ARC: One Night with a Rake by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe

I'm seriously impress with myself. However, I have manage to finish One Night with a Rake by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe in a day. Thank goodness for rainy days, for they are perfect days to read. Anyways; this is the second book in The Royal Rakes series. If you don't know what this series is about here's a quick sum up on the series:

The Royal Dukes are trying to find a young virginal woman to marry and produce an heir (Obviously they want to secure the crown). However, some people don't want to see that happen, so they are blackmailing these rakes to make sure this doesn't come to fruition. One has already been knocked out of the running when she married Lord Rhys Warrick. Now it's up to Lord Nathaniel Colton to take down the next bridal candidate who has caught the eye of the Duke of Cambridge.

All right, I did have a bit a trouble getting into the story at first. I think a lot had to do with I didn't like Lady Georgette Yorkingham at first. I mean she wasn't a bad character, just a bit trying to please everyone else (darn people-pleasers). As I continued the story I started understand why she did the things she did and her character started to make sense. Plus, I started to appreciate her character more. It's amazing what a little information can do when it comes to perception.

Lord Nathaniel really wasn't a bad guy. Actually he's really a decent guy and he didn't really become a rake until after he got back from the war. He seriously took a major emotional hit right before the war and during the war, which cause him to spiral down. Once he started to seduce Georgette, he begins to realize his heart or conscious didn't die all those years ago.

I enjoyed how some of the staff were in a good portion of the story. Which I think enrich the story.

I think these line from the book really summed up what Lady Georgette was really facing, "Life is sweeter when you do the deciding for yourself. When are you going to give that a try?" Once I got into the story I love how the story kept coming back to that point. Yes, a family would be excited to have a Royal Duke checking out their offspring, but at what cost?

Overall, I enjoyed the story. As I said, once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. I truly believe these ladies have done a marvelous job putting the story together. Granted One Night with a Rake can be read as a stand alone, because it is a different Duke from Waking Up with a Rake. However, I think it's more enriching to read in order (just a suggestion). So, if your thing is for rakes you might want to read The Royal Rake series. If you have a thing for rakes with some emotional baggage, you might want to give Nathaniel a try in One Night with a Rake.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ Book Depository

Blog Tour for Talking Dirty with CEO (Interview with Jackie Ashenden)

On What I'm Reading I have with me Jackie Ashenden the author of Talking Dirty with the CEO. So, I hope y'all welcome her today.

How are you today?

I'm pretty good! Thanks so much for having me on your blog.

Where did you get the idea of Talking Dirty with the CEO?

 I actually first wrote this about four years ago so it's been a while… *tries to get brain working*   I'd always wanted to write a heroine who was a gamer and loves computers – I mean, it's usually the guys who get to do that kind of thing and I really like writing characters who that are a little bit different.  Anyway, usually what you do once you've thought about your characters, is make them do things they hate. Christie is awkward and hates dating so, mean writer that I am, I made her have to write an article on online dating. Now, I know the chances of your online date being a hottie CEO are slim to nil, but hey, this is romance and so I thought Christie might hit the jackpot with her date. And then I thought, well, what if she'd been chatting to him via IM beforehand?  How would that change things? And it just kind of snowballed from there.

Can you tell us a little about Christie and Joseph? What makes them special?

 I'm fond of Christie because she's unapologetically geeky.  She wears Doc Martens, listens to metal, and is really, really determined about some things. She's gutsy and I like that in a heroine.  

Joseph is special because actually, he's pretty determined too. He's got ADHD and although it's kind of wrecked his social life, he's managed to use the good bits of the ADHD to make himself a success. And I like him because even though he's got his flaws, he wants what's best for the people he cares about and you gotta love that quality in a hero.

Are you an online gamer like your heroine?

Hehe. Ummm….well, not online games (unless you count Facebook Scrabble). But I HAVE been known to play Halo with friends on the Xbox. Nothing like shooting you someone you care about with a big gun. ;-)  And I do confess to having an RPG fixation (not looking at anyone in particular Skyrim) not to mention being heavily into the Sims.

What is your favorite part in this story?

 Oooh, tough one since I had fun writing all of it! I think one of my favorite parts is where Christie storms into Joseph's office and calls him on being a douche. She comes into her own at this point and I love how she sticks up for what she wants.

So, what is your current project your working on? Can you share a little about it?

