November 2016 – Page 7 – Read-Love-Blog

Dashing Through the Snow by M. Leighton…Cover Reveal

Halloween is over.  Thanksgiving is on its way.  The season’s are changing, and Christmas is right around the corner.  What better way to celebrate the holidays than to curl up with a hot, sexy story about a hot, sexy snowboarder?  Dashing through the Snow, the newest creation of M. Leighton, is coming your way November 20, 2016.

Dilyn Hart hates Christmas, so when her boss (and ex-boyfriend) hands her an assignment to interview champion snowboarder and gorgeous playboy extraordinaire, Dash Grainger, on Christmas Eve, she takes it. There are several things she doesn’t plan for—a surly driver, a chalet in the middle of nowhere, a freak snowstorm—but the biggest surprise of all is Dash himself.

Dash Grainger lives for the high, and so far in his twenty-six years, he’s never met anyone or anything he loves more. Nothing has ever thrilled him as much as slick snow, cold air, and breakneck speed.

Until he meets Dilyn.

But one perfect night doesn’t mean clear, blue skies the next day. There are some storms that can’t be weathered.

Christmas Day might just be one of them.

Amazon Alert:  http://smarturl.it/DashAMZAlert

Add to Goodreads:  http://smarturl.it/DashGR

About Michelle

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a rarely ever comfortable speaking about herself in the third person, but here goes. Michelle is a former nurse who has always harbored a passion for the written word, a weakness for alpha males, and a profound love of all things romantic. Never in her wildest dreams did this Yankee-turned-Southerner imagine her life as it is today. She has the best job in the world, a husband who treats her like a princess, and a dog that’s so smart she may one day write a novel, too. You can often find Michelle hidden away in her cave, crafting a new story, or out in the sunshine enjoying some quiet time with her man. Movies, wine, and good food are frequently thrown into the mix, and exercise on days that start with Q. She loves laughter, chocolate, the color red, and you can find out more about her at www.mleightonbooks.com. Sign up for her newsletter here: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonNews She promises not to spam your inbox:)

Find her here:

FB: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonFBPage

Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonFBGroup

IG: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonIG

Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti…Excerpt Blog Tour Stop

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti, a novella in her Dark Protectors Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights! Grab your copy of this sexy novella today!

Rebecca Zanetti’s TRICKED – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

October 26^th

A Fortress of Books – Review

Letter Shelves Blog – Review & Excerpt

Marie’s Tempting Reads – Review & Excerpt

October 27^th

GraveTells – Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

She Hearts Books – Review

Reese’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

October 28^th

Natalie TheBiblioholic – Review & Excerpt

Booknista – Excerpt

The Escapist Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

October 29^th

The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

Vagabonda Reads – Review & Excerpt

October 30^th

WTF Are You Reading! – Review & Excerpt

Alphas Do It Better Book Blog – Review

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Excerpt

Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

October 31^st

Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt

Always YA at Heart – Review & Excerpt

Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – Excerpt

Untamed Bibliophiles – Review & Excerpt

November 1^st

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review & Excerpt

My Nook, Books & More – Excerpt

Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt

Hannah’s Words – Review & Excerpt

November 2^nd

Bookaliciousbabes Blog – Review & Excerpt

Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt

Mistress of Romance – Review & Excerpt

Romance Book Nerd – Excerpt

November 3^rd

The Romantic Angel Blog – Review

The BookWhisperer – Review

British Book Binge – Review & Excerpt

November 4^th

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

The Sassy Bookster – Review & Excerpt

Knotty Girl Reviews – Review

Robinson Reviews – Review

About TRICKED:

He Might Save Her

Former police psychologist Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now, on her last leg, she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. A real vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever with no more weaknesses. Well, except for the vampire whose dominance is over the top, and who has no clue how to deal with a modern woman who can take care of herself.

She Might Kill Him

Jared Reese, who has no intention of ever mating for anything other than convenience, agrees to help out his new sister-in-law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. The plan seems so simple. They’d mate, and he move on with his life and take risks as a modern pirate should. Except after one night with Ronni, one moment of her sighing his name, and he wants more than a mating of convenience. Now all he has to do is convince Ronni she wants the same thing. Good thing he’s up for a good battle.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon Canada

Download the Free Kindle App

Excerpt:

“Walt didn’t do drugs,” Lance snapped.

“Yes, he did,” Mabel countered softly. “We all know it. Walt was struggling after losing his wife two years ago, and we all know he drank and occasionally did drugs.”

Ronni intervened before Lance could explode. “We’re not knocking him, Lance. I agree, based on every session I had with him, that he wouldn’t have killed himself by such an overdose.” The amount shot into Walt’s veins was way too much to be accidental. “Let’s find out who wanted him, and then me, dead.”

