around, smile wide, eyes all glittery like the new bra-and-panty sets that came in the week before. “No. Just one penis. One guy to be our signature penis. A spokespenis!”;

“Oh, I like it!” Penny said. “He can make appearances at the store. Women can buy his replica and get his autograph.”;

“Yes. Exactly! A hot guy women can meet and have a face to take home with the toy. They can chat with him, flirt, take pictures.”;

“I don’t know,” Mia said, needing to add her thoughts to the conversation. “Is this really what we want for the store? I don’t want to change the reputation we’ve built. We shouldn’t cheapen it, ya know?”;

Bryn shook her head. “No. I think women will love it. And if you ask me, it’s time for a change. We need something big if we’re gonna survive. Yeah, it’s a risk, but anything we do now is a risk, including sticking to the same formula we’ve used for eight years.”;

She had a point. “Okay. It’s worth a shot. But if we’re gonna do this, we do it right. And by that I mean interviewing legitimate models. I don’t want some random guy who’ll get off on having his penis cloned.”;

“No. We’ll have a strict screening process, including references, drug testing . . . STD testing.”;

“Yep. All that.” Mia made some notes on her pad. Whoa. Back up. “STD testing? Why would we need that?”;

“Well, like I said. We need to test the toys before we sell them. And I’m not going to mold random penises that aren’t any good.”;

“How are we gonna test that?”;

Mia knew that glint in Bryn’s eyes. And she was not going to like the answer.

“By using it before it’s molded.”;

No. No, she couldn’t mean that.

“Someone needs to have sex with the models to make sure their member is adequate.”;

“Why? Can’t we tell that just by looking at it?”;

“No. Different girths and lengths have different feels. You can’t know how it will feel by just looking, or even touching them with your hand. Only a real live vagina can get the data we need to do this right. We need someone who can do this objectively and make an informed decision. And
since Penny is married and Grant can’t do it, that only leaves . . .”;

Bryn eyed Mia, the mischievous grin back.

“Oh, no. What about you, Miss Sassy? You’re the one who said the penises need to be tested.”;

“I can test the already-made toys. I can’t test the models.”;

“Sure you can.”;

The smile faded from Bryn’s face. “You know I’m not ready.”;

“Well, I am not having sex with random strangers.”;

“They wouldn’t be random. They’d be thoroughly screened. I can call legitimate modeling agencies and tell them what we’re looking for. We’ll send them for full health screenings. We’ll select guys for the final round and then you’ll have sex with them. But not real sex. Just test it out and see how it feels from different angles. Make sure it’s thick enough, long enough. Not bent or anything funky.”;

“Are we seriously having this conversation?”;

Penny sat there, giggling. “I think it’s brilliant.”;

“No. I’m not doing it. End of discussion. There has to be another way.”;

But it wasn’t the end of the discussion. And there wasn’t another way that would get them the exact data they needed.

This venture couldn’t fail. It had to be done without error.

Link continuing the excerpt to XOXOAfterDark:
http://xoxoafterdark.com/2014/08/05/pocket-star-e-nights-size-stephanie-haefner/?mcd=z_140818_XOXO_PSN_TMOFS

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Thanks for stopping by!

Show Me, Baby by Cherise Sinclair eBook Giveaway

Happy Weekend!

To start your weekend off right, I have FIVE kindle copies of Cherise Sinclair’s SHOW ME, BABY to give away! (if you don’t have a kindle, not to worry! You can download free Kindle reading apps HERE)

Enter to win in the rafflceopter below…the contest runs through midnight Friday and winners will be announced Saturday, August 23.
Thanks for stopping by!

Show Me Baby giveaway

I also had the pleasure of interviewing Cherise for the 1,001 Dark Nights Monthly Newsletter. Here is a snippet:

The BDSM lifestyle has helped many people face issues in theirs lives and relationships. Have you ever gotten any reader letters that have said you’ve introduced them into the lifestyle and it has been a positive point in their life?

