What I'm Reading

Friday, May 2, 2014

LitConnect Blog Tour + Giveaway + Excerpt: To Charm a Naughty Countess by Theresa Romain

To Charm a Naughty Countess

by Theresa Romain

Genre: Regency-set historical romance

Tone: Romantic, passionate, lighthearted

Heat Level: Love scenes with euphemisms

Elements/Tags: Pygmalion story, virgin hero, widowed heroine

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publishing Date: May 6, 2014

Series, #: Matchmaker trilogy, book 2

Format: Mass market paperback, digital

Words: 87,000

Back Cover:

CAN A RECLUSIVE DUKE…

Brilliant but rumored mad, Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause–after first refusing his suit.

WIN LONDON’S MOST POWERFUL COUNTESS?

Caroline Graves, the popular Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael–her counterpart in an old scandal–returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the trials of society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart . But if she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard-won independence she prizes above all.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18480544-to-charm-a-naughty-countess?ac=1

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Books-a-Million ~ Book Depository ~ iBooks ~ Sourcebooks ~ Indiebound

Meet Author Theresa Romain:

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest.

Social Media Links:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Excerpt:

His throat worked. “I am not yet certain whether I shall pursue Miss Cartwright. It may not be desirable that my life’s mate reflect all my own qualities.”

Not yet certain. After everything Caroline had invested. He rejected her aid and her choices, the purpose of this whole house party, as though they were no more significant than a bowl of soup that was not to his taste.

She noticed, detached, the way her skin heated as if slapped, then prickled with icy numbness. The blank before agony. Dimly, she felt surprise that a single phrase could matter so much.

And then feeling came rushing back, her ears roaring with all the noise of the crowds on Fishergate. She knew she must look as wrong as she felt. Michael had tilted his head in that curious way he had.

When she spoke, her voice was carefully quiet. “Your uncertainty surprises me.”

He lifted his brows, imperious as a bust of Caesar. “Why need you concern yourself with my actions?” After all, I am not concerned with yours was the unvoiced second half of that sentence.

Caroline drew herself up to her full height and peered down at him, taking advantage of her standing position to impress her point on his notice. “Because, Your Grace, my own reputation is on the line. On this house party, and on your engagement, depend my place in society as well as yours.”

The bust of Caesar knit his brows. He did not understand.

She bit back a sigh. “You made a fool of me once before, Michael. Yes, it was long ago, but if you choose not to marry now, after I have publicly aided you, the ton will remember. Their respect will turn to mockery.”

She hated even to say the words, true as she knew them to be. She had already lived through this once.

Her plan had begun so well: she would triumph over him, and herself, and the polite world. Not in any malicious way, but in a way that would give them all what they needed. Society would get its gossip about the change in the mad duke; Michael would win a rich dowry. And Caroline? She would come to understand him, and the means by which he had so long kept her fascinated.

Now, with every knot she untied, she snarled up two more. She must untie them all, though, and redeem herself. She must once again play matchmaker.

She could not remember when her heart had been in it less. How could it, when it was already spoken for?

Giveaway Details:

Theresa is generously gifting all five of her books to one lucky commenter!

*Season for Temptation

*Season for Surrender

*Season for Scandal

*It Takes Two to Tangle

*To Charm a Naughty Countess

Open internationally. Please follow the Rafflecopter directions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/to-charm-a-naughty-countess-by-theresa-romain/

Important Additional Information:

Facebook Event:

May 6th ~ 8 – 10pm EST

More info at: http://events.litconnect.com/facebook-celebration-to-charm-a-naughty-countess-by-theresa-romain/

Twitter Party:

May 7th ~ 8 – 9pm EST

#NaughtyCountess

More info: http://events.litconnect.com/twitter-party-to-charm-a-naughty-countess-by-theresa-romain/

Don't Blackmail the Vampire by Tiffany Allee

Don't Blackmail the Vampire by Tiffany Allee is a fun light story about vampires. I know fun and light are not usually associated with vampire. However, it's not one of those stories that is dark. Come on the story takes place on a ski trip.

Honestly, I thought Don't Blackmail the Vampire was fun, because you have Rachel whose soul intent is to breakup her sister and her fiancé. However, she doesn't know how, but when she catches Charles feeding on a girl she figure she could blackmail him to help her. Come on who blackmails a vampire? I mean the guy could have killed her once she knew what he was, but he went along for the ride. Granted he had his own agenda, and he figure they could help one another out.

I adore Rachel, because she's describe as a subtle beauty that's a bit of a nerd. There's nothing wrong with being a nerd. I love Rachel's description of Charles:

"He wasn't dark and scary and broody; he was sexy and funny and kind."

See I'm not the only one with the idea that vampires are suppose to be dark and broody. Another description of Charles:

"The vampire with a soul, with a heart, go figure. Charles might seem shallow to the casual observer--with his lighthearted attitude and playboy smile--but he wasn't. He had the ability to care deeply. Earnestly."

Which is the whole reason he went to Colorado. Actually the two of them were adorable together, especially when they worked together.

