Archives for April 2018

* Blog Tour / Review * NEVER BEEN GOOD by Christi Barth

April 6, 2018 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * NEVER BEEN GOOD by Christi Barth

Never Been Good by Christi Barth
Series: A Bad Boys Gone Good Novel
Published by Avon Impulse on April 3, 2018
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Flynn Maguire isn’t really a bad guy. Sure, he worked for the mob, but he ran a legitimate business—on paper anyway—and it paid enough to keep his brother out of the lifestyle. Until they turned on him. Now he’s stuck in Witness Protection, tending bar in Nowheresville Oregon… and pissed the life he knew is gone. The only bright spot? Fantasizing about his quiet, secretive, beautiful coworker.

Sierra Williams is a woman on the run. All she wants now is to settle into small town life… and ignore the brooding, sexy bartender who can’t seem to take his eyes off her. Flynn’s bad-boy vibe pushes all her buttons, but Sierra fell for the wrong man once already. She can’t afford to let her guard down again. Except Flynn’s tough exterior is slowly melting away to reveal the sweet man beneath and their attraction is too strong to resist.

Sierra and Flynn are falling fast, but they’re both keeping so many secrets. The truth could ruin everything… unless a girl who’s a little bad is perfect for a guy who’s never really been good.

Danger and deception pave the way towards happily ever after! With the second book in the Bad Boys Gone Good series, we get to indulge in watching Flynn let down his defenses and fall in love. This series is a lot of fun to read. The brothers are really nice guys considering they were former mobsters, so it’s fun to see them get their girls. Can’t wait for Kellan’s story!

Flynn Maguire is mad at the world. He’s spent months trying to adjust to this new life in witness protection with his brothers after a lifetime of looking the other way for the mob, and nothing feels right. He carries the weight of the world around on his shoulders with the guilt that he feels about his brother’s losing their freedom. The only thing that can sooth his savage beast is a quiet, gorgeous creature who calms his soul like no other.

Sierra Williams is on the run, and she doesn’t know if she should let her guard down and build this new life or if she’s just going to have to pick up at the drop of a hat and run again. She’s been pretty good at keeping to herself and not getting attached, but when Flynn steps into her personal space one day, she finds she can’t resist getting to know him … or as much as either of them can get to know each other without revealing their secret lives!

Flynn Maguire isn’t really a bad guy. Sure, he worked for the mob, but he ran a legitimate business—on paper anyway—and it paid enough to keep his brother out of the lifestyle. Until they turned on him. Now he’s stuck in Witness Protection, tending bar in Nowheresville Oregon… and pissed the life he knew is gone.

The only bright spot? Fantasizing about his quiet, secretive, beautiful coworker.

Sierra Williams is a woman on the run. All she wants now is to settle into small town life… and ignore the brooding, sexy bartender who can’t seem to take his eyes off her. Flynn’s bad-boy vibe pushes all her buttons, but Sierra fell for the wrong man once already. She can’t afford to let her guard down again. Except Flynn’s tough exterior is slowly melting away to reveal the sweet man beneath and their attraction is too strong to resist.

Sierra and Flynn are falling fast, but they’re both keeping so many secrets. The truth could ruin everything… unless a girl who’s a little bad is perfect for a guy who’s never really been good.

About the Book

Never Been Good
by Christi Barth

Series
Bad Boys Gone Good #2

Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance

Publisher
Avon Impulse

Publication Date
April 3, 2018

Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of NEVER BEEN GOOD, we’re giving away two paperback copies of BAD FOR HER by Christi Barth!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Two winners will each receive a paperback copy of Bad For Her by Christi Barth. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/9/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Christi Barth

USA Today bestseller Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance.

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

Christi’s Links

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by Jane Godman

April 5, 2018 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by Jane Godman

Colton and the Single Mom by Jane Godman
Series: The Coltons of Red Ridge
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2018
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This Colton cop falls for
a ready-made family

A Coltons of Red Ridge story

A serial killer is on the loose, and true-crime filmmaker Esmée da Costa is on the case. K-9 cop Brayden Colton, the prime suspect’s half brother, works hard to stop her prying, but sparks fly as he falls for Esmée and her son. When Esmée and Brayden’s little family comes under siege, can they save all they love?