I get letters like that every week. Some are grateful to gain a deeper understanding of their own personalities. Some tell me that what they learned enhanced their sex lives or even helped their marriages. I love hearing that what I write has a constructive impact. But, truly, my respect goes to those who absorbed the knowledge and had the courage to make a change—because even a tiny change can be scary.

On the flip side, many people don’t understand the lifestyle. Do you have any thoughts on that?

I’m grateful to the 50 Shades furor for drawing BDSM out of the shadows and making D/s a topic of conversation in the everyday world. I think that the more a person discovers about the variety of sexual expression and behavior, the more a person can meet her own needs.

What made you choose Rainie and Jake for your 1,001 Dark Nights couple?

Blame Liz Berry. *pointing a finger at the blonde* Liz wanted to see Rainie and Master Jake together, and I have trouble saying no to that woman. Maybe it’s her southern accent?

I’d thought Rainie and Master Jake to be an unlikely couple, but damn, I was wrong. Rainie needed a Master with that kind of subtle strength.

What is next for you in your writing projects?

Right now, I’m working on the next book for my paranormal ménage series. The first book had cougar shifters, the second had werewolves, and now the werebears insist that they deserve a turn. I must admit, I feel rather cruel when dreaming up disasters to inflict on the heroine, as well as the town. Does this make me a bad person?

You can read the entire interview HERE

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About 1,001 Dark Nights:

1001 Dark Nights is a collection of novellas that are breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic. Some are paranormal, some are erotic. Each and every one is compelling and page turning. Inspired by the exotic tales of The Arabian Nights, 1001 Dark Nights features 12 New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. In the original, Scheherazade desperately attempts to entertain her husband, the King of Persia, with nightly stories so that he will postpone her execution. In our versions, month after month, each of our fabulous authors puts a unique spin on the premise and creates a tale that a new Scheherazade tells long into the dark, dark night.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

About the author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Cherise Sinclair is renowned for writing heart-wrenching stories with laugh-out-loud dialogue, devastating Dominants, and absolutely sizzling sex. And did I mention the BDSM? Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a Goodreads BDSM group’s Best Author of the Year.
Cherise currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband and writes full-time under the supervision of a merciless feline.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Twisted Temptation by Phoebe Chase…Release Day Giveaway

Twisted Temptation_cover

It’s Release Day for my fabulous friend, Phoebe Chase, and her debut novel, Twisted Temptation!

In honor of this exciting event we are holding a giveaway! Enter in the rafflecopter below to win a $25  Amazon gift card….

and be sure to pick up your copy of Twisted Temptation today! 

Book links:

Ellora’s Cave  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  B&N

Synopsis:

Princess Jacinda is thrilled to be away from watchful eyes and on an adventure. But the lamp she’s sent to retrieve attracts the attention of a sexy stranger who ignites her body and reveals a world she thought only existed in storybooks, and her fun vacation turns dangerous.
In a surprising turn of events, Alád races into a world where time seems to have stopped long ago. He’s running from assassins—something he’s used to dealing with as an employee of the Agency—but this time he’s got a princess in tow. He only seduced her to get his hands on the lamp he was sent to find but now he wants more of her.
Working together, they must solve the puzzle of the lamp and those who seek it—villains bent on harnessing its power to turn the world into a dark, unhappy place—and resolve other personal issues in order to find their happily ever after.

 

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About the author:

Phoebe Chase loves books. Keep your eye on her, she may just tempt you with some stories of her own. You can catch a little of what goes on in her head at Wickedly Twisted Tales.

Twitter ~ Facebook

Revenge Bound by Heidi Joy Tretheway…Blog Tour Stop & Review

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RevengeBound ebook MED

Buy Links:

Kindle | BN | iBooks | Kobo

 

Synopsis:

On the Internet, secrets never die…
Violet can’t imagine anything worse than having her very private, very naked photos strewn across the Internet.
Until they multiply like a virus.
With her name, address, and phone number attached.
And her boss finds out. And a stalker finds her.
Violet’s refuge is a rock star known for going through groupies faster than guitar picks. Letting Jayce get close enough to protect her exposes her secrets—and her heart—to a man whose celebrity could ruin her.
That’s because being a nobody is the one thing that keeps Violet’s photos from making headlines. And it’s the reason she can never fall for a rock star.
Secrets spread like wildfire when a celebrity fans the flames.

