The Lost Love of a Soldier by Jane Lark….Special Announcement

To commemorate the two hundred anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo the publisher HarperCollins has reduced the price of The Lost Love of a Soldier to ninety nine cents for the entire month of June.

Jane Lark Lost Love of a Soldier

The Lost Love of a Soldier photo ThelostloveofaSoldier300dbi_zpsb47e47d2.jpeg Title: The Lost Love of a Soldier (Marlow Intrigues #4)

Author: Jane Lark

Genre: Historical Romance 18+ Regency Period

Publication Date: July 17, 2014

Publisher: HarperImpulse an imprint of HarperCollins

 

Synopsis

Young, naïve and innocent, Lady Ellen Pembroke falls for a young army officer. Paul has such an easy enchanting smile and his blue eyes glow, vibrancy and warmth emanating from him. She is in love. Captain Paul Harding, finds his attention captured by the beautiful young daughter of the Duke of Pembroke at a house party in the summer. Finding Ellen is like finding treasure on a battle torn field. His sanity clings to her; something beautiful to remind him that all in the world is not ugly. She’s someone to fight for and someone to survive for when he is called to arms in the battle of Waterloo…

 

 

The Lost Love of a Soldier Excerpt

“Ellen?”

Paul whispered her name into the night as he heard the rustle of frost bound leaves on the ground. His breath rose in a mist into the cold winter air. He was on the Duke of Pembroke’s land. He’d not dared encourage her to take a horse, so he’d come close enough that she might walk from the house and find him.

He waited at the end of an avenue of yews, out of sight of the house, in a place she could easily see him. His horse whickered, sensing something, or someone. “Ellen?” he whispered again.

Still no answer.

He stayed quiet. Listening. Wondering if she’d been caught as she left the house. He hoped not. If she’d been caught her father would give her no freedom. Short of leading a military assault on Pembroke’s home, he would not be able to get her out then.

The horse shook its head, rattling its bit, and snorted steamy breath into the cold air. The chill of the winter night seeped through his clothes. There would be a hard frost. He hoped she’d dressed in something warm.

He’d have to buy more clothes for her before they sailed. She would need garments to keep her warm in the sea breezes she’d face on their journey to America.

There was another sound.

“Ellen?”

“Paul?”

How did this woman manage to make his heart beat so erratically whenever he saw her? He could run into battle and not be so affected.

She looked even more beautiful in the dark. Ethereal.

A band of silver light reached through the scudding clouds and caught her face.

He let go of the horse’s bridle and instinctively moved forward. He’d never held her. In the summer there had been no moments alone, she’d been strictly chaperoned and even when she’d come to meet him she’d brought the groom and her sister. When they’d met a fortnight ago, she’d still brought a groom. For the first time they were alone. “Ellen.” He stepped forward and embraced her. In answer her arm came about his waist. It was the most precious feeling of his life. He would always remember this day. She was slender and delicate in his arms.

She slipped free, but he caught her nape and pulled her mouth to his, gently pressing his lips against hers. It was her first kiss, he knew; he could tell by the way her body stiffened when he‘d pulled her close. He let her go, a tenderness he’d never known before catching in his chest.

“Come.” He took the leather bag she carried. “Will you ride before me, or would you rather sit behind my saddle and grip my waist?”

“Would it be easier if I ride behind you?” Her voice ran with uncertainty. She was giving up everything to come with him.

“Do what feels comfortable for you, Ellen.”

She nodded, not looking into his eyes. “I would prefer to ride pillion.”

“Then you shall.” He warmed his voice, hoping to ease her discomfort.

Turning to the horse he slipped one foot in the stirrup, then pulled himself up. “Did you have any difficulty leaving the house?”

“No, the servants’ hall was quiet, and the grooms had all retired.”

He rested her bag across his thighs, then held a hand out to her. “Set your foot on mine and take my hand. I’ll pull you up.” He watched her lift the skirt of her dark habit and then the weight of her small foot pressed on his, as her gloved fingers gripped his. She was light, but the grip of her hand and the pressure of her foot made that something clasp tight in his chest, and the emotion stayed clenched as her fingers embraced his waist over his greatcoat.

