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:

RockStar PR Release Announcement: The Theory of Deviance by Rebecca Grace Allen

The Theory of Deviance

Portland Rebels, Book 3
Rebecca Grace Allen

Release Date August 2, 2016

Blurb:

Deviance is unacceptable. It's taboo. And it's the one thing he's always wanted.
Portland Rebels, Book 3

Painful shyness isn't the only reason Mikey Pelletier is a twenty-five-year-old virgin. Between working for his parents and volunteering at his church, he neither has the time nor the inclination to admit his bisexuality to the world—or to himself.

A visit from Krissy Porter will hopefully fix everything. After three months of chatting with her, Mikey's got one carefully planned week to win her heart and lose his V-card. He's hoping he can pull it off, even with her roommate along for the ride.

Krissy has been drawn to Mikey for a while. He's so easygoing, she thinks he could be the calm in her storm. But there's an extra complication when she comes to visit: her friend-with-benefits, "hetero-flexible" roommate, Rafe.

During a week of revelations, intimacy, and kink, Krissy and Rafe become the angel and devil on Mikey's shoulders, tempting him in different directions. And all three of them discover that a week of pure deviance can lead to the most uncontrollable emotion of all: love.

Warning: This book contains innocent board game-playing that takes a sexy turn, use of recreational substances, back-door action, and some smokin' hot threesomes. Plus, scenes of inner-demon slaying. Fans and tissues advised.

Forever Romance Blitz + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Billionaire After Dark by Katie Lane

A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK

The Overnight Billionaires, 2

Katie Lane

March 29, 2016

With endless wealth comes irresistible temptation . . .

It's an undisputed fact that Nash Beaumont is the hottest of the Beaumont brothers. His slow, sensual smile charms every French Kiss employee-and tempts every woman to buy the company's lingerie. But beneath Nash's raw charisma is a dark, kinky side that he struggles to control . . . a side that may be exposed by one lovely-and unexpectedly adventurous woman.

Reporter Eden Huckabee needs a story. And when she discovers Nash's dirty little secret, she thinks she's found it. But Eden doesn't count on Nash turning the tables on her-or that she will fall so deeply for this unbelievably sexy, one-in-a-billion Beaumont.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tour Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Cuff Me by Lauren Layne

Cuff Me
New York's Finest #3

By: Lauren Layne

Releasing March 29, 2016
Forever

Blurb

Vincent knows he's not the most charming of the Moretti brothers. He prefers brooding to flirting, reading to talking, and he sure as hell isn't about to give into his mother's insistence that he 'settle down with a nice girl.' Luckily, Vincent's gig as one of the NYPD's top homicide detectives keeps him busy. As does his long-time partner, Jill Henley–a tough-as-nails cop with the face of an angel and smart mouth that makes Vincent crazy in all the worst ways.

After six years of working the homicide beat with the tight-lipped Vincent Moretti, Jill figure she knows him better than anyone. Which is not at all. But when their most recent case points to a potential serial-killer situation, the higher-ups send them on a rare undercover mission to a place no NYPD officer dares go: the Upper Eastside.

Now the bureau's most antagonistic set of partners is posing as Mr. and Mrs. Brooks of Park Avenue. Spending 24/7 in the suspect's territory brings them closer and closer to their killer . . . and closer to each other. Soon Vincent and Jill are playing good cop/bad cop in and out of bed, and Jill's falling hard. But can she convince Vincent to give her a shot as partner in life, as well as at the bureau?

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Cover Reveal: Dishonor Thy Wife by Belinda Austin

Dishonor Thy Wife

By: Belinda Austin

Releasing June 13, 2016
Self-Published

Blurb

A Sexless Marriage. A Dangerous Game. A Suspenseful Thriller. A Hot Romance.

After six years of a sexless forced marriage, Ronni finds she enjoys her husband spying through the keyhole of her bedroom door. She begins to perform for him, even remembering his past violent outbursts, because Brad returned home to Austin from a Philadelphia business trip a changed man.

Once Ronni has a taste of forbidden passion, she is addicted until Brad begins acting like a Jekyll-Hyde.

She believes Brad may be bipolar, never realizing that something far more sinister is going on.