Danger and excitement abound in the latest visit to Red Ridge! I’m enjoying this series a lot and looking forward to finding out who the culprit is! This particular book gave us Brayden Colton’s story and showed us yet another side to the family. He’s a good guy and it’s fun to watch him connect with Esmee and her son. Nicely developed story line with interesting characters.

With a serial killer on the loose, K-9 cop Brayden Colton doesn’t have time to play games with the reporter type woman that’s trying to interview him about his half-sister Demi who happens to be the prime suspect. He knows she isn’t capable of this, but he has to stay on top of making sure everyone else knows it too.

True-crime filmmaker Esmee da Costa is planning to do a documentary on the killing spree, but once Brayden and his K-9 partner help her son out, she’s eternally grateful and promises to help him look for info to clear his sister and not do the story until the investigation is over. She’s not out to get him and his family … if anything, she starts hoping to become a part of it!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Author Spotlight * CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by Pippa Roscoe

April 5, 2018 2 Comments

Conquering His Virgin Queen

Six months ago, their marriage ended…

He has twelve hours to claim her back!

Odir Farouk is about to become king—but to take his throne, he needs his errant wife by his side! Odir denied his hunger for Eloise, refusing to compromise power for passion. His rejection drove her away. Now Odir has until news of his succession breaks to win back his queen…and pleasure will be his most powerful weapon!

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Mills & Boon author Pippa Roscoe lives in Norfolk near her family and makes daily promises that this will be the day she will leave the computer and take a long walk in the countryside. She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t dreaming of gorgeous alpha males and misunderstood heroines. Totally her mother’s fault of course—she gave Pippa her first romance to read at the age of seven! She is inconceivably happy that she gets to share those daydreams with her readers.

Pippa Roscoe on the web:

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1. When did you first know that you wanted to be an author?

Not immediately! First I wanted to be a nurse (Carol Hathaway on ER). Then a truck driver (Sylvester Stallone in Over the Top – strange but true). Then a chef on an oil rig (BBC drama Roughnecks). As you can see, I was very much affected by what I was watching on tv! It was much later, about half way through working at the BBC when I realised I wanted to write. But first I needed to see how I could make it happen, and once I could, there was no stopping me!

2. What was it like the day you got “the call” to being published for the first time?

Well, I was on a date! Not the most romantic moment – ‘excuse me, but I have to take this call’, but he was very kind and utterly thrilled for me. More than I was able to be at the time, because my overly practical attitude cut in and it wasn’t until I was home that evening, with a gin and tonic, and had just called my friend to tell her the news that I got the goosebumps, the fizz of unstoppable adrenaline, and danced around my kitchen like a mad thing, fist pumping to imaginary power ballads.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors to read when you have some down time from your writing?

I’m a bit of a genre junkie. I love crime and Lisa Gardner, Christopher Brookmyre are two of my absolute favourite authors. Nick Harkaway defies genre but writes the most incredible, sprawling, wonderful, joyous stories. I also love fantasy, and Alison Croggon, Ursula Le Guin and Trudi Canavan litter my bookshelves. For romance, there isn’t a Presents author I don’t love reading. It’s such a special series and each author contributes something wonderfully different to the line.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Review * THE TEXAN’S WEDDING ESCAPE by Charlene Sands

April 4, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * THE TEXAN’S WEDDING ESCAPE by Charlene Sands

The Texan's Wedding Escape by Charlene Sands
Series: Heart of Stone
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2018
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From friendship to passion…to forever?

Only if she doesn’t marry the wrong man first…

Lauren never got over her childhood crush on Cooper, but she’s grown up now and ready to settle down. She even agrees to plan her upcoming wedding at his ranch, but in close quarters, she’s second-guessing her groom and yearning for Cooper’s forbidden embrace… Then she discovers the rancher’s ulterior motive. Will she walk down the aisle with the wrong man?

Grief, deception and a hard-earned happily ever after! With the kick-off to a new duet about the Stone brothers, Charlene Sands brings us a story of a long-ago crush turning into forever! We’re quickly drawn into the heart of this story by the set up of what Cooper’s been going through in recent months. Once Lauren and her family are brought into the picture, we’re solidly on board with seeing this story through. The characters are very easy to like, the story line is easy to believe and entertaining, and the heartfelt writing throughout really has a way of pulling at a heartstring! Really good read!

Cooper Stone was best friends with Lauren’s big brother for more years than he can count. He has a good bit of guilt riding on his shoulders these days and would do just about anything to make himself useful and to make sure Lauren is happy. Including hosting her wedding to a smarmy guy!

Lauren Abbott had a childhood crush on Cooper back in the day, and when she’s put into close proximity to him again, she can’t believe some of those old feelings flare up so easily again. She’s engaged to another man and planning to marry him in a few short weeks. Only when she finds out some shady shady going ons, she just might be changing her mind!

Meet the Author:

Charlene Sands is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance. She has been honored with the National Readers Choice Award, the Booksellers Best Award, The Cataromance Reviewers Choice Award and Romantic Times Magazine’s Best Harlequin Desire Award of 2014. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she spends time with her four “princesses”, enjoys sunny Pacific beaches and yummy chocolate mocha cappuccinos! Sign up for her newsletter for fun and exclusive prizes at www.charlenesands.com and on FB and Twitter!

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

From friendship to passion…to forever?

Only if she doesn’t marry the wrong man first…

Lauren never got over her childhood crush on Cooper, but she’s grown up now and ready to settle down. She even agrees to plan her upcoming wedding at his ranch, but in close quarters, she’s second-guessing her groom and yearning for Cooper’s forbidden embrace… Then she discovers the rancher’s ulterior motive. Will she walk down the aisle with the wrong man?

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Author Spotlight * COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by Jane Godman

April 3, 2018 5 Comments

Colton and the Single Mom (The Coltons of Red Ridge)

This Colton cop falls for a ready-made family

A Coltons of Red Ridge story

A serial killer is on the loose, and true-crime filmmaker Esmée da Costa is on the case. K-9 cop Brayden Colton, the prime suspect’s half brother, works hard to stop her prying, but sparks fly as he falls for Esmée and her son. When Esmée and Brayden’s little family comes under siege, can they save all they love?

Buy on:

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Amazon UK Amazon Aust

Harlequin B&N

Kobo Book Depository iBooks

JANE GODMAN writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne and SMP Romance and thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She also self publishes her historical and gothic stories. She has been a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Nominee and The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award Winner.

Jane worked in a variety of shops, bars, and offices before settling into a career as a teacher. She was born in Scotland and has lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. Jane still gets the urge to travel, although these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history.

When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She is married to a lovely man, has two grown up children and has recently discovered the joy of becoming a grandparent (to two gorgeous boys).

Connect with Jane Godman on the web:

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1. When did you first know that you wanted to be an author?

Ever since I could hold a pencil, I’ve written stories, so I suppose the answer to that question could be “always”! My mum talks about one of the stories I wrote when I was about eight. In it, I was standing on a cliff top, staring down at a girl on a beach. When she finally looked back at me, it was me! So I guess it’s also safe to say I’ve always enjoyed writing stories with twists and turns in them.

I wrote my first book when I was fourteen. My best friend and I had just read “The Wolf and the Dove” by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and we used to sit in her bedroom and write our own romantic tales of conquering Norman heroes and feisty Anglo-Saxon heroines. I still have that book. It’s written in felt-tip pen and I’m very proud of it.

2. What was it like the day you got “the call” to being published for the first time?

My call story is a long one! It started in July 2013 and ended in January 2015! Let me explain…

I already had a few historical romances published with a small company, but I wanted to write a gothic romance, encompassing all the best elements of the tradition–brooding, atmosphere, setting as character, dark secrets–with some newer touches including increased edginess and sensuality.

I had no idea, when I started writing it, that Harlequin were looking for gothics. I’d finished writing and was just polishing my book, when, quite by chance, I read an interview with Malle Vallik at Harlequin, who said she wanted to see more gothic romances.

I submitted my book and sat back to wait the 12 to 14 weeks Harlequin said on their website was standard. Exactly a week after I submitted it, I was in work and checked my phone. I had two missed calls from an unknown number and a voicemail. I never gave Harlequin a thought.

The voicemail message started: ‘This is Malle Vallik, calling from Harlequin in Toronto about your submission which we loved …’ I had to listen to it about five times before it sank in.

That was the start of my career with Harlequin. I had five gothic romances published with Shivers, which was part of HarlequinE, the digital only line. Sadly, HarlequinE came to an end and I thought my time as a Harlequin author had ended with it.

Then a wonderful lady named Denise Zaza, who is one of the Harlequin Senior Editors, asked if I had considered writing paranormal romance. I hadn’t, but a few months later, Otherworld Protector, my first paranormal romance, was born. I submitted it to Harlequin Nocturne and began the lengthy waiting process all over again.

My second Harlequin ‘call’ wasn’t a call at all. It was an email, again just a week after submission. It was from Denise Zaza saying that she and Ann Leslie Tuttle, the Senior Editor who oversaw the Nocturne line at Harlequin, both loved my ‘wonderful’ and ‘fascinating’ story. They wanted to offer me a three book contract. Yes, three. After I picked myself up off the floor, I naturally accepted!

Now, I write paranormal romance for both Harlequin Nocturne and SMP Romance and thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense and it’s still the best feeling in the world to be able to share my stories with readers.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors to read when you have some down time from your writing?

I read a range of authors and styles. Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances are my all time favorites. Her wit and charm are second to none. I’ve read them all several times, but they are like old friends. I never get tired of them! At the opposite end of the scale, I love thrillers. Not blood-and-guts, but clevel stories that keep you guessing. Chelsea Cain’s Gretchen Lowell stories have been a real favorite and I always read my fellow Harlequin Romantic Suspense author’s books. I also really enjoy Stephen King. His books are masterpieces but I have to read them with the light on!

When I read contemporary romance, I like feel good authors such as Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A CONTRACT, A WEDDING, A WIFE? by Christy McKellen

April 1, 2018 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A CONTRACT, A WEDDING, A WIFE? by Christy McKellen

A Contract, A Wedding, A Wife? by Christy McKellen
Published by Harlequin Romance on April 1, 2018
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“What I need most right now is a wife.”

But can their convenient marriage turn into forever?

Solitaire Saunders will do anything to save her family’s café—even marry enigmatic billionaire Xavier McQueen! As his contracted bride, she’s there to secure Xavier’s inheritance—not to enjoy his delicious kisses… It’s only meant to be temporary, until the pretense of being married starts to feel passionately real!

A sweet “arranged marriage that turns into forever” story! A fast paced read involving a man who doesn’t think love and forever belong in his life who stumbles across a dreamer of a gal who teaches him that it’s never too late to start over! An entertaining read with minimum strife and a fitting happy ever after.

Solitaire Saunders is just desperate enough to do just about anything to save her family’s cafe. She has more responsibilities on her shoulder than anyone can imagine, so she can’t add one more thing to the list or she will crumble. A rare request from a virtual stranger might seem extreme … but she’ll do it if it means her family will be taken care of!

Xavier McQueen isn’t heartless, and he doesn’t mean to make Soli’s life difficult, but business is business … however, when she offers just the right incentive, he’s willing to listen! He needs a temporary, no strings wife in order to secure his inheritance, and if she’s willing to become his wife under those terms, they’ve got themselves a deal! Only neither of them expected to feel the chemistry and attraction to each other that comes about.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BAD BOY RANCHER by Karen Rock

April 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BAD BOY RANCHER by Karen Rock

Bad Boy Rancher by Karen Rock
Series: Rocky Mountain Cowboys
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 1, 2018
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He’s not the only one who needs saving…

But maybe they can save each other?

Dark, brooding, dangerous…and possibly suicidal. Renegade rancher Justin Cade was exactly the kind of man former army chaplain Brielle Thompson needed to avoid after escaping the horrors of Afghanistan with an honorable discharge—and PTSD. The whole point of moving to the remote Rocky Mountains of Colorado was to leave the darkness behind, not fall back into it. But falling she is…

A heartfelt story of redemption! Returning to Carbondale, Colorado for another Cade family story is always a pleasure. This family is very tight-knit and always entertaining as they try to make it through one day at a time as they all recover from the loss of a brother and continue to pick up the pieces of their lives moving forward. Justin is the ones that was hit in a unique way by Jesse’s loss because he was his twin, his other half, his mirror. Watching him find a way to start to see the other side of the darkness is a very powerful story. He wasn’t my favorite brother, but I enjoyed his story! Looking forward to more to come in the series.

Former Army chaplain Brielle Thompson is hoping moving to a quaint town in the Colorado Rocky Mountains will be the salvation she needs to be able to heal from the trauma she’s seen and the PTSD she still suffers from. She needs to be helping someone, but in a controlled way so that she doesn’t get too attached.

Justin Cade hasn’t cared whether he lived or died for years now. Losing his twin brother made him feel like he’s drifting alone in a world he doesn’t like anymore. One dare devil stunt puts him right in Brielle’s path, and the restitution he has to give is going to be beneficial to more than just the lovely lady!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review* UNMASKED by Stefanie London

April 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Unmasked by Stefanie London
Series: Melbourne After Dark
Published by Harlequin Dare on April 1, 2018
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Cinderella is about to get wicked…

But can a naughty fantasy have a happily-ever-after?

Lainey Kline has one goal before she leaves Melbourne forever: transform herself into a sexy siren, sneak into the season’s most glamorous masquerade ball and seduce Damian McKnight. Only there’s a teeny little problem—one deliciously hot night isn’t nearly enough. Now Lainey wants more. But while getting naked is one thing, taking off their masks is quite another…

Adorable and spicy all rolled into one! A case of going after what you want, no matter how sneaky you have to be to get it! Lainey is a really fun character to get to know, and as we hear about how much she likes Damian and the fact that him not seeing her as more than a friend has really affected her life, we really feel for her. Watching them pick up the pieces after her secret quest comes with consequences is really fun. I enjoyed them a lot!

Lainey Kline has been lusting after her best friend’s older brother for like forever now, so when she makes the decision to leave Melbourne, she decides to go out with a bang! She sets out on a mission of seduction, and crashing a masquerade ball is just the way to accomplish having one sexy night with her dream man without him ever knowing it’s her! Only problem is … one night just isn’t enough!

Damian McKnight knows that Lainey has had a crush on him for years, but he’s never been wiling to go there and risk her friendship with him and his sister in the process. He’s focused on making his business all that it can be, and if he’s lucky, nabbing that one special client that will help him purge his revenge for past wrongs!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS BEST FRIEND’S SISTER by Sarah M. Anderson

April 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

His Best Friend's Sister by Sarah M. Anderson
Series: First Family of Rodeo
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2018
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He’s always played by his family’s rules.

Until he plays house with his best friend’s sister.

Rodeo mogul Oliver Lawrence can’t say no to his best friend’s sister, pregnant widow Renee Preston. When the innocent beauty needs refuge from the tabloids, he offers his penthouse—and his bed. The passion between them is anything but innocent. And soon Oliver must choose: protect his family from her scandal or stand by the woman he can’t let go…

A sweet and sassy reuniting of old friends leads to a future neither was expecting! Kicking off a new rodeo series, we’re drawn quickly into Renee’s plight and follow her on a journey of redemption. Oliver might hate some of his responsibilities, but he’s been a strong force in keeping his family together and thriving over the years. He’s happy to show Renee a better side of life than she’s known. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Renee Preston certainly never thought she’d be widowed, pregnant and hiding from the press at this point in her life. She can’t seem to wrap her head around what’s happened to her life over the last few months, and right now she feels totally alone in the world with nowhere to turn. She’s desperately in need of somewhere to lay low for awhile, and the only thing she can think of is that her brother told her to go to Oliver if she needed anything.

Oliver Lawrence hasn’t kept up with his best friend Clinton’s life in recent years, but when his little sister shows up needing a helping hand, he’s certainly not going to turn her away. He takes her in and tries to get to the bottom of the mess that Clinton’s gotten himself into and what he can do to help Renee. After a short time in each other’s company, neither can deny the attraction they are feeling towards each other, so acting on it can’t make things worse can it? Well … if the press track her down and bring scandal circling around his family business, he might be thinking differently!

Filed Under: Book Reviews