Mike’s Way Back by Amy Gregory…Book Tour Stop & Review

Welcome to my stop on the Mike’s Way Back by Amy Gregory Book Tour!

Please enjoy my review below and as a treat during the tour Mike’s Way Back is on sale for .99! Yay!

Title: Mike’s Way Back (Finding Perfect #1)

Author: Amy Gregory

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: September 30, 2013

Cover Designed By: Davis Snodgrass

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis:

Detective Mike Sterling walked away from his dream job telling himself it was to honor the promise he’d made his mother, while lying in a Chicago emergency room. A year later, he’s still fighting the demons that followed him back to his boyhood town.

Taryn Watts is an award-winning designer, going from project to project, living from a suitcase. Her plan for Renlend Kansas was the same as always. Go in, get the job done and get out, just the way she likes it. Growing up as a cop’s daughter, her every move was controlled. When she escaped to college she vowed to never fall in love with a cop –ever. Until she found herself sitting across from the ruggedly handsome stranger. Looking into Mike’s ice blue eyes they pulled her, called to her, but there was a haunting in them she knew too well.

Mike is drawn to Taryn, her passion for her work and her stunning beauty left him breathless, but what surprises him most is the peace he feels when he’s near her. Maybe it’s because Taryn is a temporary addition to his town and his secret is safe, or maybe it’s because she makes him feel safe. Mike knows he can’t keep up this charade and when Taryn moves to Renlend for an extended stay he can’t hide the truth any longer.

Can Taryn forget he’s a cop and give him her heart, or will his demons drive them apart?

My Review:

Mike’s Way Back is the first book in author Amy Gregory’s Finding Perfect Series and was an enjoyable kick-off!

Detective Mike Sterling is back in his hometown after leaving the police force in Detroit. Now, if he could just leave the horrible memories that went along with it. He’s settling into life with a quieter pace even if the nightmares haunt him at night. Things are looking up and start looking even better when a beautiful stranger shows up at his favorite pub. Determined to find out more about her, he shares a meal with her and is thrilled at the prospect that she may be spending a bit of time here and with any luck, he’ll be spending that time with her….

Designer Taryn Watts is at the top of her field and loves every minute of her success. She has worked damn hard to get here and is finally at a good place in her life. It’s this award-winning career that has brought her to this charming little town and into this charming local pub. Another charming thing about this town is the gorgeous blond detective sharing her table with her. Yep, she could really learn to like this place. It’s a crying shame she didn’t call this place her home because a gal could really get used to this town and this guy….

Mike’s Way Back was a sweet and beautiful romance with a very real feel to it. Taryn is smart and talented with a fantastic job and some amazing friends. She was an enjoyable character to read with reservations that are very relatable. The uncertainty of new feelings and what it could mean for the life she’s worked hard for. Mike is a delicious, smart and respectable man also with a great career and a close knit family. He is also very real and thoughtful with his relationship with Taryn. I think that’s one of the things I enjoyed most about this book….that Mike and Taryn are more adult in how they proceed with their feelings and ultimately their relationship. The secondary cast of characters is also terrific. Taryn’s business partners and close friends are the best! A fabulous addition to the story, indeed.

Overall this was a great true-blue romance with an ending that I adored. Thank you, Amy!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

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Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times.

She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Kiss Me at Midnight by Diane Alberts….Release Day Blitz & Review

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis:

Her New Year’s resolution was seduction…

Doctor Ashley Hanes has one mission and one mission only—end her annoyingly long dry streak and ring in the New Year with a bang. Literally. When her long lost and oh-so-sexy ex-best friend, Ethan Pierce, shows up as if he hadn’t broken her heart all those years ago, suddenly she doesn’t want to bring home just any man. She wants Ethan.

What should have been one night of blow-your-mind make-up sex quickly turns into another. And another. Before long, Ashley thinks maybe she and Ethan should reunite for good. If only the elusive bachelor will stop running from his tortured past and trust a future in Ashley’s arms…

My review:

Kiss Me At Midnight is the latest work from author Diane Alberts (aka: Jen McLaughlin). I am a huge fan of Diane’s work and was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book. Well, somebody better turn the heat down in here because this book is smoking hot! I loved it!