Overall, I was entertained by Don't Blackmail the Vampire. I can't wait to meet the other brother, but I get the feeling he's not as fun as Charles and saying Noah is fun is pushing it a little. So, if you are looking for a caring vampire that cares deeply, Charles might be your vampire in Don't Blackmail the Vampire.

*Side note: I would recommend reading Don't Bite the Bridesmaid first. Just a recommendation not a requirement.

Favorite Quote:

'She sniffed, then leaning close with her hands on her hips, she sniffed him. "You smell like glitter.""Glitter doesn't have a scent -- not that your weak human nose can detect, anyway. And it wasn't that kind of place."'

Copy provided by the publisher

Rating:

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Sinful Seduction by Katie Reus

Yesterday, I finished Sinful Seduction by Katie Reus. This is the eighth book in the Red Stone Security series. I enjoyed this series for a couple of reason: 1) They are fairly quick reads 2) You don't have to go in order. Yep each book can be read as a stand alone, which is awesome cause I have started somewhat in the middle.

In Sinful Seduction, we have Alexander Blue. After the last assignment, he was asked to take some time off. Being a guy who isn't use to time off and not knowing what to do with himself. Fortunately, he found a damsel who was in distress, Mina. However, this particular damsel doesn't want help after all she wants to be able to stand on her own two feet. Which I like, because she could so easily go back her pampered lifestyle.

All right, I thought I had Sinful Seduction figured out when I was halfway through. I must say I was wrong. Of course Katie threw in a few plot twist. I'm seriously thought it was someone Mina new. Anyway, like previous Red Stone books we have the hero/heroine lull into a comfort zone when the bad guys popup. Overall, I like Alex and his overprotective nature. I love that he tries to stay focus on the task at hand even though he's tempted by Mina. A few hot little scenes, but nothing over the top and some action towards the end. So, if you are looking for a quick read, you can consider Sinful Seduction.

I did get a copy from the author, but I had also bought Sinful Seconds Anthology when it was on sale, which contained Sinful Seduction.

Rating:

1/2

Forever Romance Sweet & Sassy Blog Tour (Hope Ramsay & Molly Cannon): Guest Post + Giveaway

Top 5 Characters from Hope's and Molly's Books

Hope Ramsay Top five favorite characters from your LAST CHANCE series:

1. Dash Randall, hero of Last Chance Book Club. I would run away with this guy if he were real.

2. Gabe Raintree, hero of Inn at Last Chance. He’s dark, tortured, and mysterious. Yummy!

3. Miriam Randall, matchmaker and fortuneteller. Miriam is the wise. I have no idea where this

wisdom comes from, either. I’m convinced she was inspired by a higher power.

4. Molly Canaday, heroine of Last Chance Knit & Stitch. She can knit a sweater and fix your car. Talk about sweet and sassy.

5. Ruby Rhodes, hairdresser, beauty consultant, friend, and amateur psychologist. I wish I had a hair dresser like Ruby.

Molly Cannon Top five favorite characters from all your books:

1. Jake Jacobson from AIN’T MISBEHAVING is the kind of man you want in your corner-and he’s not bad looking either.

2. Marla Jean Bandy from AIN’T MISBEHAVING is strong and resilient, refusing to let life get her down.

3. Theo Jacobson-Jake’s younger brother. He’s a sweetie! In FLIRTING WITH FOREVER we find out just how sweet he really is.

4. Etta Green from CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE expresses love by feeding people. Cooking at the Hazelnut Inn lets her show love everyday in te most delicious way.

5. Donny Joe Ledbetter from CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE-he loves women and they love him right back.

About INN AT LAST CHANCE

Jenny Carpenter is the unrivaled pie-baking champion of Last Chance, South Carolina's annual Watermelon Festival and the town's unofficial spinster. With her dream of marriage and children on hold, she focuses on another dream, turning the local haunted house into a charming bed-and-breakfast. But her plans go off course when the home's former owner shows up on her doorstep on a dark and stormy night . . . Mega-bestselling horror writer Gabriel Raintree is as mysterious and tortured as his heroes. His family's long-deserted mansion is just the inspiration he needs to finish his latest twisted tale, or so he thinks until he learns it's been sold. The new innkeeper proves to be as determined as she is kind, and soon Gabriel finds himself a paying guest in his own home. As Jenny and Gabe bring new passion to the old house, can she convince him to leave the ghosts of his past behind-and make Last Chance their first choice for a future together?

Purchase Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound

About Hope Ramsay

Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

Social Media Links:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

About FLIRTING WITH FOREVER

Flying is Theo Jacobson's passion. Soaring above the clouds, he's on to the next adventure . . . and the next woman. So when he comes home to Everson, Texas, for his big brother's wedding, it's nothing but a pit stop. He'll act as best man, cover the family business while the happy couple honeymoons, and be on his way before the champagne goes flat. But all that changes when he comes face-to-face with the wedding planner-the very same woman who broke his heart without a backward glance years ago. Irene Cornwell started I Do I Do with a wing and a prayer. Now, with two weddings under her belt, it's a piece of cake . . . until Theo lands back in town. Just seeing his twinkling blue eyes and infuriatingly sexy smile turns her world upside down. For the sake of her business, she proposes an uneasy truce. But when the wedding is over-all bets are off!