He shifted in the saddle, his groin tightening too. A few more days. Just days. He had been waiting months. As he turned the horse, Ellen’s cheek pressed against his shoulder.

“Did you tell anyone you were leaving? Your sister? Or your maid?”

“No, I did not want them to have to face Papa knowing the truth. He would be able to see they’d lied, and then who knows what he might do.” Paul urged the mare into a trot as Ellen continued. “He made me spend the day on my knees reading the Commandments because I refused to marry the Duke of Argyle.”

“Today?” He wished to look back at her but he could not.

Her father had been diabolical to Paul, sneering as though he was nothing when he’d done the decent thing and offered for her. He could not imagine the way Pembroke treated the girls.

He had to get Ellen to Gretna before her father caught them, so she never had to come back and face his retribution.

 

 

 

Goodreads

 

Purchase Links

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About the Author

 photo For13_Jane_Lark_Full_Res_zps518c75cf.jpg Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author. She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis. When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write. Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations at last. You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane’s favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was ‘Katherine’ a story crafted from reality. Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots. ‘Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it’s wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.’ Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.

Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

 

 

 

Be My December by Rachel Brookes…Special Event

In celebration of the upcoming release of Be My Temptation, Book #2 in The Crawford Brothers Series, on June 29th, Rachel Brookes has put BE MY DECEMBER, Book #1 on SALE for a LIMITED TIME for only .99¢!
Now is your chance to meet Ky and Eden!
One-click → http://amzn.to/1SdDnlY
BE MY DECEMBER
Author: Rachel Brookes
Series: The Crawford Brothers, #1
~ SYNOPSIS ~
I knew the exact moment I’d become a ‘yes’ girl.
December 16th, a cold winter’s night, four years ago.
The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again.
The dream of a ‘happily ever after’ was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him.
The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.
I had no plans to become someone’s Prince Charming.
I couldn’t be. I refused to be. My plan was simple—do whatever it takes to correct my biggest mistake, my one regret that now controlled my life.
I was on track. I had plans, but then everything changed when I saw her—the girl in the red jacket, the girl who I was told couldn’t say no.
The reserved yet stunning Eden Rivers.
A girl who can’t say no.
A guy who craves redemption.
A chance encounter?
It all comes down to this.
One question.
One month.
Be My December?
~ PURCHASE for only .99¢ ~
 
~ TEASERS ~

 

 

 

 

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ 
Rachel Brookes 
Rachel Brookes is the author of The Breathe Series and The Crawford Brothers and lives on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She spends her days writing stories that contain a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season. She is crazy for The Walking Dead, a fan of long island iced teas, a cupcake creator and a lover of book boyfriends. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sleep has become non-existent and more often than not she can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she steps away from her laptop, you’ll find her reading, people watching, taking photos and planning her next big adventure.
She is also obsessed with social media, so come say hi.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Subscribe to Rachel’s MAILING LIST
~ Tour Hosts ~
HEA
Book Tours, PR & More:
http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/
Book
Junky Tours, PR & More:
http://bookjunkytourspr.blogspot.com/

Special Event…Rakes on Holiday

Rakes on Holiday

Summer is upon us! Here to celebrate and tell us about their ideal summer day are notable rakes Dominic Ransleigh (The Rake to Reveal Her by Julia Justiss); Lord Boyce Parker (When a Rake Falls by Sally Orr) John Fitzhugh Barrett; Lord Hartley (Never Resist a Rake by Mia Marlowe); and Haviland North, Viscount Amersham (Rake Most Likely to Rebel by Bronwyn Scott).