Ashley Hanes is NOT here at this hometown bar, on New Years Eve, looking for her old sort-of-almost-high-school-flame Ethan. Nope. She’s not hoping against hope that he will stop here while in town visiting his family for the holidays. She’s also totally fooling herself. She would do anything to have a chance to see him again and tell him exactly what she thinks of him and how he totally cut her out of his life for no apparent reason their senior year of high school. She had a huge crush on him back then and would love a chance to tell him that he had blown it with her. All that bravado goes out the window when he actually does walk into the bar and she is dumbstruck with how gorgeous a man he’s become. Plans have changed and instead of giving him a piece of her mind, she’d much rather give him a piece of ass….hers to be exact. The question is: will she be able to give him that without giving him a piece of her heart?

Having a thing for redheads thanks to his high school crush Ashley, Ethan has his sights set on the strawberry blonde sitting at the end of the bar he’s just walked in to. He’d rather be anywhere but here, in this bar, on New Year’s Eve, in his godforsaken hometown but now that he was here, he’d make the most of it. Some fun with this girl is just what the doctor ordered. Talk about a shock when this very redhead turns out to be the redhead that has haunted his memory since leaving her behind nine years ago. The glare she’s sporting is a clear indication that she hasn’t forgotten how he behaved those last few months and his only desire it to apologize and make up for lost time. What better way to do that then with some hot, intense, mind-blowing sex? Hopefully he could leave his heart out of the mix….but knowing him, there’s no way that would be possible when it came to Ashley.

Oh. My. Inferno. This by far is the hottest work of Diane’s and holy mother of all things hot and sexy, it was delicious! What made it easy for this story to fall right into the smoking hot scenes was that the formality of meeting/getting to know one another wasn’t a factor. The history was already there between Ethan and Ashley so we can get right to it. Ashley wasn’t shy at all about what she wanted and it’s always a pleasure to read a strong, no-nonsense heroine. Ethan is an alpha in the bedroom with many endearing facets to his personality that I really enjoyed. What started out between them as mutually agreed upon no-strings sex turns into an awakening of feelings neither one wants to admit to and it was an emotional ride towards the end. A ride I thoroughly loved, of course! The ending of this story was so special and I was crying big fat happy tears. Give me a book that goes from scorching to sweet and you’ve given me a winner!

I’ve got say, Diane just keeps getting better with every book she writes. I will continue to look forward to her work and recommend Kiss Me At Midnight to anyone looking for a great read with plenty of heat and emotion. Thank you, Diane! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!

Five Loves

Giveaway:

Diane is giving away an ebook set of her ‘Take a Chance’ series, which includes Try Me, Love Me, Play Me, and Take Me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author:

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times and USA Today bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. ON ONE CONDITION hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list, and TRY ME hit #76 on Amazon. CAPTIVATED BY YOU hit #31 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another.

Website ~ Facebook Fan Page ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Heights of Desire by Mara White….Book Blitz

Title: Heights of Desire (Heightsbound Series #1)

Author: Mara White

Genre: Erotic 18+

Publication Date: December 22, 2013

Cover Designed By: Daniela Medina

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

A woman who has everything meets a man who can offer her nothing but trouble. They bring each other to a height of desire neither thought possible, but is it enough to overcome the differences that tear them apart?

Kate Champion, a forty-two-year-old, married mother of two, leads an enviable upper class life of luxury. Her comfortable path takes an unexpected detour after a chance encounter at a neighborhood playground.

Jaylee Inoa is a twenty-two-year-old, second generation New York Dominican with close ties to the Heights and the gangs that run them.

Her life of privilege is no match for the code of the streets he navigates with ease. When a crime of the heart leads to a crime in the flesh, how far will she go to redeem him? Can she risk all in her life that is golden for the love of her golden-eyed man?

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Purchase Links: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Kobo | Google Play | Smashwords

About the Author

I’m a reader, a writer, and a lover of all things romantic. I’m also a coffee, hot sauce, ink, telenovela and Bikram Yoga enthusiast. I live in New York City with my husband and two children, and I spend a lot of time on the playground.