REVENGE BOUND is a full-length, standalone novel, and a companion to the Tattoo Thief books. It contains steamy scenes and strong language intended for mature readers.

My review:

Revenge Bound is the third book in author Heidi Joy Tretheway’s Tattoo Thief series and can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I have loved every book in the series thus far and highly recommend. This book was no exception, I loved it from start to finish!

Photographer Violet had always been on one side of the camera until one night when her boyfriend took some very personal, and very naked, pictures of her. She wasn’t thrilled about it but he had done it in a moment of weakness and had dismissed it as something couples did….until they broke up. Now, suddenly she starts receiving extremely dirty texts from strangers and is horrified to find out her ex has posted those pictures on the internet along with her address and phone number. Violet thinks if she just tries to ignore it, the situation will go away but things turn dangerous when one of the numbers texting her gets eerily personal. Texting her about what she was wearing that day or where she had been. Someone was watching her. Making matters worse was she was barely holding it together while shooting the band, Tattoo Thief, and Jayce had noticed. Now he’s offering to help her fix the situation and she isn’t sure what to think. Could the playboy Jayce really be a good guy? Or would he turn out to be just like her ex.

Tattoo Thief member, Jayce, had noticed Violet from the minute he laid eyes on her. There was something about her and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now, he’s noticing something is wrong and she’s in some sort of trouble. He shouldn’t care. He’s not the type to get involved…it’s not his style. But he can’t seem to help himself when it comes to Violet and he vows to find out what the hell is going on and what’s causing her so much pain. She brings out all sorts of protective instincts in him that he never knew he had and despite her objections he refuses to take no for an answer. Could she be the one to tame his playboy ways? He sure as hell felt like she could be…now if she would just let him in.

Violet is in a mess of epic proportions and emotions are running high but Jayce is turning out to be her solace in the midst of the storm. Have they found something between them that reaches far beyond fixing a bad situation?

Man, so many reasons to love this book. Poor Violet is a pretty private person and becoming a victim of revenge porn has rocked her world. Her father is in politics and this has the potential to ruin their family’s image not to mention her safety when it turns into a case of stalking. She’s scared and doesn’t know where to turn but the one thing I admired about her was that she was determined to fight. She is such a real character in that she has her meltdowns but then is able to pick herself up and come back guns blazing. Jayce is totally swoon worthy in this story. He is protective and caring. Even if he isn’t used to the feelings he wants to make the situation better for her and does everything in his power to do so. He goes from playboy to knight in shining armor and I loved every minute of it. Together they navigate through their feelings and learn more about themselves together than they ever would have apart. Oh, and the chemistry they share is smoking hot. But beyond that, this story deals with the very real issue of revenge porn and calls attention to the seriousness of the act. I applaud Heidi Joy for bringing it to light and for letting readers know how very serious revenge porn is. Luckily, in this story, Jayce and Violet have a happy ending but unfortunately for many, it doesn’t turn out that way.

Thank you, Heidi Joy, for a story that combines tons of emotion and heat along with a very real issue. I will continue to look forward to more in the Tattoo Thief series!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

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About the author:

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

 

Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Revenge Bound Goodreads

Book Spotlights…..The Gangster’s Kiss by Ginger Ring & Lakam by Isobelle Cate

gangster kiss

The Gangster’s Kiss

by Ginger Ring
Book one from Ginger’s Love is a Dangerous Thing series
http://amzn.to/WW303k

Blurb

John O’Malley’s sister is missing. All the clues of her disappearance lead to Hayward County, Wisconsin and the crooks and questionable sheriff that reside there. Pretending to be one of them, John takes a job as bodyguard for the sheriff’s beautiful sister, Grace. It seems like the perfect way to investigate their crimes and corruption, but when someone threatens to kill Grace, the job proves harder than he thought. Is she an innocent witness to a crime, or just as guilty as everyone else?