_______________________



The Rake to Reveal HerDominic Ransleigh (The Rake to Reveal Her):

My ideal day would start early in the morning, visiting the horses in the stables, evaluating the results of the latest breeding programs. The afternoon may see a dip in the chilly waters of the Channel, unfortunately only in the company of other gentlemen, since the ladies visit the waters separately. In the evenings, I like to dine with a charming lady, take her to a ball or the opera, and then see where our inclinations lead us…

 

 

 

 

 

9781492602149Lord Boyce Parker (When a Rake Falls):

To begin my day, I wake, a necessity of little notice. Then make love to my wife, Eve, until the sun fully illuminates the sky and our hearts become one. Eat several meals, a necessity of need. Next perform my duties as a man; run the estate, swing an axe, hammer iron, walk ten miles, practice boxing, and then bathe and dress for dinner. Spend the meal speaking in the code of lovers. Eve has a great appreciation for wit and the sly remark. Yes, yes, a clever innuendo or two is as appealing to her as a good pudding.

 

 

 

 

 

9781492602712John Fitzhugh Barrett, Lord Hartley (Never Resist a Rake):

I mentioned before that the grounds of Somerfield Park are dotted with a number of follies. In case you are unfamiliar with such, allow me to explain. They are recreations of partial buildings from other places and times, only in “ruin” form. Hence the Greek folly has the appearance of an ancient amphitheatre. However, there is one actual ruin on the place—the remains of the original fortress and chapel built by the first Marquess of Somerset. Vines have overtaken the crumbling stone and hundred year old oaks stand defiantly in the middle of the sanctuary.

An ideal summer day would include exploring this old site with Miss Kearsey to culminate in a picnic luncheon. We would need a blanket to spread our feast out upon, of course. What we do on that blanket after our repast is finished is no one’s business but our own.

 

 

Viscount Amersham (Rake Most Likely to Rebel):

23705411Making love to my wife at sunrise in our big bed in the Leodegrance home in Paris or in Fontainebleau—we have a big bed in both places and we are early risers. Then, she and I practice our fencing in the grand salon, it’s more private than practicing at the salle d’armes on the Rue St. Marc, and since it’s still early in the day it’s cool too, the heat hasn’t set in. Afterwards, we breakfast on the terrace with hot coffee and fresh croissants.

If I don’t have to go into the salle, or if we’re in Fontainebleau, we’ll go riding in the woods, picnic by a stream or at some ruins, laze away the afternoon reading out loud to one another on a picnic blanket or fish, just for an excuse to take our shoes and some of our clothes off. We have been known to skinny dip. A perfect night includes dinner beneath the stars if we’re in the country or if we’re in town, dining at a little bistro and an open air carriage ride on the way home to our big bed where we end the day as we started it.

 

 

To hear more from these rakes pick up their stories!

Dominic Ransleigh (The Rake to Reveal Her by Julia Justiss)

Lord Boyce Parker (When a Rake Falls by Sally Orr)

John Fitzhugh Barrett (Never Resist a Rake by Mia Marlowe)

Viscount Amersham (Rake Most Likely to Rebel by Bronwyn Scott)

Our Summer Lovin’ Beach Reads Picks

We are thrilled to be a part of this super summer fun beach read post! Thanks for having us, Straight Shootn’ Book Reviews, and thanks to all of you for stopping by…enjoy! 

11350551_1648699922027333_6012477818153353704_n

Jillian’s Picks:

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Sugar O22875436n Top by Marina Adair:

This is a fun, flirty, sexy small town romance with a kick ass heroine and a hero that had me swooning too many times to count. I loved the balance of sweet and sassy and Marina is an author I always can count on for a great read!

Buy the book

.

 .

17841651Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye:

This is one of my all-time favorite books and one I always recommend. Laura knocks it out of the park with this sexy damaged way hero and his brother’s younger sister in this forbidden romance that heats up the pages and had me an emotional wreck more than a few times. I love everything about this book!

Buy the book

 

FlirtingWithFire-e1406819069844Flirting With Fire by Kate Meader:

I mean is there anything better than a hot, sexy, alpha fireman? Nope! I loved so many things about this book from a heroine who had a quick wit and a flirty streak to a hero who was so sexy and equally vulnerable. This one was of the best series debuts I’ve read to date and highly recommend!