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram

Tour-Wide Giveaway

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Interview Rewind….King of Darkness by Elisabeth Staab

Some of you may know this already, but I wrote reviews and other fun things on a different blog before Read-Love-Blog. After a great run of things, my blog partners and I decided to pursue different interests, and that led me here, on my very own site.

So, I have some old posts that I haven’t posted here yet. Today I have my fun interview with the characters from the King of Darkness by Elisabeth Staab….enjoy!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

My mini review:

What a great book!!

I loved that the characters strayed from the traits that have become the norm these days.

Thad wasn’t the typical over-confident alpha male. He was vulnerable and admitted his short comings and I liked to see that he didn’t always have the answers.

Isabel also wasn’t the typical instantly smitten heroine. She was reluctant and used her head at times and questioned what she really wanted.

I really appreciated a different type of enemy, wizards, and am eagerly awaiting the next installment of the series. This was a great beginning to a series that I hope to see for years to come!

Thank you, Ms. Staab, for a fantastic read!!

Interview:

I recently had the honor of sitting down with my friends, and newly mated royal couple, Thad and Isabel Morgan. I spent a wonderful evening visiting them at their home in Virginia. They were kind enough to indulge me in answering a few questions….enjoy!!

Gah, where to begin!? I have to say, I was so nervous for you two toward the end of the story…I didn’t know which one of you to scream at! Please tell me that you make sure never to leave things left unsaid ever again.

*Thad leans forward, taking hold of Isabel’s hand.* You know, Jillian–may I call you Jillian? It’s been a real trial by fire, if you’ll pardon the phrase. Isabel and I, we’re still learning to fit into new roles. Still, the one thing we’re promised each other is open and honest communication. So much went wrong because we each tried to decide what was best for the other. We hope we’ve learned from that.

All right, let’s get down to the nitty gritty, shall we?

*Isabel rubs her hands together.* Oh, I do love the nitty gritty stuff! *Thad elbows her gently, and she laughs and shakes her head. A glint of light makes her good eye sparkle with mishief.* Poor guy. He doesn’t know what to do with me sometimes, I think.

*Thad laughs and pulls Isabel in for a quick kiss.* No comment, he murmurs.

Isabel, how are you feeling? Have you picked out any names yet? Jillian is a fabulous girl’s name….just sayin’

Oh, it’s lovely! I’ll have to remember that. You know I have to be honest, it’s so early still that every time I think about all the little decisions, it’s like I have bats flying around in my chest or something. Do you know what I mean? I just…gosh, you know one minute life’s rolling along and you think you’ve got a handle on things, next thing you know a sexy king sweeps you off you’re feet and he’s gone and knocked you up and you’ve taken up KNITTING for crying out loud. It’s all totally insane.

Thad, how are you settling in to your new role as King?

Speaking of insane… *Thad shakes his head.* I’m kidding of course. I wouldn’t trade it, but I feel an awesome pressure to be the kind of king of my father was. We’re facing threats today that are even greater than before. Some I can’t even speak about yet. I hope to serve our race well.

*Isabel bumps her forehead against Thad’s* Of course you will.

*Thad smiles slightly.* I’ve got you now. How can I fail?

*She rolls her eyes at him.* You’re so sappy sometimes. But I love it. *They kiss again, and a little steam rises from the place where their hands touch.*

I must say, you have one hell of an amazing Queen at your side…speaking of which, Isabel, are you still helping settle all of those “important issues”? I loved how you handled the “puppy scandal” 😉

Oh Lord, speaking of trial by fire! I was so out of my element! I just knew Thad shouldn’t have to deal with those problems, you know? It turned out some of them were so easy to fix, so yeah, that’s what I do now. It frees up Thad to deal with some of the bigger issues and gives me a chance to meet folks so I’m not sitting around being pregnant all the time. *She leans forward to whisper* Now that I’m not sick anymore, you wouldn’t believe how fast I can suck down a bag of Goldfish crackers. It’s embarrassing!

Did you two come up with any cool parlor tricks you can do when you mingle your powers? Just think, if the whole ruling thing doesn’t work out, you can open up a spa with special steam treatments!

