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Sunday, January 31, 2016

Lusting for Covers (108): A Scot in the Dark 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:

A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean 
Publisher: Avon (Aug. 2016)
Series: Scandal & Scoundrel, 2
Genre: Historical

Blurb: 

Lonesome Lily Turned Scandalous Siren

Miss Lillian Harwood has lived much of her life alone in a gilded cage, longing for love and companionship. When an artist offers her pretty promises and begs her to pose for a scandalous portrait, Lily doesn't hesitate...until the lying libertine leaves her in disgrace. With the painting now public, Lily has no choice but to turn to the one man who might save her from ruin.

Highland Devil turned Halfhearted Duke

The Duke of Warnick loathes all things English, none more so than the aristocracy. It does not matter that the imposing Scotsman has inherited one of the most venerable dukedoms in Britain—he wants nothing to do with it, especially when he discovers that the unwanted title comes with a troublesome ward, one who is far too old and far too beautiful to be his problem.

Tartan Comes to Town

Warnick arrives in London with a single goal: get the chit married and see her become someone else's problem, then return to a normal, quiet life in Scotland. It's the perfect plan, until Lily declares she'll only marry for love...and the Scot finds that there is one thing in England he likes far too much...


Preorder Links:


Why?

I love the dramatic use of the colors. We see orangey-red and a teal blue which would normal clash with one another, but they seem to make the cover look bold. An eye catching cover. Plus, I had to use this cover when I saw it. What do you guys think of my cover choice?

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Audiobook: Still The One by Jill Shalvis (Review)

A couple of weeks ago, I finished Then Came You, and I mention that I couldn't wait to see what happens to Wyatt's sisters. Well, Still The One focuses on Darcy. In Then Came You I really liked Darcy and I couldn't wait for her. She just seem so sassy, snarky, and not a people person. She sounds like a lot of fun. Plus, she gives AJ a run for his money.

I love AJ. He's fun, carrying, and every now again he does something stupid. When it comes to Darcy, he's not the brightest. Both of them like each other, but AJ doesn't want to get involved with Darcy, because her situation reminds him of another. Actually, Darcy is a lot stronger than what AJ gives her credit for, and he slowly comes to the realization. However, it doesn't stop him from sticking his foot his mouth.

Karen does an amazing job at narrating Still The One. She has a talent making the character come to life. Jill is the one to make these characters lovable. I love these and they are fun to watch. I mean Darcy and her snark doesn't let AJ get away with anything. It's pretty cool to see how far Darcy progresses since her accident. Plus, AJ needs a little snark in his life.

Overall, Still The One is fun-filled read that has you cracking up. Yes, there is an emotional element to the story, because it makes the story oh so much better. Take a ride with AJ and Darcy and see what kind of trouble these two come up.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

Things I absolutely LOVE: The Cover! Oh my gosh when I saw this I almost wet myself with excitement. Seriously, that is a damn sexy cover. So, I was pumped about the book and I enjoyed Jen previous books. Totally amp to start Dare to Run.

Then I started to read Dare to Run, and it was a struggle. I didn't have trouble with story being dirty and gritty, my trouble was pacing. Yes, Lucas and Heidi had a great chemistry, but Lucas would keep her at arms distance feeling he wasn't good enough. After all she looked like an angel. I think I would have been okay had Lucas straight up told Heidi she was in eminent danger instead of being so damn secretive. She knew who he was and what gang he belonged, so it would be such a stretch. Instead she felt more like a prisoner at times.

There were times I had to ask myself why am I continuing the story. We saw a lot of Heidi's thoughts with "oh my gosh he's so hot, but he's trouble I can't get involved with him." Those aren't the actual words, but close enough. Then we have Lucas saying similar things, "I can't involved with her, because she's too good for me." Vital information here: past experience equal out the playing field, but both are closed mouth.

The parts that I enjoyed the most were the parts he thought his brother, Scotty, was trying to kill him. I'm thinking oh damn that's fucked up, but still add a little action. I also liked when his best friend, Chris, would pop in here and there.