Buy the book

 

23737313The Surrender Gate by Christopher Rice:

With a healthy dose of mystery and a huge spoonful of sexy and sensual, this is one of my favorite reads this year. I love everything about the way Christopher Rice writes and am always swept away into sexy and magical world. Totally delish!

Buy the book

 

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unnamed-6The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose:

Stunning, beautiful, dark, sensual…this book was so many things and I loved every page of this gothic romance. I couldn’t put this book down and am anxiously awaiting the next in this stunningly written series.   Again, one of my favorite reads from this year!

Buy the book

 

 

 

 

Courtney’s Picks:

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cover_frontWalk Through My Door by Anthony Bryan:

I can’t say enough awesome things about this book. This book feels so real because of the story and the characters just suck you in. Anthony’s writing is so unique that he makes everything come to life. And then he has added the EPE (Enhanced Playlist Experience) and that just takes this book to a whole new level!

Buy the book

.

24497054The Virgin Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn:

This book is just non-stop laughs. I absolutely love the whit and humor in this book. The story line is absolutely sweet but the way Meghan delivers it, is just superb. Her writing style is what makes her stores stand out amongst the rest!

Buy the book

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23505755-2Henry’s End by Julie Richman:

Julie out did herself with this book. I dare anyone to try this M/M Romance – you will be blown away at how quickly you forget it’s a M/M Romance. Julie does a fantastic job of writing a heartfelt story and showing how it doesn’t matter who you fall in love with – what matters is that allow yourself to fall.

Buy the book

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24734716Contrite by Kathy Coopmans:

Contrite is one complete mind f*ck!! You will be blown away by this book – and do not try to figure anything out as you read – you will just drive yourself mad. Trust me! You will find yourself glued to the book til you finish it.

Buy the book

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24853315Professor Cline: Revealed by J.M. LaRocca:

I absolutely love this dark and intense romance story. I love the twists in this book and how I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. The chemistry between the characters is very hot and oozing off the pages. You have to read this story to see what I am talking about. It’s not your average Professor/Student plot.

Buy the book

…and be sure to check out our fellow beachy blogging gals and their picks:

Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews

Angie & Jessica’s Dreamy Reads

&

The Book Bosses

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Trailer Reveal….Hard To Let Go by Laura Kaye

Hard Ink Trailer Reveal Banner

 

We are over the moon about this Trailer Reveal for Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink Series! HARD TO LET GO-the final title in the Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance, is releasing June 30th!! Laura has a very special treat, through June 29, anyone who pre-orders HARD TO LET GO, and Fills Out This Form, will receive a Hard Ink Series Short Story! Just fill out the quick form here!

Hard to Let Go - cover

Pre-Order at Amazon | B&N | iBooks| Kobo

Hard to Let Go on Goodreads

And now….The Amazing Hard Ink Trailer…

Link:https://youtu.be/qM45fjLJXXk

About HARD TO LET GO:

Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters his biggest complication yet—a seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo shop following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with the criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights . . . and in his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.

 

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

 

Hard as It gets

Hard As It Gets

Hard as You Can

Hard As You Can

Hard To Hold On To

Hard to Hold On To

Hard To Come By Cover

Hard to Come By

Hard to Be Good - Cover

Hard to Be Good

 

Praise for Hard to Let Go:

“Kaye wraps up her bestselling series with this action-packed story, highlighting her talent for alpha military heroes, hot romance, and an ensemble cast of characters who are unique and engaging. A supersexy, high-octane romantic suspense novel that concludes the popular Hard Ink series in a completely satisfying way.” ~Kirkus Reviews

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

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

 

 

 

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

 

z-InkSlinger Blogger

Books and Bull Riders, Oh My! Meet PBR Riders Harve Stewart & Zane Lambert

BullRiders

HARLEQUIN TAKES THE BULL RIDER BY THE HORNS

Professional Bull Riders Partner with Harlequin Books

Harlequin, the internationally-renowned publisher, is teaming up with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world’s premier bull riding organization, to bring you four revived titles featuring swoon-worthy, rugged bull riders. This collector’s edition by USA Today and award-winning author Tina Leonard will feature covers showcasing real-life, top PBR riders Matt Triplett, Reese Cates, Harve Stewart and Zane Lambert.