*Thad gets a little squirmy and starts cracking his neck.* *Isabel laughs.* It’s uh, mostly when we make love that our powers mingle. Which is whenever Thad’s not busy with meetings or the soldiers or whatever, because right now my pregnancy hormones are off the hook if you know what I mean. The closet doors in our bedroom are all starting to stick from the steam!

How is Alexia doing? Is she ready to be an “aunt”?

*Isabel nods, gaze trained on the ceiling like she’s thinking hard about something.* She’s good. She’s… Let’s just say it’s an adjustment for all of us, moving to the estate. Alexia’s gone from living in the human world with just me, to being the only human in a vampire world. She’s excited though, about the baby. We all are.

I know it’s probably top secret but have you heard anything from Lee or Tyra? I know you both must be worried.

*They both shake their heads sadly, but it’s Thad who answers.* Every night, I’ve got guys out looking. It’s killing me not to be out there too. My place is with Isabel, but it’s real fucking hard, the waiting. Having to sit on my hands. We really hope there’s word soon.

Ok, now some fun for you both… The first word that pops in your head when you read these names/words:

*Thad seems reserved after the last question, so it’s Isabel who takes the “Lightning Round”*

Alexia – fun!

Krispy Kreme – yum!

Siddoh – big! stacked! hot! *Thad shoots her a look.* What? I’m mated, not dead. *Siddoh, who’s been standing guard by the door, smiles quietly and buffs his nails against his jacket.*

Beaujolais – Oh, my favorite. I don’t get to drink anymore while I’m pregnant. *She rubs a palm against Thad’s cheek.* Gotta find other ways to fill my time…

Baby – *Suddenly, Isabel seems weirdly panicked.* Holy shit, Thad! We don’t have a crib yet. We need a place for the baby to sleep! *Thad runs a hand through her hair, whispering quietly with a resigned look like this has happened before.* Seven months, he says. Remember? We have plenty of time. *Isabel jumps up, looking anxious.* Wal-Mart’s still open, right? We could go get one right now. And a soft pretzel. I love those things. *Suddenly she’s tugging him toward the door. *Thad looks apologetically at Jillian.* I’m sorry, she keeps doing this. Midwife says it’s normal. *This time his wide grin shows a charming hint of fang.* Truthfully, it keeps things interesting. *He smiles at Isabel, already waiting with Siddoh by the door.* Okay, Izzy. Wal-mart. *He turns to Jillian.*

Pecans – *And by the way, I rather enjoy Pecans, but make my tongue swell.*

Thank you both for taking the time to sit and chat! I hope to keep on touch and I’ll be sure to let you know of any wizard sightings…..

Your loyalty is appreciated, Thad calls over his shoulder. *Siddoh winks and smiles at Jillian before escorting the royal couple out.*

About the author:

Elisabeth Staab still lives with her nose in a book and at least one foot in an imaginary world. She believes that all kinds of safe and sane love should be celebrated but she adores the fantasy-filled realm of paranormal romance the best. She lives in the Washington DC area

with her family and one big scaredy cat, where she loves to spend time with good friends, go dancing, collect wacky coffee mugs from which to drink her favorite beverage, and sing off-key in her kitchen (when she isn’t making characters fall in love, that is).

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Pushing The Line by Kimberly Kincaid…ARC Review

Coming January 2014

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Free-spirited artist Harper McGee is happy to go wherever the wind takes her…until her flight pattern sends her back to Brentsville, New York for her beloved grandmother funeral. Harper’s grief turns to shock, however, when she discovers her grandmother has named her sole proprietor of her candy shop, Luscious. But she has no intention of being anchored to one place, and anyway, she doesn’t know the first thing about running a kitchen or a business. Selling Luscious is the only viable option— until the shop catches fire due to old wiring. Fixing the damage requires major work, and if Harper wants to put it on the market, she needs major help.

Thrill-seeking firefighter Aaron Fisher has never walked away from a challenge or a friend. So when a fellow firefighter is hurt on a call and can’t complete a side job for his contracting company, Aaron’s quick to jump in. He’s done plenty of fix ‘er ups for his buddy in the past, and despite his silver spoon upbringing and his no-holds-barred attitude, swinging a hammer suits Aaron just fine. That is, until he discovers the client is the same impetuous woman he forcibly dragged from the flames of Brentsville’s local candy shop.