I was about to blow this book, but it was a last 25% where it started to get good. The last portion of Dare to Run had me and I had to find out what the hey is going on. Things start to go down and I wonder how the hell the next book is going to play out, because of everything that went down in Dare to Run. Chris is an interesting character to say the least and I'm curious.

Overall, Dare to Run rough start and I almost gave up. I didn't mind Lucas's cocky, asshole personal, but when he found his week spot for Heidi it was all downhill for him. I liked Heidi, because her bullshit reader didn't stand Lucas's asshole personal (granted on some level it wasn't all played up). Not a bad read, and I hope that the rest gets better.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Wickedly Innocent Promotion Spotlight + Excerpt: Bedeviled & Beguiled by Sam Cheever



Blurb:
A roller coaster ride of fun and sexy sci fi paranormal romance with a devilish flavor!

Astra Q Phelps is on the side of the good guys in the war between good and evil. Unfortunately for her, the bad guys have been making inroads on her soul. And when a particularly dark and sexy dark worlder fixes his heated gaze on Astra, the lighter side of her nature quickly finds itself kicked to the curb by her slut-monkey side. But Astra doesn’t have time to deal with her love life. She’s in the middle of a war between two dark factions…a war that just might mean the end of the human population…and it seems the fate of the world rests uneasily on her shoulders. It’s a lot of pressure to put on one feisty halfling…but Astra Q Phelps is definitely…erm…certainly…ahh…possibly up to the challenge.

Excerpt:

Friday, January 29, 2016

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Teaser: Destroyed by the Bad Boy by Madison Collins


Destroyed by the Bad Boy
By: Madison Collins
Releasing January 29, 2016
Self-Published



Blurb
This book contains two complete erotic romance novellas with no cliffhangers.

Stranded ...
On the way to our parents wedding in the mountains, the mother of all snow storms attacks, leaving me stranded in a remote cabin with my new stepbrother.
My hot as hell, I-need-to-change-my-panties because-they’re-soaked, cocky asshole of a stepbrother, Bentley McAllister.

The kicker of it all?
The only items he's packed are liquor and condoms, and he’s looking at me like he wants to put both to good use.

My name is Sierra, and my libido can only take so much.

Send help!

Caged ...
Two brothers...
One girl...

Rising stars in the cage fighting circuit, Cage and Tripp Garrett are as close as two brothers can be. Fiercely competitive and smoldering with intensity, neither has ever lost a fight. Until they face their toughest opponent yet: Lily.

They both want her. But neither can have her. Lily is as off-limits as they come. They make a pact that the tough-as-nails daughter of their trainer will never come between them.
Until one of them begins to fall in love. Then all is fair in love and war.

Caged is a sexy, fast-paced love story with a punch.
Warning: Contains adult language and sexual content.

Teaser #2: (Stranded with my Stepbrother)

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle


The Knave of Hearts
Rhymes With Love #5
By: Elizabeth Boyle
Releasing January 26, 2016
Avon





Blurb
In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes with Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman’s hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication…

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular Season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack’s dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother’s scandalous past have become the ton’s latest on dits. Lavinia’s future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland admits he’s partly to blame for Lavinia’s disastrous debut. But it’s not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he’s placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set Society astir?

Tuck’s motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

My Thoughts:

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: My American Duchess by Eloisa James


My American Duchess
Eloisa James
Releasing January 26, 2016
Avon




Blurb
The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford— an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés.

But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.

The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear:

All is fair in love and war.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Giveaway: The Knave of Hearts Elizabeth Boyle


The Knave of Hearts
Rhymes With Love #5
By: Elizabeth Boyle
Releasing January 26, 2016
Avon

Blurb
In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes with Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman’s hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication…

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular Season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack’s dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother’s scandalous past have become the ton’s latest on dits. Lavinia’s future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland admits he’s partly to blame for Lavinia’s disastrous debut. But it’s not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he’s placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set Society astir?

Tuck’s motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

Forever Romance Q&A + Excerpt + Giveaway: Duke of My Heart by Kelly Bowen


Q&A

1. ­ What would readers be surprised to find out about you?

I can drive a front end loader. (Useful, I know, for a writer J )

2. Tell us about your writing process. Do you start with an idea or a character? Do you know what’s going to happen from the beginning or do you figure it out as you write?

