Chasing Lady Amelia by Maya Rodale (Review)

I have been hearing a lot of mix reviews on Chasing Lady Amelia, so I wasn't sure I wanted to read. However, I did like this book. It was a cute read. You have the impulsive Lady Amelia who has no desire to a delicate english lady, so she decides to have one day of freedom once she's free. You know how well that goes over with the English. That American hoyden can't she become English like a good respectable girl. HA! I actually like Amelia, she's so American.

She stumbles upon Alistair. Basically, Alistair is order to marry the American hoyden. I feel bad for Alistair, because he takes a lot responsibility for his actions. He's trying to win the affections of his uncle who hates him. He tries to be the heir that he's not. It takes him majority of the book to learn about himself.

Like I said I liked Chasing Lady Amelia. I had fun watching these get to know each in a course of the day, and once the day is over see if what they have is real. However, truths are reveal and might cause a stir among the family. Chasing Lady Amelia and Lady Bridget's Diary take place at the same time, so you might see same events in through different eyes. Those who have seen Roman Holiday might enjoy Chasing Lady Amelia. Now I better go, because I have a movie to see.

Copy provided by Avon

Audiobook: Dreaming a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Review)

Road trips are great way to listen to books, but I would recommend listening to Dream a Little Dream on a road trip. Not that it was bad. No, it was a great story, but boy did it bring on the ugly cry. I mean the one where you will use anything that is soft to stop the tears. Fortunately, I happen to have a box of tissue in my car and I manage to keep the tears at bay, not very well.

At the beginning of Dream a Little Dream we meet Rachel Stone aka Widow Snopes. Now her dead husband did shady things, and she has to live with the consequences of his actions. Everyone believes she's this awful person, so she has to prove to everyone she's not the person they saw on TV. However, that is hard when no one is willing to give her a chance.

Anyway, the good people of Salvation, North Carolina are horrible people. At times I would be like scream you are hypocrites, because they talk about being followers of Christ and then they treated her like dirt. Fortunately there were a couple people that saw she wasn't the devil incarnated, like Gabe and Kristy.

Gabe has some serious issues. He has the hots for Rachel, but there is the issue of her child. It stems that he can never has his family again, so he doesn't want another family. This is a struggle for Rachel, because she's falling for Gabe; however, her priority is her son. Through most of the book, Gabe is thought to be a block of ice that slowly melts. I mean what Rachel goes through, she doesn't give up on life.

I do like the secondary love story between Ethan and Kristy. Kristy is so in love with Ethan, but all he can see is the big busty women. Bad preacher. LOL. So, when Kristy changes her appearance he lose it his s***, and he can't handle it. He has to face facts that he needs Kristy in life and she's absolutely perfect for him.

Wouldn't recommend this book for a long car ride cause the tears were streaming down the face. However, Susan Elizabeth Phillips does an amazing job with making me have the feelies for this story. Adore Rachel and her inner strength to conquer the past. She's truly a good person, even when no one believes her to be one. I also love how she exacts revenge on Cal and Ethan in the end. That was awesome. I like how Gabe comes to realize that he can love again after tragedy. Overall, a pretty darn good story. If you are in a need of a good cry, Dream a Little Dream is a go to read.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Avon Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Gentleman Never Tells by Eloisa James

A Gentleman Never Tells

Eloisa James

Avon Impulse

June 26, 2016

About the Book

A witty, sexy novella about a virgin widow and a rake with something to prove.

Eighteen months ago, Lizzie Troutt’s husband died in his mistress’s bed, leaving her determined to never marry again….and unfortunately virginal.

Eighteen years ago (give or take a few) the Honorable Oliver Berwick blackened his own soul, leaving him hardened and resolutely single.

When the chance for redemption in the form of a country house party invitation comes his way, Oliver is determined to prove himself a gentleman.

Until he breaks all the codes of gentlemanly behavior…once again.

My Thoughts:

Drive You Wild by Jennifer Bernard (Review)

Finished Drive You Wild by Jennifer Bernard. If you have been following the series you would know remember Trever Stark, as being an ass. He's not the friendliest guy, but the ladies love him. However, there is a good reason why he's the ice man, and they actually don't stem from baseball even though he's keeps a cool head on the game. Yes, our good boy Trevor has secret past that he would like to keep out of the spotlight, and it explains a lot about his antics. Of course, he starts to melt when he encounters Paige Taylor. Now Paige knows how to wiggle into someone skin, because she's like a marshmallow, all soft and mushy. Being a marshmallow isn't a bad thing, because the world needs marshmallow people.