The more time Harper and Aaron spend at Luscious, the hotter their attraction burns, daring them both to shed their tough outer layers to reveal the tender desires beneath. But when a buyer makes Harper the offer of a lifetime, she must choose between roots and wings. Can two people who live in the moment learn to see past the moment, or will Aaron and Harper always live their lives pushing the line?

My review:

Pushing The Line is the latest in author Kimberly Kincaid’s Line Novella Series, a series that I love and always look forward to reading more of. Well, this was no exception. As a matter of fact, this novella is in a tie for my first place in the series. I loved it!

Harper McGee has only had two constants in her life….her grandmother and her grandmother’s candy store, Luscious. You could say that Harper lived by the saying “a rolling stone gathers no moss”. Unfortunately Harper’s whole life changes when her grandmother suddenly passes away. Never one to stay in one place for long, Harper is beyond shocked when her grandmother’s will reveals she is now the owner of Luscious. Her grandmother knew her so well, and knew she never put down any sort of roots. Why on earth would she have left the store to her? The answer to that question would have to wait when a fire rips through the candy store kitchen and effectively puts Harper in Brentsville until the repairs are completed and she can get the store up for sale. Funny how things work out sometimes though. This whole situation puts Harper working side by side the handsome firefighter/construction guru Aaron Fisher and before long Harper realizes that staying here in this town may not be such a bad thing after all.

The last thing firefighter Aaron Fisher thought he’d be doing when he got the call that there was a fire at Luscious was wrestling with a damsel in distress. Ok, so maybe he wasn’t exactly wresting, but he did have to physically drag her out after she insisted on grabbing one last thing from the flaming kitchen. He had no idea until his buddy’s construction company got the call to head up the renovations that the damsel in distress is actually the late owner’s granddaughter, and now the new owner. His friend had gotten hurt in the fire so it was now his responsibility to get this job done. He has no idea when he agrees to this job that the renovations aren’t just within the kitchen….Harper is in need of some emotional renovations and like the fire ravaged kitchen, Aaron is just the guy for the job.

The items being built between Harper and Aaron aren’t just new floors and drywall…there’s an undeniable connection that just keeps getting stronger with each day they spend working together. In the end, will what they’ve built be enough to keep Harper in this town…and with Aaron?

I was so excited for this story. We met Aaron earlier on the series and I have been waiting for his story since that first intro. Well, it was worth the wait. Aaron is self assured and confident in his abilities as a firefighter, in construction and as a man. He lives life to the fullest and loves with that same intensity. He is loyal, understanding and has a big heart. Not to mention, tall, dark, adorably dimpled and handsome! He’s got sex appeal to spare but without being cocky. A delicious combo, indeed. Harper is a tough nut to crack but when she finally starts to open up she is just as amazing as Aaron. She’s had a tough life and losing the only thing that mattered to her really hit hard. Her honestly from the very start was really refreshing and admirable. She is a really well rounded character with her equal measures of strength and vulnerabilities. The connection between Aaron and Harper was fast, furious and oh so fantastic. The way they just “got” each other was a treat to read. I also loved seeing the characters form the rest of the series hanging out in Mac’s and enjoying one another’s company. The joking and laughter between all of them warmed my heart and had me smiling from ear to ear.

One of Kimberly’s many talents is her ability to make characters so real to the reader. Just an example is that Aaron and Harper both have tattoos and their reasons for getting the designs they have are very personal and hold a special meaning. That character facet alone gave so much more depth to Harper and Aaron and really added to the story as a whole. It’s very easy to fall in love with these characters and that is a gift that I thank Kimberly for.

As always, I will be eagerly awaiting Kimberly’s next release and what she has in store for us. Thank you for another fantastic and enjoyable story!

Five Loves

The Line Trilogy:

Amazon

About the author:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal…Pushing the Line by Kimberly Kincaid

It’s almost Christmas, my friends, and author Kimberly Kincaid has an early present for you!

I am BEYOND excited and honored to be the one to reveal the cover for Kimberly’s upcoming release PUSHING THE LINE.

I adore her Line Novella Series and this cover is simply delicious!

Oh, and look for my ARC review of Pushing the Line tomorrow…

ENJOY!

Coming January 2014

Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Line Trilogy:

Amazon

About the author:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blood on the Tongue by Stephen Booth…Book Blast

Title: Blood on the Tongue: A Cooper & Fry Mystery (Ben Cooper & Diane Fry #3)

Author: Stephen Booth

Genre: Mystery

Publication Date: December 3, 2013

Publisher: Witness Impulse, an Imprint of HarperCollins

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

It’s a new year for Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, and that means new mysteries to solve in the icy depths of a bitter winter.

It isn’t the easiest way to commit suicide, but the dead woman seems to have simply curled up in the freezing snow and lay there until her heart stopped. There was no one to observe her death but the foxes and the hares. Yet she is riddled with bruises. Her death is horrifying — is it also suspicious?

When two more dead bodies are found, Cooper and Fry begin to wonder if these tragedies are connected, and whether they will survive the winter…

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17851737-blood-on-the-tongue

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

STEPHEN BOOTH is an award winning British crime writer, the creator of two young Derbyshire police detectives, DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry, who have appeared in twelve novels set in England’s beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.
Stephen has been a Gold Dagger finalist, an Anthony Award nominee, twice winner of a Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel, and twice shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. Ben Cooper was a finalist for the Sherlock Award for the best detective created by a British author, and in 2003 the Crime Writers’ Association presented Stephen with the Dagger in the Library Award for “the author whose books have given readers the most pleasure”.
The Cooper & Fry series is published all around the world, and has been translated into 15 languages.

Connect with the Author: Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Blast-Wide Giveaway

Frisky Friday….Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

Oh, yum-o! I am SO excited to share this bit of sexiness with you all this chilly Friday!

So excited, in fact, that I will be giving away an eCopy of Tinsel My Heart. Just leave a blog post comment telling me what your favorite way to keep warm in the winter is to be entered to win. (I will pick a winner on Monday morning.)

I absolutely ADORED this book and author Christi Barth is the absolute best for sharing this smoking hot excerpt! Thank you, Christi!

Now, without further adieu…..

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Frisky Friday Excerpt:

Jack got out of the car. Becca assumed he was going for a blanket in the trunk. Instead, her door opened. Strong arms reached in, nipped her by the waist and flipped her over as he slid into her seat. Pressed chest to chest, he wrapped his arms around her…then firmly planted his hands on her butt. “Everything warm now?”

“To say the least.” The boiling hot springs at Yellowstone had nothing on the bubbling warmth surging through her veins.

“Good. We’ll head for home as soon as you’re thawed.”

“What’s your rush?” She tugged on his earlobe with her teeth. Relished the small shiver that ran through him.

“No rush. Didn’t think you’d want to hang out on a frozen golf course in an idling car.”

“Why not? We’re not idle.” To prove her point, she undulated her hips while sliding her hands beneath his sweater.

“Are you serious?” Jack jabbed at the window with his elbow. “There’s almost two feet of fresh snow out there. Como Park’s a known sledding and tubing spot. Anyone could come by and see us.”

A husky laugh bubbled out of her throat. She shoved his coat down and off his arms. “Not if we fog up the windows.” Then she removed her own and tossed them both into the back seat.

“Becca, don’t tease me.”

“You’re the tease, Jack. Four nights of long make out sessions on my couch. In your hotel room. Never any action past second base. I’ll fess up—I’ve already lusted after you for almost fourteen years. How much longer are you going to make me wait?”

His body stilled to granite beneath her. No blinking, no breathing. Just his superheated stare burning into her. Finally he dragged in a deep breath. “What did you say?”

“I want you. I’ve always wanted you. What are you going to do about it?”

No answer. Not in words, anyway. Jack grabbed the neckline of her sweater. Yanked down and out. Hard. Buttons pinged off the side windows. He scooped her breasts out of her bra. The sight of his big thumbs rubbing circles over her pale pink nipples was incredibly erotic. It made Becca think about the floor-to-ceiling mirrored closet doors in his hotel suite. Made her wonder if she could convince him to have sex standing up against the wall, facing those mirrors. After watching him literally chop down trees, Becca had no doubt he had the strength for it.