I generally have an idea of what the beginning and the end will look like and a number of key scenes that will happen along the way before I start a new story. But the parts and pieces that link those scenes together are often inspired as I go!

3. Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Honestly, the best bit of writing advice that I ever received was a quote from Stephen King that I read. He said “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” That really resonated with me – on the days that I’m struggling , there is no quitting and hoping that it will fix itself. I use his example and try to push through – sometimes you have to write the wrong thing in order to figure out what the right thing is.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Entangled Scandalous Release Day Blitz + Review + Excerpt: Enticing Her Unexpected Bridegroom by Catherine Hemmerling


Enticing Her Unexpected Bridegroom
Lady Lancaster Garden Society, 4
Catherine Hemmerling
Entangled Scandalous 
January 25, 2016


Tagline: Their unexpected marriage will either end in rapture…or ruin.

Blurb:

Sarah Jardin has been quite dreadfully in love with David Rochester her whole life. As the youngest of five daughters, her family and society neglect her. She's outspoken, brash, and terribly ungraceful. In short, not at all a lady...until she's taken under the benevolent wing of Lady Lancaster and invited to join the Young Ladies Garden Society.

But Sarah's new life—filled with the mysteries and intrigues of high society—is interrupted by an unexpected scandal. Her scandal. In a moment of kindness, David comforts her...and they are discovered and forced to marry. Even as the newlyweds must come to terms with their new arrangement, they find themselves drawn into the investigation of a dangerous conspiracy.

With life and love on the line, their unexpected marriage will either end in rapture...or ruin.

My Thoughts:

TLC Book Tours Guest Post + Giveaway: Night Hawk by Lindsay McKenna

Bestselling Author Lindsay McKenna Shares a #Shelfie!

Be sure to check out her latest release, NIGHT HAWK, available NOW!

Every writer has a bookshelf.  I have several.  Some are in my office.  Some are in my second office.  Some are in another building where I have most of my older books stored safely.

If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see a lot of unexpected titles.  Many of them are on medical area because I was a registered EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, in the state of Arizona from 1996-2000.  And part of remaining current in that field, I was constantly reading a lot of manuals on a lot of medical topics.  I keep them all because very frequently, I’ll put medical info into one of my books and I go back to these books to double check my info before writing about it. Whenever I write about anything medical, it comes from reliable and up-to-date sources because I never want to “fictionalize” medicine or emergency medicine to a reader.

         I have one shelf of nothing but English, another full of language dictionary’s.  Wherever I set a book, and if the primary or secondary character is from another country other than English speaking ones, then I need the bilingual dictionary to help me out.

        Another shelf in my bookcase has what I call “slang” books.  Ever notice if you’ve driven across the USA that different regions have different sayings?  Not to mention, how they speak a word?  Any time I drive through a state, I break at a truck stop and go through their paperback rack, looking for local sayings, slang or other quaint stories. 

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Lusting for Covers (107): How the Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell


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:


How the Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell
Publisher: Avon (April 2016)
Series: The Disgraceful Dukes, 1
Genre: Historical

Blurb:

The pleasure of your company is requested at Warbury Park. Four lovely ladies will arrive… but only one can become a duchess.

James, the scandalously uncivilized Duke of Harland, requires a bride with a spotless reputation for a strictly business arrangement. Lust is prohibited and love is out of the question.

Four ladies. Three days. What could go wrong?

She is not like the others…

Charlene Beckett, the unacknowledged daughter of an earl and a courtesan, has just been offered a life-altering fortune to pose as her half-sister, Lady Dorothea, and win the duke’s proposal. All she must do is:

* Be the perfect English rose [Ha!]

* Breathe, smile, and curtsy in impossibly tight gowns [blast Lady Dorothea’s sylph-like figure]

* Charm and seduce a wild duke [without appearing to try]

* Keep said duke far, far from her heart [no matter how tempting]

When secrets are revealed and passion overwhelms, James must decide if the last lady he should want is really everything he needs. And Charlene must decide if the promise of a new life is worth risking everything . . . including her heart.



Preorder Links:

Why?

We all know it's all about the dress, and possibly the guy too. I love the dress. So, pretty. 