Lance shoved a red folder toward her. “Walt was working an internal case regarding drugs that had disappeared from lockup six months ago.”

Ronni reared back. “We hadn’t discussed any internal case. You think a cop took those drugs?”

Lance shrugged. “Walt did. I found the notes in the bottom of his locker at the gym.”

That would make sense. A cop could easily get to her as well with the poison.

Mabel leaned forward. “You can’t let anybody know you’re better. They might try to take you out another way.”

But she didn’t know a thing about Walt’s internal investigation. Did she? “I need to go through all my notes and files from meeting with Walt.” She’d done so once, but her body and mind had been barely working. Who knew what she’d missed.

“I disagree,” Lance said slowly, his gaze hard. “Let’s get you out there and flush the bastard out.”

Ronni’s mouth opened and then closed. “That’s a great idea. Tonight is the retirement bash for the lieutenant, right? How about I show up and prove my health?”

Mabel sputtered. “That’s dangerous. You’re not a cop.”

Yeah, but she was flirting with immortality. “I don’t care. Somebody tried to f@cking kill me, and I want to know who it is. Make them pay.”

About Rebecca Zanetti:

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

What Might Kill Us by M.N. Forgy….Excerpt Reveal

Excerpt

Walking toward my room I notice my bike propped up on two blue milk crates. I stop in my tracks, my hands balling in my palms so hard my nails cut the skin.

Bull is hunched down, a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. No shirt on under his leather vest and grease all over him.

Music plays behind him as his dexterous hands make quick work at the guts of my Fixie. Panic races in my chest. He’s breaking her apart bolt by bolt!

What the fuck? Is he trying to destroy everything of mine?

“Oh I love that song.” I flinch, not noticing Jose standing behind me. “It’s Godsmack‘s Stay Away.” He informs.

“Jesus Christ, Jose, you can’t just sneak up on me like that!” I scorn, clutching my chest. “I could have just punched you in the throat, do you realize that?” He knows what goes on out here, I have to stay on my toes all the time.

“You going over there?” Jose ignores my rant, eyeing Bull over my shoulder. Biting my cheek I turn. My throat bobbing as I watch Bull toss bolts and shit over his shoulder.

My thighs clench on their own, defying the rage poisoning me. Sweat drips from his forehead, black grease streaked among his hard chest. I can’t help the hitch in my breathing.

“Can I have him?” Jose whispers. I blink away the sultry smog clouding my anger and stomp toward the sexy biker.

“Yeah, after I kill him!” I clip.

Bull stands and flicks his cigarette. His movements appearing in slow motion as smoke bellows from his lips. He turns, his back facing me and shrugs out of his cut, throwing it over on the patio. His muscular back inked with the same image that is on the vest.

I narrow my brows, trying to remind myself of the mission at hand.

Holding my hand out I hesitate on if I should touch him or turn around. I look over my shoulder and see Jose looking at me like I lost my mind.

Maybe I have.

Inhaling a large breath, I poke Bull in the shoulder as hard as I can.

His skin is slick with sweat and hot to the touch. The contact shooting warmth through my finger and through my body before igniting in my toes.

He looks over his shoulder, a hard look on his face.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I snarl.

He lifts his chin and smiles. Fucking smiles.

What Might Kill Us by M.N. Forgy releases November 7th!

Now Available for Pre-order!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2elyL1U

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2dZ5Anq

iBooks: http://apple.co/2dNCvrW

Nook: http://bit.ly/2eXUyP2

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2eeizhF

Blurb

Brotherhood is what Bull bleeds and all that he knows.

Being the king of The Devil’s Dust and surrounded by easy women was his everyday… until having his heart broke rooted him to the bottom of a whiskey bottle.

Heartbroken, and drowning in lost memories he’s unsure of the direction of his life, when the answer – consisting of a terrified Mexican girl- nearly knocks him off his feet.

Determined to get his act together and rectify his club, he rides to Texas for answers, only to be confronted with the emotional ghosts he isn’t ready to deal with.

He sees Anahi, and he wants her.

But she may come with more baggage than Bull is ready for.

Anahi used to be prim and proper. She used to wear dresses and keep up appearances to impress people she didn’t know. I guess you could say she was a fucking lady.

But that was when she lived in Mexico with her parents.

Before her uncle turned on her.

Before, the only man she ever loved, her step-brother, betrayed her.

Before she was forced to be a drug mule for the Cartel.

Evening gowns a lost memory, expensive heels traded for boots, and a nine millimeter in her hand instead of a limited edition purse. Anahi sets aside everything she’s ever known including the fairytale stories her mother told her about America.

She’s angry, determined, and looking for a way out.

Haven’t read this series yet?

Now is your chance, grab books 1-4 for ONLY $0.99!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eINe62

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2dZ5Anq

About the Author

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Someone Like You by Lauren Layne…Pre-Release Blitz

A man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

Oxford #3

Lauren Layne

Releasing Dec 6th, 2016

Loveswept

Lauren Layne’s bestselling Oxford Series
continues with the poignant, heartwarming story of New York’s most eligible
bachelor, Lincoln Mathis, a man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes
away the pain.

Lincoln Mathis doesn’t hide his reputation as
Manhattan’s ultimate playboy. In fact, he cultivates it. But behind every
flirtatious smile, each provocative quip, there’s a secret that Lincoln’s
hiding from even his closest friends—a tragedy from his past that holds his
heart quietly captive. Lincoln knows what he wants: someone like Daisy
Sinclair, the sassy, off-limits bridesmaid he can’t take his eyes off at his
best friend’s wedding. He also knows that she’s everything he can never have.

After a devastating divorce, Daisy doesn’t need
anyone to warn her off the charming best man at her sister’s wedding. One look
at the breathtakingly hot Lincoln Mathis and she knows that he’s exactly the
type of man she should avoid. But when Daisy stumbles upon Lincoln’s secret,
she realizes there’s more to the charming playboy than meets the eye. And
suddenly Daisy and Lincoln find their lives helplessly entwined in a journey
that will either heal their damaged souls . . . or destroy them forever.

Advance praise for Someone Like You

“Fun and flirty, sassy and steamy, with a deep
emotional pull that will keep you turning the pages.”—Kelly Jamieson, author
of Top Shelf

“An unsung hero with a story that touched my heart. Emotional and
gripping. A top favorite of 2016 for me.”—New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland

Lauren
Layne is the USA Today bestselling
author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with
her husband (who was her high school sweetheart–cute, right?!) and plus-sized
Pomeranian.In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time
writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back.

In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would
carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All the Ways You Saved Me by Jamie Howard…Release Day Blitz & Review

ALL THE WAYS YOU SAVED ME by Jamie Howard
E-Original published by Swerve
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
ISBN: 9781250119926
Price: $3.99

BLURB

Bianca Easton is the perfect senator’s daughter.

Law school? Check.

Camera-ready smile? Check.

A dull and boring existence? Double check.

But that was before. Before she lost her best and only friend in a tragic accident. Before she found that friend’s unfinished bucket list. Definitely before she turned her life upside-down by deciding to stay in New York for six months to finish it.

It’s while she’s checking off her first item on the list–buy coffee for a stranger–that she meets Ian Mathis. Between the tattoo sleeve curling up his right arm, his guitar-roughened fingertips, and the secrets shadowing his past, he’s a complication Bianca doesn’t need but desperately wants.

With every item they cross off the list together, Bianca uncovers a piece of herself that she’s buried under what’s expected, all the while breaking her own rules by falling hard for Ian. But when her six months run out, Bianca has to decide if she’s willing to risk her empty but picture-perfect life for a chance at real, messy love.

Who knew one book could draw such strong and powerful emotions out of you?!?! This book can and did. All The Ways You Saved Me was nothing short of an emotional ride that I have no regrets getting on.

“Anything worth doing is worth taking the time to get it right.”

I fell in love with Jamie’s writing from her debut book and she has never let me down since. If anything, she’s only surprised me with each book.

All The Ways You Saved Me is story about growth and finding your place in life. There are so many different facets to this story. Learning from your past, dealing with the death of loved one, not allowing others to dictate your life, etc. And it all just pieces together perfectly.

I love how Jamie tells this story in the present from Bianca’s POV and from Ian’s past POV. We get to learn about both of them but told in this perspective, it gives us a better and deeper understanding of each character- their best parts, their flaws and everything in between.

“Life doesn’t play by the rules.”

Jamie wrote this story beautifully. Her writing is flawless and the whole pace of the book is just perfect. Another fantastic book by Jamie Howard!!!

BUY LINKS

SMP Romance: http://smpromance.com/contemporary.html#all-the-ways
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/allthewayskindle
B&N: http://smarturl.it/allthewaysnook
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/allthewaysibooks
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/allthewayskobo

AUTHOR BIO

JAMIE HOWARD spends her days as a legal and compliance specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Ramapo College. When she’s not tapping away at the keyboard, you can find her devouring books and perfecting her gaming skills. She lives with her husband, son, and three dogs in New Jersey, and is almost always awake early enough to see the sun rise, even on the weekends.

Author Links
Website: https://jamiehowardauthor.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiehowardauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JRHoward9/@JRHoward9

Harlequin Holidy Spotlight…Love Lessons Learned with Marta Perry & Jo Ann Brown, authors of Amish Christmas Blessings

AMISH CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS:

The Midwife’s Christmas Surprise/

A Christmas to Remember

by Marta Perry, Jo Ann Brown

Explore the Amish community this holiday season with two tales to warm your heart.

The Midwife’s Christmas Surprise by Marta Perry

Three years ago, the man Anna Zook hoped to marry left her and their Amish community for the English world. Now devoted to proving her abilities as a midwife, Anna has given up on marriage and children for herself. But when Benjamin Miller returns, now a changed man, can delivering a Christmas baby reunite these two hurting hearts?

Love Lessons Learned: In my story, Anna and Benjamin are faced with a situation neither of them want but which they can’t avoid. In the process of dealing with a fierce snowstorm, a blocked road, and a baby determined to arrive for Christmas, they set aside their own issues to work together. In the process, they learn that everyone deserves a second chance, and that sometimes second chances can lead to a lifetime of happiness.

A Christmas to Remember by Jo Ann Brown

When a little girl leads shop owner Amos Stoltzfus to an Amish woman in distress, he rushes them to his family’s farm. “Linda” has no memory and doesn’t know if the sweet child is her daughter or even her kin. As Christmas arrives and Linda’s identity is revealed, will Amos be able to claim his holiday guests as his own?

Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book.

Falling in love with who you are now is more important than the person you might have been once upon a time. (This is an amnesia story, so that’s a vital aspect of the plot)

MARTA PERRY is a Pennsylvania-based author of more than 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books. Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she’s not busy writing her next book, she’s usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.

JO ANN BROWN is a lifelong storyteller and the award-winning author of numerous romantic novels. She also writes as Marianne Ellis. A former U.S. Army officer, she has taught creative writing at Brown University and is thrilled whenever one of her students publishes. She is active in adoptive family support. She currently lives in Nevada with her family, which includes one very spoiled cat.

Halo by R.C. Stephens….Release Day Blitz

Title: Halo

Author: R.C. Stephens

Release Date: Nov 1, 2016

Add to Goodreads

I fell in love with Thomas Wells and knew he was my forever.

I was sixteen when I gave him my heart.

Our love was the kind to last a lifetime.

But Thomas was broken.

The first day we met he told me he was going to become a Navy SEAL.

At nineteen he enlisted.

At twenty he married me.

At twenty five he left me pregnant and didn’t turn back.

I knew he was suffering….

I also knew I couldn’t save him.

He left me broken.

I was scared and alone.

Until I met Ryder St. John a wounded soldier…

He was lost.

I was lost.

Together we made sense.

I fell in love again…

What Ryder forgot to mention was that he held a secret so explosive that it could shatter both our worlds.

“We aren’t from the same area of Rogers Park I’m guessing, but no I don’t like it. I live with my father and I can’t wait to leave. I’ve been training since the day I turned fifteen. There’s a SEAL training camp in Great Lakes, Illinois and that’s where I’m headed. Then I’ll be property of the Navy and allow them to take me wherever that may be as long as it’s away from here.”

I can’t help but sulk.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind going back to LA,” I mutter.

“How old are you anyway?”

“I’m fifteen. And you?”

“I just turned seventeen,” he replies, biting his lower lip again. I wonder if it’s a nervous habit. “Are you going to give me your number?” he asks. He obviously didn’t have self-esteem issues. I look over to my side and I see Amanda practically drooling as she watches us.

“Ah!” He takes a step back as if he’s tripped and holds his hand up to his chest. “I’m wounded. You seriously need to think about it? Well, that’s a first.” He shakes his head.

Oh geez! He must have lots of girlfriends. Leave it up to me to be lusting after a player.

“Well, if that’s a first then you don’t need to worry,” I snap at him, not liking his arrogance. “You must have them waiting in line for you.”

He looks almost bewildered and remains painfully quiet. It makes me feel like I have the upper hand and I like it for once. Maybe I’ve been drooling too much and he senses it. Not happening.

“There’s a line, but it’s your number I want,” he replies with a cocky grin.

“Thomas, I am not that kind of girl,” I answer harshly.

“Halo, I know you aren’t and that’s why I want your number.” His tone is filled with challenge.

As far back as R.C. Stephens can remember she was a sucker for a good romance. Of course there had to be a prince charming even if he ultimately was a dark knight and there had to be a happy ending.

She watched the movie Dirty Dancing way too many times growing up and Jean Claude Van Damme movies too. Go figure!

After years of saying she would write a book one day, she finally put pen to paper and carved out the plot line for what would eventually become the best selling Twisted Series. Now R.C. is just finishing up her seventh book and can’t seem to stop the stories running through her mind. Visit R.C. on her FB page to find out what’s new in her life and what releases she has coming up.

Harlequin Holiday Spotlight…Love Lessons Learned with Allison Leigh, author of A Child Under His Tree

A CHILD UNDER HIS TREE

By New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Allison Leigh

‘Tis the season for second chances…and secrets!

Forget the mistletoe maneuvers. Kelly Rasmussen isn’t planning on having that reunion kiss with Dr. Caleb Buchanan any time soon. Things had long ago gone south for these former high school sweethearts. Except for that one night six years ago—which resulted in an explosive secret Kelly’s kept till this very day.

Now career and family have brought them both back to Weaver, Wyoming. Their unavoidable clashes—and instant chemistry—make them realize this town isn’t big enough for the two of them. Or three of them—counting Kelly’s son. Because there’s something about that little boy… For one thing, he has Caleb’s eyes…

Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book.

I think the most important lesson to take from Kelly and Caleb’s relationship is that love isn’t some perfect, ribbon-wrapped gift that is bestowed on people with no expectation of challenge or work. Love, like anything worth having, takes work. It takes tending. Kelly and Caleb had to get to a point where they could accept their own responsibilities in the things that went wrong in the past as well as each other’s, forgive the hurts–and let them go—so they could embrace all the good that was—and could be—between them.

ALLISON LEIGH’S high point as a writer is hearing from readers that they laughed, cried or lost sleep while reading her books. She makes her home in Arizona where she’s blessed with an immensely patient family who doesn’t mind (much) her time spent at her computer and who gives her the kind of love she wants her readers to share in every page. Stay in touch at http://www.allisonleigh.com and @allisonleighbks.

Stroked Hard by Meghan Quinn…Release Day Blitz & Review

We’re celebrating the release of STROKED HARD! Check out the excerpt and teasers below!

STROKED HARD

Scheduled to release: November 1, 2016

Sports Romance
Cover Designed by: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Goodreads

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dGA5s9
iBooks: http://apple.co/2eQuMZR
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2dPh3Qc
Nook: to come!

He’s hot. Like, stop breathing kind of hot with his killer body, vivid blue eyes, and constant five o’clock shadow.

Did I mention his body?

Watching Hollis Knightly, Olympic diving gold medalist, man-pony specialist—and cocky bastard—stand up on the diving platform in nothing but a small piece of Spandex? Yeah, I’m beguiled.

And easily seduced.

I want to keep things light but he won’t leave me alone. And hell, if he’s not wearing me thin.

What is supposed to be a simple summer fling with a very hot man, has now morphed into a f*cked-up mess of feelings, attachment, and dare I say it…love. But I don’t do relationships. And Hollis Knightly does.

I absolutely love this series. Each and every book has been interesting and entertaining to read. And they’ve all brought many emotions and smiles to my face. Each of them can be read as standalone. However, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend that you read them in order as Meghan does give juicy tidbits away in each books about the previous characters.

Stroked Hard is the final book in this series and Meghan delivers another fantastic story. Hollis is the jokester of the whole group and we get to see even more of that in this book. Stroked Hard is Hollis and Melony’s story. And it’s a very endearing and heartwarming story.

Hollis is training for the Olympics and his hopefully third Gold medal in diving. He’s best friends with Reese and is one the biggest smart asses I have ever come across. Yet, he’s not annoying – he’s one of those enjoyable smart asses because you wish you could be just as witty as him. Oh and his body – his abs of perfection – ones that should that be illegal. Yea. And he’s got his eyes on Melony from the first time he saw her. And he refuses to let any obstacle stop him from getting her attention and then winning her over. She’s his biggest competition yet.

Melony is a makeup artist and she’s working for Bellini, aka Queen Bitch. She meets Hollis during a photo that Reese and Bellini are having. She’s never been one to fall for any guys pickup lines, she definitely doesn’t fall for any of Hollis’ witty banter or quick comebacks. She doesn’t do relationships and knows that Hollis is off limits for that very reason. True love isn’t real in her eyes – it’s not something that exists. At least not for her.

I loved how everything plays out between these two. It’s definitely a slow transition and Hollis never once gives up on Melony or the idea of them being together. I enjoyed watching Hollis woo Melony. Their interactions and banter w ere so perfect. She definitely makes him work for it and he’s always surprising her around every corner. They keep each other their toes. This is one love story you definitely want to read.

Meghan never ceases to amaze me with her characters and their unique qualities. They are always very life like and easily relatable. I look forward to reading more from her.

A joke about Reese getting his makeup done is on the tip of my tongue when I turn to see a little brunette with sun-kissed hair, beautifully bronzed skin, and the biggest fucking green eyes I’ve ever seen standing behind Reese.

Holy shit.

The hottest fucking woman I’ve ever seen is standing behind him wearing ripped jean shorts, a tight-as-hell white tank top, and teal Converse. Her hair is shoulder length, wavy, and looks so fucking soft that all I want to do is bury my head in it. But what’s really causing my pants to grow tighter by the minute are her pink-glossed plump lips. I’m mesmerized by the way the lights bounce off them and I can’t fucking help the way my mind wanders, wondering all the ways I can have fun with those lips.

“Are you coming, man?” Reese asks as he walks away.

What? Oh shit.

“Sure. You need me to hold your hand like last time?” I ask, chasing after them. “I don’t mind, but when the scary blow dryer comes at you again, I won’t be cleaning your inner thighs again from pee dribble. I did it once and it was fucking creepy. Never again.”

I don’t get a response besides the middle finger directed at me from behind his back.

Reese sits in a black chair, his large body making the poor seat look like a toothpick. He exhales and slouches as Miss Pouty Lips starts to play around with his hair.

Jealousy instantly consumes me. I want to blast my best friend from his seat and take his place just to experience the feel of her pink painted nails running through my hair.

Are her toes painted pink as well? Or does she have them painted a different shade? Fuck, I don’t care, either way I’m hell-bent on figuring it out.

“Do you have dryland later today or do you want to grab dinner?” Reese asks, pulling my eyes off her fingers for a second.

“Are you paying?”

“Cheap fuck.”

I shrug. “I save my money for more important things, like dates.” The girl looks up at me and gives me a courtesy smile. Eh, I’ll take it. “Dude, you’re so fucking rude.”

“What did I do?” Reese asks.

“Uh, you didn’t introduce me to your friend.” I nod at the girl.

“Because I don’t even know her name.” Reese looks a little ashamed as he admits his fault.

I come closer and say, “Then you are fucking rude.” I hold my hand out. “Hi, I’m Hollis and this is my rude as fuck friend, Reese.”

The girl shakes my hand quickly, giving me a brief taste of how her palm would match up with mine. “Melony. Nice to meet you.”

“Melony, what a beautiful name.”

Reese snorts, right between us. Not in an awkward kind of a way, more in a dude’s blowing up my game kind of way.

He sits back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “Oh shit, this is going to be good.”

Ignoring him, I keep my attention focused on Melony. “Do you frequent these shoots often?”

Another snort. “That’s the best you got?” Reese asks. “Come on, man. You’re better than the old ‘you come around here often’ pick-up line.”

He’s right, but fuck, I’m kind of thrown off my game a little. It’s the glossiness of her lips; they’re distracting me. Would that gloss help her slide right along my dick?

Melony ignores Reese’s barb and says, “I do all hair and makeup for the show, mostly for Bellini.”

Conversation door open.

“Oh shit, and you haven’t been burnt by dragon lady’s spitting fire yet?”

She flips her hair to the side and grins at me. “Why do you think my hair is short?”

Fuck. I like her. Just like that. The sexy grin, the flip of her soft hair, the mischief in her eyes. Yup, I’m a fucking goner.

But just as soon as the words slip from her mouth, she straightens up and looks at Reese. “Oh crap. I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry, Mr. King. Bellini is . . .” she swallows hard and continues, “a nice lady.”

Reese waves it off. “She can be a bitch.”

It’s all he says but I know what he really means. Bellini is the epitome of the devil reincarnated. Unfortunately, given his situation, he has to be politically correct. Frankly I don’t know why he’s putting himself through this kind of torture. Trials aren’t for six months; you would think his publicist could come up with something else for him to do after his last stint at the Olympics. If I were him, I would fire my publicist’s ass.

“Reese, can you spare a moment over here for a second?” a squirrely man I know by the name of Jasper asks. Reese excuses himself giving me the perfect opportunity to talk with Melony.

She’s washing some makeup brushes, busying herself and staying as far away from me as possible. Too bad for her, I have other plans.

“Where are you from, Melony?” She glances in my direction but turns back to her brushes.

“Here,” she says curtly.

“Born and raised a Cali girl, huh? That’s—”

“I’m going to stop you right there.” She holds her hand up. “I see where this is going.”

“And where is this going?” I ask, stepping closer to her.

She gives me the once-over and puts her hand on her hip. “You say some cheesy stuff trying to get to know me. To be polite, I’ll entertain you and then you’ll ask me out. I’ll say no and then you’ll take that as a challenge.”

I scrunch my nose. “You would say no?” That’s kind of a first for me, so I’m interested to hear her answer.

“Not used to the word? Does the Olympic diver always get what he wants?”

“Ah, so you know who I am.” I knowingly point at her. “I knew you did from the way you tried to see through my shirt. Don’t worry, sweetheart, the abs everyone talks about are real.”

She scoffs. “You’re pathetic.”

Well, that’s a first as well.

“Are you trying to make me cry?” I tease.

Rolling her eyes, she steps away, putting unwanted distance between us. “Seriously, not going to happen, Hollis, so pack up your pick-up lines and take them somewhere else.”

“Wow.” I rest my hip against one of the tables full of beauty shit and cross my arms over my chest. “Flatter yourself much? Who says I was even trying to pick you up? What if I was just trying to be nice? That’s kind of embarrassing for you, assuming such a thing.”

“Please, Hollis. Nice try. It’s not going to happen.”

Growing irritated, I ask, “And why not?”

“Because.” She points a makeup brush at me. “You’re not my type and I have zero interest in pursuing a relationship with you.” With that, she fucking wags her pert little ass away from me.

Well, fuck me. That didn’t go as planned.

NOW AVAILABLE!

STROKED by Meghan Quinn

Released: July 19, 2016
Cover Designer: Murphy Rae

Sports Romance
Goodreads

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29TFEHS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2a34Tow

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2a0cGU6

Nook: http://bit.ly/29W377i

iBooks: http://apple.co/2accSSI

BLURB:
Reese King: Olympic medalist, underwear model, Greek god.

His body is chiseled from rock, sculpted by the weight room, and refined by water.

On a daily basis his skin is completely bare for everyone to see, tan and defined, only covered up by a minuscule piece of spandex. There is no denying his sex appeal.

I hate to admit it, but I’m head over heels infatuated with him.

There is one HUGE problem though. His achingly gorgeous abs, inked up arm, and cocky swagger belong to my boss, the high-profile, reality star bitch from hell and certified heinous human being, Bellini Chambers.

What I think is going to be an easy job assisting a glorified wench turns into a cluster f*ck of epic proportions.

STROKED LONG by Meghan Quinn

Scheduled to release: September 20, 2016

Sports Romance
Cover Designed by: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Goodreads

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cAepAM
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cdpvwA

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2bMRByM
iBooks: http://apple.co/2cdfGyN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cEIijR

BLURB:

From his dirty-blond hair and breathtaking smile, to the abs from heaven and the irresistible V in his waistline, everything about Bodi Olympic-gold-medalist Banks screams hot piece of @$$.

Yet there’s more.

Dark shadows lurk behind his soulful, serious eyes.

I’m enamored. He’s captured me.

How can running an art foundation with Bodi Banks turns into a slow-burning, epic romance, even though he tries to push me away at every chance? How can I stay away from a broken, routine-driven man whose soul cries to be forgiven for a crime only he believes he committed? Or is that a lie?

**STROKED LONG can be read as a stand alone.

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Find me on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

Visit my website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

Harlequin Holiday Blog Tour Stop….Love Lessons Learned with Cathy Gillen Thacker, author of A Texas Cowboy’s Christmas

A Texas Cowboy’s Christmas

by Cathy Gillen Thacker

A Gift as Big as Texas

Molly Griffith is ambitious and only wants to give her little boy the opportunities she never had—which means moving to Dallas, no matter what Chance Lockhart says! Though being with the handsome rancher does make the idea of small-town life more tempting…

Molly has always gotten under Chance’s skin, and now that he’s bonded with her little tyke, he can’t imagine Bullhaven Ranch without them. But the single mom is so focused on her big-city fairy tale, she could miss Chance’s offer of the most important gift of all—the love and support of a real family.

Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book.

Money doesn’t buy happiness. Real security comes from caring about others and being cared for in return.

CATHY GILLEN THACKER is a full-time wife, mother and author who began writing stories for her own amusement during “nap time” when her children were toddlers. Twenty years and more than 50 published novels later, Cathy is almost as well-known for her witty romantic comedies and warm, family stories as she is for her ability to get grass stains and red clay out of almost anything, her triple layer brownies, and her knack for knowing what her husband and children are up to almost before they do! Find out more by checking Cathy’s website.

Master Bits and Mercenary Bites by Lexi Blake & Suzanne Johnson…Release Day Event

Top restaurant has become the hot spot in Dallas for elevated comfort food—and a side of spicy romance. Run by executive chef Sean Taggart, Top is the premiere fictional destination for gourmet food. Join creator, New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, and Southern food expert Suzanne Johnson as they guide you through the world of Masters and Mercenaries via the secret recipes behind the food served in Top.

But what would a gourmet meal be without some company? Spend an evening with your favorite characters from McKay-Taggart as they celebrate the special moments that make up their happily ever afters. Learn how to make Sean’s specialty dishes and Macon’s desserts while exploring the private lives of the characters who make up the world. From Charlie and Ian’s next demon spawn to a change in path for Simon and Chelsea, these are the times that bind us together, the moments that make us a family.

Good meals, good times, good friends.

Bon appétit!

Ian went to grab the dog’s leash. Bud started up his pee-pee dance, his massive body twisting and turning as he ran after Ian. His big paws thudded against the brand new hardwood he would never have spent that god-awful amount of money on had he realized a dog would pee on it.

He looked back Charlie’s way. “You know there’s a whole forest out back for him to go in. He should be a free-range dog. Aren’t we taking away his dogness by putting him on a leash?”

Charlie frowned his way as she refilled Kenzie’s cup. “Yes, he’s the mighty wolf dog, Ian. I watched him run away from a bunny the other day.”

He grabbed the leash. “See, if he had to go out and hunt, he wouldn’t be such a shitty guard dog. Don’t even say it, you two. Say good words. Not Daddy words.”

Charlie put a hand to her belly. “I swear this one will come out giving the world the finger and cursing.”

Bud whined, running back and forth in front of the door. Ian sighed and attached the leash. He stepped outside and Bud took off, barking and jumping against the leash until he managed to drag Ian out onto the lawn where he immediately squatted in the middle of Charlie’s azaleas and started to take a crap.

Yep. This was his life. Watching the dog crap. He was so building a fence. “You know you were supposed to be a guard dog. You were supposed to be a raging, feral beast who would take out anything in your way.”

Sort of like Ian had been at one time.

He’d been the bane of intelligence agencies. He’d been Dr. Death, raining down justice and protecting America.

Now he was a dumbass with a mortgage, a dog who seemed to be a bit constipated, two tiny chaotic things, and another on the way. No one even let him kill people anymore.

It was a never-ending cycle of waking up in the morning and seeing their faces, taking care of them, going to work, coming home, and going to bed with his wife.

It was kind of fucking awesome.

Sure, his younger self would likely tell him he’d sold out and he was a pathetic version of himself, but his younger self had been stupid as shit. His younger self thought a great time was following a known terrorist around for three weeks so he could find the cell. His younger self had needed a freaking shower, some decent food, and a comfy bed.

And a dog who didn’t take his time with the poop.

“Come on, Bud. Pinch off, man. We’ve got shit to do today.” Well, he did anyway. He was sure Bud would have a full day of licking his private parts and waiting for the girls to drop food. Bud seemed forever optimistic that one of these days the girls or Charlie was going to drop a ham in front of him.

A butterfly landed on the bush next to Bud and that was when he went into protective mode. He barked, the deep sound threatening to anyone who didn’t know what a wuss he was, and he pulled hard at his leash.

Hard enough to make Ian stumble and damn near break his toe on the garden gnome Alex had left as a joke. Hard enough to send Ian crashing down to his knee, pain flaring and making him curse.

Bud twisted again and Ian tripped over the riding ladybug thing Kala liked to push around the yard. He landed flat on his back, looking up at the sky.

Taken down by a freaking ladybug. And his back was spasming. The pain flared through him and he could feel his lower back seizing like a motherfucker.

Bud suddenly blocked out the sky, his big doggie face staring down.

“Don’t you dare.”

It was too late. Bud licked his face and Ian realized he shouldn’t have gotten up that morning. Nope. He should have stayed in bed and then he would be warm and happy and not having his face licked by a gargantuan mass of body odor and a tongue that licked its own ass from time to time.

God, if he didn’t die from breaking his spine he was going to catch some dog disease and waste away. Right here. Because he wasn’t sure he could move. “Bud, I need you to go get Charlie. Go on. Run and get her.” He let the leash drop. Bud simply sat down beside him. “Go get Charlie, boy. I think she’s got a ham for you. Go on.”

Bud laid his big head down on Ian’s chest.

Now he had a sleeping mutt and a garden gnome that was practically up his ass. He could feel the pointy cap thing attempting to violate him.

“Ian? Ian, I need you.”

Thank god. His wife would laugh her ass off, but at least she would be able to maybe help him up.

“Ian, I think the baby’s coming.”

Yep. It was that kind of day.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Suzanne Johnson is family-trained, a south Georgia native who’s been cooking all of her life, creating not only some really unique food, but precious memories that re-occur every time she smells something simmering in the oven. In all of her books, Suzanne shows that making a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be made with love. So go ahead, don’t be bashful, dive right in. Who knows? You might just make a few memories of your own.