Read-Love-Blog

Fly With Me by Chanel Cleeton…Release Day Event

by Jilly

Fly With Me

by Chanel Cleeton

May 3, 2016

Wild Aces #1

Adult Contemporary Romance

Penguin/Berkley

BOOK SUMMARY:

From the author of the Capital Confessions Novels comes the first in the steamy Wild Aces Romance series.

U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Noah Miller—call sign Burn—loves nothing more than flying hard and fast. When he meets a gorgeous and sassy woman while partying in Las Vegas, he immediately locks on to her.

Jordan Callahan owns a thriving clothing boutique, but her love life is far less successful. Her luck changes when six feet, two inches of sexy swagger asks her to dance and turns her world upside down.

One scorching weekend becomes an undeniable chemistry that they can’t leave in Vegas. But the long distance relationship and their different lives threaten to ground their romance. And when the dangers of Noah’s job become all too real, Jordan learns being with a fighter pilot means risking it all for a shot at love…

Praise for Fly With Me:

“Sexy, funny, and heart-wrenching—this book has it all!”

– Laura Kaye, New York Times bestselling author

“A sexy fighter pilot hero? Yes, please. For anyone who’s ever had a Top Gun fantasy, Fly with Me is for you.”

– Roni Loren, New York Times bestselling author

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ZMneLv

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/20ewq86

Google Play: http://bit.ly/23eFOei

iBooks: http://apple.co/1ny66aS

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UbE3Ze

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26822886-fly-with-me

First Chapter: https://chanel-cleeton.squarespace.com/fly-with-me-chapter-one

Check out Book 2 in the Wild Aces series, Into the Blue (out July 5, 2016):

From the author of Fly with Me and the Capital Confessions Novels comes the newest in the sexy Wild Aces Romance series

Eric Jansen—call sign Thor—loves nothing more than pushing his F-16 to the limit. Returning home to South Carolina after a tragic loss, he hopes to fix the mistake he made long ago, when he chose the Air Force over his fiancée.

Becca Madison isn’t quick to welcome Thor back. She can’t forget how he shattered her heart. But Thor won’t give up once he’s set his sights on what he wants—and he wants Becca.

Thor shows Becca that he’s no longer the impulsive boy he used to be, and Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But will Thor be able to walk away from his dream of flying the F-16 for their love or does his heart belong to the sky?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QmS3R0

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1OFUJnZ

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1lvnY4M

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PpG0gx

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1V8uLxr

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24820432-into-the-blue

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure.

Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her husband.

Chanel writes contemporary romances, women’s fiction, and thrillers. She is published by Harlequin HQN, Penguin/InterMix, and Penguin/Berkley and is the author of the International School, Capital Confessions, Assassins, and Wild Aces series.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: www.chanelcleeton.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorchanelcleeton

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1545366192398558/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chanelcleeton

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/chanelcleeton

Newsletter: www.chanelcleeton.com/mailing-list/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chanelcleeton/

May 2016 Release Day Event

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Risk of Exposure by Emmy Curtis…Book Spotlight & Excerpt

by Jilly

RISK OF EXPOSURE

by Emmy Curtis

Available 05/03/16

Book #6 – Alpha Ops Series

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Forever Yours

He is a trained professional—but nothing can prepare him for the hottest mission of his life. Assigned to protect his boss’s daughter, British former SAS operative Malone Garrett breaks the first rule of covert surveillance—don’t make contact. And especially don’t take your mark out to dinner, then agree to a rooftop quickie. But now that Mal has Abby in his arms, he has no intention of ever letting her go.

Abby Baston told herself it was a hit and quit, a one-nighter with a hot, handsome stranger whose hands were trained to take action. Working undercover for the CIA, she can’t risk anything more. But when an international crisis ignites, Abby must make a call: trust Mal with her secret—and her heart—and partner up, or lose everything in a split second . . .

Get More information at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29211/?

Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She’s lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference…well, she already considers you kin.

Get More information at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

The Alpha Ops Series:

(while books in this series are loosely connected, all function as standalones)

Dangerous Territory- Book 1- novella –only 99 cents!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Over the Line- Book 2

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Pushing the Limit- Book 3

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Blowback- Book 4

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Compromised- Book 5

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Excerpt:

Five minutes into her short drive home, she passed another old beater Škoda with its hood up. She slowed down. It was pointing the opposite way, so it wasn’t like she could really offer him a ride. She was about to pass it, when she caught sight of the man, or more specifically, his jacket. It was bright red and emblazoned with MEDCIN SAND FRONTIERS. She pulled over. She wasn’t going to strand a fellow aid worker in the countryside at night.

“Ca va?” she asked.

“Eh. I’ve been better,” he replied in a deep voice with a distinct English accent.

“And you’re not French,” she said, slamming her door and striding over to him.

“Not even a little bit.” He straightened and blew out a sigh as he held his hand out to her. “Malone Garrett. Thanks for stopping.”

She shook his hand and looked into the engine. “Anything I can help with?”

He cocked his head and looked down at her.

A jolt of awareness flashed through her as he met her eyes. He was all man. Firm jaw, really blue eyes, way over six feet, and built to match. His jean-clad legs were long and clearly muscled. She suddenly wanted to see what was under his jacket and shirt…Her long-dormant libido kick-started in her stomach, sending unwelcome messages through her body. Jesus, girl. Get a grip.

“Are you good with cars?” he asked, a hint of a smile behind his words.

I can hot-wire them, siphon fuel from them, disable them, make them explode, and change a fan belt. But aside from that, not really.

“I’m good at giving stranded motorists rides back into town,” she said, as if she was admitting she knew nothing about cars.

“In which case, I’d be grateful to take advantage of that skill, if you don’t mind,” he said, closing the hood. He got back into his car, turned off the headlights, and grabbed a messenger bag from the backseat.

She got in her car and watched him in her rearview mirror. His accent did strange things to her. Maybe it was just speaking to someone who actually spoke English as a first language. Maybe it was something different. Holy hell. Did God send him because she’d been determined to meet someone? Or at least touch someone?

He opened the door and peered in. “Are you sure? I promise I’m not an ax murderer.” He smiled disarmingly, and for a second she considered that that was precisely what an ax murderer would say. She shrugged to herself. Anything to relieve the boredom of her life.

“Sure. Maybe you should be asking if I’m the ax murderer?”

A frown flickered across his face for a second and she laughed. “I’m not, I promise.”

He got in and put his seat belt on. “Isn’t that exactly what an ax murderer would say, though?”

She laughed again. “You’re the one who brought up ax murderers. Maybe I kill with a spork. Maybe you’re making me feel inferior with all your talk about axes.” She pulled onto the road and headed toward the flickering lights of the town about thirteen miles away.

“Then let’s drop the subject. Although, clearly, axes are superior in that line of business.”

She sniffed. “You haven’t seen what I can do with a spork.”

He laughed, a low belly laugh. “So perhaps I can take you out to dinner, to thank you for your assistance this evening. That way, I can see firsthand how proficient you are with cutlery.”

Book Spotlight Excerpt May 2016

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Dare to Take by Carly Phillips….ARC Review

by Jilly

Dare to Take is out TODAY!

Synopsis:

She was off limits,
But he couldn’t resist.

There are just some guys you don’t touch–even someone as innocent and inexperienced as Ella Shaw knows that. But when her brother’s best friend is up for grabs and willing, she can’t resist. After all, she’s wanted him for years…

On leave from the army, Tyler Dare is just looking for a little fun, but his best friend’s sister is off limits. Yet unable to deny how sexy and alluring she is, he finds it all too easy to succumb to a night of passion and heat that ends the next morning in the worst way possible.

Now, Ella is stranded on a tropical island with a hurricane bearing down, and only Tyler can save her. It’s his chance to make amends for the past and show the woman he’s never forgotten that he’s coming after her . . . in more ways than one.

My Review:

Dare to Take is the sixth installment in author Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love series and I hate to admit it but this is the first book in the series I’ve read *runs and ducks for cover*. I know, I know, I really need to read the rest of them now because I totally loved this book and am dying to know the entire Dare family.

Tyler and Ella have a bit of a long history, with a few bumps in the road that led them to where they are today. A drunken night of lost virginity and regrets years earlier has tainted the friendship they once had…but it never tainted the attraction and hidden feelings they both shared for each other. Fast forward to the present day where time had passed, but those feelings never faded and when Ella needs help, Tyler has to be the one to be her knight in shining armor. Of course, the forced close proximity wasn’t exactly what they wanted, having successfully avoided each other for quite some time, but oh boy, was it just what the doctor ordered and turned out to be exactly what they needed. And I loved it!

I seriously love a good friends to lovers to enemies to lovers story and Ms. Phillips knocked it out of the park with Tyler and Ella. I loved getting to see Tyler’s protective side in the very beginning and then getting to see his sexy sweet side with Ella. And let me just say, his sexy side is sexy with a capital ‘S’! I loved Ella as well and he reluctance to open up her old wounds but also wanting to give it a chance. Give Tyler a chance. They were so great together and the heat burned up the pages. There was also a bit of mystery in this story and it added an element of danger and suspense that I really enjoyed. It had Tyler’s alpha side out in full effect and oh my, was that hot to see.

I also loved the interaction between Tyler, his family, and Ella, who had been a close family friend for a good portion of their lives. It’s a big loving and loyal clan with a lot of characters I really am dying to read more about…rest assured I’ll be heading to scoop up the entire backlist as soon as I finish typing this review!

If you’re looking for a sexy, intense, emotional, and suspenseful romance, this is a book for you. And seeing as though it’s the first in the series I’ve read, it can totally be read as a standalone (but I’m sure you’ll be like me and dying to read the other Dare’s!). Thank you, Ms. Phillips, for a fantastic read!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Buy links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites …

Follow Carly on the web:

Carly’s Website.

Carly’s Blog.

Carly on Twitter.

Carly’s Facebook Fan Page.

Contemporary Romance Four Loves May 2016

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Never Tear Us Apart by Monica Murphy…ARC Review

by Jilly

Never Tear Us Apart is out TODAY!

Synopsis:

The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.

The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

My Review:

Never Let You Go is the follow-up to author Monica Murphy’s Never Tear Us Apart, which I highly recommend reading first, and is the ending to Ethan (Will) and Katie’s story. What a wild and emotional ride…it was amazing!

There’s something to be said for relationships forged in trying and hard times, as Katie and Ethan’s was. It’s what happens in the aftermath and picking up the pieces that matters in making any kind of future…whether together or apart. As if the trauma Katie and Ethan have already been through isn’t enough, they now have to navigate all sorts of issues. Family drama, especially for Katie, a reporter hell-bent on getting them to talk, and fumbling through the confusing and intense emotions they feel for one another…it’s enough to make a person crazy. But they have each other and no matter what, that will win out in the end (and oh my what an amazing ending it was!).

Filled with a ton of raw emotion and showcasing a beautiful and touching love found in darkness, this book was a phenomenal conclusion.