What happened at a Philly medical convention sets off a chain of events that begs the question, does a woman really know the cracks beneath her husband's skin?

Lusting for Covers (116) (a little late): The Debutante is Mine by Vivienne Lorret

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 Debutante Is Mine by Vivienne Lorret 

Publisher: Avon (April 2016)

Series: Season's Original, 1

Genre: Historical 

Blurb:

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

Lilah 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...

Preorder Links;

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Vivienne's Website

Why?

I love the soft tones. Plus, it has everything I love about a cover: hot guy, pretty dress, captivating pose, and the background which looks like a garden. Garden is a great place for secret rendezvous. Anyway, here is my pick of the week. I'm hoping June will be better planned out. *Fingers cross*

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

Nobody But You

A Cedar Ridge, 3

Jill Shalvis

Forever Romance 

March 29, 2016

When Jacob was injured in the war, it changed him for life. Now all he wants to do is come home to Cedar Ridge, settle in at his lakeside cabin and get some much-needed peace and quiet. But there's no peace to be had when he finds a spitfire of a woman camping out on his property. Half the time he's not sure whether he wants to spank her or kiss--or maybe both. He's in a dark place and a dark mood, and here's this wildly hot woman who is also funny and light and may be the balm be needs to soothe his aching soul.

Sophie Marren is pretty much penniless after leaving her abusive husband. She doesn't have the money to pay rent or the slip fees for docking the boat where she's been sleeping. She was getting along just perfectly until the good-looking, brooding, I'm-too-sexy-for-myself guy moves into the lake cabin that the slip belongs to. Sure he's hot as the noon sun with those dark lens and even darker 'tude, but god forbid she tie herself to another man who's always telling her what to do. But the more she gets to know Jacob, the more she sees how willing he is to battle for her wounded heart...a battle she might just let him win.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: The One Who Got Away by Ava Claire

The One Who Got Away

An Alpha Billionaire Romance

By: Ava Claire 

Released January 27, 2016. 
Self-Published

Blurb

It was supposed to be the best day. I was marrying the love of my life--and nothing would ever be the same.

And then he left me at the altar.

Five years later, I get a job offer I can't refuse. The trouble is, the boss just so happens to be the one who got away...

Excerpt:

Midnight Heat By Cat Johnson (Review)

Midnight Heat by Cat Johnson was a nice read. There wasn't too much drama, which there could have been more. Here's why:

We have Phoenix Montago who grew knowing she was adopted, and doesn't wonder about her birth mother. She was okay knowing the fact that she was adopted, but when she requests a copy of her birth certificate cause she lost her original, she finds out who her mother is and starts to wonder. She sets out to find her mother to get answers to questions never had before this moment. All right, I have no problems with this. Everyone eventually wonders where they come from when they have been adopted. Phoenix sets out for this adventure. However, there are few bumps in the road, like the fact her mother moved to Oklahoma, and there is some guy taking back the stuff to there. Poses a challenge on meeting the lady who gave birth to you.

Now Justin Skaggs is picking up the stuff for Bonnie Martin to take back to Oklahoma when he stumbles upon Phoenix. He doesn't know if could trust or if she's some weird person who wants to hurt Bonnie. Understandable. He ends up getting to know Phoenix and likes being around her. However, Justin comes with his own set of problems. Him and his mother are still grieving the lost of Jeremy (his brother). Now his mother hasn't been handling it all that well, and I think she needs grief counseling. Hey, everyone handles grief differently, and there is reason for her behavior. My issue about this situation is how it was handle in the story. By the end she was starting to be social and working towards being human again. I have no problems with it, but I would have liked to see how it was handled not poof she's starting to feel better. How did she overcome this debilitating depression? One minute she's down, next she's working her way being healthy again.

My other issue was Phoenix finding out birthing family, then telling her adopted parents what she did after the fact. Her adopt parents were happy to see her and willing to bring her into the family. Cool. Works for me. What didn't work for me was it was glossed over when she decided to be truthful her adopted parents. How did they handle the news, were they hurt by her actions? I don't know. Someone was hurt by this, but it's glossed over.

