Lusting for Covers (73): The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean
Publisher: Avon (Dec. 2015)
Series: Scandal & Scoundrel, 1
Genre: Historical

Blurb:

LADY SOPHIE'S SOCIETY SPLASH

The youngest of the infamous Talbot sisters scandalized society at the Liverpool Summer Soiree, striking her sister’s notoriously philandering husband and landing him backside-first in a goldfish pond. And we thought Sophie was the quiet one…

When she finds herself the target of very public aristocratic scorn, Sophie Talbot does what she must to escape the city and its judgment—she flees on the back of a carriage, vowing never to return to London…or to society. But the carriage isn’t saving her from ruin. It’s filled with it.


ROYAL ROGUE'S REIGN OF RAVISHMENT!

The Marquess of Eversley was espied descending a rose trellis—escaping an irate Earl and his once-future countess. No lady is safe from Eversley’s Engagement Ending Escapades!

Kingscote, the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, a quality that results in a reputation far worse than the truth, a furious summons home, and a long, boring trip to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the trip becomes anything but boring.

WAR? OR MORE?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, and suddenly opposites are altogether too attractive…

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sarah's Website

Why?

EVERYTHING! The title, the dress, the background, the blurb! Seriously, this sounds like another winner from Sarah. I CAN'T WAIT! I love Sarah's writing, because she's absolutely amazing. What do you guys think of this? Doesn't it sound amazing? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!

Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden (Review)

I was able to finish Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden. First off, I haven't had a chance to read the previous stories in the series, but I do have them waiting for me. So, unlike other readers I didn't see the abominable way Benedict treated his friend in the last book. I take it wasn't good cause Penelope had a major dislike to Benedict from the get go.

So, we know this book is about Benedict and Penelope. This is what we know of Benedict: He's still wife hunting. He wants a sensible, pleasant, pretty girl with a dowery. He struck out with Penelope's sister now he's moved on to Frances Lockwood who fits all the criteria. However, there is one problem, Penelope Weston. Now Penelope is carrying chip on her shoulder cause of the way Benedict treated his childhood friend and her sister. When Frances asks what Penelope thought of Atherton. Oh boy, that couldn't bode well for either party. Anyway, things happen which cause a scandal that kind of forces Penelope and Benedict to wed. Gotta love a wedding that starts with a scandal. Now we must move forward.

I enjoyed this story. I love the smart quips between Benedict and Penelope. We have Penelope who is spirited, intelligent, strong-willed, and beautiful, pretty much the complete opposite of what Benedict wanted in a marriage. However, he starts to see that marriage to Penelope isn't all bad except for the rocky parts. Boy are there rocky parts. Another quality Penelope has is loyalty, she's loyal to a fault which causes a rift between her and Benedict. I would fault Penelope for not being upfront with Benedict when it comes to Olivia's secret, but Olivia was in deep trouble and needed help. By the way, we still don't know what's going on other than Lord Clary is after her. Throughout the story we watch Benedict and Penelope draw closer together, then pull apart because one or the other says something that hurts the other. However, they are well matched, but takes time for them to fully see that.

Love in the Time of Scandal is a pretty good story about enemies to lovers. I love that the story is written in a way that you can pick up and not worry about the previous story. However, we get a better understanding why Benedict picked his a-hole father over a childhood friend. There is one good quality Benedict has and that is his love for his family (not for his father). In ways, Benedict and Penelope are similar. Truthfully, they bring out the best in one another. By the end, I can't wait to see what happens, because we have a mini cliffhanger. The cliffhanger has nothing to do with Benedict and Penelope, but the major plot with has something to do with Lord Clary and Olivia. I hope whoever can save Olivia before Clary gets his hands on her.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Giveaway: Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Love in the Time of Scandal
Scandalous # 3

By: Caroline Linden

Releasing May 26, 2015

Avon

Blurb

The third book in a deliciously sexy series from USA Today bestselling and RITA award winning author Caroline Linden, in which an utterly shocking book--Fifty Shades of Grey for the Regency era-- has all of London talking and gives more than one young miss a mind for scandal.