Thank you, Ms. Murphy!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

About the author:

New York Times, USA Today bestselling author and #1 international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

I also write contemporary romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Check out my Facebook page for more info & regular updates:http://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphya…

Hang out with me on Instagram!
https://instagram.com/monicamurphyaut…

Contemporary Romance Four Loves May 2016

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Deception by Aleatha Romig….Cover Reveal

by Courtney

DECEPTION, book THREE of FIVE in Aleatha Romig’s INFIDELITY series.

“Infidelity – it isn’t what you think”

It all began in Del Mar, a chance meeting with a single rule–one week only.

Or did it?

Lennox ‘Nox’ Demetri and Alexandria ‘Charli’ Collins had every intention of following it but rules are made to be broken. In CUNNING they are reunited with Nox setting down new rules for the game and Charli having no choice but to follow them.

Now, once again, the game has changed. Nox and Charli’s hot sensual encounter has grown into something more but it is threatened with secrets and regrets. Is it their love and intense sexual chemistry that’s pushing them together or something darker, a puppetmaster behind the scenes pulling the strings on their love affair?

Shadowy villains lurk around each corner and everyone is suspect as Nox’s and Charli’s pasts collide with the present and threaten to compel them back to their predestined fates.

Can deals brokered in the past be negated by something as pure as love and as steamy as the attraction shared by Nox and Charli? Or was it all a deception—starting with that very first meeting?

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists and turns, the depth of this epic romantic suspense continues to reach new levels as past and present intertwine. The Infidelity series will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

DECEPTION is a full-length novel, over 300 pages, and the third of five books in the INFIDELITY series – It isn’t what you think!

(This series is not about nor does it advocate or condone cheating)

Add to Goodreads

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks

Pat leaned back against the couch. “I had a good feeling seeing you with Lennox. Besides, you have that whole one-week history…” He fingered the rim of his wine glass, and I tried to ignore how it reminded me of my martini glass only hours before. “I’m sure you can work through this.”
“He has my number.”
“If these were normal circumstances, I’d tell you to forget all about him. I mean, who needs someone like Lennox Demetri? I can only imagine it’d be awful to have a boyfriend who redecorates a room for you, practically weeks after you move in. One who cares enough about your dreams to pay for your education and buy you whatever you want or need, one who gives you the ability to tell Uncle Alton and Aunt Adelaide to stick their conditions up their tight asses. And girl, his looks. Damn, nobody wants to put up with those sexy blue eyes. I mean the way they light up when you walk into a room and he looks at you like he’d eat you whole. I can see how that would get old fast.” He took a drink of his wine. “Honestly, I’m not sure how you managed to stay for this long.” He shrugged. “There’s always good ole Bryce.”
I sat forward, put my wine glass on the coffee table, and after placing my elbows on my knees, cradled my head. “I don’t need Bryce. Why do I need a man?”
“If you don’t know the answer to that question, my opinion of Lennox Demetri has just plummeted. I mean, I’m sure you have a vibrator.”

One week. No future. No past. No more.

Alexandria Collins has one week to live carefree—no ghosts of her past or pressures of her future haunting her. Reinventing herself as “Charli,” she is knocked off her feet by a sexy, mysterious man who brings her pleasure like she never imagined. With her heart at stake, she forgets that decisions made in the dark of night reappear in the bright light of day.

“Some of my tastes are unique. They aren’t for everyone. I understand that.”

Lennox “Nox” Demetri is wealthy, confident, and decisive—he knows what he wants. From the first time he sees Charli at an exclusive resort, he knows he wants her. Although he is usually the one to make the rules, together they agree on one:

One week. No more.

When betrayal comes from those closest to Alexandria, she must decide how far she is willing to go to survive. Choices are not always easy, especially when they involve the heart, body, and soul. After all, Infidelity is a business, and some rules are meant to be broken.

“Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?”

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants, and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic dark romance will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next. Have you been Aleatha’d?

BETRAYAL is a full-length novel and the first of five in the INFIDELITY series.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks |Kobo

“He owns you. Whatever he tells you to do you do”.

One year. No future. A past that won’t go away.

Lennox “Nox” Demetri broke his own rule by making a deal. It may not have been directly with the devil, but that doesn’t mean Satan himself isn’t watching. Was it fate that brought Charli into his life and his bed? What will happen when rules are broken and secrets are revealed?

“New rules…my rules.”

Alex “Charli” Collins found pleasure with Nox like she’d never known. That was before she knew his last name. Now that Infidelity is involved and the rules have changed, what will result when real life and fantasy collide?

Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, the depth of this new, epic dark romance reaches new levels and will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

CUNNING is a full-length novel, 360 pages, and the second of five books in the INFIDELITY series.

Infidelity – it isn’t what you think.

iBooks | Amazon | B & N | Kobo

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These standalone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat. In the fall of 2015, Aleatha will move head first into the world of dark romance with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

Cover Reveal Dark Romance Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense

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Out Rider by Lindsay McKenna…Blog Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

About Out Rider

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (April 26, 2016)

With her return to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, New York Times bestselling author Lindsay McKenna shows how love can find a way out of the darkness…

A fresh start—that’s all Devorah McGuire wants. As a former Marine and current Ranger with the US Forest Service, she’s grown accustomed to keeping others safe. But when the unthinkable happens, she can only hope that a transfer to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will allow her to put the past behind her for good.

Dev’s mentor at Grand Tetons National Park is fellow canine handler and horseman Sloan Rankin. He shows Dev the spectacular trails, never knowing the terror that stalks her every move. Despite her lingering fear, Dev feels an attraction for Sloan as wild as their surroundings.

With Sloan, Dev can envision a new life—a real home. Unless a vengeful man fresh out of prison succeeds in finishing what he started…

My review:

Out Rider is the eleventh book in author Lindsay McKenna’s Jackson Hole series and admittedly the first of her work that I’ve read. This was a nice departure from the romances I normally read I enjoyed it a lot.

Dev and Sloan’s romance builds at a slow and sweet pace with lots of patience and respect. I really enjoyed both character’s personalities and watching their attraction grow. It was decidedly slower than a lot of the romances I read and it was a really nice change of pace. It felt like a romance from a simpler time and I loved that aspect. Dev is coming off of a traumatic event and Sloan’s respect of her personal space and feelings was really amazing. He’s a true gentleman with a wonderful outlook on life, even after his own past failed relationship. They are really wondeful together with a lot of similar traits and philosophies.

I also really enjoyed the suspense layer to this story with the return of the man responsible for Dev’s current situation and her reluctance to trust men.

When I started this book, I didn’t realize there were so many books in the series and I was happy to find out there were. I am definitely going to look into the pervious installments!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

About Lindsay McKenna

A U.S. Navy veteran, she was a meteorologist while serving her country. She pioneered the military romance in 1993 with Captive of Fate, Silhouette Special edition. Her heart and focus is on honoring and showing our military men and women. Creator of the Wyoming Series and Shadow Warriors series for HQN, she writes emotionally and romantically intense suspense stories.

Connect with Lindsay

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Lindsay McKenna’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, April 25th: Bewitched Bookworms

Wednesday, April 27th: The Sassy Bookster

Friday, April 29th: Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous

Monday, May 2nd: Read Love Blog

Wednesday, May 4th: Booked on a Feeling

Thursday, May 5th: Reading Reality

Friday, May 6th: Book Reviews & More by Kathy – guest post

Monday, May 9th: Books a la Mode – guest post

Wednesday, May 11th: Palmer’s Page Turners – guest post

Monday, May 16th: Bibliotica

Wednesday, May 18th: Stranded in Chaos

Thursday, May 19th: The Reading Cove Book Club

Friday, May 20th: What I’m Reading

Monday, May 23rd: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, May 25th: Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews

Wednesday, May 25th: From the TBR Pile

TBD: Written Love Reviews – guest post

Contemporary Romance May 2016 Three Loves

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The Summer Games: Settling the Score by R.S. Grey……Release Day Blitz & Review

by Courtney

Title: The Summer Games: Settling the Score

Author: R.S. Grey

Genre: Sports Romance/Romantic Comedy

Release Date: May 2, 2016

As an Olympic rookie, Andie Foster has spent far more time in her cleats than between the sheets. For 21 years, her Fridaynights have consisted of blocking shots rather than taking them. But now that she’s landed in Rio, she’s ready to see for herself if the rumors about the Olympic Village are true:

The athletes are all sex-crazed maniacs…
The committee passes out condoms like candy…
The games continue long after the medals have been handed out…

As Andie walks the line between rumor and reality, she’s forced into the path of Frederick Archibald, a decorated Olympic swimmer and owner of a sexy British accent—too bad he’s unavailable in a way that “it’s complicated” doesn’t even begin to explain.

In other words: off limits.

It doesn’t matter that he has abs that could bring peace to the Middle East and a smile that makes even the Queen blush; Andie fully intends on keeping her focus on the soccer field. But the Village is small. Suffocating. Everywhere Andie goes, Freddie happens to be there—shirtless, wet from the pool, and determined to show her a whole new meaning of the phrase “international affairs”.

Amazon | Goodreads

The Summer Games: Settling the Score is definitely a perfect title for this book. Rachel does a superb job of creating a great picture of The Olympic games. Even though there are characters from Scoring Wilder in this book, it can easily be read as a standalone.
The Olympic games are set in Rio – perfect place. I really enjoyed reading about what goes on in Olympic Village and the different events that go on that most of us as spectators don’t ever see. The details that Rachel adds so much to the overall story.
I love that Rachel created characters with strength and good heads. Freddie and Andie are put into many circumstances wherein other books the female just assumes the worst and doesn’t approach the subject head on. I loved that Rachel had them handle things as adults and work them out appropriately.
I truly enjoyed this whole book. I won’t give away the plot because I feel it takes away from the overall feeling of a book when reading it any knowledge. Just know that Rachel delivers a fantastic story line with amazing characters. I look forward to reading more from her.

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Goodreads

Contemporary Romance May 2016 New Adult New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Sports

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Never Let You Go by Monica Murphy….Review

by Courtney

This is not your conventional romance. NEVER LET YOU GO (Bantam Trade Paperback Original; On Sale 5/3/16) is about a woman who unwittingly falls in love with the son of her abductor. The second and final novel in a darkly sexy contemporary series from New York Times and USA bestselling author Monica Murphy, NEVER LET YOU GO is a tale about forbidden love.

Katie Watts was almost thirteen when she was kidnapped at an amusement park. Held captive for days, she’s finally rescued by her captor’s teenage son, who was subjected to his father’s mental and physical abuse for years. In the aftermath, Katie was sent into seclusion with her family, and the captor’s son was shipped off to one foster home after another, completely disappearing from her life.