Grace Sullivan just wanted a normal life: find a good man, get married and have a family. She has had enough of looking the other way while her brother hides behind his sheriff’s badge to conduct shady dealings. Hiring a gangster named John to watch her is the final straw. When a face from the past threatens her life, she is forced to put her life in John’s hands, but as time goes on, all she really wants is to be in the gangster’s arms.

 

Excerpt

“Grace, I have the seeds in that you ordered. Unfortunately, the fabric is not here yet.” The shopkeeper rattled on and on, but Grace kept her gaze on the young man by the car.
“Mrs. Kallstrom, do you know who that fella is? The one who’s fiddling with my brother’s car?” The older Norwegian woman waddled down the store aisle. She pushed her glasses up her nose and peered out the shop window.
“No. Afraid not. Could be one of those men from Illinois?” Her accent made it sound like ill-a-noise-ah. “Don’t know what this world is coming to. Gangsters in Hayward County.” She made the sign of the cross and walked to the candy counter.
“I’ll be just a minute,” Grace called, as she walked out the door. An overhead bell jingled as she passed. “Boy! Get away from that car.” She hurried down the wooden steps. Her heels clicked on the wood sidewalk as she rushed to Daniel’s vehicle.
He stood. His height now blocked the sun and shadowed his face. This was no boy. She had to look up to see his face. Grace cupped her hand to her forehead in hopes of seeing him better. His eyes were hazel. His jaw was clean-shaven, but already forming a shadow of whiskers. A straight nose and full lips accented his handsome face. The man was dressed cleanly and neatly in a blue shirt with white stripes, a navy tie, and reddish brown vest and trousers. A matching suit coat lay carefully folded on the wheel of the car.
“I, uh, I beg your pardon, sir.” Grace swallowed as her eyes fell to watch him slowly rub his hands on a clean rag. Not one to be lost for words, she struggled to find her next one. Her heart fluttered faster and her palms started to sweat.
“John, I see you’ve met my lovely sister.” Her brother grabbed John’s shoulder from behind. “Ain’t she a beauty?” John nodded in greeting, but remained silent. “Grace, this here is John. I’ve hired him to help around here and the homestead. He’s a wiz with cars too.” John continued to stare at her as Daniel introduced them.
“Well then, I’ll leave you two to finish whatever you were doing and I’ll continue with my purchases. I will see you at dinner time.” It was rude, but she couldn’t help it. John was the second man to unnerve her in less than twenty-four hours, and she hoped the pattern would not continue. Her stride brought her quickly to the store and she slammed the door. The bell clanged.
“Ah, there you are. Is there something else I can help you with today, yah?” Mrs. Kallstrom always seemed to answer all her own questions with an affirmative.
“Yah,” Grace shook her head, “I mean, no. That will be all, please.” Why the young man unsettled her, she did not know. He didn’t seem dangerous, but he troubled her nonetheless. She unclenched her fists and reached for her coin purse.
Payment paid in full, Grace gathered her purchases and placed them in a basket. “Thank you, Mrs. Kallstrom, and please give my regards to Mr. Kallstrom.”
“Oh, yah. Have a nice day.” She accompanied Grace to the front of the store. “Will Mr. Sullivan be driving you home now?”
“No, I prefer to walk.” She reached for the door handle.
“Be careful of the gangsters.” The shopkeeper tossed out before continuing the lecture in Norwegian. A knot formed in her throat, as the man’s face from last night flashed before her eyes.
Grace risked a look in the direction of her brother. Maybe she should have him drive her home, but he was still engaged in a conversation with the new guy. Her brother may be the county sheriff, but she never knew if he was talking to one of the good guys or one of the bad, especially now.

 

Ginger on Amazon  |  Ginger’s Website |  Ginger on FB  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest 

 

lakam cover

Lakam

by Isobelle Cate
book one from The Mana Series
http://amzn.to/1pj9H9a

Blurb

The Mana Series, Mana is Filipino for ‘legacy’.
It is 1607. The Spanish have landed on the shores of the Philippines to pacify the natives, convert them to Christianity, and mine the islands for its gold.