The romance between Phoenix and Justin was super quick and everything was starting to fall into place. Yes, there could have been a little more drama. It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't a great read. There were some gaps that bothered me. Some people loved this book. It was an okay read.

Copy provided by Zebra via NetGalley

Rating:
2 Stars

Sourcebooks Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Race the Darkness by Abbie Roads

It’s precisely 7:22 pm ET, the sun has just set in the east, and it’s starting to get dark...

We are excited to reveal the cover of Race the Darkness, a dark, gritty, emotional and sexy romantic suspense novel by debut author Abbie Roads.

First in a gripping paranormal romantic suspense duo by a Golden Heart finalist debut author whose clinical work gives her chilling insights...

Cursed with a terrible gift
Criminal investigator Xander Stone doesn’t have to question you—he can hear your thoughts. Scarred by lightning, burdened with a power that gives him no peace, Xander struggles to maintain his sanity against the voice that haunts him day and night—the voice of a woman begging him to save her.

That threatens to engulf them...
Isleen Walker has long since given up hope of escape from the nightmare of captivity and torture that is draining her life, her mind, and her soul. Except…there is the man in her feverish dreams, the strangely beautiful man who beckons her to freedom and wholeness. And when he comes, if he comes, it will take all their combined fury and faith to overcome a madman bent on fulfilling a deadly prophecy.


An excerpt from Race the Darkness:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Giveaway: Claimed By Love by Melissa Foster

Claimed by Love
Love in Bloom: The Ryders #2

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing March 23, 2016
World Literary Press

Blurb

Family law attorney Gabriella Liakos has one true love, Elpitha Island, where she grew up and hopes someday to return. But Elpitha is in financial ruins, and Gabriella will do anything to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

Duke Ryder is a savvy real estate investor set on making Elpitha into an exclusive resort. Unlike other investors, he's not scared of purchasing a property where one family has roots so deep they practically reach the ocean floor...until he meets his beautiful, stubborn, and enticing tour host―the daughter of the owner of most of the island.

Gabriella sets out to dissuade Duke from purchasing Elpitha, but Duke has other ideas. He wants Gabriella and the island. Duke's powerful seduction draws Gabriella in, but can a savvy investor who's used to glamour and glitz, and a woman interested in preserving the culture she adores find a happily ever after together?

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Once Burned by Lisa B. Kamps

Once Burned
Firehouse Fourteen #1

By: Lisa B. Kamps

Releasing March 21, 2016.
Self-Published

Blurb

Michaela Donaldson had her whole life planned out: college, music, and a happy-ever-after with her first true love. One reckless night changed all that, setting Michaela on a new path. Gone are her dreams of pursuing music in college, replaced by what she thinks is a more rewarding life. She's a firefighter now, getting down and dirty while doing her job. So what if she's a little rough around the edges, a little too careless, a little too detached? She's happy, living life on her own terms--until Nicky Lansing shows back up.

Nick Lansing was the stereotypical leather-clad bad boy, needing nothing but his fast car, his guitar, his never-ending partying, and his long-time girlfriend--until one bad decision changed the course of two lives forever. He's on the straight-and-narrow now, living life as a respected teacher and doing his best to be a positive role model. Yes, he still has his music. But gone are his days of partying. And gone is the one girl who always held his heart. Or is she?

One freak accident brings these two opposites back together. Is ten years long enough to heal the physical and emotional wounds from the past? Can they reconcile who they were with who they've become--or will it be a case of Once Burned is enough?

Excerpt

Tasty Book Tours Pre-Release Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Reunited with The Rebel Billionaire by Catherine Mann

Reunited with the Rebel Billionaire
Bayou Billionaires #3

By: Catherine Mann

Releasing April 1^st, 2016 (Ebook)

Releasing April 5, 2016 (Print)
Harlequin

Blurb

Is it a real reunion, or one for the cameras? It's a second-chance romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann! 

Football star Henri Reynaud won't let his career go down without a fight. If the only way to win is to reconcile with his estranged wife, he'll do what it takes. But spending time with Fiona Harper-Reynaud isn't just some ruse. The sultry beauty belongs in his bed.