NEVER LET YOU GO is an emotionally powerful novel about moving on from horrific events in the past and learning to love. Monica Murphy deftly delves into the world of romantic suspense and masterfully tackles a difficult subject matter.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

Never Let You Go is the sequel to Never Tear Us Apart. This story is not for everyone. It’s gritty, ugly and real. But it’s what makes the ending so much more enjoyable.

This book picks up right where the last one left off. We watch Katie grow and become more confident in herself as the book moves along. My heart ached for Katie. But my heart also sang when she finally listened to herself and let go.

Will/Ethan we got to see a lot more from his view. We got to see what went on in his head. I felt that we got to know him a lot better in this book. But his love and devotion for Katie made my heart so happy.

As for the other characters – her sister Brenna, I loathe that woman. Yes, she has her own issues to work with but damn. And Will’s dad Aaron, when I saw his name pop up the first time from his POV – I literally walked away. I didn’t care to read his portion. In the end, I did. But that just shows you how well written this book is. Monica was able to make me hate this character so much, seeing just his name, repulsed me.

Watching these Will & Katie go through so much, I cried, laughed, smiled and even got pissed off a few times. What they have gone through definitely brought them closer together on a whole other level, but it also allowed them to understand one another better. Katie is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for. Will is her guardian angel. These two are unbelievable together. There’s no denying what they have together.

This book really got to me. It made me feel a lot. I literally felt like I was watching a movie play out before me. Everything these characters went through, it oozed off the pages. Monica wrote a spectacular story and delivered it hauntingly beautiful.

Like I said before, this story isn’t for everyone. But it’s a story that will grip you, pull you in, and keep you immersed til the end. It’s an emotional and sweet story that will stay with me for years to come.

Praise for Book One, Never Tear Us Apart by Monica Murphy

“Murphy imbues these characters with genuineness and plausibility. . . . [Readers] will look forward to the promised sequel.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Murphy jumps into the world of suspense with a powerful story of friendship, trauma, coping and betrayal. The characters jump off the page into real life and will have readers gasping and feeling every emption that they go through. Another amazing book to add to Murphy’s already stellar library!”
—Romantic Times, TOP PICK!

MONICA MURPHY is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series (One Week Girlfriend, Second Chance Boyfriend, Three Broken Promises and Four Years Later), as well as the Fowler Sisters trilogy (Owning Violet, Stealing Rose and Taming Lily) and the eBook novella Drew + Fable Forever. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills of Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Connect with Monica Murphy

Website: www.monicamurphyauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor • Twitter: @MsMonicaMurphy

More Praise for Monica Murphy’s Never Tear Us Apart

“All the best parts of romance and betrayal . . . I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”

—New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover

“A powerful story that left me raw yet hopeful.”

—USA Today bestselling author K. A. Tucker

“Murphy has written a compelling and emotional love story of two severely broken people, each of whom can be healed only by the other.”

—Booklist

“It’s poetic, addresses difficult themes, and captures the essence of our fragility as humans and the strength love provides.”

—Heroes and Heartbreakers

Excerpt May 2016 New Adult New Releases New Reviews Romance Romantic Suspense

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The Summer Games: Settling the Score by R.S. Grey….Pre-order Sale

by Courtney

Title: The Summer Games: Settling the Score
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: May 2, 2016
Find on Goodreads

The athletes are all sex-crazed maniacs…
The committee passes out condoms like candy…
The games continue long after the medals have been handed out…

In other words: off limits.

Amazon

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

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April 2016 Contemporary Romance Pre-Order Romance Sale

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Ride Hard by Laura Kaye…Blog Tour & Review

by Jilly

Ride Hard - Tour banner1

Laura Kaye has something hot and fun and new to share with you today – a scene from her upcoming book, Ride Hard, the first in her Raven Riders Motorcycle Club series about a new kind of MC with a protective mission. You might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! So read on for a taste and grab your copy of the first book in this sexy new series!

RIDE HARD - cover

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Get a FREE bonus story from Laura’s Hearts in Darkness world for buying RIDE HARD before April 30!

About Ride Hard (Raven Riders #1):

Brotherhood. Club. Family.

They live and ride by their own rules.

These are the Raven Riders…

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before…

My Review:

Ride Hard is the first full length story in author Laura Kaye’s newest series, the Raven Riders Series, and being a huge fan of Laura and her work, I was beyond excited for this series kickoff. And before I go any further I have to say: I gave this book a spot as my second favorite story of Ms. Kaye’s. I loved it so…damn…much.

From start to finish, the amount of raw emotion and vulnerability Ms. Kaye weaves into the pages is truly amazing. Both Dare and Haven have their share of emotional scars. While Dare has had a few more years to accept the baggage he must carry, Haven is still learning howe to carry the load and how to navigate this new life of hers. Neither one of them is looking for any kind of emotional connection. Neither one was prepared for the one they found in each other. And when that connection started to blossom, oh my, it was pure magic. Dare’s biker persona and gruff exterior is completely at odds with the kindness and care he shows toward Haven. God, I love that man. I loved his struggle when he tries to push his feelings for her away, thinking he was no good for her. I loved his internal battle and when he finally gave in. It was at just the right moment. I loved Haven’s resilience and her spirit. I admired her strength and the lengths she would go to to protect the ones she cares about. She’s loyal and fiercely loving. She wants to get past her horrid excuse of a childhood and knowing she finally had a chance to finally live her life, grabs it with both hands and is determined to never let go. Together, Dare and Haven are delicious. The attraction is immediate and special. It’s raw and real and had me swooning from the first time they come together. Just amazing.

Beyond that, the group that Ms. Kaye introduces us to is a group I am dying to read more of. From fellow current club members to the older generation of former members to Haven’s best friend, these are people I wish I could hang out with. They are a group with a philosophy I love and while it’s a different philosophy than most MC books out there, it’s amazing. These are men, and women, willing to help those in need. Stand up for those who can’t. Speak for the lost voices.

They all have so much depth and dimension and they just feel so real. But that’s what Laura Kaye does. She delivers amazing stories filled with emotion and characters so real, they jump off of the page. *dreamy sigh* Yep, this book is going to earn a spot on my re-read shelf for sure. I need to head back into the Raven Rider’s world stat!

Thank you, Ms. Kaye, for a series opening that has me dying for more and wanting to live in this world you’ve created. (And thank you for not being annoyed with my as-I-read play-by-play texts 😉 )

5LovesRLB

Five Loves

J signature

Excerpt:

RIDE HARD EXCERPT POST – Provoke

I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my 25^th novel, Ride Hard, the first book in my Raven Riders Motorcycle Club series about a new kind of MC with a protective mission. You might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! I can’t wait for you to get to know Dare, Haven, and everyone in the Raven world! And see down below for a giveaway and a bonus story offer! I hope you enjoy this excerpt from the book!

Excerpt from Ride Hard:

One minute Dare was standing on the beach, trying to keep himself from giving in to Haven’s innocent playfulness. The next he was wet from forehead to knees from Haven splashing him.

She actually splashed him.

His reaction was pure instinct. He took off like a shot, bolting toward her like a wild animal after its prey. Haven’s beautiful face went from uncertain to startled to amused, and on a scream and a laugh she turned and ran, her feet kicking up water as she cut through the shallows at the secluded lake’s edge.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she yelled between laughs.

Dare just ran faster, not even caring as his boots hit the water. She didn’t have a chance in hell of outrunning him, and he wasn’t giving up the chase until he had her in his arms—and made her pay.

A burst of laughter exploded out of her as she veered back and forth, pleading words spilling haltingly from her lips. And then Dare clasped his arms around her upper body, hauled her in against him, and took them both down to the sand right at the water’s edge. He turned his body so that he took the brunt of the fall, bringing Haven down on top of him. The chase and the challenge and the closeness had him rock hard in an instant. Not surprising, since he’d been sporting a semi since she’d straddled his bike, spread her legs around him, and taken him into her arms.

“You splashed me,” he said, eyebrow arched, hand fisted around the long braid in her hair.

Wearing a grin so open and carefree that it made his chest feel suddenly too small for his heart, Haven nodded. “Oops.”

“You think that’s funny?” he asking, growing harder as she shifted her weight, making her belly grind against his hard-on.

A small gasp of recognition, and she bit down on her lip as the cast of her eyes went from playful to aroused. “A little,” she said in a breathy voice. She licked her lips. Dare couldn’t help but track the movement, and want to suck the trail of moisture she left there off the plump, pink skin.

What the fuck was he doing?

Haven’s hands gripped his shoulders, and she subtly shifted her weight again, pulling herself up his body—just a little, but enough that her lower belly now pressed and thrust against his cock. And Jesus if the need blazing out of those bright blue eyes wasn’t crystal clear.

For a split second, Dare thought of Haven’s list of things she’d never experienced, her lie of omission, the expression she’d worn on her face when he’d made her come before. And what he wanted to do ran roughshod over what he should do.

Startling a high-pitched gasp from her, Dare flipped their positions so that she lay in the soft sand and his body lay partially over hers. With his forehead against hers, he nailed her with a stare. “You sure you want to provoke me?”

Don’t forget you can grab HARD AS STEEL, a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella out now and pre-order RIDE ROUGH, book 2 in the Raven Riders Series (out April 25, 2017)!

About 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, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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April 18^th

Love Drug Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Book Hammock – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

mignon mykel : reviews – Review & Excerpt

Take Me Away To A Great Read – Review & Excerpt

Reading Adventurously – Excerpt

Bridget’s Book Bungalow – Review

Ashleyz Wonderland – Excerpt

April 19^th

Stephanie’s Book Reports – Review

PopKitty Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Hike2Forty and beyond – Review & Excerpt

Coffee-Books-Life Blog – Review & Excerpt

Curled up and cozy – Review & Excerpt

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This Wacky Momma reads – Review & Excerpt

Wickedcoolflight – Review & Excerpt

April 20^th

Books According to Abby – Review & Excerpt

Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads – Review

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The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt

Krista’s Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt

A Fortress of books – Excerpt

Majorly Delicious – Review & Excerpt

Bad boys and Bedtime stories book previews – Review

April 21^st

The Bookish & The Romantic – Review & Excerpt

Lit. 4 Ladies – Review

Melody May – Review & Excerpt

Red Hot + Blue Reads – Review

Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt

Always YA at Heart – Review & Excerpt

The Book Boyfriend Addict – Review & Excerpt

Vera is Reading – Excerpt

Write for Your Life – Review & Excerpt

April 22^nd

After Dark Book Lovers – Review & Excerpt

Melena`s Reviews – Review

Cara’s Book Boudoir – Review

Kelsey’s Corner Time – Review & Excerpt

WickedGoodReads – Review

The bookworms obsession blog – Review

Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Sassy Bookster – Review & Excerpt

April 23^rd

Eden Ashe – Review & Excerpt

Kris & Vik Book Therapy Cafe – Review & Excerpt

Liz’s Reading Life – Excerpt

From the TBR Pile – Review

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April 24^th

Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous – Review & Excerpt

Evermore Books – Excerpt

Smokin Hot Reads Book Blog – Review

Extreme Bookaholics – Excerpt

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess – Review & Excerpt

Bambi Unbridled – Review & Excerpt

Crazy Chaotic Book Babes – Review & Excerpt

Obsessed by Books – Review

April 25^th

Romancing the Readers – Review

Ellesea Loves Reading – Excerpt

Carol Kittie Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Barbara Book Reviews – Excerpt

SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

About That Story – Excerpt

Book Reader Chronicles – Review & Excerpt

Morning Books and Coffee – Review

April 26^th

RELEASE WEEK BLITZ!

April 27^th

NightWolf Book Blog – Review

Romanticamente Fantasy Sito – Excerpt

Reading Is My Bliss – Review & Excerpt

Ashley Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Bookalicious book babes – Review & Excerpt

Books, Coffee & Passion – Excerpt

Talking Books Blog – Review

My Girlfriends Couch – Review & Excerpt

True Story Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Reviews by Tammy and Kim – Review & Excerpt

Renee Entress’s Blog – Excerpt

April 28^th

RELEASE WEEK BLITZ!

April 29^th

Hot Guys in Books – Review & Excerpt

A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia – Review & Excerpt

Book Nook Nuts – Review & Excerpt

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Liezel’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

NC 2 DC – Review & Excerpt

Reviews from the Heart – Review

April 30^th

A Brit and a Yank – Excerpt

She Hearts Books – Review

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions – Review

Talk Books to Me – Review

Books Need TLC – Review

Read-Love-Blog – Review

Deluged with Books Cafe – Review & Excerpt

The book obsessed momma – Review

Nose Stuck in a Book – Review & Excerpt

April 2016 Blog Tour Contemporary Romance

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Flash of Fire by M.L. Buchman…Spotlight Tour Stop

by Jilly

Title: Flash of Fire

Author: M.L. Buchman

Pubdate: May 3^rd, 2016

ISBN: 9781492619192

Fourth in M.L. Buchman’s critically acclaimed Firehawks romantic suspense series

When former Army National Guard helicopter pilot Robin Harrow joins Mount Hood Aviation, she expects to fight fires for only one season. Instead, she finds herself getting deeply entrenched with one of the most elite firefighting teams in the world. And that’s before they send her on a mission that’s seriously top secret, with a flight partner who’s seriously hot.

Mickey Hamilton loves flying, firefighting, and women, in that order. But when Robin Harrow roars across his radar, his priorities go out the window. On a critical mission deep in enemy territory, their past burns away and they must face each other. Their one shot at a future demands that they first survive the present—together.

M.L. Buchman has over 40 novels in print. His military romantic suspense books have been named Barnes & Noble and NPR “Top 5 of the year” and twice Booklist “Top 10 of the Year,” placing two titles on their “Top 101 Romances of the Last 10 Years” list. He has been nominated for the Reviewer’s Choice Award for “Top 10 Romantic Suspense of 2014” by RT Book Reviews and is a 2016 RWA RITA finalist. In addition to romance, he also writes thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction. He is constantly amazed at what can be done with a degree in geophysics. You may keep up with his writing and receive exclusive content by subscribing to his newsletter at www.mlbuchman.com.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NxsozZ

Apple: http://apple.co/1WblxTS

BAM: http://bit.ly/1SnyK9m

B&N: http://bit.ly/1qC1GkK

Chapters: http://bit.ly/1WBmyF6

Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1qTKDuW

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MDB1hA

Visit M.L. Buchman’s website for more military romantic suspense!

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the latest in my Firehawks world.

Flash of Fire posed an interesting challenge for me right from the first page. There is a balance in building a romance world: I want it to be big enough to be interesting and small enough to be cozy.

In Pure Heat, Full Blaze, and Hot Point I had focused on the fliers of the three big Firehawk helicopters. But I didn’t want my little Mount Hood Aviation heli-aviation wildland firefighting group to get much bigger. Another consideration was that the series name is Firehawks and I wanted to honor that with another story using a pilot of one of the converted Black Hawk helicopters.

The challenge was that I already had married couples in each of the three pilot seats: Emily Beale, Jeannie Clark, and Vern Taylor.

And then I remembered a little scene in the Night Stalkers Bring On the Dusk.

Emily hadn’t eaten breakfast and only picked at her lunch complaining of a queasy stomach from the flight.

“Either that or you’re about to have another kid,” Claudia teased her.

Emily looked down at her perfectly flat stomach and then began swearing. “I’m going to kill Mark. I’m just going to kill him.”

“You don’t want another kid?” Claudia didn’t know whether to laugh or be shocked.

“The man is so insatiable, not that I’m complaining. We ran out of protection and figured one time without wasn’t going to…” She sighed and then rubbed her belly gently. “It’ll be alright.” She told her midriff. “You just won’t have a father.”

The goofy smile that bloomed on the woman’s face did something to Claudia.

Well, crap! I’d made poor Emily pregnant back in March, a year ago. So apologies for the 15-month pregnancy (no wonder she’s so pissed off by the time she’s too pregnant to fly in Flash of Fire).

With her seat now open, I needed someone who could fill it. Fill Emily Beale’s seat? Who was I kidding? She was the most kickass heroine I’d ever written. Well, I wasn’t the only one feeling daunted, the poor character I put in her place was plenty overwhelmed as well.

But then Robin Harrow never met a challenge she couldn’t face down…at least not until she met Mickey Hamilton, the pilot of a smaller Bell Twin-212. Which also solved my initial problem of transitioning from the big Firehawks to the smaller birds in the fleet.

I always love it when the characters take the story right out of my hands and run with it and Flash of Fire was certainly one of those.

Hope you enjoy the flight,

M.L. “Matt” Buchman

An Excerpt:

Best buddies Mickey and Gordon have been jostling for attention from Vanessa, one of the other helicopter pilots. Gordon and Vanessa are assigned off to one fire, Mickey and the new pilot to another. They’re standing on the airfield about to part ways.

Mickey almost left Gordon to his own devices, but he’d be bound to screw it up. Just as he was duty bound to try to cut his friend off from any attractive woman, he also had to help him if he could.

“Gordon?”

“What?” his friend still looked a little overwhelmed.

“With Vanessa, just be yourself. Don’t gum it up with trying to be charming; it doesn’t work for you.”

“Sure it does,” he protested. “I’m a charming kind of guy.” He shot Mickey a grin.

Then he looked more carefully at Mickey’s expression and sighed. Mickey didn’t have to say a word.

“Okay, maybe not so much with the charm. Thanks, Mick,” and he turned for his helo.

Mickey caught his sleeve before he could move off, “Her name?” he nodded back over his shoulder toward the newbie.

“Robin something.”

“Like the bird?”

“Like,” that smooth female voice sounded from close behind him, “Robin Hood who will put an arrow in your ass if you say Robin Red Breast.”

Mickey turned to face her. He decided that all of his first judgments at a distance were accurate, and at this close range they were ten times more powerful—both the fine looks and the serious dose of attitude.

“Hi! Mickey Hamilton,” he held out a hand. “As long as it’s not a Firehawk you’re trying to ram up my ass, I’m fine.”

That earned a half smile; nice on the lips, not touching those crystalline pure blue eyes. Her hand was fine-fingered yet strong, like she did a lot of lifting with it. A lot. She glanced over his shoulder.

“He’s Gordon Finchley,” Mickey filled in before Gordon could speak and get a foot in the door. Helping him with Vanessa was one thing; easing his access to this pretty unknown was not going to happen. “Yeah, Finch just like a little Tweety bird. Don’t pay him any mind.”

“Hi, Gordon. Good luck in Leavenworth,” she leaned around Mickey and reached out a hand, which Gordon shook as he mumbled something unintelligible. Or perhaps it was intelligible and Mickey just couldn’t hear it.

He was struck by several things at once. It was the first time he’d actually seen Robin move, and both of his first guesses of ballerina and workout diva were equally justified. Her simple move was both lithe and powerful. Martial arts student perhaps. If so, it was a different form than his Taekwondo, something with more grace and flexibility.

Also, her lean toward Gordon had placed her so close that he could smell her. Her Nomex flightsuit was brand new and the woman wearing it smelled of clean soap and…cool ice—that impossible clarity of air when snow skiing. As if—newborn was the wrong image—newly wrought.

# # #

Gordon actually wasn’t fluttery like a Tweety bird, but he was also clearly a sweet man—a major mark against him in Robin’s book.

She knew from past experience that she tended to scare the shit out of men like him. They wanted her, but she would run over them roughshod, even on the rare occasions when she was trying not to.

This Mickey on the other hand, she had been able to feel him watching her from the moment she’d hit the line. He hadn’t shifted away as she reached past him to greet Gordon, letting her lean right into his personal space.

Guys named Mickey were supposed to look like hoodlums or something. Instead Mickey Hamilton looked like a cop…or a firefighter. The trustworthy kind, not the sneaky shit she’d always pictured slipping from her mother’s bed in the dark of the night and never coming back.

Up close she could appreciate how nicely broad his shoulders were. And he had the kind of blue eyes that could see through any fog or other BS—far away the best feature on a very handsome face. He was an inch taller than she was but looked bigger and more solid than his taller finch-friend.

Robin knew that—because her heritage was half firefighter and half truck-stop mama—she was a pushover for Mickey’s type. Now she had to ask if she wanted to be a pushover this time, or not.

She rocked back onto her heels and Gordon slipped out of her attention. Mickey didn’t fade in the slightest. He had a slow smile, a real one that showed beneath the quick grin he’d been using to tease his buddy.

He didn’t blink, squint, look away…or look down toward her chest. Mickey faced her eye to eye and offered that easy smile.

Summer is definitely looking up, she thought to herself. Most definitely. Didn’t mean she was going to make it easy for him.

“Mickey? Like the mouse?”

Gordon snorted out a laugh, slapped Mickey on the back, and headed away.

“Not Mickey Rooney either,” he offered in an unperturbed tone, showing no desire to hurry off to his aircraft.

“Not short and round?”

“Nor likely to break into a song-and-dance routine. And Mickey Mantle died about the time we both entered grade school, so I’m not him either.”

“How about Mickey Blue Eyes?”

“Well, my name is Mickey. Eyes are blue.”

“You don’t strike me as the Hugh Grant romantic comedy type.”

He shrugged noncommittally, “You the type to watch them?”

“Not so much,” Robin admitted. Astute question. “So, Mick Blue Eyes it is.”

At that he smiled and those blue eyes lit and sparkled with laughter that was only suggested by the sudden curve of his lips.

April 2016 Book Spotlight

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Book Promotion & Review

Dare to Take is out TODAY!

Synopsis:

My Review:

Four-and-a-Half Loves

Buy links:

Never Tear Us Apart is out TODAY!

Synopsis:

My Review:

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks

About Out Rider

My review:

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Purchase Links

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About Lindsay McKenna

Connect with Lindsay

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Lindsay McKenna’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

My Review:

Five Loves

Excerpt:

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