Each book contains exclusive content, including biographies, interviews, photos, signed reader letters from the riders and $20 of value-added coupons for select PBR events, fan club membership and upcoming Harlequin titles.

Harlequin Pro Bull Riders stories are heartwarming contemporary tales of everyday women finding love in the arms of the quintessential American icon, wrapped up in manliness and romance. The stories showcase the charm of small-town America and the ruggedness of Western locales and regularly feature Western characters as protagonists.

Founded in 1992, the PBR pits the world’s toughest bull riders against the fiercest bucking bulls on the planet in an 8-second showdown. More than 600 bull riders compete in PBR-sanctioned competitions in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States each year. These events are attended by more than 2.5 million fans annually who respect the riders’ athleticism and courage. PBR broadcasts are televised weekly on CBS and CBS Sports Network and reach more than half a billion households in 50 nations and territories around the world.

Today I have a fab Q&A with (absolutely adorable) PBR Riders HARVE STEWART and Zane Lambert to share with you! 

Harve Stewart

Harve

 

How and when did you start getting into bull riding?

I grew up in Stephenville, Texas, which is a big rodeo town—a lot of legends have come from there. Ty Murray and the Carillo brothers (Adam and Gilbert) are just three of the greats to come from Stephenville. When I was 13 years old, I actually got on my first steers at their place and just fell in love with bull riding. They became my friends, and I felt kind of lucky that I was able to have that opportunity because not many people do. It was an opportunity for me to go and get on, and I didn’t turn it down.

What do you remember about your first Built Ford Tough Series ride?

My first Built Ford Tough Series ride was in Anaheim and it was a bull called Nacho Hero. He was just a cool little bull. I don’t think I was even many points—82.25—on him, but it was just neat to get that first one down. It is something you never forget and sticks with you forever. You will have a Top Ten list of your favorite rides, and your first might not make it on that list, but you will always remember it. We’d had two one-day events, and I bucked off at my first two events and then went to California for my third event and rode my first one there. You are nervous and everything. It is new. You see it on TV, but it’s not something that I got to see before I got on tour—I had never been to a Built Ford Tough event until then. It was something really cool to see, but it dang sure took a while to get used to.

In your career, what would you say was your most memorable moment? And why?

Probably when I rode Meat Hook in Thackerville, Oklahoma, a couple of years ago, in 2012. It was my first BFTS event win. I had gotten close quite a bit, finishing second and stuff like that, but I’d never won one. It came down to the last two guys and I stayed on mine. It was kind of a cool pressure situation—and to come out on top is something I will always remember.

What’s your idea of a romantic night out?

Just a steak dinner and a movie—maybe even at home. We would go to a nice steak house, like a Del Frisco’s. If it was me planning it, hell, we would go golfing and then to a football game. Though it kind of depends on the girl and what she wants to do.

 

Harve Stewart

@harvestewart

 

Harve2World Finals Qualifications: 6

Hometown: Stephenville, Texas

Residence: Stephenville, Texas

Height: 5-9

Weight: 160

Born: 12/28/87

Riding Hand: Right

BFTS Season: 9th

Career Earnings: $508,852

High-Marked Ride: 91 points on Savage Shaker in Tulsa, Okla., on July 22, 2007

                       

 

Personal

A former Texas High School Rodeo Association Champion, Harve rode his first bull at age 14 after watching a friend at nine-time World Champion Ty Murray’s ranch. He learned to ride from his father, Dee, who was a former bull rider and received further instruction from Murray and former PBR stars Adam and Gilbert Carrillo. Harve admits he doesn’t like to ride on an empty stomach and says if he had a choice, he would eat a steak before every ride, whereas most of his fellow riders choose that as their preferred meal after a contest. When it comes time to relax, Harve might be found hanging with fellow PBR riders or maybe watching a comedic movie. His most memorable ride was besting Meat Hook for 90.5 points in Thackerville, Okla. in 2012 to win his first BFTS contest. If he weren’t a professional bull rider, Harve would have liked to be a football player. When he retires he will probably spend more time golfing and envisions himself owning a business of some sort. “Anything where I can be my own boss.” says Harve.