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Off the Clock by Roni Loren (Review)

Last week I was suppose to post a review, but life wasn't working with me. I had plan to read this book while on the plane to California. However, things happen like I started getting a splitting headache and to top it all off I just didn't want the guy who was sitting next to me read over my shoulders. Granted it wasn't likely, but a possibility. This isn't a story you want to read when others are around, unless you have the ability to mask the flush. Which I have no talent, so those hot and heavy scenes would have caused me to flush around so many people. Yep, I'm a wuss, and I'm okay with that. Plus, who really wants to feel hot and bother around other people?

Roni Loren can do no wrong when it comes to heavy, heated reads. Get ready people and turn on the fan, cold shower, or whatever cools you down, because Roni brings the heat into her new book Off the Clock. Talk about starting a series with a bang, here we meet Marin Rush who is a student when she first meets Donovan West. They have instant chemistry. Eventually they acted upon the instinct, then Donovan kind of freaks out when he realizes Marin is a virgin, which causes her to run off. They don't see each for 10 years later where they become colleagues at The Grove. During the 10 years they each had pave their own paths. For instance Marin had to basically raise her little brother after their mother's death, while Donovan was making his way as the Orgasm Whisperer. So, when they meet up again Donovan can't seem to get Marin out of his mind even though they are colleagues. Plus, he's screwed up, and believes he's unable to love anyone. He also believes once he slacks off some of his lust for Marin he will be cured of her. This is where we see some kinky, hot stuff.

Okay, Off the Clock isn't for those who don't like sex in their reads. There are some hot, heavy scenes that will have wanting the cold winter air. So, if this sounds like your kind of fun, you might want to have at it. If you are prone to blushing you might want to keep this read no where near the public, because it will get you all hot and bother, and aching for cold shower. Plus, it gives you a glimpse of some of the characters at The Grove and I can't wait to see what happens next. At end of the book there is a quick little story that stars two characters in the story and they get a happy ending. The two characters are cute together, and both memorable patients. If you need a little steam look no further and give Off the Clock a go.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook: Then Came You by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I love Jill's stories, and I adore her Animal Magnetism books. Plus, Karen White does an amazing job with reading these books. However, I struggle with Then Came You. My problem stemmed from Emily. Don't get me wrong she's a sweet kind girl, but there is only so much I'm counting down until I get the hell out of here before you want to hurt a person. I should be more sympathetic towards Emily, because I was like her when I first moved to Montana. I guess I can start to see why it's annoying. It just seem like every five minutes she was telling Wyatt or anyone else that she's getting out of there once her year of torture was up. That got on my nerves.

Basically, Emily gets a internship in Sunshine and she was hoping for LA instead. I can understand that I mean glitz and glam, and chance to meet a celebrity while helping their pooch. However, that wasn't in her cards, nope she gets stuck in Sunshine. The best part was when she comes across Wyatt, who happen to be a one night stand in Reno at a Veterinarian Conference. I loved that she accused him of stalking her. Priceless. Anyway, they make everything clear that what happen in Reno stays in Reno, but I always thought it was Vegas. However, their attractions have other plans and they basically get together, but not really. They are just having fun, after all she's leaving at the end of her year so why bother making it more than fun.

My problem with Emily was she wanted Wyatt to open up to her, but she kept saying she was leaving at end of her year. Now, I have no problem with wanting to leave, I completely understand after all I'm a California girl too, and we Southern Cal's tend think it's the best part of the state. We are a hard headed breed. I can understand why Wyatt didn't want to open completely up to Emily, because she had automatically started put an end date in place why bother getting to know a person if you there's an expiration date. I totally get that Emily felt the need to take care of family, but it was time for her let go and see what happens. It's hard for an enabler to let go and let the others make their own mistakes, but Emily was hurting herself too. She didn't see that most of the time, I'm glad her sister put in perspective. However, Emily being hardheaded, it took a few times.