Penelope Weston does not like Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton. He may be the suave and charming heir to an earl, as well as the most handsome man on earth, but she can’t forget how he abandoned a friend in need-nor how he once courted her sister, Abigail. He’s the last man she would ever marry. If only she didn’t feel so attracted to the arrogant scoundrel…

Once upon a time, Benedict thought he and Penelope got along rather well. But, though he needs a wealthy bride to escape his cruel father’s control, spirited Penelope just doesn’t suit his plans for a model marriage -- until a good deed goes awry, and scandalous rumors link his name to Penelope’s. She might not be the quiet, sensible wife he thought he wanted, but she is beautiful…beguiling…and far more passionate than he ever imagined. Can a marriage begun in scandal become a love match, too?

InkSlinger PR Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin

Today we are celebrating the release of the DARE TO RUN cover! DARE TO RUN is a gritty, super sexy, adult title coming out on February 2, 2016 from Jen McLaughlin and published by Penguin (NAL Signet). To celebrate, we are having a scavenger hunt! There are 8 clues scattered around groups of bloggers hosting this feature. All you have to do is find all 8 clues and figure out the scrambled word.

To make it easy for you, we will tell you where you can find Clue #1. 

Just go to this article on DARE TO RUN, found at USA Today HEA!

In order to find the groups of bloggers posting, go to Jen McLaughlin's blog and she will have the lists so you can check out each group and find the remaining 7 clues.

 For this site, the clue is listed below, along with the rafflecopter.

Sizzling PR Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday

The Likelihood of Lucy 

Regency Reformers, #2

Jenny Holiday 

Entangled Select

May 26, 2015

London, 1815 

Trevor Bailey is on the cusp of opening the greatest hotel in London. His days as a gutter snipe are behind him, as he enjoys a life of wealth, society, and clandestine assignments as a spy in the service of His Majesty. Until one tumultuous night churns up the past he'd long left behind... 

Turned out by her employer for her radical beliefs, Lucy Greenleaf reaches out to the man who was once her most beloved friend. She never expected that the once-mischievous Trevor would be so handsome and gentleman-like and neither can deny the instant attraction. 

 But Lucy's reformer ways pose a threat to the hotel's future and his duties as a spy. Now Trevor must choose between his new life and the woman he's always loved… 

Excerpt from The Likelihood of Lucy: 

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Rescuing the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon

RESCUING THE BAD BOY

Second Chance, #2

Jessica Lemmon 

Forever Romance 

May 26, 2015

Not All Scars Heal

For Donovan Pate, the lake town of Evergreen Cove is a minefield of tough memories-including the day he had to let go of Sofie Martin. Years later he still can't forget the taste of her lips and the feel of her killer curves. He knows he's too damaged, that he should stay away for her own good. But what the head says and the heart wants are two very different things . . . 

Seven years ago, Donovan broke Sofie's heart. Now her career depends on playing nice in order to pull off the charity fund-raiser of the decade. She vows to keep things professional . . . yet working by his side every day doesn't make it easy to fight temptation, and it isn't long before she finds herself falling for this bad boy all over again. But loving Donovan means helping him face his past-so they can fight for a future together.

Excerpt:

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Undercover Scoundrel by Jessica Peterson

The Undercover Scoundrel
The Hope Diamond, #3
Jessica Peterson
Berkley
June 2, 2015

The author of The Millionaire Rogue returns to her dazzling series about a bygone era filled with romance, espionage, and one dangerously seductive diamond…

Mr. Henry Lake spent the past twelve years uncovering the most scandalous secrets of Europe’s wealthy and powerful, serving as one of His Majesty’s most decorated spies. But when a mission to find the legendary French Blue diamond brings him back to London, and face to face with a beautiful noblewoman he once loved, it’s his own hidden passions that are uncovered…

Lady Caroline, dowager Countess of Berry, knows better than to lose her head over a man. After an embarrassing romantic entanglement forced her into a loveless marriage and early widowhood, she learned to never trust in desire, especially when it comes to the man who once broke her heart. Only, despite her good sense, she finds Henry impossible to resist—even when he once again places her in deathly danger…

My Thoughts:

Sizzling PR Cover Reveal: Exposing the Heiress by Jennifer Apodaca

 Exposing the Heiress

Jennifer Apodaca

 Release date: 8/4/15

About the book:  This Marine will protect her at all costs…

When wealthy heiress Alyssa Brooks finds out her stepfather has been paying her fiancé to marry her, she's humiliated and betrayed. She quickly breaks the engagement, only to be blackmailed by her now ex-fiancé, who threatens both Alyssa and the son she gave up for adoption. With nowhere to go, she turns to the one man she can trust.

Former Marine sniper Hunter Reece's lethal skills could save Alyssa's life. But his little sister's best friend has turned into a woman, who is an irresistible mix of secrets and sexiness. And while Hunter can trust himself to protect her, he can't trust himself to keep his attraction hidden...or even pretend to be the man that Alyssa remembers.

Because the only way to keep the lovely heiress safe is to become the one thing he knows she could never love...a killer.

About Jennifer:

Award winning author Jennifer Apodaca grew up in Southern California and met her very own hero at the dog pound. She worked there, he came in on business, and it was puppy love. They married and had three wonderful sons.

While her husband worked on his master’s degree, Jen did the mom thing by day and went to college at night with the intention of pursuing a marketing degree. But her true passion was writing. With time at a premium, she had to make a choice.

Choosing writing, and with the full support of her husband, she poured herself into her dream. A mere eight years later, she published her first book DATING CAN BE MURDER. In her career, Jen has written a fun and sexy mystery series and a variety of contemporary romances. Taking the pen name of Jennifer Lyon, she also created a dark, sizzling paranormal series, and most recently, The Plus One Chronicles, an emotional and sexy adult contemporary series.

Jen has achieved many of her dreams except for attaining a self-cleaning house, a latte delivery service, and finding the holy grail of nonfattening wine and chocolate. She can live with those disappointments as long as she can keep writing the stories she loves to share with readers.

Website *  Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: All of Me by Jennifer Bernard

All of Me
Love Between the Bases # 1

By: Jennifer Bernard

Releasing May 26^th, 2015

Avon

Blurb

Jennifer Bernard, the USA Today bestselling author of the Bachelor Firemen series, scores another homerun with a brand-new series about sexy, single baseball players.

Playing for the Kilby Catfish is hotshot pitcher Caleb Hart’s last chance to salvage his career after a major league meltdown. But the day of his opener with the minor league team, Caleb strikes out with the gorgeous woman who is delivering a petition to run the unruly Catfish out of town. Now to stay in the lineup, Caleb will need to score big with the feisty brunette he can’t keep out of his thoughts.

After the nasty lies Sadie Merritt’s rich ex-boyfriend spread about her all over town, she’s lucky to have a job at all. She can’t afford to screw it up by falling for the player who is supposed to be helping her change the image of the fun-loving Catfish. But that’s easier said than done when Caleb’s voice alone is enough to make her pulse race. And when he surprises her with a mind-blowing kiss, she knows there’s no turning back.

My Thoughts:

Lusting for Covers (72): The Viscount Risks It All by Erin Knightley

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

The Viscount Risks It All by Erin Knightley
Publisher: Signet (Jan 2016)
Series: A Prelude to a Kiss, 4
Genre: Historical 

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of The Duke Can Go to the Devil, comes a new novel about destiny, and taking a risk on a second chance at love…
 
Gavin Stark, Viscount Derington, learned his lesson when his childhood love was swept off her feet by another man before Dering could declare himself. Ever since, he has lived a life of no regrets—reaching for what he wants while never again allowing himself to lose his heart. If the experience taught him anything, it was never to risk what he wasn’t willing to lose.
 