2014 Highlights

Earned round wins in Billings, Montana, and Des Moines, Iowa…landed Top 10 finishes in Anaheim, California (8th), Fresno, California (T9), Des Moines, Iowa (T9), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (7th)…went 2-for-3 on his bulls in Colorado Springs for his highest finish on the season…fell out of the Top 35 following Springfield, Missouri, but competed as an alternate in Oakland, California, and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

 

 

ZANE LAMBERT

zane 

 

What would you say is your favorite thing about the riding community? It feels very close-knit, and you travel weekend to weekend?

Definitely the best thing about it is the people you meet. The guys you get ready with in the change room. The guys you travel with and hang out with the whole time. There is a huge community and we all interact with each other and it’s pretty cool. We go to different cities every weekend and it’s the same guys going down the road, so it’s really neat to travel all over the world and still have your friends there.

In your career what would you say was your most memorable moment? And why?

Two years ago, I won the Canadian title. That was probably the most memorable for me because I came in second the two years before that. To finally pull out the win—it was pretty special for me, and I finally got my title.

What would you say is the most romantic thing you have ever done for your wife?

I asked her to marry me at the CN Tower, in Toronto, and we went on our honeymoon to Hawaii. If I could do that again, I definitely would.

What’s your idea of a romantic night out?

I think because I’m on the road so much, a night in is more a night out for me. To sit at home—we like to cook, and that’s my idea of a nice night. Not traveling.

 

World Finals Qualifications: 1

Hometown: Ponoka, Alberta

zane2Residence: Westbourne, MB

Height: 5-11

Weight: 175

Born: 7/2/86

Riding Hand: Right

BFTS Season: 6th

Career Earnings: $321,876

High-Marked Ride: 87.50 points on Guns & Donuts during Round 3 of the World Finals on Oct. 24, 2014

 

* – 2013 Canada National Champion

 

Personal

This Canadian cowboy started riding and attended his first rodeo school at 10 where he won a rodeo card after which he competed in 4 contests that year and was permanently hooked. To keep in shape he definitely hits the gym hard and also has a routine he does in his hotel room on the road that includes pushups, sit-ups, etc. After his wife Stacey, whom he married in April 2013, Zane’s best pal is his English bulldog Ace, whom he calls his mascot and sometimes travels with. When not on the tour, Zane likes snowboarding and doing renovations on his friend’s houses. He and his wife also like to make wine from scratch – they’ve even ordered grapes from California before and done the crushing and fermenting at home. Someday he hopes to retire from bull riding with enough money to buy a big place in the country where he can raise a bunch of kids and of course, have a large wine cellar.

2014 Highlights

Competed in his first event this season in Sacramento, California, where he lead going into the championship round, going 2-for-3 for third place overall and his first Built Ford Tough Series Top 5 finish…collected four Top 10 finishes and two Top 5 finishes altogether, including tying for second place in Des Moines, Iowa, covering two of his three bulls and posting one of his two round wins on the year…earned his second round win in Nampa, Idaho…earned himself a BFTS career-high 87.50 points on Guns and Donuts (Silver Creek Pro Rodeo) during Round 3 of the World Finals.

 

 

PBR Sweepstakes Image (3)

 

(click on the photo to enter)

And, here are links to excerpts from each PBR title. At the end of each excerpt is a printable coupon!

A Family For The Bull Rider: http://www.harlequin.com/media/images/pdf/AFamilyfortheBullrider_chapter.pdf

Heart Of A Bull Rider: http://www.harlequin.com/media/images/pdf/HeartofaBullrider_chapter.pdf

One Wild Bull Rider: http://www.harlequin.com/media/images/pdf/OneWildBullRider_chapter.pdf

The Bull Rider Twins: http://www.harlequin.com/media/images/pdf/TheBullRiderTwins_chapter.pdf

 

About the Author

TINA LEONARD

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard has sold over 3 million copies of her titles. She has made the USA Today Bestseller, Waldenbooks, Bookscan, and Ingrambook lists, and has written and contracted seventy-one books and special projects. She is best known for her sparkling sense of humor, endearing communities, snappy dialogue, and memorable characters that include sexy hunks with attitude and heroines with plenty of sass.

Website: http://www.tinaleonard.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tina_leonard @Tina_Leonard

Special Event….Tessa Bailey and her Risking It All Location Photo Shoot

Hello! Thank you to Read-Love-Blog for having me today! When I wrote RISKING IT ALL, the easiest part of the process was visualizing where every scene took place. I live in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, but I’m familiar enough with nearby Bensonhurst and Coney Island that I could see every inch of the backdrop as I was writing. I wanted to share those places with readers, so my husband and I trekked around Brooklyn in our white Subaru and snagged some visuals to have on hand when you read the book! It was a lot of fun, but very cold. Enjoy!

 

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Here we are in Coney Island! In the summertime, this place would be packed and we would have had to park multiple blocks away, but we’ve come in twenty-degree weather, so the only ones around are brave. Or taking pictures of locations in their book 😉 Behind me is the famous parachute jump and one of the newer roller coasters.

 

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Toward the middle of RISKING IT ALL, Bowen whisks Sera away to Coney Island and they spend some time playing air hockey in an arcade (and some decidedly more memorable time in a photo booth). This is the arcade I envisioned as I wrote (on the left – you can see the Arcade sign). Unfortunately, it’s closed during the winter months, but I know the inside well. I wasted many a summer day inside in my early twenties. In the background is the famous Cyclone, which opened in 1927!

 

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Boardwalk at Coney Island in winter

 

 

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In RISKING IT ALL, Bowen opens up to Sera about some pretty emotional stuff involving his father and street fighter upbringing while leaning against the railing on the Coney Island boardwalk.

 

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Also while in Coney Island, Bowen and Sera spend some time talking/eating breakfast on a bench – one of my favorite moments in the book. Beware of passing nuns 😉

 

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Bowen and Sera’s Bench, Coney Island <3

 

 

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In Chapter Fourteen, Bowen is forced to take Sera to Marco’s so he can discuss business. Without spoiling anything, the night ends with a near-melee on the sidewalk out front between rival crime outfits. This is the Homestretch Bar and Grill in Bensonhurst (Bowen’s neighborhood). It’s what I pictured Marco’s to look like. A little (a lot) run down, but a place that was probably a gem when it was new. Sera could have ducked into the red doorway to make that fateful phone call.

 

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This is a building in Bensonhurst where I pictured Bowen living. It’s above an Italian restaurant, just like in the book.

 

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Bowen’s building again. The entrance is on the side street where the buildings split. I think of Bowen watching Sera from across the street, smoking a cigarette while she searches his car. That scene takes place at the crack of dawn, so there wouldn’t by anyone around. ALSO: you can see my white Subaru parked of the left corner as I take the shot. LOL.

 

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This is where I imagined Bowen taking Sera to church.  St. Ephrem’s Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn. That’s me on the steps (my husband took the snap).

 

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In Chapter Seventeen, Sera leaves Bowen at the apartment and goes to the park where her brother was shot. This is the park I pictured her running away from Bowen when everything starts coming together in her mind.

 

 

Thank you so much, Tessa, for these amazing pictures and your thoughts on all of these locations.  It’s so amazing being able to see the places that inspired Risking It All, one of my favorite reads ever <3 

I hope you all enjoyed this special post as much as I did and thanks for stopping by! 

~Jillian 

Risking It All is available now

Risking it all cover

 Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

Secret Announcement from author Kristen Proby

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby has been sitting on a secret, and we get to share it with you today! We think all of her readers across the board will be thrilled to hear what’s coming next!

Check out what Kristen has to say about the upcoming plans…

 

Dear readers,

As you know, the With Me In Seattle Series came to a close earlier this month with the eighth and final installment, FOREVER WITH ME. I’ve been steadfast in my decision that there would be no further stories from the series, no spin-offs, nothing more. In my mind, it was complete.

And I still feel that the Montgomery/Williams families are complete, and I maintain that I’m happy with their happy-ever-afters.

But, I’ve also heard you when you’ve said that Asher, Matt Montgomery’s partner in TIED WITH ME, deserves to have a happily ever after for himself and his daughter Casey. So, when the lovely ladies from 1001 Dark Nights asked me to participate in their wonderful project, I thought long and hard about whose story it should be about. Seattle is finished, and I’ve moved on to New Orleans for the new Boudreaux Series… And then it occurred to me: why not do both, and offer a companion novella to each of the series?

And so, because you, the reader, has been so insistent that you want to see Asher and Casey find their perfect person, I’m excited to introduce you to EASY WITH YOU. I think you’re going to love Asher and Lila’s love story this spring…

Happy Reading,

Kristen Proby

Can you believe it??

 

EASY WITH YOU, a companion novella to both the With Me in Seattle Series and her upcoming Boudreaux Series, will be releasing March 24, 2015! Now you can see some of your favorite characters again while they interact with some new ones. We’re so excited to get Asher and Lila’s story! Check out the cover for the novella and all the information on EASY WITH YOU below!

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Amazon Kindle  |  Amazon Print

 

 

ABOUT EASY WITH YOU:

Nothing has ever come easy for Lila Bailey. She’s fought for every good thing in her life during every day of her thirty-one years. Aside from that one night with an impossible to deny stranger a year ago, Lila is the epitome of responsible.

Steadfast. Strong.

She’s pulled herself out of the train wreck of her childhood, proud to be a professor at Tulane University and laying down roots in a city she’s grown to love. But when some of her female students are viciously murdered, Lila’s shaken to the core and unsure of whom she can trust in New Orleans. When the police detective assigned to the murder case comes to investigate, she’s even more surprised to find herself staring into the eyes of the man that made her toes curl last year.

In an attempt to move on from the tragic loss of his wife, Asher Smith moved his daughter and himself to a new city, ready for a fresh start. A damn fine police lieutenant, but new to the New Orleans force, Asher has a lot to prove to his colleagues and himself.

With a murderer terrorizing the Tulane University campus, Asher finds himself toe-to-toe with the one woman that haunts his dreams. His hands, his lips, his body know her as intimately as he’s ever known anyone. As he learns her mind and heart as well, Asher wants nothing more than to keep her safe, in his bed, and in his and his daughter’s lives for the long haul.

But when Lila becomes the target, can Asher save her in time, or will he lose another woman he loves?

 

Author photoABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the 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.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Author Goodreads

Steph’s Six Days of Christmas…Read-Love-Blog’s Giveaway stop

Welcome to my stop on Steph Nuss’ Six Days of Christmas Giveaway tour!

 

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She is giving away six sets of SIGNED paperback copies of Wanted By You and Fantasized By You!

You can enter to win in the rafflecopter below and while you’re here, feel free to check out my reviews of both books and see what my thoughts on the series are! 

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays! 

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Read-Love-Blog’s Wanted By You REVIEW & book info 

 

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Read-Love-Blog’s Fantasized By You REVIEW & book info

 

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Pleasured By You

Goodreads: http://ow.ly/FCXUy

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Get in touch with Steph:

Website  |  Tsu  |  Facebook  |  Facebook group Nuss’ Navy  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon

InkSlinger’s Advent Calendar Giveaway Stop at Read-Love-Blog

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Happy holidays, everyone!

Everyone at InkSlinger – the publicists and the fabulous authors they work with – wanted to do a little something special for the bloggers and readers who constantly amaze them with their support, so they put together an advent calendar full of fun prizes!

Each day you can check their advent calendar to check for the giveaway for that date!

They’ll be hosted by different bloggers on each day, but the advent calendar will link directly to the posts! And don’t worry if you miss a day – the giveaways will run all month long, so there’s plenty of time!

I’m hosting today’s giveaway…

check out the details in the rafflecopter below!

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