Okay, not sure how much I can say about it but it's another Indulgence that's due out next year. It does involve the heroine threatening the hero with suppositories though, which is always fun. ;-)

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

 Giving damaged people happy endings. And writing hot love scenes. ;-)

If you had to write your own autobiography, what would your title be and why?

 It would be: Jackie! The musical!!  Because I sing a lot. And hey, everyone likes a musical, right?

Thank you for stopping by today, is there anything you would like to share to my readers?

 It was lovely to be here!  And I guess I can add that the next book in the Talking Dirty series is out in August so keep an eye out for that one too!  It involves Joseph's sister and one of his extremely annoying (to Judith at least) friends.  J

A bit about the novel Talking Dirty with the CEO:

Gadget journalist Christie St. John is more geek than chic. But when research for an article she has to write on online dating leads to the bed of the hottest guy she’s ever met, she knows that if the geek is to keep the hottie CEO, she’s going to have to come out of her digital shell.

Tech mogul Joseph Ashton never expected an Internet blind date to end in the best sex of his life. Yet as the chemistry between him and Christie burns out of control, he can't help but think this woman is out for his money like all the rest. She claims she wants his heart instead – but that’s the one thing he can never give.

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

A bit about Jackie:

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines. 

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

How you can find Jackie:

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads 

Let's not forget the giveaway. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter. Who knows you might be the lucky one.

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eARC: What A Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

Today I bring to you the newest book by Vicky Dreiling which is What A Wicked Earl Wants. I don't know how many you have read any of Vicky's previous book, but if you have you would have met Bell at some point. If not, today is your lucky day to meet Bell.

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, is actually a pretty decent guy. However, you wouldn't know that by his raking around. Most rakes only do the wicked things, because they want to keep things hidden from the rest of the world. Bell is no different, but we can't focus on his noble qualities quite yet. Why you ask? Well,  our very wicked Earl wants something. Of course, it happens to be a very attractive young widow.

Laura Davenport, Lady Chesfield, has been warned to avoid Bell at all cost. Yet she can't avoid him when he makes his presence in her life. You know that their encounter changes everything. Especially, when Bell offers to help her wayward son stay out of trouble.

As I said Bell is a decent guy, who hides it well from the world. The more I read the story I really did love Bell. Granted I do have a soft spot for rakes, but he really does have a noble heart (don't want to leak that out, might ruin his reputation). He really does care about others and willing to help them when they are in trouble. He might even go a tad bit overboard at times, but those qualities make a born leader.

We can't forget his buds Harry and Colin. Good lord, they are definitely fun. Especially, the banter between the two of them. Whenever they enter the picture all I could do was shake my head and laugh. Seriously, they're that funny. I can't wait read more about them.

Most of all I love the friendship between Laura and Bell. I mean they are perfect for each, even though they don't want to succumb to their feelings. You watch how the respect for one another grows between them and makes you truly hope they end up together in the end.

Overall, a great read from Vicky Drieling. Plus, a fantastic start for her new series. I can't wait for more. Honestly, I love Vicky's book because they are completely fun to read. So, if you are looking for a light fun read, I would suggest getting your hands on What A Wicked Earl Wants. Who knows you might want a wicked Earl for yourself.

Copy provide by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ Book Depository

Unbreakable by Rachel Hanna

A few days ago, I finished a New Adult book by Rachel Hanna named Unbreakable. First off, the story was a fairly quick read. I must say I happen to enjoyed the storyline which feature a trouble making girl and a goodie-toe-shoe boy.

All right that's not completely fair to say. Sophie Morgan hadn't always been a trouble maker. However, life threw some curveballs that she couldn't handle, so the best way was to lash out. Which cause her parents to send her to Texas to spend Christmas with her aunt and uncle. While she's there she meets Miller Rhodes. Talk about a rough start between these two. Of course, it all stems from a misunderstanding.

Yes, I enjoyed the story. I really liked how Miller started to come to understand Sophie and help her through her rough patch. Plus, as they got older they maintained the friendship, which was nice to see. I loved how Sophie was able to return the favor to Miller when he needed help.

Overall, a nice New Adult read. The story had me smiling and crying. Plus, it gives hope that friendship can withstand a lot trials. So, if you love New Adult and looking for something read, I would suggest giving Unbreakable a try.

Copy provided by author

Rating:


Purchase link:
Amazon

The Vacant Chair Blog Tour (Interview with Kaylea Cross)

I would like y'all to welcome the author of The Vacant Chair Kaylea Cross to What I'm Reading.

First off, what made you decided to write a historical romance novel?
Well, I started a Civil War romance when I was fourteen and have always wanted to go back and finish it. When I started writing seriously and became published, I needed a break from my military romantic suspense books for a bit, so I decided to re-write my Civil War story. I’m so glad I did! I put so much work into the research and story development for it, I knew I couldn’t let it sit there on my hard drive gathering dust.

Have you always wanted to write a historical romance?

Yes, ever since I decided to write romance in my teens. The Civil War is so important to me, and I want to teach my readers about the part of the war I studied during my research for the book.

What inspired you to write The Vacant Chair?

I think it was a combination of Heather Graham’s Civil War books (especially the trilogy with One Wore Blue, One Wore Gray, and One Rode West) and Ken Burns’s documentary series, The Civil War. At that time, I was totally obsessed with the Civil War, especially the cavalry and the medicine of the era. In The Vacant Chair, I’ve written a story that combines both of those loves.

Out of all the books, do you have one that stands out the most and why?

This one, because it was the first novel I’d ever attempted to write. Kind of like my first child, in a way. I put a ton of work into the research for this one, reading more than a dozen primary source books and making my hubby accompany me back to Virginia to visit the battlefields I included in the book. We were only dating at the time, and then he surprised me by getting down on one knee in the middle of the battlefield and proposing! To me that was the most romantic gesture of all time.

So yeah, The Vacant Chair means a lot to me on many different levels.

What’s so special about your characters?

My heroine, Brianna, has a fire burning inside her. She’s determined to do what she can to heal or at least ease the suffering of the Union soldiers who come into her care at the hospital, having lost her husband early in the war.

The hero, Justin,

Do you plan to write more historical romance novels?

I don’t have any plans at this time, but I’ve left the door open to write another book connected to The Vacant Chair at some point in the future if I choose, featuring Brianna’s brother.

If you had to write your own life story, what would your title be?

Stranger Than Fiction (it’s true, ask any of my friends).

Final question, what makes The Vacant Chair a worthwhile read?

I think the story is very poignant, and the characters very strong. And oh, the things you’ll learn! I’ve packed so much into this story, and I hope it comes to life for my readers. The Civil War was a long, ugly chapter in American history and it’s important for us to understand and remember what people went through during it. 

Genre: Historical Romance

Tone: serious

Heat Level: hot (not erotic hot though)

Publisher: Kaylea Cross

Publishing Date: May 2013

Series, #: Not a series

Format: digital

Words: 97,000

Back Cover Blurb:

The Civil War has torn Brianna Taylor’s family apart and made her a widow. Determined to ease the suffering of the wounded crowding the Union hospitals and honor the memory of the man she loved, she embarks on a career as a nurse. But then he arrives—a patient who makes her feel alive again in spite of her resolve to stay detached.

Captain Justin Thompson understands the cost of war all too well, yet he felt compelled to fight for the Union his father died defending. Wounded at Cold Harbor and left to die at a military hospital, he owes his life to Brianna, who seems determined to guard her professional boundaries despite his best efforts to breach them. Just as he’s winning the battle for her heart, he’s forced to return to the front of a cruel war that could very well separate them forever.

Grab Your Copy of THE VACANT CHAIR at:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo Books  

Meet Author Kaylea Cross:

 

Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She and lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Kaylea:

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Kaylea is gifting a $50 eGC to Amazon.com or B&N.com (winners choice) to one lucky commenter during the tour. The more stops a reader leaves a comment on, the greater their chances of winning. Extra entry points can additionally be earned when a entrant ‘shares’ via the Rafflecopter widget. When friends follow the link that was shared back to the post, the sharer earns a point. Please follow the Rafflecopter directions, as well as see full Terms and Conditions for additional information.

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Tour Stops:

http://litconnect.com/virtual-book-tour-the-vacant-chair-by-kaylea-cross

Additional Information:

Kaylea is hosting a Twitter party to celebrate the release of her first historical romance, THE VACANT CHAIR!

When: June 4, 2013; 7–8pm EST

What: Twitter party to celebrate the release of THE VACANT CHAIR!

Hashtag: #thevacantchair

Host: @KayleaCross    | Moderated by:  @lit_connect

LOTS of pre-registration and door prizes are being given away!