Now Wyatt. Oh my gosh, love the guy. He was so sweet and carrying, and absolutely yummy. He was hot nerd who loves animals. The reason I love him so much was he never wanted to take anyone's choice away, which stems from how he grew up. His parents were ambassadors and they would end up moving all the time, which he never got a say. He didn't want to take away someone else choice. This infuriated Emily, because she thought knowing what was right and telling the person they should do the right thing was the right thing to do. This was hard for Emily to learn; that whole being an enabler conflicts with giving others a choice.

Overall, Then Came You still has that light fun you will find in other Jill Shalvis books. Yes, I struggle with Emily throughout the book. Seriously, I wanted to smack her upside the head more than once. Adore Wyatt. He's the it guy. The man had patience to put up with Emily's "I'm leaving in a year." I can't wait to see what happens with Wyatt's sisters. Karen does an amazing job with the characters in Then Came You.

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Friday, January 22, 2016

Rock Star PR Spotlight + Review + Excerpt (mini): Dirty Sexy Saint by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde


Dirty Sexy Saint 
Dirty Sexy, 1
Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde
January 19, 2016



Blurb:


Are you ready to get Dirty Sexy with a Saint?

Clay Kincaid knows he's more a sinner than a saint. Especially when it comes to women. With a rough and damaged past that has left him jaded, he doesn't do committed relationships. But he does like sex—the hotter and harder, the better. He likes it fast and filthy, which is why he refuses to even touch someone as sweet and guileless as Samantha Jamieson. Until he discovers that she likes it just as down and dirty as he does. Let the sinning begin . . .

My Thoughts:

Rock Star PR Spotlight + Review + Excerpt (mini): The Rogue Debutante by Maggie Dallen

The Rogue Debutante 
Beau Monde Chronicles Volume 1
Maggie Dallen
Original release date Jan 21, 2016
Now releasing on Jan 22, 2016



Blurb:

A rebellion is brewing and everyone must pick a side....even pirates and debutantes.

Delia Langley has been a prisoner all her life - a prisoner to high society and its conventions. A prisoner to her wealthy father's overprotective measures. A prisoner to a fiance-to-be in an arrangement made by her father to have a royal heir. In fact, the only time in her life that Delia ever felt free was when she was captured by the much-feared pirate Blackheart and his crew, and held for months while her father negotiated her ransom.

Now nineteen, the beautiful Delia is ready to leave another prison, the manmade "city in the sky," Beau Monde, where she's been tucked away, high above London all these many years. The plan is that after her debutante ball, her marriage to Lord Thaddeus Templeton will be announced, and the wheels will be set in motion for Delia to take her place as a proper society lady. Except she has other plans. Frustrated by the greed of the rich and the plight of the poor who live in the Shadowlands, a ghetto cast in darkness by the floating city of wealth above, Delia has been masquerading as Madame X, a French pirate, who has arranged to purchase her own pirate airship from the mysterious "Professor." Then there's Nicholas Crawley, the dashing, bachelor son of the family who have opened their home to Delia for her London visit. He's ruggedly handsome - and he's impossible. She doesn't expect to fall for him, but there's no denying the electricity that surges between them. A future with him would ruin everything, but her attraction to him is only one of many surprises poised to thwart her pirating plans in this charming steampunk tale.


My Thoughts:

Monday, January 18, 2016

The Earl's Complete Surrender by Sophie Barnes

I finished The Earl's Complete Surrender by Sophie Barnes. First off, I wanted to read this book, because I actually loved the cover. I mean the cover is gorgeous with the hero, heroine, and background, perfect cover. Anyway, my progress of this story was a little slow and I wasn't feeling it. I struggle for most of the story, because we had parts that were drawn out. We had the James and Chloe not really getting together. They would cross paths, but never getting together. They happen to be in the same area as one another. Both of them were looking for the same item, but didn't know for half the book. Once they started working to gather it started to get a little better. I didn't feel the story start to pick up until danger started to appear when they left Thorncliff.

What I liked about The Earl's Complete Surrender was the cover and towards the end. As we got closer to the end I figured who was causing trouble which happen to be a slap in the face to one of the characters. That was pretty good.

What I didn't like was that it took a long time for Chloe and James for them to get together. Granted I can understand why Chloe was reluctant to be with another man after she had a horrible marriage. I could understand James reluctance too. They had a rocky friendship.

Overall, The Earl's Complete Surrender was an all right read. It did have a slow start, but it did pick up the pace closer to the end. I felt that The Earl's Complete Surrender could have benefited with an epilogue. However, it is what it is.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
3 Stars

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Lusting for Covers (106): Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas


What 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:


Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon (May 2016)
Series: Ravenels, 2
Genre: Historical 

Blurb:

A ruthless tycoon

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better…

A sheltered beauty

Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable…the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…

Marrying Mr. Winterborne



Preorder Links:


Why?

First off, I'm at a wedding this weekend and I figured I would go with a wedding theme cover for this day. I love the colors and of course the dress. I can't wait for this story. Especially, after reading the blurb, I'm definitely intrigued. What do you guys think of my pick of the week?


Friday, January 15, 2016

Tasty Book Tours Review + Giveaway: Surrender My Love by Melissa Foster


Surrender My Love
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #2:
Love in Bloom: The Bradens #14
By: Melissa Foster
Releasing January 13, 2016
World Literary Press




Blurb

Annalise “Leesa” Avalon never realized that one sentence could change her life until one of her students revealed his crush—and within twenty-four hours she finds herself under fire. After a grueling investigation that turns her life upside down, she steals away to Peaceful Harbor, Maryland, with a new identity to try to pull herself back together and figure out her next step.

From the outside, Cole Braden lives a charmed life. He’s a top orthopedic surgeon with a thriving practice, strong family ties, and friends he adores. But there’s a lonely spot inside Cole that no one can see. He has an enormous heart—and a painful past—but the desire to love and be loved is too strong to ignore.

A chance encounter brings Leesa and Cole together, and the attraction is immediate and intense. But a relationship is the last thing Leesa needs—and the only thing Cole wants. Long talks, heated moments, and deep connections are hard to resist, but the harder Cole tries, the more Leesa pulls away. Cole might truly be the right man for Leesa, but is Leesa the right woman for him?

My Thoughts:

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Author's Pal Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Off the Clock by RoniLoren


Off The Clock
Pleasure Principle, 1
Roni Loren
Berkley 
January 5, 2016




Book Blurb:

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVING ON THE EDGE NOVELS, THE FIRST IN A SENSUAL NEW SERIES

Overtime has never felt so good…

Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her.

Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.

But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached…

Excerpt: 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Sourcebooks Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: How to Rescue a Rake by Jayne Fresina

Tips for Capturing a Rake's Attention: By Diana Makepiece (Or How to Stay Calm and Capture a Rake)

A tongue-in-cheek guide by one old maid, who has lost her bloom, has let her last chance for happiness pass her by and is now, at twenty-seven, half way to death (according to the parson's wife)... and not at all bitter about it, thank you very much.

Try your best to avoid him at all costs. Nothing is more enticing to a wicked rake than a sensible woman who is not impressed by his "charm".

How to Rescue a Rake, the third in Jayne Fresina’s Austen-inspired Book Club Belles series, comes out this January! For all of you Jane Austen fans, this fun new release is based on Persuasion and it’s a book you don’t want to miss. To celebrate this latest release, the heroine is here to give our readers a tip on how to rescue their own rake and to share an excerpt with us.

How to Rescue a Rake
The Book Club Belles Society, #3
Jayne Fresina
January 5th, 2016




Nathaniel Sherringham has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man. Gone is the reckless rake who went out on a limb to propose to Diana Makepiece three years ago. Now Nate’s mysterious new wealth has the town’s rumor mill spinning. To stir things up (and get Diana’s attention), Nate boldly announces his plans to marry “any suitable girl” under the age of 25.

Diana, now 27 and still single, is acutely aware of Nate’s return. When her mother suggests a trip to visit a cousin in Bath, Diana leaps at the chance to escape the heartbreak and regret she can’t help but feel in Nate’s presence…and avoid his irritating charade to find a bride.

But for Nate, Diana has always been the one. He might just have to follow her to Bath and once again lay his heart on the line to win her attention—and her heart.

Excerpt:

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy


Kill Without Mercy
ARES Security #1
By: Alexandra Ivy
Released December 29, 2015
Zebra





Blurb
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

“A fantastic blend of romance and suspense…thrilling to the end.” --Mary Burton, USA Today bestselling author

My Thoughts:

WordSmith Publicity Release Day Blast: Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine



We're celebrating the release of LOVE SO PERFECT!