Fiona doesn't know where her sexy husband's public act ends and his real feelings begin. Can she afford to fall a second time for the man every female wants? One thing is undeniable—their attraction has never flared hotter!

Excerpt:

Say You'll Love Me by Ally Broadfield (Review)

I received a chance to read Say You'll Love Me by Ally Broadfield. Say You'll Love Me is a fairly quick read. I liked the start of the story. We meet Lady Abigail Hurst and she's about to get engage with her childhood sweetheart. Now my first thought when she was talking with her future mother-in-law, "RUN! DON'T LOOK BACK!" She was extremely rude. Good heavens, Abigail was getting criticized by her betrothal mother, not a good a start for her. Then she sees her future husband trying to persuade his current mistress to stay with him even though he's engage. Can we say winner. Abigail's not sure how she feels about this. Then boom the girl ends up dead. Now she decides to take on the task of finding out if her fiancée is guilty or not. Along the way she realize she doesn't want to marry the guy. Who could blame her. Of course, she wants love.

We meet the hero, Edmund Townsend, Marquess of Longcroft. He basically helps Abigail find out if her betrothal is a murder. Along the way he develops feelings for, but he doesn't believe in love. After all he's a man of science and science can't prove love exist therefore it does not. So, throughout the story we see these together, but never really crossing any lines. Most of the story they are trying to solve the mystery.

Okay, it was a nice story with them trying to solve a mystery. My only concern is the rushed relationship towards the end. It felt a little too quick in someways, but drawn out after all Abigail is a decent girl and wouldn't want to cause a scandal. A fairly quick read with a little mystery to solve. So, if you are looking for something light with a little mystery, Say You'll Love Me is your type of read.

Copy provided.

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Lusting for Covers (115): The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston

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 Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston

Publisher: Avon (Sept 2016)

Series: The Seduction Diaries, 3

Genre: Historical

Blurb:

Every girl dreams of a hero….

No one loves books more than Miss Mary Channing. Perhaps that’s why she’s reached the ripe old age of six-and-twenty without ever being kissed. Her future may be as bland as milk toast, but Mary is content to simply dream about the heroes and adventures she reads about in her books. That way she won’t end up with a villain instead.

But sometimes only a scoundrel will do.

When she unexpectedly finds herself in the arms of Geoffrey Westmore, London’s most notorious scoundrel, it feels a bit like a plot from one of her favorite novels. Suddenly, Mary understands why even the smartest heroines can fall prey to a handsome face, and Westmore’s is more handsome than most. But far worse than the damage to her reputation, the moment’s indiscretion uncovers an assassination plot that reaches to the highest levels of society and threatens the course of the entire country.

When a tight-laced miss and a scoundrel of epic proportions put their minds together, nothing can stand in their way. But unless they put their hearts together as well, a happy ending is anything but assured.

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Jennifer's Website

Why?

It's the whole package. The dress, the setting, and the title. It's kind of nice to see a cover in a library, not something you see everyday. Plus, the blurb is AWESOME! Can't wait! September seems so far away. What do you guys think of my pick?

Wickedly Innocent PR Cover Reveal+ Excerpt: Mountainside Resort by Roxanne Witherell

Blurb:

Brianna Thompson was unaware that she had a stalker. After she was attacked her best friend, Abby, convinces her to take a vacation out of state until the police catch the stalker. While on vacation Brianna runs into Caleb who walked out on her seven years earlier. Now all she wants to do is go back home.

Caleb Kingston left his old life behind seven years ago. Everything including the woman he loved. Now Brianna pops back into his life and he can't have her. She can never know his secret. Will she ever forgive him without knowing the truth?

Will Brianna's stalker catch up to her? Can she find it in her heart to forgive Caleb even though he won't give her straight answers? Or will her life be turned upside down?

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Midnight Heat by Cat Johnson

Midnight Heat
Midnight Cowboys #3

By: Cat Johnson

Releasing February 23, 2016
Zebra

Blurb

He needs to escape...

Justin Skaggs is on the road to anywhere—as long as it's far from home—when fate throws a kindred spirit across his path.

She needs to get to Oklahoma...

Phoenix Montagno can't believe her luck when she runs into the hottie from the bar. He's the key to her getting everything she's always wanted, but she can't tell him that. Luckily he's not interested in learning her story any more than he is in sharing his.

Both have secrets they don't want to share...

It's the perfect arrangement. No personal details. No talking at all. Just two strangers sharing the cab of a truck heading the direction they both need to go . . . until they decide to share a bed, too

Excerpt:

InkSlinger PR Excerpt Reveal: Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

 

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Excerpt Reveal for Laura Kaye’s RIDE HARD! A sexy romantic suspense, RIDE HARD takes you on a new adventure and kicks it into overdrive! RIDE HARD is set to release Tuesday, April 26^th! RIDE HARD is the first novel in Laura Kaye’s highly anticipated Raven Riders Series. Make sure you pre-order today and get your special bonus story-more info on that is below!

 

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…

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 see below for a free bonus story offer!

Excerpt from Ride Hard:

Barclay Publicity Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Reid's Deliverance by Nina Crespo

It’s a night Lauren won’t forget…until Reid leaves to save the world…

A one night stand, a mission in the future and a lost memory. Can this Army Ranger sacrifice everything to finish his mission—including the woman he loves? Find out in Reid’s Deliverance by Nina Crespo…

About REID’S DELIVERANCE

Lauren isn't looking for love when she spends a scintillating night with Reid, the sexy keyboardist of Thane's Redemption. While their passion may be off the charts, her trust issues--and Reid's secret life as a time-traveling covert agent--makes any chance for a relationship impossible.

When operatives involved in a mysterious project begin dying, Reid defies orders and travels alone into the future to find the cause. But when things go dangerously awry, it takes all of his strength to get himself back to safety--and directly onto Lauren's doorstep. While neither of them remembers their night of passion, their intense connection leads Lauren to help him. But as Reid's memories reignite, will he be forced to sacrifice everything to finish his mission--including the woman he loves?

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)

Cover Reveal of A Regency Romance Collection featuring the Wily Duke of Danby

Well, that wily Duke is up to no good, I mean matchmaking. He can't seem get enough of that stuff. Oh geez, he's on his way to London. Good lord, no one is safe from that Duke ;) So, here are the covers and the stories in each of the titles:

THWARTING THE DUKE contains...

Ava Stone's LADY HOPE's DASHING DEVIL

Julie Johnstone's IT's IN THE DUKE'S KISS

Sue London's HER RELUCTANT LORD

OUTWITTING THE DUKE contains...

Aileen Fish's HIS UNSUSPECTING HEART

Deb Marlowe's THE EARL'S HIRED BRIDE

Lily George's THE CAPTAIN TAKES A BRIDE

EVADING THE DUKE contains...

Rose Gordon's THE WOOING GAME

Jane Charles's RUINED BY A LADY

Samantha Grace's ONE LESS LONELY EARL

DISMISSING THE DUKE contains...

Claudia Dain's THE HUSBAND HUNT

Jerrica Knight-Catania's FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL

Olivia Kelly's LOOK TO THE STARS

I personally like how each of them are the same, but with different color combination. My favorite color combination, I think is the purple and yellow? What which color combination would you pick as your fave?

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Love Emergency Series by Samanthe Beck

Love Emergency Series

Book 1: Emergency Engagement

February 15, 2016

Book 2: Emergency Delivery

March 14, 2016

Samanthe Beck 

Entangled Brazen

Book One

He needs the kind of rescue only she can provide…

Glass artist Savannah Smith expected a marriage proposal for Thanksgiving—just not from her strong, silent, super-hot neighbor. But when misplaced mail and a wayward can of paint lands them in a compromising position right as her family arrives for dinner, they assume he’s “The One” she’s been talking about.

Then his family shows up.

Fate dealt a crippling blow to paramedic Beau Montgomery’s heart, and he isn’t about to put it at risk again. Except, with his mother crying tears of joy over his surprise engagement to the sexy little blonde next door, he can’t bring himself to ruin her “Christmas miracle.”

Somewhere between the paint can to the head and the chaotic family trip to the ER, Beau manages to talk Savannah into being his fake fiancée long enough to survive the holidays.

If, of course, they don’t fall in love first…

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