These two were fun together. I mean they try to avoid each for a few chapters of the book. I mean Paige is coming off a divorce and isn't too found of athletes, not only that her father has warn her away from Stark. Once Trevor realizes Paige is Crush's daughter, he tries to avoid her. However, that isn't the easiest thing to keep a moth from a flame. Saying that these to are hot for one another is an understatement.

Trevor is definitely an onion. However, I did like how Sadie described him as an iceberg, but you don't see what is underneath iceberg. He's actually a pretty amazing guy. Paige, what's not to love. As I said she's like a marshmallow. She has this ability to let people open up and unburden their burdens. I have to say, it makes Trevor a little jealous at times, even though Paige only has eyes for Trevor. Liked these two together. They seem to bring out the best out each other.

Overall, I liked Drive You Wild, because Paige and Trevor. Trevor makes this story, because you get to know him more than the ice man. The ending is a quick clean up of all the drama that happen in the story. I hope that Stark's sister gets with Jim Leiberman. Anyway, hope there is more A Love Between the Bases books. If you haven't read the previous books, you don't need to worry, but you will see how he was before Paige.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
Rating:
4 Stars

Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis (Review)

Jill Shalvis sure does know how to give sweet, sappy, and fun. In her new series, Heartbreaker Bay, we are introduce to a new group that are fun. Even though the story takes place in the big city, you still get the small town feel with the group tight-knit camaraderie. Yes, everyone knows what is going.

Anyway, we Pru who is trying to make amends for the wrongs of her parents. Totally selfless. Some might view her as a martyr, but I adored her. I could relate to her on a lot of levels. She's the type of person who will give and give till she doesn't have anything else to give, but would find a way to continue. Then you have Finn, who has worked hard trying to make sure that him and his brother survive. He doesn't seem like he knows how to have fun until Pru enters his life.

I did like Sweet Little Lies; it gave me the feelies as I was reading. I like how Pru was able to bring life back to Finn. Granted I wasn't a big fan of Pru waiting so long to tell Finn who she was and what she was doing, but I understand why she was hesitant. Who likes to tell someone a secret that shake the foundation they stand on? Anyway, a great start for a new series. Not only you get to know Finn and Pru, but you slowly get to know their tight-knit group. Yes, I'm curious on a couple of them and can't wait to see how this series plays out. If you are in the mood for sweet, sappy, and fun, you won't have to look to far, because it awaits you in Sweet Little Lies.

Copy provided by Avon
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Harper Collins Spotlight + Review: The Girl from the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor

THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY
A Novel
By Hazel Gaynor
William Morrow Paparbacks
May 31, 2016

About the Book

Presenting a dazzling new historical novel … The Girl From The Savoy is as sparkling as champagne and as thrilling as the era itself.

‘Sometimes life gives you cotton stockings. Sometimes it gives you a Chanel gown …’

Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life.

When she finds employment as a chambermaid at London’s grandest hotel, The Savoy, Dolly takes a step closer to the glittering lives of the Bright Young Things who thrive on champagne, jazz and rebellion. Right now, she must exist on the fringes of power, wealth and glamor—she must remain invisible and unimportant.

But her fortunes take an unexpected turn when she responds to a struggling songwriter’s advertisement for a ‘muse’ and finds herself thrust into London’s exhilarating theatre scene and into the lives of celebrated actress, Loretta May, and her brother, Perry. Loretta and Perry may have the life Dolly aspires to, but they too are searching for something.

Now, at the precipice of the life she has and the one she longs for, the girl from The Savoy must make difficult choices: between two men; between two classes, between everything she knows and everything she dreams of. A brighter future is tantalizingly close—but can a girl like Dolly ever truly leave her past behind?

My Thoughts:

Avon Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Angel Wore Fangs by Sandra Hill

THE ANGEL WORE FANGS
A Deadly Angels, 7
By Sandra Hill
Avon Books
May 31, 2016

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill continues her sexy Deadly Angels series, as a Viking vangel’s otherworldly mission pairs him with a beautiful chef who whets his thousand-year-old appetite . . .

Once guilty of the deadly sin of gluttony, thousand-year-old Viking vampire angel Cnut Sigurdsson is now a lean, mean, vampire-devil fighting machine. His new side-job? No biggie: just ridding the world of a threat called ISIS while keeping the evil Lucipires (demon vampires) at bay. So when chef Andrea Stewart hires him to rescue her sister from a cult recruiting terrorists at a Montana dude ranch, vangel turns cowboy. Yeehaw!

The too-tempting mortal insists on accompanying him, surprising Cnut with her bravery at every turn. But with terrorists stalking the ranch in demonoid form, Cnut tele-transports Andrea and himself out of danger-accidentally into the 10th Century Norselands. Suddenly, they have to find their way back to the future to save her family and the world . . . and to satisfy their insatiable attraction.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Stirring Attraction by Sara Jane Stone

Stirring Attraction
Second Shot #2

By: Sara Jane Stone

Releasing June 7, 2016
Avon Impulse

Blurb
The second, sizzling book in Sara Jane Stone's Second Shots series...

When Dominic Fairmore left Oregon to be all he could be as an Army Ranger, he always knew he’d come back to claim Lily Greene. But after six years away and three career-ending bullets, Dominic is battered, broken, and nobody's hero—so he stays away. Until he learns Lily has been the victim of a seemingly random attack. He’ll do anything to keep her safe . . . even go home.

Lily is starting to find a life without Dominic when suddenly her wounded warrior is home and playing bodyguard—though all she really wants is for him to take her. But she refuses to play the part of a damsel in distress, no matter how much she misses his tempting touch. He’ll leave as soon as she’s safe and Lily knows her heart will never heal.

But as attraction stirs to so much more, danger closes in. With more than Lily’s heart at stake, Dominic can no longer draw a line between protecting Lily and loving her . . .

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Q&A + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Love of the Game by Lori Wilde

Lori, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today!

Your new release, LOVE OF THE GAME is the third in the Stardust, Texas Series, which features some very handsome baseball playing heroes. What kind of research goes into writing a new series, especially a series with professional sports involved?
Hi, thank you for having me. Whenever I start a new book, I do some preliminary research on the setting, the background, and the characters’ occupation. Then I dive into writing. If something comes up during the writing that I don’t know the answer to, I’ll stop and do some quick research. Then once I finish the first draft and jump into revisions, I’ll look for plot hole and missing pieces of research at that point too. Research can involve Internet searches, talking to people in the professions I’m researching, watching TV programs, going to the library, attending an event, or even hands on learning.

You are probably most well known for your Twilight Texas Series, along with the Jubilee Texas Series (my favorite) and the more recent, Cupid Texas Series. Do you have one series or set of characters that was your favorite to write? Even a couple? Or one title that took the most out of you emotionally to write?
The most taxing title for me to write was CHRISTMAS AT TWILIGHT, which features characters struggling with mental illness. Several members of my family have struggled with mental disorders. This book took an emotional as I had to put myself back into heart-wrenching situations I’d experienced. But, it was also very cathartic.

What many readers might not know about you is that you taught a romance course online, which was not only so informative but very personal when it came to feedback and critique. (I took the class and LOVED IT). If you have ONE piece of advice for aspiring romance writers, what would that be?
Thanks for the compliment. I love to teach writing. I’m actually teaching a class like that again in October through Writers University. https://writeruniv.wordpress.com

My one piece of advice is to get the book done. Just write it. Then write another one and another one. That’s what it takes. Consistent production.

I read that you are newly certified as a yoga instructor. What have you found to be the biggest benefit by doing yoga? Do you think that it has helped with your creativity when it comes to writing?
The benefits of yoga have been nothing short of life altering. Yoga has given me my health, sanity and creativity back. I’d lost myself in work and forgotten who I was. Yoga brought me back to me. I’m calmer, healthier, more balanced. It helps me lead a better life.

What are you working on next? Another Stardust Romance or are you venturing into a new series? Visiting an older series?
I’m going back to Cupid, Texas to write about four brothers from a ranching dynasty and the four Native American sisters they fall in love with.

Thank you again for taking the time to chat!

All Chained Up by Sophie Jordan (Review)

First off, this is one of yummiest cover. I was so excited to get an opportunity to read All Chained Up by Sophie Jordan. However, I have been putting this on the back burner in so many ways. I need to be slapped for that. Yet I finally got to read this one. Anyway, I liked the story. In All Chained Up we get to know Knox Callaghan who had been sent for prison for killing someone who harmed a relative; a crime of passion. He now sits in prison with his brother. Sophie sets up scene for future stories in this particular while focusing on Knox.

Basically, Knox is in prison when he meets Briar Davis. Now Briar wouldn't normally be in a place like Devil's Rock, but her boss need help in the prison health center and decided to go. It's something different. She meets Knox and feels this pull, but she can't get out of her head he's a criminal and she should stay away. Yes, it was a bit predictable on how Knox was going to get release, but it had to be done in order for Knox and Briar to have relationship. We see them struggle with what is going on with them. Knox isn't the typical guy that Briar would be with or even her family would want her to be with; talk about an awkward barbecue. Anyway, it's more a struggle for Knox, because he doesn't see himself good enough to be with Briar. Briar sees him as a good guy under all the gruffness.

Overall, All Chained Up is a pretty good read. Sophie does a great job with the conflict of the relationship, I mean it's not always easy to date felon out on parole who might have gonna about the wrong way to exact revenge. I love how she found a way to set up the next book. The sad thing it's not Knox's brother, I can't wait for his book. North should be an interesting read, but we get Reid's which is definitely going to be a good one. If you are in a mood for something a little different, a felon and a nurse, you might consider reading All Chained Up.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Review + Giveaway: The Wicked Wallflower by Eva Leigh

Temptations of a Wallflower
The Wicked Quills of London #3

By: Eva Leigh

Releasing April 26, 2015
Avon

Blurb
Eva Leigh’s deliciously sexy Wicked Quills of London series continues as a Lady’s secret career writing erotic fiction is jeopardized by real-life romance . . .

In society circles she’s known as the Watching Wallflower—shy, quiet, and certainly never scandalous. Yet beneath Lady Sarah Frampton’s demure façade hides the mind of The Lady of Dubious Quality, author of the most titillating erotic fiction the ton has ever seen. Sarah knows discovery would lead to her ruin, but marriage—to a vicar, no less—could help protect her from slander. An especially tempting option when the clergyman in question is the handsome, intriguing Jeremy Cleland.

Tasked with unmasking London’s most scandalous author by his powerful family, Jeremy has no idea that his beautiful, innocent bride is the very woman he seeks to destroy. His mission must remain a secret, even from the new wife who stirs his deepest longings. Yet when the truth comes to light, Sarah and Jeremy’s newfound love will be tested. Will Sarah’s secret identity tear them apart or will the temptations of his wallflower wife prove too wicked to resist?

My Thoughts: 

Avon Books' Digital-First Imprint, Avon Impulse, Celebrates Five Years

AVON CELEBRATES LANDMARK ANNIVERSARIES:

AS ICONIC ROMANCE PUBLISHER AVON BOOKS TURNS 75,

ITS DIGITAL-FIRST IMPRINT, AVON IMPULSE,

MARKS FIVE YEARS OF UNPRECEDENTED ACHIEVEMENT IN CULTIVATING FUTURE STARS

New York, NY; April 28, 2016 – This is a momentous year for Avon, the iconic romance imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The year marks not only the 75^th anniversary of Avon Books, widely acclaimed for popularizing the historical romance category, but also celebrates the fifth year for the Avon Impulse digital-first imprint. Today, Avon is an acclaimed (or illustrious?) publishing powerhouse, renowned for nurturing the careers of the best and brightest authors in the romance industry, in large part due to the success of the Impulse program. Avon Impulse is a thriving brand with a proven aptitude for cultivating future stars of the genre.

How The Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell (Review)

I have to say that How The Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell isn't like anything I have read. At the beginning, it reminded of me Eloisa James A Kiss At Midnight, because the heroine of the story had to pretend be her half-sister at a house party. Charlene Beckett had to pretend to be her half-sister Lady Dorothea Beaumont. After all Dorothea's mother would love her to catch a Duke. Charlene is willing to play along, after all this will secure her families freedom. Right there makes the story unique. We watch Charlene pretend to be something she's not, and fall in love with someone she can't have.

Now James, he finds himself as the Duke after a tragic accident that takes his father and brother away. Now he's stuck being the Duke, but he has other plans. Basically, he needs a wife to create an heir to secure the title, and make sure everything stays hunky-dory while he's away. This is where it kind becomes like the bachelor. He invites four young ladies with outstanding pedigree, and they need to prove who could be his duchess. Seriously, it's like regency bachelor, except you down to the last few. All Charlene has to do is prove that she's the most Duchess-like out of the bunch.

A creative way to tell the story of How The Duke Was Won. I found myself laughing and rooting for Charlene. Even though she was pretending to be someone else, we still got to see the real Charlene. She's definitely character to see, because did for her family. Yes, I did get a little choked up at the end. Overall, How The Duke Was Won was masterfully done for debut story. I can't wait see what happens in the next book.

Copy provided.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Guest Post + Review + Giveaway: One Dangerous Desire by Christy Carlyle

FIVE BET'S TO MAKE WHEN MARRYING A RAKE

Bet #2

Enjoy Your Dance with a Rake

Every rake has his tried and true methods for capturing a woman’s interest. Some may come by charm naturally, but the dance of wooing a woman takes effort and determination. There are books that advise men how best to approach a lady and what to do to appeal to women. Believe me, ladies, it’s no coincidence that rakes are some of the most charming and appealing men you’ll ever meet. Many speak of a woman’s wiles, but rakes have mastered the art of seduction. Worst of all, they expect every lady to fall for their lures. Yet, have you ever found that a rake quickly loses interest in a lady who responds to his flirtation too easily?

I suggest you, ladies, refrain from doing so. Enjoy the dance. If a rake is set on wooing you, and you are set on allowing him to do so, then enjoy every step. Accept his offer to sweep you across a ballroom now and then, and allow yourself to acknowledge a compliment here and there. Test his techniques until he’s exhausted all of his practiced methods and is left to appeal to you by revealing his true nature. You just might find that your rake is a man of substance underneath all of that gloss.

One Dangerous Desire
Accidental Heirs #3

By: Christy Carlyle

Releasing April 19, 2016
Avon Impulse

Blurb

InkSlinger PR Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

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.

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 Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Debutante Is Mine by Vivienne Lorret

The Debutante Is Mine
Season's Original #1

By: Vivienne Lorret

Releasing April 12, 2016
Avon Impulse

Blurb
USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret launches a new historical romance series featuring the Season’s Original—a coveted title awarded by the ton’s elite to one lucky debutante...

From the Season Standard: ”A true Season’s Original embodies the class, grace, and style of the ton. Such an honor ensures the recipient their pick of eligible suitors…“

Lilah’s Appleton’s prospects are looking dim. With one last chance to find a titled husband before she’s forced to wed her wretched cousin, she must make this Season count. Plain, forgettable Lilah must become the Season’s Original. Desperate, she seeks help from the devilishly charming, untitled, and thoroughly unsuitable Jack Marlowe. All she must do now is resist the tempting rogue…

Bastard son and self-made man, Jack Marlowe loathes the aristocracy. When he meets Lilah, he expects her to be like all the other greedy husband-hunters. But she’s far more dangerous. Her alluring smiles and sharp tongue intrigue him. Before he knows it, he agrees to help her find a husband, revealing tricks to ensnare any man. The only problem is, his plan works too well—on him.

When Lilah becomes the belle of the ball, Jack realizes he may lose her forever-unless he can take a chance on love and claim his debutante...

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Better Man by Candis Terry

A Better Man
Sunshine Creek Vineyard #1

By: Candis Terry

Releasing March 29, 2016
Avon

Blurb

In Candis Terry’s first novel in her Sunshine Creek Vineyard series, the handsome Kincade brothers convene to rescue their legacy-but the last thing they expect to find is love….

Sooner or later…

Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Creek for the NHL, but his sports career has overshadowed everything else-a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now his little sister Nicki is flunking out of school, and only one teacher can help Jordan save her-the shy but incredibly sexy Lucy Diamond, the same girl whose heart he broke years ago. But he’s determined not to make the same mistake twice. If only Lucy would give him the time of day.

Love has a way of catching up with you.

Lucy has no intention of drowning in Jordan’s deep blue gaze again, even if he seems to have turned over a new leaf. Still, his devotion to his sister is impossible to ignore. As they team up to salvage Nicki’s future, Lucy soon discovers that Jordan’s sweet caresses and lingering kisses might just be everything she needs.

My Thoughts:

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Review)

Can I say how much I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips Natural Born Charmer! Seriously, this was indescribable. LOVE Dean and Blue! Anna Fields does an amazing job with this book. With so many characters that appear in this book, she was able to give each of them their own voice. With that said, I think I should go into more detail on each of those characters that are pretty important to the story.

Dean Robillard: Quarterback for Chicago Stars. He's kind of not sure what to do become happy. He felt that he had to get out of Chicago. Nothing like a road trip. He was feeling down till he met Blue Bailey.

Blue Bailey: Is a walking disaster. I mean when we first meet her she's walking on the highway in a beaver costume without it's head. I busted a gut. Tears were streaming down when Blue and Dean have their first encounter. Brilliant!

April Robillard/Susan O'Hare: Dean's mother. Very strain relationship at the beginning of the story, but eventually they work things out.

Riley Patriot: Half-sister to Dean. Decides to run away to Dean's house hoping he will want her around.

Jack Patriot: Dean's father. Rocker and didn't care much while Dean was growing up. Even more strain relationship than his mother.

Anita Garrison: The Mayor of Garrison. Wealthy. Kind of hates the town, but has good reason. Shows that she truly loves Blue, but that relationship takes some time to grow.

Of course we have the good people of Garrison who would love to see the town to grow, but Anita stands in the way.

Anyway, I loved every moment of the story, and there is sooooo much going on Natural Born Charmer. I love the banter between Dean and Blue. Blue keeps Dean on his toes and he has no clue how to handle her. They both see each other for who they truly are. She even helps Dean mend his relationship with his family, which is not the easiest task. This had me laughing out loud throughout most of the story. Tears, I tell you. However, there are moments where I did get a choked up on Blue's behalf. She does have rotten luck until she gets to Garrison. This story was so good I had to listen to the story again. I might have to get a physical copy of this book, because again it's that good. I can't wait to read/listen to other Chicago Stars books. They are worth the read. Run and get this book, and I normally don't say things like that. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Natural Born Charmer. If you are in need to find something that is going to put you in a good mood, check this book out.

Tasty Book Tours Guest Post + Review + Giveaway: Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Since I'm slated for a guest post and the actual post is long Caroline has set up a link for you all to read the first story that started Lady Constance adventures. Click on Original Sin Banner or link to read the story. http://www.carolinelinden.com/50Ways-No1.pdf

Six Degrees of Scandal
Scandalous #4

By: Caroline Linden

Releasing March 29, 2016
Avon

Blurb

Olivia Townsend is in trouble and out of options. Pursued by a desperate man in search of a lost treasure, which she doesn’t have, she’s got only two things in her favor: her late husband’s diary, which she was never meant to see… and the man who was her first-and only-love. Losing him broke her heart, though she’s been careful to hide it for the last ten years. But when he comes to her aid and vows to stand by her this time, no matter what, she can’t help but hope things will be different this time.

James Weston has blamed himself for letting Olivia down when she needed him years ago, and he will not do it again. Fortunately, his unusual life has equipped him well to outsmart the villain chasing Olivia. Unfortunately, being so near her again threatens to expose every secret in his heart…even those that should stay hidden forever.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Q&A + Review + Giveaway: Serving Trouble by Sara Jane Stone

Q&A for Sara Jane Stone

The Second Shot series is your second with Avon Books, what is your favorite part about starting a new series?  (The character development?  World Building?  Etc.)

SJS: First, let me just say that I love writing sexy stories set in timber country. And I’m so thankful that Avon allows me to follow the characters and find the story. The first book in a new series always sets the tone for the series. And it never leads where I initially expected. That certainly held true for the Second Shot series. I didn’t anticipate the suspense element until Caroline walked into the story.

To be honest, I don’t develop my characters. They just walk into my imagination and start talking. And the story unfolds around them. I’ve tried following strict outlines. But in general, I prefer to follow the characters. They show me their world.

(And wow, reading over that, it sounds a little crazy. As if I’m sitting at home talking to imaginary people all day . . .)

You have written romances in small towns and in large cities, do you have a favorite setting for a series?  Do you find one easier to write, or more fun?

SJS: I love writing series set in Oregon Timber country. Both the Independence Falls books and the Second Shot stories are set in small towns that share many similarities with where my husband grew up. This part of this country is completely different from where I was raised in southern Florida. The first time I visited Oregon I walked away in awe of the land’s natural beauty. I’m also fascinated by the timber industry.

And no, one is not easier or more fun to write. The easiest story is always the one I’m revising. And that one tends to be the most fun too. Until the next one hits that phase of the processJ

Noah and Josie have quite the abrupt ending to their secret rendezvous in RUNNING WILD, the free novella which kicks off the Second Shot series.  Did you know ahead of time that they were going to be former lovers or did that "event" take shape after you began writing SERVING TROUBLE?

SJS: I knew from the beginning that this couple would be former lovers. I’ve wanted to write Josie Fairmore’s story the past four years. She’s a character who walked into my imagination before I sold my first book and never left. But it took a while to find her perfect hero. 

Most of my stories feature military heroes or heroines. With the Second Shot series, I wanted to write about couples that met before the hero joined the armed forces and continued when he returned. I truly believe that time and life experiences change people. And sometimes it allows for a second chance at loveJ

Did you have to do any special research on the "Mechanical Bull Ride Scene"? (hee hee)