Lady Felicity Danby had everything she ever wanted in life until the moment her husband died, turning her world upside down. A year and a half later, she is finally ready to return to Bath to spend the summer visiting family. She finds comfort in her old childhood friend, but is taken off guard when passion begins to simmer between them. She’s already lost everything once—can she possibly risk her heart a second time?

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Erin's Site

Why?

LOVE it! Seriously look at the cover. 1) We have the pose. I mean who wouldn't want to roll on the grass with that dude. 2) The dress. Normally I wouldn't be a orange kind of girl, but it works for this cover. 3) Back to the pose. Seriously, with one little push she's on her back and he's on top. I better stop right there. LOL. What do you think of my pick? What are you lusting for? 

Protective Instinct by Katie Reus (Review)

Okay, I got a chance to read Protective Instinct by Katie Reus. This story is part of the Moon Shifter series. Basically, this is Teresa and Ryan's story. We are going to recap what happen from Hunter Reborn (not really). Here we go:

Natalie (Teresa's sister) kills a vampire that was pretty important.  All is forgiven, because it was in self defense. We also find out that Ryan is empathic shifter, so when he finds his mate he can bond with her before the full moon. Basically, even having sex before either party is ready to bond can cause a bond. So, Ryan wants to give Teresa the choice to bond with him. That is super short recap on Hunter Reborn.

Now we are jumping ahead to the actual story that we need to focus on Protective Instinct. Now Teresa wants to bond with Ryan, but Ryan wants to make sure truly wants. After all his parents accidentally bonded while having sex. See wants to give Teresa a choice, but it's driving Teresa bonkers. Poor Ryan he's trying to be noble, but at the same time hurting Teresa. During this story we see them trying to figure things out. Of course we have a problem, that stems back to Natalie killing a vampire. All was not forgiven, and now they have to deal with the aftermath.

Okay, Protective Instinct is a fairly quick read that gives us a chance to see Ryan and Teresa get together. With all that heat that was passing through them in Hunter Reborn it was about time for them to get together. Of course it can't be all easy for them there has to be a little conflict that might endanger the couple and we find it. Overall, it was pretty good read gives a chance to see these guys get together. At times, I felt bad for Ryan, because he just made it harder on himself. If you have been wanting Teresa and Ryan to get together, your wish has been answer.

Copy provided by author.

On The Naughty List (Anthology) (Review)

Yes, we are slowly tackling things in my TBR. Yes, this is a Christmas story. Do I care that I'm five months too late? Nope. Anyway, here we go on my thoughts:

Christmas Bonus
Lori Foster

I liked this story. I thought it was cute, because we have Maggie and Eric both crushing on one another. However, it's a delicate situation. Maggie is the boss of Eric. Plus, Eric is about 10 years older than Maggie.

Christmas Bonus is a super quick read with misunderstanding and some hot moments. Honestly, the story made me smile, chuckle, blush, and made me feel ooey-goey. Nice start to the anthology.

Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Carly Phillips

All right, I liked Naughty Under the Mistletoe, but I think I would have loved the story to be a little longer. Carly could have done a longer version of mistaken brothers, but we have a quick little read. Basically, Toni has a crush on Stephan and plans to make a move on him since she was going to a different office. Yet she ends up with Max. Totally could have been longer. Hot quick read at a office Christmas party.

Some Kind of Wonderful 
Beth Ciotta

All right Some Kind of Wonderful was kind of like A Christmas Story kind of story. However, Zach wasn't exactly like Scrooge, but he was an emotional Scrooge. He was afraid to move on, because he didn't feel like he deserved it. At the same time it was like Cyrano de Bergerac, where we have Maya writing emails to Zach under the guise of Giselle, because she doesn't know what to say to the guy. A lot of elements to this quick little read. However, they manage to work together. By the end of the story I was happy, and story seem just about right.

Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas
Sugar Jamison

Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas hands down my favorite in this anthology. To me this story felt like a complete story that was absolutely perfect. We have Dina who wants to give everything for her son, but realize she needs help from the father. So, she let down her pride to find him only to find out he is no longer with us. We have Ben the brother step up to plate. It's neat to watch the transformation that occurs with Ben. At the beginning of the story he's closed off emotionally and couldn't stand Dina. However, he gets to know her and finds she's appealing to him. I was laughing and crying throughout the story. Mainly, Dina always felt she was second when to came to being loved.

Overall, majority of the stories are great read. So, if you are in the mood for reading a Christmas read at this time of year. You might enjoy On the Naughty List.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Barclay Publicity Excerpt Reveal: Beyond the Cut by Sarah Castille

BEYOND THE CUT

by SARAH CASTILLE

SHE’S HOLDING ON TIGHT.

As a teen, Dawn ran from a life on the streets straight into the arms of Jimmy “Mad Dog” Sanchez, a biker who promised to be her knight in shining armor. But his love was just another cage. Years later, Dawn’s former life still has its hooks in her and she’ll do whatever it takes to break free. When Cade “Ryder” O’Connor, a member of a rival club, makes her an offer, Dawn finds herself in a different, hotter kind of trouble with one irresistible Sinner…

WILL HE GIVE HER THE RIDE OF HER LIFE?

Cade is an outlaw biker with allegiance to one thing and one thing only: The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club. But when it comes to the stunningly sexy, fiercely independent Dawn Delgado, Cade finds himself…hungrier for more. Trouble is on Dawn’s heels and he wants to be the answer to her prayers, whether she wants him to be or not. What can’t be denied is the red-hot attraction between them. However, as they fall deeper, the danger rises and Cade may have to sacrifice it all…

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Desire Me Now by Tiffany Clare

DESIRE ME NOW

Desire Me #1

Tiffany Clare

Released May 5th, 2015

Avon Impulse

When Amelia Grant’s past catches up with her and threatens to destroy the life she’s built, Nick Riley doesn’t hesitate to protect her.

With just one look Nick completely undoes her. He wanted her surrender and she all but threw it at his feet. She’s revealed her darkest secrets . . . let him into her heart as he drew her deeper into forbidden games of desire . . .

But what happens when Nick’s secrets can destroy the very foundation they’ve build between each other? Will he let Amelia through the barriers of his past? Or will the truth tear them apart?

Excerpt from Desire Me: 

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress by Victoria Alexander (Review)

Oh boy, where to begin. I have been dreading to write my thoughts for sometime. First off, I do love Victoria Alexander writing. She tends to have fun plots and characters, but I just couldn't get into this story. I tried, and I hoped it would get better. However, it fell flat from my expectations. So, here we go.

If you have been reading Millworth Manor books you would remember Lucy The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding. She use to be engaged to Jackson, but he ended up finding love. Now Lucy is all alone in London and she's going to make the most of this adventure. Okay, I'm all for that. You sense a but, and there is. Here we go. If you remember Lucy, she was the perfect heiress and didn't do anything wrong. She was calm and collective. Part of the reason she was like that was cause she grew up in a strict environment. What happens to a person when they have been given freedom? Yep, she goes wild, and with the help of a great-aunt's diary. Basically Lucy decides to do everything her aunt never got a chance to do. Some of the things were quite scandalous and others kind of tame. However, she's doing this in LONDON and in a way touting societal rules. She doesn't do this on purpose, but it has caught the ton attention. On some level I felt that she was acting like a spoiled child. I don't think I would have had a problem her doing the list that was created if she felt that it was more for her than her dead aunt.

Then we have Cameron. He was okay. However, he was looking for his big story to prove to his father that he was a good writer. So, he happens to hear about Lucy's exploits and feels that he should check them out. He gets mistaken as a detective to keep an eye on her. He kind comes off a bit pompous, but he's trying to keep an eye out on Lucy in a cagey way. Yes, it's wrong what he does, but he admires her spirit for doing the things she does. Slowly he develops a crush on her.

I thought story was a bit meh. It just didn't wow me like other stories. However, it's bound to happen. I felt a little bored at times while I was reading, and I didn't feel that Cameron and Lucy really connected romantically until the very end. Some will love this, and I just found the story okay. Will I stop reading Victoria's books? No, I still enjoy her writing. I look forward to other books. The writing was good, but I just didn't feel connected to the story.

Copy provided by Zebra via NetGalley

Rating:
2 Stars

The Temporary Bride by Marquita Valentine (Review)

Early this week I read the The Temporary Bride by Marquita Valentine. Let me say that I adore Haven and Heath, and I kind of figured they would end up together. Yes, there has been animosity between these two characters for sometime, but you know it was bond to happen. Seriously, there are two things that either happen when two characters despised one another: 1) They kill each other or 2) Love each other. Obviously we are dealing with the latter.

Anyway, Heath is heart-broken because the love of his life has decided to marry another. Oh poor Heath. Now Haven has no intentions on getting married, but good old grandma decided to have other plans. Gotta love when grandparents mess with grandchildren's lives. Basically, Haven needs to marry someone in order to keep her home, and of course you can guess the lucky candidate.

All right, I adore Haven, because she's just as cuddly as a porcupine. However, one of her friends sees through her spiky persona.

You don't have me fooled. You're like a chocolate truffle. All hard and pretty on the outside, but on the inside...you're a gooey mess of sweetness.

Truly Haven is a gooey mess, but no one ever took the time to get to know her. So, she keeps the tough exterior, and actually you learn a little more about Haven. Kind of heart breaking. Then you have Heath who is loved by everyone.

I enjoyed the The Temporary Bride, because we got to see Haven in a different light. Plus, deep down Haven and Heath are good match. Plus, you got to love there initials HA HA. Gotta love a cheesy joke. A sweet quick story about two people who despise one another that turns to love.

Copy provided by author.

The Man Plan by Tracy Anne Warren (Review)

Towards the end of last month I was able to read The Man Plan by Tracy Anne Warren. Truthfully, I didn't know what to expect. so I went in not knowing what the story was about. Fortunately, I liked the story.

Anyway, The Man Plan is a book two, and I haven't read the first book. I do actually want to go back and read the first story, because it would clear up what happen to James and Madelyn. Basically, the prologue starts off with James getting told that Madelyn can't marry him and he storms off from the chapel. Sucks to be him. Then it jumps five years later with James getting a call from Madelyn's parents asking for a favor to keep an eye out on Ivy (Madelyn's little sister). We come to find out that she has set her eyes on capturing James. Okay, that might sound a bit creepy since he's 35 and she's about 20. I guess we can go with a lot of jokes, but I'm going to let it go.

Basically, we have Ivy on a mission to seduce James and to show him she's the girl for him (compare to him she is a girl). While James is trying to keep his cool and remember that he use to held her as a baby. Yeah, nothing creepy about him lusting after a 20 year old. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. We watch James face this inner struggle, which he loses and caves to temptation. I have to say when he does cave it's hilarious and everything goes to hell. It's marvelously awesome. He keeps throwing in her face that she need to experience life, because he's so old and she might regret it. Since Ivy has a stubborn streak, she decides to prove to James she gain experience. Of course this drives his protective side crazy.

Honestly, I did enjoyed The Man Plan, because it was funny and entertaining. Yes, I did cry at parts, then again I'm a sap. I liked the May-December romance, because you don't find too many of them. So, it's different to see 15 years difference when it's not a historical. So, if you are looking for something entertaining you might consider The Man Plan your next read.

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Home Sweet Home by Candis Terry

Home Sweet Home
A Sweet, Texas Novella

By: Candis Terry

Releasing May 19^th, 2015

(Re-Issue with Additional Content)

Avon Impulse

Blurb

Before Candis Terry’s wild Wilder brothers met their matches, a soldier gets a homecoming in Sweet, Texas.

HE’S GIVEN UP…

Army Ranger, Lieutenant Aiden Marshall, fought in some of the most hellish corners on earth and survived. Those closest to him, did not. When he returns home to Sweet, Texas, he believes he’s broken and has lost everything-including his soul. The only fair thing he can do is tell the woman who’s patiently waited for him to come home-to move on with her life-without him.

BUT SHE NEVER WILL

Sassy waitress Paige Walker has no intention of walking away from the man of her dreams. He gave his all for his country and served with honor. Now it’s time to pull him from the darkness and give him hope. With a heap of love, the help of the entire town, and a tail-wagging companion, Paige makes sure her hero knows there’s no place like home sweet home.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Wedding Gift by Cara Connelly

The Wedding Gift
Save The Date #3.5

By: Cara Connelly

Releasing May 5, 2015

Avon

Blurb

What's the New-Jan-Plan? Discover the answer in Cara Connelly's newest Save The Date Novella, and see how mousey Jan Marone gives herself the gift of living, laughing, and finally loving … all under the hot Key West sun.

She'd come to Key West for a wedding, only to discover the hotel had messed up her reservation. So although Jan Marone has to share a tiny room with sexy Mick McKenna, it shouldn't really be a problem. Mick's her best friend, and he doesn't think of her "that way" … or does he?

Mick McKenna loves hard and plays hard. His thick black hair, chiseled jaw, and hard, muscled body make him irresistible. But when once-innocent Jan walks into his hotel room, Mick can't believe his eyes. Now she's wearing a sexy bikini and telling him it's time for her to "get lucky," making him protective and tantalized at the same time.

Worried she might be in over her head, he decides never to leave her side … and suddenly their hotel room seems smaller—and hotter—than ever. Mick's always been hands-off with Jan—but has the right woman been under his nose the whole time?

My Thoughts:

Sizzling PR Spotlight: Lucky Chance by Marissa Dobson

Lucky Chance

Series: Marine for You Book One

Author: Marissa Dobson

Release Date: May 19, 2015

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Lucky Diamond has always put his cooking skills to use for the men he served with, bringing a touch of home to the bases. But when he is ordered to take part in a cooking competition to benefit wounded Marines, he wishes he had kept his talent a secret.

Madison North is a public relations expert who has been hired to make the public realize there is more to the military than just war and training. She took the job to get away from one of the biggest mistakes of her life, but it just might lead her to another one she didn’t see coming.

Weeks together throw two former lovers into a tough situation. Their feelings still burn within them, but their lives have pulled them in different directions. Can this time together convince them their love is worth a second chance?

Excerpt:

The Heart's Game by Crista McHugh (Review)

Okay, I read The Heart's Game by Crista McHugh back in April, and I had plan to have this review done about the beginning of the month. As you see that just didn't happen. Whoops. Anyway, I'm getting around to it, so here we go.

First off, I liked the overall story of The Heart's Game, but I did have one gripe. My one gripe is Jenny. What she did for her brother and his partner is commendable, but at the same time how she handle the situation was...frustrating. There could have been a better way to handle the situation when she was having the fling with Dan. However, it is what it is. So, let's press forward.

Basically, Jenny goes off to Comic-Con to have a good time and have a one night stand. Anyway, she meets Dan and has good time with him, and believing she'll never see him again. Wrong. Of course, then he ends up moving to the area she lives at and having a mutual friend. She finds out she's pregnant with her brother's baby. So, this causes confusion between Dan, because he believes the baby is his. All this misconception could have been cleared up if she had been upfront saying I'm a surrogate for my brother and his partner. Seriously, that would solve a lot of problems, instead she kept that a secret and didn't want to tell him. Here's my big problem with this situation. She assumed that Dan would ditch her once he realize she was pregnant. Okay, if a guy is like that then it wasn't meant to be. Anyway, I'm going to stop right there, because I probably give a lot of the story.

Here's the bottom: Beside my one gripe of the story, it was a pretty good read. I tolerated Jenny, but the characters I liked were Dan, Jason (Jenny's brother), and Mike (Jason's partner). I did like that Jenny was a surrogate for her brother, but she could have handle the situation a little differently. Oh well. I did like how Mike helped Dan and Jenny see things from each others perspective. Overall, a pretty good read.

Rating:
4 Stars

Lusting for Covers (71): Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon (Oct 2015)
Genre: Historical 

Blurb:

Not yet.

Preorder Links: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Lisa's Website

Why?

Oh pretty pink dress, you will be the downfall of me. For all you Lisa Kleypas historical fans you have been waiting FOREVER, and the wait is over (kind of). However, I love the cover. It's just beautiful. It has a favorite color, PINK. The cover reveal was this week. So, are you love with this cover like me? 

Retribution by Katie Reus (Review)

Truth be told, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Katie Reus's Retribution. Retribution has all the things that make it a Katie Reus book. Yes, there is suspense, romance, steam, and twist. There were twist galore in this story. I was prepared to expected some twist, but one of the twist caught me off guard and it has to deal with Alena and Nika.

Anyway, Alena and Nika are planning to murder the guy who murder their parents, and they figured the best way to do this was through his son.

We have Declan who needs to protect Yasha for some reason from the Brennan sisters. However, things popup and finds that needs to protect the sisters from themselves.

Okay, there are lot of twist and turns in the story. I have to say that Retribution was an interesting read, with Declan being a dream walker and Nika being able to see the future and see dead people. Declan uses his ability to see what Nika and Alena were planning to do. Nika isn't quite sure how to handle her gift. As the story goes on she learns that her ability can help others. Anyway, Nika and Declan have to learn to trust one another and possibly help each other.

Currently, Retribution is a standalone, but it feels like there is possibility to see more from the story from other characters. For instance, Alena or Declan's brothers. However, I'm hoping for a story for Alena, because I felt so sad for her. Other than that this has the suspense to keep you guessing till the end.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson

Midnight Ride
Midnight Cowboys #1

By: Cat Johnson

Releasing April 28th, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

One bucking bronco…

Oklahoma ranch hand Tyler Jenkins is too young, too sexy, and too damn wild to be tied down by any single woman—for more than a few steamy hours…

One hard-working widow…

Widowed rancher Janie Smithwick is too busy paying off her debts to play rodeo with a reckless young cowboy like Tyler—no matter how hot he gets her…

One midnight ride they’ll never forget…

As a rule, Janie should be dating a man her own age, like her handsome neighbor Rohn—not the twenty-four-year old ranch hand he employs. But once Tyler gets Janie alone—held tight in his arms, pressed against his hard muscled body, burning with desire—the widow realizes that some rules, like broncos, are meant to be broken…

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger PR Blitz Week + Excerpt + Giveaway: All Played Out by Cora Carmack

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Cora Carmack's ALL PLAYED OUT! ALL PLAYED OUT is a New Adult Contemporary Romance and is the 3rd book in the Rusk University Series, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins.

   

About ALL PLAYED OUT: 
First person in her family to go to college? CHECK. 

Straight A’s? CHECK. On track to graduate early? CHECK. 

Social life? …..yeah, about that…. 

 With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience). 

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities. 

Item #1? Hook up with a jock. 

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it. 

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game. Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.   

Excerpt from All Played Out: