Archives for February 2017

** FRIDAY FAVORITES with Christy McKellen! **


Join me every Friday to see my spotlight on one of my favorite authors who will be sharing a few of their favorite things!

 


 



Featured today is Harlequin Romance author CHRISTY MCKELLEN!  Thanks for joining me and sharing some of your favorites Christy!

 

Formerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing fun, impassioned and emotive romance with an undercurrent of sexual tension. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.

To keep up with news on her latest releases and for a chance to win exclusive giveaways you can subscribe to her newsletter. Either paste the following address into your browser http://eepurl.com/bDmv4r or check out her website and click on the ‘Subscribe to my newsletter’ button.


CONNECT WITH CHRISTY:

Website   |   Twitter   |   Facebook   |   Goodreads   |   Amazon 

 


 

My favorite color is … royal purple. I have a colander in this color and it makes everything look appetizing when it’s sitting in it: apples, broccoli, even potatoes. There’s just something so warming and appealing about it.

My favorite place to read is … probably in bed, for ultimate comfort. Though I also like sitting in the leather swivel chair in the bay in my bedroom and being able to look out at the garden every now and again, especially if it’s a sunny day.

My favorite snack is … cheese and grapes on oat cakes. Delicious and filling!

My favorite type of music is … difficult to define. I have quite eclectic tastes. I listen to a mixture of electronic, alternative, rock, pop and classical music. If you want a taste of the sorts of songs I listen to while I’m writing you can find them listed by book on my website here: https://christymckellen.com/soundtracks-to-my-books/

My favorite hot beverage is … tea! I’m a tea addict—though I only tend to drink English Breakfast, and gallons of it. My local café where I sometimes write has a lovely chai tea though, so occasionally I have that if I’m feeling adventurous.

My favorite type of flower is … the cornflower. Ever since I saw the film adaptation of A Room with a View I’ve loved them. I had them threaded into my hair on my wedding day.

My favorite time of day is … late in the evening when I get to chat and laugh with my husband whilst listening to music. These hours are getting shorter and shorter now the kids are getting older though!

My favorite candy is … fizzy cola bottles. I always get some from the pick n’ mix stand when I go to the cinema. 

My favorite hobby is … walking. I know that probably sounds a bit dull, but I often have brilliant ideas while I’m stomping about in the fresh air. I’ve recently joined a voice-positive choir too, which is great fun as well as being sociable (something I definitely appreciate as a mostly cloistered-at-home writer!)

My favorite place to vacation is … wherever my family are. Though I do particularly love it if there’s sunshine. We’ve taken the kids to France a few times, which is always fun, and last year we had a great time in Cape Verdi. I can recommend it for a totally relaxing beach and hotel break for the whole family.

 


 

Look for Christy’s latest release  …

ORDER LINKS:

Amazon | Harlequin | Kobo | Nook | iBook | GooglePlay


THE UNFORGETTABLE SPANISH TYCOON
Romantic Getaways

“I know we were more than just friends.” 

Once Elena Jones had shared an intense entanglement with striking Spaniard Caleb Araya, ending with both their hearts in tatters. Now she’s a successful entrepreneur, and when he rejects a new business proposition, it’s clear Caleb hasn’t forgotten… 

When an accident causes the tycoon to lose his memory, Caleb seems to think they are still a couple! Elena wants to help him recover…but will staying in Barcelona with him just put her heart in jeopardy again?

 


 

Out previously by Christy  …

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Harlequin | Kobo | Nook | iBook | GooglePlay


A COUNTESS FOR CHRISTMAS
Maids Under the Mistletoe

The earl’s secret bride… 

Emma Carmichael is shocked when she sees who she’s waitressing for at a lavish party—Jack Westwood, the new Earl of Redminster. Her new life comes crashing down when Jack announces to the world that they’re married! 

Jack has never forgotten his first love despite the tragedy that tore them apart. When the paparazzi cameras intrude, he proposes they live as man and wife until the fuss dies down. Emma feels like Cinderella, masquerading as his countess…only, behind closed doors, their marriage feels tantalizingly real…

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Harlequin | Kobo | Nook | iBook | GooglePlay


ONE WEEK WITH THE FRENCH TYCOON

From holiday…to happy-ever-after! 

Indigo Hughes spends her life taking care of everyone else. But after she’s unceremoniously dumped, she finally puts herself first and books a holiday on the Amalfi Coast. Fine food, stunning views and time alone to heal her heart…bliss! 

Instead, she’s thrown together with tycoon Julien Moreaux! He’s cynical, sexy and recently divorced—exactly the kind of man she should avoid. But big-hearted Indigo hopes to help Julien find his faith in love again—she just doesn’t expect to find her own happy-ever-after in his arms!

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Harlequin | Kobo | Nook | iBook | GooglePlay


UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEARt

More than just a job! 

Cara Winstone is determined to bounce back from her last—disastrous—PA job, and working for Max Firebrace is exactly how she’s going to do it. Little does Cara know that walking into her brooding boss’s luxurious London town house also has her walking into his past… 

Since losing his wife, Max doesn’t think he has any love left to give. But something in the warmth of Cara’s smile jump-starts Max’s heart again, making him wonder if he’s ready for a new happy-ever-after…with Cara by his side.

* Blog Tour / Release Blast * SPRINKLED WITH LOVE by Jennifer Faye

 

Sprinkled with Love
Bachelor Bake-Off #3
By: Jennifer Faye

Releasing February 21, 2017
Tule Publishing

BUY LINKS:     AMAZON | B & N | ITUNES | KOBO

 


BLURB:

What does one do with a matchmaking cat named Romeo?

Spirited and beautiful, Jillian Parker is one of Marietta’s newest business owners. Still, her mother worries about Jillian’s bare ring finger. So in order to give her mother something else to fuss over, Jillian adopts a cat named Romeo. He turns out to be anything but a docile lap cat.

One snowy night, Romeo makes a break for it. With Jillian right on his heels, they have a near miss with a passing pickup driven by Avery Wainwright, one of Jillian’s closest friends. A rodeo accident has the sexy cowboy returning home to recuperate, and he’s not happy about it.

So when Avery finds himself lassoed into the Bachelor Bake-Off, he turns to the one person who has always helped him out—Jillian. But will teaching him to take chances outside of the show ring have them both discovering that their feelings for each other run much deeper than they ever imagined?

 

Link to Follow Blast: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/2/10/sprinkled-with-love-jennifer-faye

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33832386-sprinkled-with-love
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/199214-bachelor-bake-off

 


EXCERPT:

They climbed in the sleigh and then Avery covered Jillian with a heavy lap blanket. “Are you ready?”

She nodded, clutching the thermos. “I am now.”

And then they were off, gliding over the snow. The snow muffled the sounds. And though the moon was hidden behind the clouds, it was still bright out. As they made their way through the field, Avery glanced over at Jillian. She was nestled beneath the plaid blanket and still clutching the thermos. She looked stunning. He should have brought her out here a long time ago.

“What are you smiling about?”

Jillian’s voice drew him from his thoughts. “Who’s smiling?”

“You are and you know it. So what’s up?”

“Nothing. I’m just enjoying the evening.” It was so much more than that, but he really didn’t want to risk ruining this moment. He’d worked so hard to pull it together. He wanted to savor their time together.

For a while they glided along in silence. He had a particular destination in mind. It didn’t have a name. It was just a spot where you could see for miles. And at night, it was like visiting a planetarium with all of the stars twinkling overhead.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked.

She nodded from inside her big, fuzzy hood. “I’m perfect. This is amazing. Do you take the sleigh out very often?”

He shook his head. “This is my first time. I usually come out here on horseback.” He slowed the horse to a stop before turning to Jillian. “I wanted to do something special for you. A way to thank you. You’ve always been there for me and my family, whether it was helping me with the Bake-Off or being the best nanny in the whole world.”

“You…you really think that?”

He’d obviously done a lousy job of communicating his thoughts in the past. He would have to do better going forward.

“I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear before.” He stared into her eyes. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my family.”

His gaze dipped to her lips. They were shiny and full. And he was overwhelmed with the desire to kiss her again. So what was holding him back?

They were all alone on this snowy evening. And as he’d come to discover while he was planning this evening, it was a very romantic setting. If he were ever to have a chance with her, it would start beneath the starlit sky. But should he risk it? Should he put himself out there again?

It wasn’t like he was asking her to marry him. It was a kiss—a simple, no-strings-attached kiss. It was a starting point.

He rested his arm over the back of the sleigh. His heart started to pound hard in his chest. He’d kissed a number of girls over the years on the rodeo circuit and he’d never put this much thought into it. But none of them had meant as much to him as Jillian. He leaned toward her.

Suddenly Jillian raised the thermos between them. “Hot chocolate?”

He settled back in his seat. Had he read the signs wrong? Was he that rusty where women were concerned?

 

 

AUTHOR INFO:

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband, amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams) and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

 

 
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* Review * THE HOT ONE by Lauren Blakely

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HOT ONE by Lauren BlakelyThe Hot One by Lauren Blakely
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on February 27, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

At first glance, stripping naked at my ex-girlfriend's place of work might not seem like the brightest way to win her back.
But trust me on this count - she always liked me best without any clothes on. And sometimes you've got to play to your strengths when you're fighting an uphill battle. As a lawyer, I know how to fight, and I'm prepared to fight hard for her. I might have let her slip through my fingers the last time, but no way will that happen twice.
He's the one who got away...
The nerve of Tyler Nichols to reappear like that, stripping at my job, showing off his rock hard body that drove me wild far too many nights. That man with his knowing grin and mischievous eyes is nothing but a cocky, arrogant jerk to saunter back into my life. Except, what if he's not...?
He's the one I've tried like hell to forget but just can't. Maybe I'm cursed to remember him. My money is on him being the same guy he always was, but what's the harm in giving him a week to prove he's a new man? I won't fall for him again.
But how do you resist the hot one...


A sexy, fun read about reuniting with a lost love!  The characters were a lot of fun to get to know, and they had a sizzling amount of chemistry to show for themselves.

Attorney Tyler Nichols thought he was happy … until happenstance brought HER back into his life.  The one that made his life complete all those years ago.  The one that he mistakenly pushed out of his life.  The one whose heart he regrets breaking.

Delaney likes to think she’s over him.  She tells people she is.  She acts like she is.  But late at night when she needs a vision in her mind, it’s him she sees.  Now here he is trying to get her to talk to him … to forgive him.  He’s the jerk that broke her heart!  Why would she want to have that back in her life again?  He’s just the same guy he always was … or is he?  Is it possible he could have changed?  She’s hesitant to let him get close enough to find out … but what if she lets the world she always wanted slip right through her fingers?

four-stars

* Review * UNDER SHADOW OF DOUBT by Juanita Kees

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNDER SHADOW OF DOUBT by Juanita KeesUnder Shadow Of Doubt by Juanita Kees
Series: Under The Law Book 1
Published by Escape Publishing on February 25, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

She might be the biggest star in Australia, but she never forgot the small town she came from, or the man she left behind...

Peta Johnson may be rich, famous, and adored, but it doesn’t protect her when the man she married turns out to be a monster. With her little girl missing, Peta will do anything to get her back — including returning to the small Western Australian town she vowed never to see again.

Jaime Caruso left his heart in Williams when he left to pursue a military career, but it soon shrivelled and died when he discovered the girl he loved didn’t love him enough to wait. Back in town to help his ailing father, Jaime struggles with the memories and plans to leave — permanently — as soon as possible.

But then Peta returns and Jaime gets swept up into the nightmare she is living. Feelings long buried soon bubble to the surface, and as they race to save the life of the daughter Jaime doesn’t know is his, they must decide if life — and love — really does give second chances.


A powerful reunion story!  We’re met with intrigue from the start as they search for her kidnapped daughter.  There are some holes in the plot throughout the book when big things are brought up and never developed, but overall it was a fast paced, action packed story with interesting characters.

Peta Johnson wanted a good life and thought she would enjoy that with her daughter and husband, but instead he turned into a man she didn’t recognize.  Now her daughter is in danger and she’ll do anything to get her back!

Jaime Caruso was Peta’s high school sweetheart, but he walked out on her to join the military and never looked back … or so she thought.  He happens to be back in town to help his ailing father just when Peta needs him most … to help rescue the daughter he didn’t even know he had!

four-stars

* Blog Tour / Book Review * GOING DOWN HARD by Carly Phillips

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * GOING DOWN HARD by Carly PhillipsGoing Down Hard by Carly Phillips
Series: Billionaire Bad Boys Book 3
Published by CP Publishing LLC on February 21, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He's sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he's never been good enough for.

She's desperate to save her family's company and there's only one man who can help. But Derek isn't interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he's never been able to forget.

His plan? To seduce her out of his head. Except once he's had a taste of Cassie, he doesn't want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won't allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who's going down hard.


A super sexy continuation in the Billionaire Bad Boys series!  Past mistakes are forgiven, new connections are forged, and lots of secrets are uncovered as Carly Phillips brings us Derek West’s story!  All three of these bad boys have been genuinely good guys when all is said and done … I have really enjoyed them all!  It’s raw, it’s sexy and it’s captivating!

Derek West grew up as the groundskeeper and maid’s son. He watched those around him have it easier than him and have better things, but it just drove him to rise above it all. His technical magic led to an app that made he and his college pals the billionaire’s they are today … but he has never forgotten where he came from … or the injustice done to his family in the end!

Cassandra Storms was the spoiled rich girl living in the main house. She had the world handed to her on a platter, and played the rich princess game all too well.  The attraction between them as teens was shot down before it could even begin, but the second they lay eyes on each other again, it rears it’s ugly head!  The tables are turned a bit now and it’s Cassie coming to Derek needing a favor … and he decides he’s all too happy to welcome her into his bed for the ride of her life … then he’ll send her on her merry way.  As secrets from the past are unraveled and he learns she’s not who he expected, will the time they spend together actually build a connection that he won’t be able to walk away from?

 

 

Going Down Hard (Billionaire Bad Boys Book 3) by Carly Phillips

Date of Publication: February 21, 2017

Blurb

A stand-alone Billionaire Bad Boys novel.

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He’s sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.

She’s desperate to save her family company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget.

His plan? To screw her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.

Available From


About Carly Phillips

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.

Find Carly Phillips Online

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five-stars

* Blog Tour / Cover Reveal * CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE by Jill Shalvis

CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE - banner

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes the next sexy, standalone novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series…

 

 

CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE - cover

About CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE:

Meet cute…

Run for the hills—temporarily. That’s Colbie Albright’s plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie’s so over it that she’s under it. She’s also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival. Fortunately, the guy who fishes Colbie out has her looking forward to Christmas among strangers. But she’s pretty sure Spencer Baldwin won’t be a stranger for long.

Make merry…

Spence’s commitment to hiding from the Ghosts of Relationships Past means he doesn’t have to worry about the powerful—okay, crazy hot—chemistry he’s got with Colbie. Just because she can laugh at anything, especially herself… just because she’s gorgeous and a great listener…just because she “gets” Spencer immediately doesn’t mean he won’t be able to let Colbie go. Does it?

…and hope for a miracle.

Now the clock’s ticking for Colbie and Spence: Two weeks to cut loose. Two weeks to fall hard. Two weeks to figure out how to make this Christmas last a lifetime

Pre-Order CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE in ebook or paperback, releasing 9/26/17

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo| Barnes & Noble

Add to your Goodreads

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT:

The bathroom door opened, and even better than his fantasy, Colbie emerged from a cloud of steam, her willowy body wrapped in one of his towels, her exposed skin gleaming and dewy damp. Her hair had been piled on top of her head, but wavy strands had escaped, clinging to her neck and shoulders.

He couldn’t tear his gaze off of her. There was just something so uncalculated about her, so . . . natural and easy. She was like a beacon to him, which was both crazy and more than a little terrifying.

Clearly not seeing him against the wall, she moved with an effortless grace to the suitcase she’d left at the door. Bending low enough to give him a near heart attack, she rifled through her things, mumbling to herself that she should’ve researched more about how to be a normal person instead of how to kill someone with an everyday object.

“Do you kill a lot of people, then?” Spence asked.

“Motherforker!” she said with a startled squeak of surprise, whirling to face him, almost losing her grip on the towel.

Five days a week, Spence worked out hard in this gym. Mostly to outrun his demons, but the upside was he could run miles without losing his breath. But he lost his breath now.

And that wasn’t his body’s only reaction.

 

 

Heartbreaker Bay graphic

And don’t miss the previous books in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, ONE SNOWY NIGHT and ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE, now available! Grab your copies HERE!

 

 

 

Jill Shalvis - headshotAbout Jill Shalvis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

 

 

 

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* Blog Tour / Book Review * WHISPER OF LOVE by Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * WHISPER OF LOVE by Melissa FosterWhisper of Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, #5
Published by EverAfter Romance on February 22, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Tempest Braden adores her family and her small hometown, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be confining. At almost thirty, having watched most of her siblings find true love, she's anxious to experience her own happily ever after, and the move to Pleasant Hill, Maryland, is just the change she needs. When she rents a room from ruggedly handsome, and closed-off, artist Nash Morgan and his adorable son, Phillip, she thinks she's found a little slice of heaven on the outskirts of town, where she can concentrate on building her business. That is, if she can ignore the undeniable heat between her and the sinfully hot single father.

When Nash bought his farmette, he had one goal in mind―to provide a loving, stable home for his son. He never imagined he'd be raising Phillip alone, or renting out a room to keep their heads above water. Then again, he never imagined losing his brother, or spending two years sailing around the world with parents who seemed to forget one son was still alive.

Sparks fly from the moment Tempest moves in, and her positive energy and inquisitive nature brings new life into Nash and Phillip's quiet, confined world. For the first time in years, Nash wants to let a woman into his world, but while his loss made him stronger, that strength came at a price, leaving him walled off and wary of opening his heart again.


I love all of the Braden stories, but there’s just something about this one that just stole my heart!  The relationship between this father and son is just plain sweet and adorable … and add Tempe into the mix and they make such a great family!

Tempest Braden has left her nest of loving and over-protective family members to venture out on her own in Pleasant Hill.  She’s watched her siblings start settling down and finding their happily-ever-afters and she’s decided she wants to go after her dream of where she wants her career to go.  She is slowly building her clientele and hoping renting a quiet room from Nash Morgan will help her have some peace to rest and be creative!

Single father Nash Morgan and his adorable son Phillip are such a temptation to her!  Who knew sparks were going to fly between them as soon as she stepped foot in the place?  Nash has put a lot of his life on hold to be the best father that he can be for his son … and he also harbors a lot of pain from his past and a part of himself that is closed off that he’s afraid to ever let in.  Will having Tempe around help heal him?  And when he finds out things weren’t exactly as they seemed all those years ago, will he be able to move past the self doubt he has been living with to find that happy ending?

 

 

 

 

Whisper of Love
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #5
By: Melissa Foster

Releasing February 22, 2017
World Literary Press

 

 

BLURB:
Tempest Braden adores her family and her small hometown, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be confining. At almost thirty, having watched most of her siblings find true love, she’s anxious to experience her own happily ever after, and the move to Pleasant Hill, Maryland, is just the change she needs. When she rents a room from ruggedly handsome, and closed-off, artist Nash Morgan and his adorable son, Phillip, she thinks she’s found a little slice of heaven on the outskirts of town, where she can concentrate on building her business. That is, if she can ignore the undeniable heat between her and the sinfully hot single father.

When Nash bought his farmette, he had one goal in mind—to provide a loving, stable home for his son. He never imagined he’d be raising Phillip alone, or renting out a room to keep their heads above water. Then again, he never imagined losing his brother, or spending two years sailing around the world with parents who seemed to forget one son was still alive.

Sparks fly from the moment Tempest moves in, and her positive energy and inquisitive nature brings new life into Nash and Phillip’s quiet, confined world. For the first time in years, Nash wants to let a woman into his world, but while his loss made him stronger, that strength came at a price, leaving him walled off and wary of opening his heart again.

 

Link to Follow Tour:  http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2016/10/28/whisper-of-love-the-bradens-at-peaceful-harbor-5-by-melissa-foster

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24779243-whisper-of-love

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/174204-the-bradens-at-peaceful-harbor-md

 

 

BUY LINKS:      Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

 

 

EXCERPT:

Nash Morgan shifted his three-year-old son, Phillip, onto his hip and reached behind him to shut the gate. The chickens scurried away amid cackles and mad wing flaps. He set Phillip on the ground, and his son shook his head, shrugging like he’d been doing this for twenty years and couldn’t believe the chickens still ran from them. He ruffled his boy’s springy dark curls, drawing a serious, expectant look and an outstretched hand from Phillip. Nash loved his little man’s eagerness to get started on their evening chores. He handed him a smaller bucket from inside his larger one and nodded toward the coop.

Phillip returned the nod and clomped his booted feet into the coop to collect the eggs. Nash adjusted his baseball cap, listening as Phillip counted off each egg with an “Mm-hm.”

He drew in a deep breath, hoping, for the millionth time, that he was doing enough for his son. He was the only parent Phillip had. Or rather, the only one who wanted him, a fact that never failed to grate on him like nails dragging along a chalkboard. His cell phone rang and Larry Robert’s number flashed on the screen. Nash uttered a curse. Larry owned a gallery in North Carolina, and he’d given Nash his first big break. A break that could have carried him to a lifetime of success. But after Phillip was born he’d been unable to keep up with the demands of custom orders. Larry was opening another gallery in Virginia, and he wanted to feature Nash’s work. Nash had turned him down, but Larry was persistent.

Swallowing the acidic taste of disappointment, he let the call go to voicemail and looked across the yard at the barn, which served as his workshop for the furniture he made and sold in town. He’d long ago locked up his metalworking and wood-sculpting workshop and stored his unfinished work. Gallery-worthy pieces, if he ever had the time to finish them. Pipe dreams. He’d had them, even made them a reality for a while. But that was a long time ago, and there was no sense thinking about something that could never be—at least not until Phillip was much older.

He ducked into the coop and checked the chickens’ food and water. Scanning the nesting beds, he snatched up the few eggs Phillip had missed. Phillip leaned against Nash’s leg and yawned. Nash couldn’t imagine anyone not loving their child with all their heart, but Phillip’s mother, Alaina, had taken off three months after their son was born, and other than receiving official documents releasing her from her parental rights, he hadn’t heard from her since. Not a day passed that he didn’t worry about the long-term effects her leaving would have on his son.

“Good job, Phillip.” He said his son’s name so fast it came out sounding like “Flip.” He set down his bucket, wrapped his arms around his boy, and whispered in his ear, “I love you, little dude.” He kissed his cheek and scooped him up, earning the sweetest giggle known to man.

Nash grabbed the buckets and headed for the goat pen. Big and Little, the two goats, trailed behind them as Phillip followed Nash through the process of checking their food and water and sweeping out the goat house, as he did every night. Phillip wiggled the nozzle of the water pipe, just as Nash had, mimicking his “Hm.” Nash tossed a cup of oats in the food bin and waited while Phillip did the same. Big nibbled on Phillip’s shirt, and Phillip leaned down and kissed his head.

“C’mon, buddy.” Nash had grown up in rural Virginia. Most of his friends had lived on farms, and he had no doubt that caring for animals would help Phillip learn responsibility. Not to mention that his son adored all types of animals, from squirrels to goats to worms. That was just fine with Nash. In his experience, animals were a lot more trustworthy than people.

The sound of tires on gravel drew his attention. He scooped Phillip into his arms, locked the goat pen, and grabbed the buckets.

“Visitor,” he said, carrying Phillip toward the house and eyeing the Prius parking behind his old Ford pickup truck. His truck was a gas guzzler, but as much as he hated that, he needed the bed of the truck to haul the furniture he made into town. He hoped Tempest Braden, the woman coming to see the room he was renting out, wasn’t a preachy tree hugger. Hell, he hoped she would turn out to be the silent type so he could pretend she didn’t live in their house.

Phillip’s brows knitted, his hands firmly planted around Nash’s neck. He wasn’t used to visitors. The last several people who had come to see the room they had for rent hadn’t been the kind of people Nash wanted around his son. They’d rubbed him the wrong way—too aggressive, too loud, too shady, too flighty. He just needed a stable, responsible person to rent the room so he could afford to upgrade a few of his tools and start saving for Phillip’s future. He tightened his grip on his son and headed up to meet the tall blonde stepping from the car.

Her wispy skirt fluttered around her knees. Large pink roses with muted green leaves looked as if they’d been thrown onto the flimsy white material haphazardly. A fringe of lace lined the edges. On anyone else the flouncy, floral skirt might look immature. But her legs went on forever, and coupled with her tight, curve-hugging tank top, she looked like Sweet and Sexy collided at the corner of Sinful Temptation.

 

AUTHOR INFO:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.

Author Links:   Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 
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* Review * HER HOT HIGHLAND DOC by Annie O’Neil

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER HOT HIGHLAND DOC by Annie O’NeilHer Hot Highland Doc by Annie O'Neil
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on March 1, 2017
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four-stars

A match made in Scotland

He might have the good looks of a modern-day Viking, but Dr. Brodie McClellan has brooding down to an art. He's only recently returned to the Isle of Dunregan and already the demons of his past are pushing him to the edge.

Running from her own troubled past, this remote posting is heaven-sent for locum Dr. Kali O'Shea. And Brodie makes her long to find her true home in Scotland…in her new boss's arms!


Emotions run high as two doctors, both with painful heartache in their past, meet and try to co-exist as they run a medical clinic in Scotland.

Dr. Brodie McClellan has just come home to the Isle of Denregan to take over his family clinic with a big chip on his shoulder and a lot of weight on his heart.  He’s hit with the memories that he can’t outrun every time he turns around.

As a temporary doctor at the clinic, Dr. Kali O’Shea can’t resist falling in love with the area.  She has a lot of secrets and a truckload of her own heartache that she tries to bury with work and she can’t believe how free she feels in this little piece of paradise!

Will these two be able to help heal the painful pasts they are trying to outrun by turning to each other?

four-stars

* Review * HOT TARGET by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOT TARGET by Elle JamesHot Target by Elle James
Series: Ballistic Cowboys #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on March 1, 2017
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five-stars

Delta Fierce!

On loan for a local assignment, Max "Caveman" Decker already feels at home in the backcountry of Wyoming. Protecting one woman—even petite spitfire Grace Saunders—is a vacation to the Delta Force warrior. But Grace thinks something darker is at work than the murder she witnessed. It wasn't a case of the wrong place at the wrong time—it was her "curse." Every man she gets close to dies. Now she's saddled with Decker, her sworn protector, who won't leave her side. Any hope for a simple assignment will change once they're living under the same roof, where Grace's curse will be just as inescapable as the crosshairs of a killer.


Another exciting book in the Ballistic Cowboys series by Elle James! The excitement starts shortly after the book begins and never stops throughout as they try to outrun the target on their back!

Max “Caveman” Decker isn’t happy to be loaned out to Homeland Security for some kind of a job in small town Wyoming when he finally gets clearance to return to his job Delta Forces.  He’s being given a glorified babysitter job!  His tune soon changes when the person he’s now protecting turns personal!

Grace Saunders had no clue she was going to witness a murder when she was out in the woods that day.  All she wanted was to check on one of her wolf pack, and now she’s being hunted herself! Grace is cursed with bad luck in the love department, so she’s leery of ever getting close to someone again … so why does she seem unable to resist Caveman?

 

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* Blog Tour / Review * THE SEAL’S RETURN by Patricia Potter

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * THE SEAL’S RETURN by Patricia PotterThe SEAL's Return by Patricia Potter
Series: Home to Covenant Falls
Published by Harlequin Superromance on February 1, 2017
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four-stars

This is the home he never expected…

With a terrifying ordeal behind him, former navy SEAL Jubal Pierce was supposed to stay in Covenant Falls, Colorado, for only a day or two. That's it. He's not prepared to put down roots here—no matter how intriguing the town's new doctor happens to be. Not to mention Dr. Lisa Redding's teen brother is on a troubled path that's all too familiar. Suddenly Jubal finds himself entangled in the community and with deep, unfamiliar feelings for Lisa. But maybe a little detour is just what a warrior needs to find his true purpose…and true love.


Sometimes what you are not looking for, is just what you need most in the world!  Patricia Potter takes us on an emotional journey of healing as we head back to Covenant Falls, Colorado to see the latest veteran to plan on just passing through and end up finding more than he was even looking for!

Jubal Pierce was a Navy SEAL for many years, and after a mission gone wrong, he’s now a civilian without any plans on where his life goes from here.  He plans on just stopping through Covenant Falls for a couple of days to visit an old buddy, but then he meets the new town doctor, and his attention is waylaid!

Dr. Lisa Redding is new in town and hoping to set her trouble-making brother on the straight and narrow with the move.  Jubal sees a lot of himself in the kid and sort of takes him under his wing. The sparks he feels when he’s close to Lisa are unexpected … but does he have the strength to stick around and see where they lead?

 

 

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The SEAL’s Return
(Home to Covenant Falls #4)
by Patricia Potter
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

This is the home he never expected…

With a terrifying ordeal behind him, former navy SEAL Jubal Pierce was supposed to stay in Covenant Falls, Colorado, for only a day or two. That’s it. He’s not prepared to put down roots here—no matter how intriguing the town’s new doctor happens to be. Not to mention Dr. Lisa Redding’s teen brother is on a troubled path that’s all too familiar. Suddenly Jubal finds himself entangled in the community and with deep, unfamiliar feelings for Lisa. But maybe a little detour is just what a warrior needs to find his true purpose…and true love.

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Other Books in the Series

  

About the Author

Patricia Potter is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty books. She has received numerous writing awards, including RT Storyteller of the Year, its Career Achievement Award for Western Historical Romance and its Best Hero of the Year Award. She is a seven-time RITA finalist and three-time Maggie Award winner. She has served as president of Romance Writers of America. The SEAL’s Return is her fourteenth book for Harlequin.

Prior to writing fiction, she was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal and president of a public relations firm.

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Tour Schedule

February 18th: Launch
February 19th:
underneath the covers
Nicole’s Book Musings
With Love for Books
February 20th:
Hearts & Scribbles
Thoughts of a Blonde
deal sharing aunt
February 21st:
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Rainy Day Reviews
February 22nd:
Falling Leaves
EskieMama & Dragon Lady Reads
Angels With Attitude Book Reviews
February 23rd:
Babs Book Bistro
Cafinated Reads
February 24th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will win a $25 Amazon eGift Card
– 3 winners will win an ebook of THE SOLDIER’S PROMISE (book 1 in the Home to Covenant Falls series)
– Open internationally
– Ends February 14th

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