Then Jack sucked a nipple into his mouth. Swirled his tongue around it, with the softness of his goatee brushing a wider circle of sensation. And Becca lost all capacity for thought. Grabbing his thick, dark hair, she clutched him tight. Moaned when, with plucking fingers, he duplicated the action on her other breast. Darts of electric lust so bright she could practically see them zinged straight to the aching emptiness between her legs.

He tore his mouth away. Tilted her away from him to unbutton her pants. The position rubbed her against his hardness. Not in a way that soothed, but drove her even higher. Made her clench her thighs against his and rock back and forth on that thick, wide bulge.

He paused, hands on the zipper of his own jeans. “If I promise to make up for it later, would you be on board with getting straight to it, Becca? Not because we’re in a car. And it’s the dead of winter. But because I want to fuck you so badly I’m almost shaking.”

Becca loved, loved, knowing the effect she had on him. Loved knowing she wasn’t the only one about to implode with need. Loved that he wanted her enough not to wait. “If I promise to make it up to you later, can I ride you right now?”

Jack shoved her pants to her ankles with his cockiest grin. “Be my guest.”

She pushed his hand out of the way. Ripped the zipper down and paused, caught off guard when her hand touched only hot, pulsing skin.

Jack laughed at her obvious surprise. “Yeah. I go commando. More freedom.”

He really was the ultimate bad boy. And he was all hers. At least for tonight. “More ease of access.”

“That too.”

Her hand circled his hard length. Feathering her fingers up the sides, Becca rubbed her thumb across the single drop of liquid pearled at the tip. “You know I’m going to think about your lack of boxers or briefs every time I look at you now.”

“Good.” Jack’s hands spanned her waist, lifting her up above him. Then a look of sheer panic washed across his face. “Shit. I don’t have a condom.”

“I do.” Becca reached around in an awkward twist—thank goodness for Pilates class!—and dug into her back pocket. Ripped open the foil packet with her teeth. “I’ve carried one on me every day since the first time you kissed me.”

Dark eyebrows arrowed upward. “Really? Well, I’ve got three boxes back at the hotel I bought right after I kissed you.”

She rolled it slowly down his shaft. “Guess we’re on the same page.”

“No more talking,” he ordered. And seated himself deep inside her with a single thrust.

About the author:

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Cover Reveal….Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby

We are pleased to be able to share the cover for Kristen Proby’s SEDUCING LAUREN.

SEDUCING LAUREN is a sexy Contemporary Erotic Romance novel releasing August 19, 2014! It is the second book in Kristen’s Love Under The Big Sky Series, published by Pocket Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). The first book in the series, LOVING CARA, is due to be released January 21^st!!!

ABOUT SEDUCING LAUREN:

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this 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?

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

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

Links:

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

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

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

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

Amazon Pre-Order: http://www.amazon.com/Seducing-Lauren-Kristen-Proby-ebook/dp/B00GEEB4Y2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387464903&sr=8-1&keywords=seducing+lauren+kristen+proby

Sweet Nothing by Mia Henry….Blog Tour Stop & Excerpt

Welcome to my stop on the Sweet Nothing by Mia Henry Blog Tour!

I have an awesome excerpt to share with you all today….enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Elliot Halloran is running away. Away from her privileged Manhattan upbringing and a promising future at business school. Away from her family, which plummeted from A-list to disgraced after her criminal father’s atrocities were exposed. Despite the guilt Elliot feels for abandoning her family, she has no choice. She is too recognizable to live life as the person she has always been. So when an old family friend offers her a position as an economics instructor at Miami’s elite Alford Academy, Elliot jumps at the chance to distance herself from her past. She cuts her hair, changes her name, and vows never to speak of her old life again.

Keeping her identity hidden is harder than Elliot expected, especially with a roommate who seems to be on the verge of uncovering her true identity. As she fumbles through the opening chapters of her new life, Elliot encounters an entirely unforeseen obstacle: photography instructor Luke Poulos. Luke is sensitive and spontaneous. An art lover. Smart. Everything Elliot has ever wanted. Luke and Elliot’s connection deepens when she learns that he lost his parents in a car accident when he was a teenager. Like Elliot, Luke understands that life can shatter in an instant.

Elliot knows that a relationship with Luke is impossible; that he would never love her if he knew the details of her past. But as she struggles with whether to open herself to love or keep her true self locked away, Elliot learns that she’s not the only one with secrets.

Excerpt:

It’s been two years, maybe three, since I’ve snorkeled, but my body slips naturally into rhythm next to Luke’s. My legs propel me through the cloudy blue of the surf. My breath marks the time in steady puffs. I stay slightly behind him, my head at his torso. I can feel my body beginning to relax, leaving tension and fear and doubt to bleed into the water with every stroke.

I keep my head down, letting the patterns of light on the sandy floor lull me into a meditative state. Silvery fish dart at odd angles beneath us, making quick entrances and exits. I like feeling the warmth and safety of Luke’s body next to me without having to look for him. I like that he’s sharing this part of himself, this secret place that he’s kept for himself all these years. I like that he trusts me with it.

If he’s starting to trust me, starting to open up, why can’t I do the same? It’s not like he’s naïve. He’s experienced tragedy in his own life. He knows that families can be destroyed in an instant. But even as the thoughts flicker through my mind, I know that our situations aren’t the same. Luke’s family was killed in an accident, in circumstances completely out of their control. Mine exploded because of the things I did to betray my father. Luke’s said so many times that family is important to him. What would he think of me if he knew the role I’d played in destroying mine?

I feel Luke reach for my hand. With a single, swift kick, my body is next to his, my slippery skin grazing his torso. He intertwines his fingers with mine and squeezes. I squeeze back, tiny shivers running from my scalp to the tips of my toes. It’s unbelievable how he can turn me on with a single touch.

We swim side by side, fingers laced tight, until Luke slows and motions for me to look straight ahead. Just a few feet away looms the remains of a shipwreck. Despite the decades it’s been since the wreck, the sailboat still manages to look intact.

Luke catches my eye, and I know what he’s trying to say. Together, we gulp deep breaths and kick beneath the surface. He leads me around the boat’s perimeter, pointing out a plaque on the ocean floor that commemorates the wreck. I drag an index finger across the sandy bottom, tracing our initials. Around us, cobalt and chartreuse fish glide from bow to stern. I hold my breath until it feels like my body’s going to explode, then kick to the surface and blow the saltwater from my snorkel.

Luke rises soon after me, then tears off his mask and lifts his head above water. I do the same.

“Pretty cool, huh?” He tosses his head to one side, sending his wet curls flying.

“Definitely,” I gasp. “Beautiful.”

“I think that’s what I like about it—how it’s like this broken thing that still manages to be amazing in its own way, you know? Like a message—there’s life after the wreck.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I can feel tears gathering. I hold my breath and let myself fall beneath the water line, allowing a few tears to slip out before I resurface.

“Tired? Out of breath? Need to tug your ear?” he teases, pushing my bangs off my forehead.

“Never!” I shriek, even though my legs are starting to ache.

“Come here.” Luke reaches for me, his strong arms encircling my waist. I can feel his legs churning beneath the surface. I drape my arms over his shoulders and wrap my legs around his torso. Our bodies rise and fall together in the water, our lips close.

Cupping the back of my neck with his palm, he lifts his mouth to my ear. “Relax. I’ve got you.”

I let my muscles go slack, let my body collapse against his. Even here, in the strange weightlessness of water, he is solid and strong, holding me up. My hands slip against his slick, wet body. Over his defined chest and arms, down his back. The man’s body is a work of art.

“Hold on,” Luke whispers before his mouth finds mine.

Tour Wide Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Mia Henry adores all things romance, from steamy stories to ugly cry-inducing movies. She lives in Florida, where she dreams up storylines during beach walks with her muse, a ferocious 8-pound pup named Lulu.

Twitter: @miahenrybooks

Website

Facebook

Goodreads: Mia Henry

Cover Reveal….The Deep End of the Ocean by Heather Lyons

We are extremely excited to be able to share with you the cover for Heather Lyons’ THE DEEP END OF THE SEA!!

The cover alone is giving us chills! You can buy THE DEEP END OF THE SEA February 13, 2014!!

About THE DEEP END OF THE SEA:

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website ~ Author Goodreads ~ THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook