October 2013 – Page 3 – Read-Love-Blog

Cover Reveal….Stripped Clean by Ellis Carrington

Stripped Clean

by Ellis Carrington

Blurb:

Carlos O’Shea is stuck. He knocked-up a girl in college after a night of too much drinking, and then married her to be honorable. With little money, fewer options, and no degree, he winds up cleaning the floors in a small town gentleman’s club and thinking desperate thoughts about the handsome owner that’ll lead to

nothing but trouble.

Greg Moorehouse only invested in a nudie bar to help his best buddy out of a financial crisis. Now his drug-dealing ex boyfriend, his reverend father, and a parade of surgically-enhanced DD’s are driving him insane. But what’s really stripped him of all good sense is his growing obsession with his married employee, Carlos.

They circle each other in a push-pull of misunderstandings and growing attraction. Carlos needs to get his boss out of his head, and Greg can’t abide cheaters and married men. So what are a strip club owner and the guy who cleans going to do with their undeniable desires?

Please note: This is an adult GLBT romance (male/male romance), for mature readers only. Contains explicit love-making between two hot-blooded men, angsty dark moments, and cupcake-baking exotic dancers.

Available for purchase at

(B&N and iTunes coming soon)

Excerpt

Greg glanced at Carlos’s hand. “You still aren’t wearing your ring. Were you actually married, or was that some kinda fucked-up story?”

Carlos groaned and stared up at the morning sky. “She moved out, which was why I came by the club. I wanted to talk, but you were otherwise engaged.” He coughed a laugh. “I’m not sure what kind of crack I was smoking thinking that we were that kind of friend. You’re my boss for crying out loud.”

“Oh.” Greg pressed his lips together, nodding with mock agreement. “That’s very mature. While we’re being mature, should I trot out the liar-liar-pants-on-fire argument, because I’m pretty sure I saw you kissing that guy in there.”

Carlos thumped down the barely-holding-it-together wood stairs. “You did not see me kissing him in there. Did. Not.”

“Looked a hell of a lot like kissing.” Greg’s insides washed in relief, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to buy what Carlos was selling.

Carlos leaned close. “I handed him,” he said slowly, “a cup of coffee. We were talking. Our faces were close. The screen’s kinda thick on that living room window. Not the most conducive for spying, Greg.”

Oh Jesus. “I wasn’t spying I just happened— You know what? Whatever.” He spread his arms out wide. Took a step back. “So your wife being gone has nothing to do with you humping my leg in your sleep and coming in your pants?”

Carlos didn’t answer, but his face flushed a hot red that would have been sexy if Greg hadn’t been so pissed.

“Yeah. Listen,” Greg said. “This ain’t exactly an out-and-proud part of the country, man. Nobody knows better than I do. I’ve had my share of run-ins.” He stepped backward. Suddenly his stomach was full of rocks and he needed to get back to his car. “I still trusted you.” He nodded again, more to himself this time than to Carlos. “Gotta be honest, that you didn’t? Stings some.”

“Hey.” Carlos’s long legs ate up the distance between them. He gripped Greg’s shoulder with strong, dark fingers and pushed him back against the alcove over the front door, kissing hard.

Oh God. His distant memory of kissing Sammy had nothing on kissing Carlos. This was fire. Passion. Greg’s mouth came alive with Carlos’s lips on his. Their tongues slid together. His cock hardened as their bodies pressed in all the right places. Electricity shot through his veins when Carlos’s teeth grazed his tongue.

Carlos moaned and repositioned his mouth, kissing over and over. Harder. Harsher. Grinding erection against erection, twisting the fabric of Greg’s shirt in his hand.

Greg’s brought his hands to Carlos’s shoulders, and whether he was holding tighter or pushing away, he couldn’t quite tell even to himself.

Carlos pulled away, and Greg was still gasping when Carlos whispered in his ear, “I’m awake now, Greg.”

About the Author

Romance requires a hopeful ending and that is why Ellis Carrington is driven to write it. She loves to create original stories that are gritty, witty, and a little unexpected, just like the heroes who inhabit them. Her guys come in both human and non-human form because spirit guides and vampires deserve love too. Her favorite things are great friends, great music, and books that make her sob like there’s no tomorrow.

You can find her at

Presented By

Guest Post & Giveaway…..Jennifer Probst chats about her One Night Stand Series

I am SO excited to welcome Jennifer Probst as she chats with us about her One Night Stand Series! She is also hosting a fabulous giveaway with prizes that include eBooks and movie gift cards…you can enter in the rafflecopter below. Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!

Books link:

Steele Brothers 1 Night Stand Series at Amazon

Madame Eve Power…

When I first read a 1NS book, I was hooked.

The premise is simple. The mysterious Madame Eve owns an exclusive online dating service. She hooks up two people for one evening — a one night stand. The encounters can take place all over the world, and many occur at Castillo Resorts and Hotels – a luxurious chain scattered throughout the country. At the end of the encounter, the hero and heroine fall for each other and decide to continue the relationship.

Each story is completely unique and different. My fingers itched and my brain exploded with ideas of how I can bring my own voice to this wonderful series.

So, I did.

I created three hot brothers – the Steele brothers — who all were dealers in Vegas. Two of them are Doms, one is a sub. Each of them fell in love hard with three very different women, and their journeys are as unique as this entire series.

Why are so we enchanted with Madame Eve?

First, she’s a matchmaker. She senses when two people are meant to be together, no matter what the odds, or even if they fight every step along the way. Watching characters struggle with their innermost demons and fall to love is pure magic. Second, she guarantees great sex. Every. Time. As a reader, that’s the kind of story I love to read – whether it’s on the sweeter side, or hard core. Third, she is a mystery. We never meet her other than via text or email since there is no phone calls. Fourth and finally, we can trust her. She will always bring us the perfect match, whether the hero or heroine know it or not. The reader has a secret when we pick up a 1NS story. We know the ending — but the journey is all the fun.

If you like a good BDSM story that’s short and super hot, pick up one of my Steele Brother stories – Catch Me, Play Me, and Dare Me.

There’s two more to go…two men the Steele men grew up with, took in, and adopted as brothers. And I think they may have an important story to tell!

Happy Anniversary to Decadent’s 1NS!

~Jen

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. At twelve, I took a pen in hand and wrote my first love story. I haven’t stopped since. Those heroines taught me valuable lessons that served me well. I learned to keep my head up high and surge forward when I was afraid; I learned to demand respect in a relationship; I learned about compromise and dreams and independence. Those are the stories I want to write, and I can only hope I give back some of the joy I received over the years.

I live in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. I’ve traveled to many places but always seem to be drawn back to the mountains. I graduated with a business degree, worked for Mercy College, and now spend most days dedicated to my family and my characters. I’ve pursued many career paths such as travel agent, yoga teacher and insurance salesperson. I’ve wanted to be an airline pilot, a dancer, an archaeologist, and a vineyard owner. I have been all of the above through romance novels, and intend to explore many more.

One of my turning points in my career was when I joined Romance Writers of America and met the wonderful people in my local chapter, The Hudson Valley RWA. Through supportive critique sessions, I learned how to develop my raw skills to get a publishable manuscript. I discovered my tendency for wordy prologues and passive phrases that all new writers work through, and now try to help others on their journey.

My “leisure time” is spent writing, reading, and raising two active boys. I believe animals are the other children in this world, and enjoy spending time at the local animal shelter, where I got my first “baby” Bella, a shepherd hound mix who gets into as much trouble as my son! I rescued my second dog from an abusive home, a beagle, basset hound who is the peacemaker in the household.

I met the love of my life when I had finally given up on my own romantic journey. The first time he asked me out he promised to buy my book if he could buy me dinner. We had dinner and fell in love over sushi and haven’t been apart since. We married and settled into domestic bliss. That’s when I learned it wasn’t about happy endings. It was about happy beginnings.

Visit her website

Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @jenniferprobst

Subscribe to her newsletter!

ARC Review….Connectivity by Aven Ellis

Book links:

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Overachiever Mary-Kate Grant (who is indeed named after an Olsen Twin) has followed every rule to the letter to pursue her dream of working in TV programming. Ripping a page from the “hard work pays off” playbook, she takes an assistant level job at a Chicago sports network to break into the industry.

MK has no time or desire for a relationship right now—she is totally focused on her career and being independent, unlike the other women in her family.

But MK’s plans are run through the shredder when she finds herself working for William Cumberland, a British media mogul who made his fortune with Connectivity, a social media site. William blows into Chicago just like the winds off Lake Michigan and purchases the group of networks MK works for—and makes her his personal assistant in the process.

Suddenly MK finds her career plans in jeopardy. William makes her question everything she has ever thought and has the uncanny ability to see right through her. And for the first time in her life, MK finds herself not only questioning what she wants for her career but for her personal life as well…

My review:

Connectivity is the debut work from author Aven Ellis and is by far, one of the best debuts I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Educated and career driven, Mary Kate Grant has gotten her foot in the door working at a sports network with the hopes of fulfilling her dreams of working for a widely known home and garden network. When a young British media tycoon buys the network, she tries her best to make a good first impression, but instead ends up making a bumbling fool of herself. Lucky for her, it’s a lasting impression and she soon finds herself as his personal assistant, which leads to much more than she ever could have dreamed of.

Talk about a feel good, funny and charming read. Aven Ellis has such personality packed in her pages and I enjoyed every single second of this book. Mary Kate, or MK as she is better known, is an adorable, clumsy, witty and endearing gal with a solid head on her shoulders. Totally a gal I could see myself being friends with. She also has a bit of bad luck when it comes to trying to make a good impression and had my laughing out loud so many times just within the first chapter that I instantly fell in love with her. That’s tough to do with me, since I don’t really love a whole lot of heroines. William is a classic Brit with manners and charm set to a cool and controlled attitude. He has come from an equally fortunate and unfortunate upbringing that has shaped the brilliant businessman he is today and also has made him leery of people and close relationships. But don’t worry; it’s not the deeply disturbing back-story that so many books these days tend to gravitate toward. Thank God, right? I think I’ve just about had my fill of the deeply scarred billionaire hero. William is anything but. He’s just very controlled and honest with himself. He knows himself well…so does MK and that makes them so suitable for each other. They are both focused solely on their careers and that makes their desire for one another, and a relationship, such a surprise for both of them. The relationship starts off strictly business and slowly grows into much more and is beautifully done. MK and William have an evenly matched wit that brings a delightful facet to their relationship and makes reading their conversations and interactions pretty freaking fantastic. They really “get” one another and it works so well in building a friendship into more. This really is a modern day fairy tale and has so much love and tenderness. Really, really well written and such a joy to watch grow.

Add deliciously loving moments, two truly likable characters and throw in some laugh-out-loud funny parts for a total package of reading WIN! This definitely needs a spot on your to-read list because every once in a while, it’s great to read a tried and true romance. Thank you, Aven, for Connectivity! I am really looking forward to see what else you have in store for us!

Five Loves

About the author:

Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.

Goodreads ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Launch Blitz….Crash Into Me by Tracy Wolff

I’m so happy to be a part of the launch of a new series from Brazen and Tracy Wolff….I’ve also got an excerpt to share. Enjoy!

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Synopsis:

She’s totally off limits, but this rocker wants a taste…

Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother’s band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she’s just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star’s bed post. Even if it’s Ryder’s.

Ryder doesn’t deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he’d never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he’s been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he’ll do anything to deny the sparks between them—even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he’s worthy of love—her love—and that she’s all grown up…and ready to play.

Excerpt:

Onstage, the band launched into “Awake,” one of the power ballads that had made them famous. The crowd screamed their approval and so did she. Totally not her typical modus operandi, but she couldn’t help it. Something about listening to Ryder croon the darkly haunting lyrics had her knees trembling and her heart beating much too quickly. If she closed her eyes, she could do what all the other women in the audience were doing and pretend that he was singing straight to her.

So much better than remembering he’d written these heartfelt words for another woman. For Carrie, who had killed herself and broken his heart so many years before. Her own heart ached at the thought. For him. Always for him. At twenty-nine, Ryder had already been through more darkness and despair than any one person should have to handle.

“Awake” finally came to a close, the last note hanging in the air for long, tension-fueled seconds. Then the band fell silent and the audience did the same, as if they were all holding their breaths. Ryder lowered his guitar, shuffled, and stamped his feet once, twice. It was a familiar gesture, one years of experience had taught her was his way of shaking off excess emotion. Again her heart twisted. It devastated her that more than ten years after the fact he was still eaten up by what had happened. Still determined to bury it under a bunch of layers that not only insulated him from his pain but also hid the real Ryder so deep inside the public Ryder that she wondered sometimes if he even existed anymore. Or if the boy who had held her while she cried, who had let her whisper her pre-adolescent fears without ever making fun of her, had disappeared forever.

She searched for him in that one endless moment.

Looked for him in the obsidian eyes that arrowed to the heart of the crowd even as they barricaded his own emotions.

Combed through her own memories and expectations in an effort to see Ryder as he really was instead of how he portrayed himself.

And when his eyes—his crazy, beautiful eyes—met hers, she found him. Seconds passed, long, intense seconds where she lost the ability to hear or breathe or even think. All she could do was look into Ryder’s eyes, at the feral heat boiling up and out of them, and want.

She smiled at him, waved. He snarled back. But it wasn’t a leave-me-alone snarl. No, definitely not. It was his I-want-to-fuck-you-up-against-a-wall snarl—she knew it well, had seen it directed at a lot of women through the years—and her knees gave way when she realized that this time, finally, it was directed at her. It didn’t matter that there was no sign of recognition in his eyes, no knowledge that the woman he was looking at like that was actually her. Jamison. For one moment, he wanted her the way she’d always wanted him.

It was more than enough.

Connect with Tracy

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer…..Selene reviews Gone Country by Lorelei James

The summer may technically be over, but we’re still enjoying our cowboys! Today I have Selene’s review of Gone Country by Lorelei James….ENJOY!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

She’s a little bit country, and he’s…not.

Arizona businessman and long-lost McKay love child Gavin Daniels has been awarded sole custody of his teenage daughter Sierra for one year. In order to steer Sierra back on track after a brush with the law, he pulls up stakes and heads to Wyoming, looking for support from his ranching family…even if he isn’t sure where they fit in the McKay dynamic. He’s prepared for every contingency with the move: the less-than-enthusiastic response from his daughter, learning to run his corporation remotely, but he’s thrown for a loop when his new housemate, Rielle, is a whole lot sexier, funnier and sassier than he remembered.

Rielle Wetzler has finally overcome the stigma of having hippie parents and being a young single mother. In the two years since she sold her ailing B&B to Gavin Daniels, she’s become financially stable running the homespun businesses she loves. But now Gavin is in Sundance to claim the house that’s rightfully his. Although Rielle knew this day would come, she isn’t prepared to leave the home she built for herself and her now-grown daughter. And to further complicate matters, her long-dormant libido is definitely not ready to live with this newly buff Gavin—who isn’t a cowboy, but has the take-charge attitude to prove he’s all McKay.

Sharing a roof, their troubles and their triumphs is too much temptation, and before long, Gavin and Rielle are sharing a bed. But sharing their hearts and lives forever? That’s a whole ’nother ball of wax.

Selene’s Review:

Finally a McKay man who is… not?

Arizonan and sharp businessman Gavin Daniels finds out late in life that he is actually a long-lost son to a still-married couple from the McKay tribe of Sundance, Wyoming.

LOVE IT!

Taking his daughter Sierra to live with him in his recently acquired property was probably the best move Gavin ever made. Because of this, not only did he fall head over heels for entrepreneur Rielle Wetzler and Sierra for one Mr. Boone West, they both were able to gain an entire close-knit, crazy family that is the McKays.

There were so many things that I loved about this book! Reading through Gone Country was like simultaneously reading an adult romance as well as a young adult novel – the two stories worked so wonderfully together.

Gavin was incredibly refreshing, as was Rielle. In a world full of rough, tough cowboys and girls, it was nice to see these two very different (and sometimes out of place) individuals interact… especially in the bedroom. Gavin is definitely all McKay where it counts! What I also loved about these two is how much they each care for the daughters and how they always try to do what’s right by them. It was very touching and sweet.

After meeting in a hilarious scene with a few other young McKays, Sierra and Boone soon became good friends. The attraction on both sides was written beautifully and tastefully and the almost tragedy and its after effects brought tears to my eyes! The saddest part was when Boone decided to up and leave Sierra and his home to enlist. GREAT CLIFFHANGER.

As per usual, Lorelei James gave us glimpses into the goings on of the other McKays as well as setting up the couple for the next story: Dalton and Rory!

This book comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Four-and-a-Half Loves

From author website:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Review, Interview & Giveaway….The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell & Kimberly Kincaid

I’m SO excited for this post today! Along with my review of The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap, I’ve got a fabulous interview with Pete the delicious pasty chef from Kimberly Kincaid’s story in the anthology, Sugar and Spice.

I also have a two super cute wine charms, some signed goodies from Kimberly and an ecopy of The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap to give away to one lucky winner!

How much fun is all of this!? So, enjoy and be sure to enter to win in the rafflecopter below!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Where There’s Smoke by Donna Kauffman

Synopsis:

When flames from a recipe gone disastrously wrong send hunky fire fighter Will Mason to pretty Clara Parker’s rescue, the sparks really begin to fly! And once Will gets a taste of Clara, he aches for more than just a little sugar from the famously single food columnist…

My review:

Talk about a fantastic start to this hot and sexy anthology! Where There’s Smoke combined a hot and sexy firefighter, a clumsy-yet-adorable newspaper columnist and a long lost friendship for a delicious first course. Clara Parker isn’t having the best luck, but then again, that’s nothing new. Always the slightly awkward and clumsy one out of her trio of girlfriends, she is used to things not necessarily going her way, but this week has really been epically bad. Dumped by her love interest and having to write a column on baking to save her job, Clara is at her wits end. But when she runs into Will, a guy she hasn’t seen since he moved away suddenly years ago and a guy she’s held a flame for, things seem to start looking up. Well, until she almost burns her house down baking for her column. Luckily, Will is a firefighter waiting to save a damsel in distress. And Clara is just the damsel he’s been dreaming about saving since he left all those years ago.

This story totally rocked my socks off! The heat and build up between Clara and Will is phenomenal. Will is an amazing character….cut to the chase and open and honest. I loved him. Clara is so cute and quirky and just so real! Together they balance each other out and cause enough heat for more than a few sirens to go off!

The Gingerbread Man by Kate Angell

Synopsis:

Folks have always told fun-loving Abby Denton that her anatomically correct Gingerbread cookies are…impressive. But those erotic cookies have nothing on the sexy stranger Abby saves from a snowy country road. Could Lander Reynolds be the Christmas treat she’s truly been longing for?

My review:

The most emotional and intense in the story, in my opinion…. The Gingerbread Man was a meaningful and savory middle course. Abby has kept her X-rated gingerbread men hidden from the townspeople, and she intends to keep it that way…but when a handsome stranger breezes in to the cookie swap and buys a box of those secret cookies, she has no idea what’s in store for her. Lander can’t believe his eyes…what exactly are on those gingerbread men? He also can’t believe his eyes when he wakes up in the cabin of a beautiful stranger…clearly injured, he must have had an accident. The last thing he can remember was a glace at those peculiar cookies.

What started out as an innocent story turned into an emotional journey dealing with loss and the holidays for both Abby and Lander. I adored Lander and Abby sharing their family memories while being snowed in and the bond they built because of their feelings of loss. It was truly a beautiful tale that had me crying more than once. In the end, Abby and Lander prove that wishes can come true.

Sugar And Spice by Kimberly Kincaid

Synopsis:

When caterer Lily Callahan goes up against hotshot pastry chef Pete Mancuso in the bake-off of the season, the stakes are high – and scandalously passionate. Will the gorgeous gourmand steal Lily’s heart – and the top prize in the Christmas cookie competition?

My review:

I always say the dessert is the best course, and Sugar and Spice was deliciously delectable and exactly the ending I craved. Lily Callahan has always dreamed of owning her own bakery. So when she sees a chance to win a good chunk of change in the local bake-off of the holiday season, she knows this is what she needs to make her dreams a reality. Pete Mancuso, for years, has dreamed of creating his sugary confections at the most exclusive restaurant in the area. So when he sees a chance to gain the notoriety in the local bake-off of the holiday season, he knows this is what he needs to make his dreams a reality. Both Lily and Pete are fighting for their dreams and fighting to both honor and hide theirs pasts. They also soon realize they are fighting their attraction to one another. Will they be able to focus on the heat in the kitchen and not in their desires for each other?

Oh yum, Pete Mancuso is not at all what I would think of a pastry chef as. He’s daring and cocky and delicious bad-boy but with a heart of gold and a soft side I never saw coming. Lily is genuine and has a beautiful spirit and sense of family and self. Combined, they both are similar and different in equal amounts and it was a brilliant combo. Lily, the strict, rule following, outlining gal and Pete the bold, risk taking, original guy make a pair that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect sweet and salty combination that make up a taste meant to be savored.

Four Loves For All

Interview with Pete Mancuso the Pastry Chef from Sugar and Spice:

So, Pete, how are things in Pine Mountain?

Great, actually! Lily and I just chose the shop front where The Sweet Life is going to go down on Main Street, and of course we’re already having, um, lively discussions about the menu. (Flashes a smirk) Suffice it to say, we might go with a his-and-hers theme. You know, a little sugar, a little spice. We’re hoping to have the place open by late summer (hint: if you keep your eyes open nice and wide, you might see it in Gimme Some Sugar, coming in June 2014!)

Have you and Lily come up with any delicious cookie recipes together?

Of course! She still hates to wing it, but every once in a while I can convince her to step outside the box a little. Usually it works.

(Lily pokes her head into the interview to lift her eyebrows at Pete) Uh-huh. Emphasis on the usually. Ask him about the chocolate covered bacon debacle.

(Pete laughs) Hey, that would’ve worked if you’d let me figure out the right ratios!

(Lily makes a face and shakes her head before kissing Pete on her way out the door)

(Pete grins) Anyway, yeah. It’s always an adventure in our kitchen.

I absolutely love what you did with Lucas and you gained some major bonus points with me……have you seen any more of him and is he doing well?

Yup and yup! Lily and I go hang out with Lucas at the community center once a week. He’s really interested in food, so he got an after school job at Joe’s Grocery. Once the bakery opens, we’ll keep him busy there too. (hint: keep your eyes open for Lucas in the Pine Mountain series…especially in Stirring Up Trouble, coming in October 2014!)

Quick…..what was the last dessert you ordered in a restaurant that you adored?

(Grinning) Funny you should ask! To celebrate getting our store front, I took Lily to L’Orangerie. It was one of Conrad Le Clerc’s last days there, but he made us these truly insane double-chocolate tartlets with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry reduction sauce. I seriously couldn’t have made them any better.

Oh, and speaking of restaurants….did you ever get into trouble for “borrowing” a bit of that Remy Martin XO?

Gee, Jillian, I don’t know what you could be talking about! I would never do such a thing (Big. Fat. Smile.)

Ok, now for a little fun with “this or that”…..

Chocolate sauce or whipped cream? Yes! (don’t make me pick. Please!)

Boxers or briefs? Now this one, I’ll pick. Boxers

Batman or Superman? Man of steel, baby! I’d kill to be able to fly. Also, bulletproof. Enough said.

Fancy night out or cozy night in? (chuckling) Either one is fine by me, as long as I’ve got Lily by my side.

Thanks Pete, and Lily, for stopping by!

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal….The Home Court Advantage by N.M. Silber

Introducing the cover for The Home Court Advantage by N.M. Silber

Title: The Home Court Advantage (Lawyers in Love #2)

Author: N.M. Silber

Genre: Sexy Romantic Comedy/Light Adult Contemporary Romance (18+)

Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Cover Design: Cheekycovers

Publisher: Mendelssohn Levy Publishing

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Once upon a time, two lawyers fell in love across a courtroom …

Gabrielle and Braden have fallen in love and face a bright future together if they can just survive all of the crazy people they encounter, like anonymous napkin droppers, UFO enthusiasts, crooked businessmen, nude drunk drivers, and a woman who tries to break into jail. When the gavel falls will the verdict be happily ever after?

Come join the fun as the sexiest couple in the Philadelphia Criminal Court System shares more witty banter and red hot lovin’ with a dash of mystery thrown in. The story that began with The Law of Attraction concludes with lots of love and laughter in The Home Court Advantage.

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18462153-the-home-court-advantage?from_search=true

Facebook Event

Take one birthday cake, add two sexy lawyers and their briefs, throw in a Chihuahua named Bruno, and what do you get? N.M. Silber’s Sinfully Delicious Birthday Bash Cover Reveal Party on Facebook.

Join us beginning at 10:00 AM on the Facebook Event Page for flash giveaways, trivia, and a fun birthday bash!

Giveaway

The Home Court Seduction Gift Basket (valued at $50) ~ Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Once upon a time … N.M. Silber was a criminal defense attorney who got up each morning, donned her power suit and sensible pumps, downed a gallon of coffee and set out to “fight the good fight” while trying to not go insane. Having a dark sense of humor and a sarcastic wit helped — a lot. Another thing that helped was reading. As escapism was the goal, she liked to read romance novels, especially really funny ones and really sexy ones. Then one day something beautiful happened — she read one that was both funny and sexy at the same time. She hung up her power suit, put away her sensible pumps and moved her coffee mug to her computer. Now she writes funny and smutty romance novels herself and she lives happily ever after.

Connect with the Author: Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Website / Blog / Youtube / Goodreads

Book Tour Stop….The Gorgeous Girls by Marie Wilson

Welcome to my stop on the book tour for Maire Wilson’s erotic novel, The Gorgeous Girls.

I have a fabulous guest post from Marie for you to enjoy today. Also, don’t forget to enter the tour-wide giveaway in the rafflecopter below.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Title: The Gorgeous Girls

Author: Marie Wilson

Genre: Erotica

Publication Date: May 1, 2013 by HarperCollins, a Patrick Crean Editions Imprint

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Erotica for the thinking woman, this well-written novel interlaces the lives of three women in search of love, sex and adventure. Rose, Con, and Wanda, all disciples of the legendary Dorothy Parker, meet regularly for drinks to share laughter and tears as they recount their romantic and sexual escapades. From Toronto to Vancouver to Paris, these three jump in and out of bed with an collection of interesting men, discovering along the way some of life’s hard truths, but never without a dash of humour. Featuring shoes, martinis, clothes, champagne, and of course sex, The Gorgeous Girls is a smart, playful and delicious sexual extravaganza from start to finish.

Add to Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17660439-the-gorgeous-girls?from_search=true\

Purchase Links

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | HarperCollins

Guest post:

Marie’s Top Ten Pieces of Advice for Aspiring Writers:

Read voraciously

Read the work of authors who captivate you

Reread the work of authors who captivate you

Analyze the work of authors who captivate you

Write imitations of the work of authors who captivate you

Ask yourself: what do I want to say? (find your own voice)

Take a break from reading and just write

Write without thinking; keep your hand(s) moving

Much later when you read your uninhibited flow, underline sentences that resonate with you

Write without thinking using the resonating sentences as springboards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Marie Wilson was born to a paint merchant and an Olympic runner in Vancouver, BC. After studying painting and theatre at UBC and SFU, she moved to Toronto to put herself on the boards. Following appearances on some of Toronto’s best stages, she turned her attention to writing. Marie has published work in a number of magazines and newspapers, including NOW magazine and The Globe and Mail, had a handful of good reviews, met some great people, found love, and birthed a trio geniuses along the way.

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads

Hers by Dawn Robertson Scavenger Hunt

It’s my stop on the Hers by Dawn Robertson Scavenger Hunt….FUN!

Enjoy the super smexy excerpt and teaser pic and don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below!

Synopsis:

I am weak.
I am lonely.
I am a slut.
I am strong.
I am Dominant.
I am independent.
I am Seven James.

My entire life, no one has wanted me, and that was fine, because I sure as shit didn’t need anyone else. Blah, Blah Blah, insert sad story here about negligent parents, and shitty siblings, and you have my life story in a nut shell. When my college boyfriend dumped me, it was just icing on the cake. Five years, and a booming career later I am here to collect my revenge.

That was until a delicious plaything walked into the kink club I frequent, and rocked my typically un-rockable world. Causing me to break the one rule I have lived by since Daniel Alexander walked out of my life, never have sex with the same person twice. Ever.

Warning!!!! Hers contains sexually explicit situations that may be uncomfortable for some. These include FF, FMF, and MFM interactions.

Hers by Dawn Robertson book trailer from Dawn Robertson on Vimeo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal….My Beautiful my Alicia Rae

It’s a great pleasure to reveal the beautiful cover of My Beautiful by Alicia Rae….Enjoy!

Title: My Beautiful (The Beautiful Series #2)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date: October 29, 2013

Cover Design: Okay Creations

Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Still trying to recover from a tragic loss, Lily’s worst fear is falling in love. Distancing herself from everyone is the only way she can keep heartache away.

Deep down though, Lily realizes that living without Kyle is too painful. She finds strength in Kyle’s arms, and he gives her the courage to face her past. With every step forward, Lily continues to nurture and mend her damaged heart.

Just when Lily feels closure within her grasp, secrets from the past finally catch up with her, and Lily will discover that more than her heart is on the line.

Will love be enough to save Lily?

Add to Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18157126-my-beautiful

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour….Running Home by T.A. Hardenbrook

Welcome to my stop on the Running Home by T.A. Hardenbrook Blog Tour!

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Carmen always had a wild streak about her while growing up in this small town. Everyone use to say her only saving grace in this world was her best friend Walker who tried to keep the flighty girl grounded. But life was too big for her to live in this one stop light kind of town; she had dreams and wants that could take her anywhere but staying there. Anything was better than being stuck in the perpetuating cycle of being born and dying in this hell hole she called the reality of a small town girl.

Walker was the only anchor that could hold her home, she lived for that boy. So how do you explain to someone that staying there would only suffocate the possibilities of making a better life for oneself? Running away was the only option, and leaving a piece of her heart with him would keep her strong out in the real world, at least she hoped it would.

After years of trying to make it on her own, struggling through life and trying to stay clean, the only reality she sees at surviving now is going back to the place she tried so hard to break free from. Unsure if her old life is willing to accept the choices she has made, the lone thought that matters to her is hoping she still has the only man she has counted on her entire life in her corner. You can always go home, but will they be willing take you back?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

T.A. Hardenbrook currently resides in Spokane Washington with her husband and two young boys. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education as well as her license in Cosmetology in which she still does part time.

Her days include being the family chauffer and referee, all while trying to become the perfect domestic goddess one strives for. Her family of four also includes a very loving American pit bull terrier, a wirehaired dachshund, a corn snake, and an American cavy (Which her oldest son shows at ARBA/ACBA events).

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, life became a struggle and she found learning to adapt was not an easy task. Luckily with the help of daily medication, life is slowly returning back to normal. Having the opportunity to write a novel at this time was a huge boost of confidence in dealing with the disorder, being able to use her hands and type, was therapy for the soul.

Please remember to never let anything stand in front of your dreams.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaHardenbrook

Twitter: @thardenbrook

Goodreads:

Website: http://www.tahardenbrook.blogspot.com