Headstrong and loyal, Lakam, a Babaylan, refuses to submit to Spanish imperial authority and convert to Christianity. With her village destroyed and her people killed, she seeks refuge in the Cave of Rituals in the jungle vastness of the sacred mountains, but she is caught, raped and tortured. On the eve of her execution, she regains her freedom with the help of her jailer, Joaquin Santiago, who refuses to see her killed. Now a remontada (outlaw), Lakam realizes the old ways will cease to exist unless she finds a way for it to continue in the ruined ashes of the world she knows.

 

Excerpt:

“Go back to your homes and prepare your belongings, but only what is necessary— food and clothing. Leave anything that will slow our journey. The white men will return soon and they must not find us here. I will send messengers to tell you when we leave and when you see them you should be ready to go,” The Datu told his people.

Everyone hurried away to do their chieftain’s bidding. Their hushed tones of alarm sounded like the waves against the breakwater. Children bewildered at not being able to play whined beside their mothers. A strong sea breeze rustled the coconut fronds overhead, dangerously knocking the coconuts against each other. People stayed away from the base of the trees burdened with fruit to avoid these falling on them. The warriors waited for the Datu to leave before they too went to their own families to make their own preparations. As soon as they were ready, they would bring their families to the great hall in the Datu’s house so they could be sure of their families’ safety and look after the Datu at the same time.

Lakam faced the wind defiantly, like the change she refused to accept. However, she knew after today things would never be the same again.

 

Isobelle’s Website  |  Isobelle on FB  |  Isobelle on Amazon   |  Twitter  |  Goodreads 

Thanks for stopping by!

Cover Reveal…Wanting Forever by Diana Gardin

Wanting Forever Cover

Title:  Wanting Forever (Nelson Island)

Author:  Diana Gardin

Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publication Date:  October 7, 2014

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Cover Design: Grand Central Publishing Art Team

 

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

Synopsis

 

Sometimes the one thing you want is exactly what you can’t have.



For Sam Waters, it’s Aston Hopewell. Talk about a girl out of his league. But he’s just a hired hand, happy to keep his head down and work hard on her father’s ranch. With a warrant out for his arrest, he can’t afford trouble.

Everyone thinks Aston’s life is perfect, but she knows the truth: nothing is as it seems. The only one who gets that is Sam. He understands her in a way no one ever has. But even he won’t tell her everything-until the night that changes their destiny forever . . . (70,000 words)

 

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

About the Author

bio photoDiana Gardin was born and raised combing the coasts of Southeastern Virginia. She is now a happy resident of South Carolina as she married into an enormous Carolina-rooted family. She loves the beach, and even more than that she loves to read while sitting on the beach.

While writing was always a passion of Diana’s, she enrolled in college to become an elementary-school teacher.After eight years of teaching in both Virginia and South Carolina, she decided to stay at home with her first child. This decision is what opened her eyes to the fact that she still very much loved to write, and her first novel was written.

Diana is also the author of the Young Adult novel COLOR BLIND and the New Adult series the Ashes series.

 

Connect with the Author:

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Instagram

Blog Tour Stop & Spotlight….The Lover’s Secret by J.C. Reed

The Lover's Secret tour

 

 

The Lovers secret cover

 Genre: Mature New Adult/ Adult Contemporary Romance

Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Full Length Novel

When a sexy encounter comes like a dream and leaves like a nightmare…

Brooke Stewart thinks she’s finally safe. After witnessing the crime of a killer, she can move on from her past. But after one night at the Trio Hotel and meeting the sexy stranger with the green eyes that can steal one’s soul, her life is changed forever. Passions run deep. The game is supposed to be for one night with no strings attached.

What she doesn’t know is that the sexy stranger has an agenda of his own. Brooke Stewart has something he desperately wants, something he can’t admit to the woman he tries to get to surrender. A secret so deep it would upend her life if she found out too soon. He’s almost reached his goal, and then she gets a letter she was not meant to read. Suddenly, secrets get a completely new meaning.

Is the past really ever the past?

 

Available now: worldwide, print and ebook
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

Connect with Author
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Add it on Goodreads
No Exceptions #1 (No Exceptions, #1)

the lovers secret excerpt

Giveaway

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