Love So Perfect 
Lawson Brothers #5
Age Group: Adult
Contemporary Romance
January 12, 2016
Cover Designer: Lindee Robinson Photography




Book Description:

Star quarterback Austin Lawson’s dating life is fair game to the myriad gossip bloggers. Thanks to his most recent screw up with a social media savvy super model, he’s forced to return home so that his PR team can do damage control. To help speed things along, he volunteers at Jessamine Elementary School, never dreaming he’d find the perfect solution to his image problem in Harper Bell. Sweet as anything, she’s star struck by him and agrees to date-after-date, never suspecting the real reason he wants to be with her. But as things begin to heat up between them, Austin realizes that he wants Harper for more than just a quick fix.

Harper Bell is perfectly content as a second grade teacher in the small town of Jessamine—until she meets the one man who makes her question her lack of social life. She never dreamed that sexy, hometown hero Austin Lawson would ever notice a plain-Jane like herself. And with one hot kiss, she begins to fall head over heels for him…until she learns the truth. Austin’s been using her.

Now Austin has to execute the perfect play to win back the girl of his dreams. Or will Harper bench him permanently?

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt: Forbidden by Lauren Smith


Forbidden
Her British Stepbrother, 1
Lauren Smith
Forever Romance
January 12, 2016



Blurb:

He's her first. He's her everything. He's her . . . stepbrother.Kat has always been a good girl. She studies hard and never stays out too late. But when sitting in a pub on her birthday, she realizes she's a nineteen-year-old virgin who's never really lived. And she wants tonight to be the night that changes.

Then she sees him walk in. He's tall, dark, handsome, and straight out of her deepest fantasies. His voice makes her knees feel weak, and when he smiles, she imagines him doing wicked things to her in bed. From the look in his eyes, she knows he's imagining it too. So when he asks if he can walk her home, she hears herself whisper yes . . .


Excerpt:

Monday, January 11, 2016

WordSmith Publicity Spotlight + Review: Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine



We're celebrating the release of LOVE SO PERFECT!


Love So Perfect 
Lawson Brothers #5
Age Group: Adult
Contemporary Romance
January 12, 2016
Cover Designer: Lindee Robinson Photography




Book Description:

Star quarterback Austin Lawson’s dating life is fair game to the myriad gossip bloggers. Thanks to his most recent screw up with a social media savvy super model, he’s forced to return home so that his PR team can do damage control. To help speed things along, he volunteers at Jessamine Elementary School, never dreaming he’d find the perfect solution to his image problem in Harper Bell. Sweet as anything, she’s star struck by him and agrees to date-after-date, never suspecting the real reason he wants to be with her. But as things begin to heat up between them, Austin realizes that he wants Harper for more than just a quick fix.

Harper Bell is perfectly content as a second grade teacher in the small town of Jessamine—until she meets the one man who makes her question her lack of social life. She never dreamed that sexy, hometown hero Austin Lawson would ever notice a plain-Jane like herself. And with one hot kiss, she begins to fall head over heels for him…until she learns the truth. Austin’s been using her.

Now Austin has to execute the perfect play to win back the girl of his dreams. Or will Harper bench him permanently?

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Duke's Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase


Dukes Prefer Blondes
The Dressmakers #4
By: Loretta Chase
Releasing December 29, 2015
Avon





Blurb
Lady Clara, the fan-favorite character from Loretta Chase’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Dressmakers series, finally gets her own happily ever after!

Convenient marriages are rarely so…exciting. Can society’s most adored heiress and London’s most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?

Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can’t see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax’s nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child goes missing, she turns to Oliver Radford—a handsome, brilliant, excessively conceited barrister.

Having unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford needs a bride who can navigate the Society he’s never been part of. If he can find one without having to set foot in a ballroom, so much the better. Clara—blonde, blue-eyed, and he must admit, not entirely bereft of brains—will do. As long as he can woo her, wed her—and not, like every other sapskull in London, lose his head over her…

My Thoughts: