Archives for July 2018

* Review * FREED by Carly Phillips

July 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

Freed by Carly Phillips
Series: Rosewood Bay Series #3
Published by CP Publishing on July 10, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Juliette Collins is privileged and isolated from the world by her over-protective father. She thinks she knows the truth about her history until a file in her father’s safe reveals she has sisters she never knew about. A family she’s never met. Betrayed, she realizes there’s a life waiting for her outside the walls of her daddy’s New York City penthouse and Juliet is determined to live it. Against her father’s wishes, she heads to a small beach community to meet her siblings… and finds herself way out of her depth instead.

In the personal protection business, Braden Clark thinks nothing of taking on a job to watch over a city girl in town for the summer. If her father wants to know his daughter is safe, it’s no problem and an easy way of earning a paycheck. Except Braden doesn’t count on falling for the sheltered Juliette. Watching her experience her firsts, getting an apartment, finding a job, meeting up with her lost sisters, soon Braden’s brand of protection becomes a little too personal. He’s mixing business with pleasure and lying to a woman he’s coming to care deeply about.

Sexual attraction burns bright between them and Braden is by her side as she finds herself, her family, and what it means to love... but what happens when she discovers his secret? That he’s been paid to watch over her all along?

Secrets exposed! With the next book in the Rosewood Bay series, we get to meet the long-lost sister Juliette. After discovering she has sisters out there, she makes her way to town and connects with Phoebe and Halley. It’s fun to watch these two sisters who have been so close since they reconnected be able to share memories with the sister who didn’t even remember they existed. Emotionally gritty and powerful!

Sheltered heiress Juliette Collins has lived her life as Daddy’s Little Girl and it’s the only life she knows, but when she stumbles across a file in her father’s safe that informs her she has half-sisters she never knew about out there, she’s shocked. She never imagined her father would lie to her, but here’s proof that not only did he, but he’s been keeping her tethered to his side when she could have had more family to share in her life. She’s not going to stand by and watch the world pass her by anymore … she’s heading to Rosewood Bay to find her sisters!

Security expert Braden Clark figures it will be easy money when he gets a call from Andrew Collins requesting he keep tabs on his daughter while she’s in town. Follow up on the rich girl and report to Daddy on occasion about her comings and goings … no problem. Until he meets her and becomes taken with her. She’s such an authentic person, and he enjoys watching her come into her own self as she’s getting to enjoy so many little things in life … her first job, her first apartment, meeting her sisters for the first time. It doesn’t take long for him to be in deep with her … but she doesn’t know her father has been paying him to spend time with her!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BILLIONAIRE’S BARGAIN by Maureen Child

July 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

Billionaire's Bargain by Maureen Child
Series: Billionaires and Babies
Published by Harlequin Desire on June 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Her ex’s brother is the one she always wanted.

Now he needs her, bad.

When Adam Quinn becomes legal guardian of his late brother’s baby, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Enter Sienna West—the savvy, sexy photographer who once was married to Adam’s no-good brother. Sienna swore off the Quinns after her divorce, but she can’t deny the need in Adam’s voice…or the desire in his gaze. The desire they’re no longer forbidden to explore…

An unexpected baby brings together an unlikely pair! In the latest book in the Billionaires and Babies series, Maureen Child brings us a fast paced story with a hint of forbidden love to it. The characters are both quick to grab our attention, and their story is a joy to read. I really loved their interaction and that they found their happy ending!

Adam Quinn is blown away when a woman shows up at his office and hands him a baby that looks just like his dead brother. He thought he was done cleaning up his messes, but evidently he still had a surprise in store for him. Now he needs help and no time to waste getting it!

Photographer Sienna West divorced his brother years ago, and he knows for a fact that part of the reason was because he wouldn’t give her the family she wanted. It might be low of him to go to her for help, but he’s in quite the bind and he knows she’s a good person. He’ll offer her something in return to make it up to her. From the moment they met, they both knew that she had met the wrong brother first … there’s an attraction there that just might be dangerous!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BURNING UP by Jennifer Blackwood

July 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood
Series: Flirting With Fire #1
Published by Montlake Romance on May 8, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Unemployed schoolteacher Erin Jenkins is back in Portland, the town she hasn’t called home for more than a decade. It’s not the way she wants to spend her last days of summer: in between jobs and avoiding her mother’s snooping by escaping to the ice-cream aisle. But when the opportunity arises for her to accompany her brother’s best friend—her lifetime crush—to a wedding, summer gets a whole lot more interesting.

Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett has built a nice, safe wall around his heart—no romance, no getting burned. That doesn’t mean he’s ruling out a fling. Considering Erin’s visit is temporary, they’re the perfect fit for a scorching no-strings one-night stand. Or two. Or five. Until the worst thing happens: Erin and Jake are feeling more. Damn that four-letter word.

Now their hearts are on the line, and when their smoldering summer comes to a close, it’s going to be harder than ever to put out the fire.

Reunited … and wow, it felt SO good! Sweet, sexy and irresistible would be the perfect way to describe firefighter Jake. He’s a fun dad, a nice guy and sexy as all get out. I liked him a lot … and Erin irritated me on occasion, but overall I liked them together. Fast paced, lots of humor laced in and an entertaining read all the way around.

Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett found out long ago that he wasn’t cut out for relationships. If he can have the fun without he pain, he’ll take it any day of the week, but no more setting himself up for heartache! The stress of finding a “plus one” to his sister’s wedding before his mother sets him up with someone is on … but his luck is changing when his best friend’s sister happens to be in town and just the person he needs to take along!

Erin Jenkins has crushed on Jake all of her life, but his life went on without a problem while she pined away. She’s returning home to Portland for the summer just to help her mom out while she recovers from some surgery, but getting into a fake relationship that leads to more with Jake, might be just the kind of distraction she needs while she’s in town! When real feelings start to flare and endanger her ability to leave when shes’ ready, she not so sure she’s ready for that!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Book Tour Grand Finale * ALASKAN HIDEAWAY by Beth Carpenter

July 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Alaskan Hideaway

By Beth Carpenter

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:Launch – Note from the Author

Welcome to the book tour for Alaskan Hideaway, the third book in the Northern Lights series. In this story, you’ll meet Mac Macleod, who is being hounded by the paparazzi after his daughter’s murder. He takes his daughter’s dog and moves to a little cabin in Alaska, where he can be alone in his grief. But he doesn’t count on his new neighbors, Ursula Anderson and her animal-loving goddaughter Rory, who can’t seem to help getting tangled up in his life…

Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt

Suddenly Ursula smiled. “Look at that.” She inclined her head toward the dog.

Mac turned. The cat had come down from the cabinet and was gingerly touching noses with the pit bull, who thumped her tail against the floor. After a moment, the cat rubbed against the big dog’s face and then curled up against her. The dog seemed fine with that.

Ursula chuckled. “That’s quite a ferocious beast you have there. What’s her name?” She took a sip from her cup.

Mac glanced down at his plate. “Blossom.”

Ursula snorted and almost choked on her coffee. Once she quit coughing, she grinned at him. “Blossom? Really?”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Mac handed her the cellophane-wrapped bundles. “For you.”

Ursula gathered the three, no, four bouquets in her arms. “Thank you, but why are you bringing me flowers?”

“I want to apologize.” Actually, from the pained expression on his face, the last thing he wanted was to apologize, but he was doing it anyway. This should be good.

Thoughts of a Blonde – Excerpt

“Who’s Andi?” Rory asked. “You talked about her before.”

Mac’s heart tightened, but he kept smiling for Rory’s sake. “My daughter, Andrea. Everyone called her Andi for short.”

“Rory is short for Aurora,” Rory explained.

“Aurora is a beautiful name.”

“Does Andi live in your house?”

“No.” Mac sucked in a slow breath. Ursula was watching him with sympathetic eyes. “Andi died.”

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt

“I suppose the only drawback is that now they all know I’m here.”

“Oh, they already knew. Terry says he spotted you buying groceries weeks ago. Word got around. It’s just that Alaskans figure if you want privacy, they’ll leave you alone.”

He chuckled. “All but you, I guess.”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Review

“This was a beautiful story of fierce love for one’s child, even when that child isn’t biologically yours. It’s about fighting for what is right and never giving up hope. It’s about learning how to forgive yourself when things happen that are out of your control. (And honestly, so much of life is out of our control.) And it is about learning how to love again. I really enjoyed every one of these characters, particularly the spunky Rory.”

underneath the covers – Excerpt

“That’s not going to happen.” Mac laid his hand over Ursula’s. “We won’t let it happen. That’s what you need to tell Rory. That these people want to meet, but she doesn’t need to worry. We’ll take care of everything.”

“We?”

“Okay, you. Officially, you’re the only one who can make that promise. But I intend to help in every way I can.”

The Power of Words – Review

“Beth Carpenter is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers in the Harlequin Heartwarming line, and I thoroughly enjoyed Alaskan Hideaway. Carpenter writes with a strong sense of place, good character depth, gentle humor, and creative storylines…

Alaskan Hideaway is a beautiful and heartwarming story. I look forward to more of Beth Carpenter’s writing.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Excerpt

He pulled her closer and brushed his lips against the top of her head. “I could talk all night, but what it boils down to is this. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve tried to learn from my mistakes. After my wife died, I took great care to avoid any serious relationships. I put all my energy into raising my daughter.”

“It can’t have been easy, raising a daughter alone.”

“Not always, but it was rewarding. But that’s not my point. What I’m trying to say, is that you and Rory have become very important to me. I don’t know if I can be any good at a relationship but I want to try. If you’ll have me.”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This is a wonderful story. I loved everything about it. I love small communities like the one in this story…

I highly recommend this book to other readers. It has a great plot and a sweet romance too.” – Vickie

“The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter is the latest in the Northern Lights series and did not disappoint the reader! This was a very captivating tale of two people very familiar with loss and a feeling of void in their lives.” – LAWonder10

Book by Book – Review

“…I enjoyed the story of Alaskan Hideaway, and I’m sure other readers who enjoyed contemporary romance will enjoy this one, too. Though it’s the third in Carpenter’s Northern Lights series, it can easily be read on its own (but if you’re like me, Alaskan Hideaway will leave you wanting to go and read the first two, too).”

Among the Reads – Review

“Mac and Ursula were quite different. She was very friendly, positive and hospitable. Mac was … not. Both had lived through loss and dealt with grief, but the way they responded was different. And they needed each other. I may have liked them and their relationship even more because they were in many ways similar to my husband and myself.”

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“Alaskan Hideaway is a sweet story of friendship, community, empathy, and healing. The romance progresses at a natural pace (not too rushed, not too slow) and Mac’s Oklahoma cowboy self will have you swooning every time his drawl and use of darlin’ resurfaces. The delightfully-rendered setting will have you adding Alaska to your bucket list for sure, and each of the main characters has you fully invested in their story from the moment you meet them. This can easily be read as a standalone but you really must read the first two books at some point, too, because they’re just as good!”

Stacking My Book Shelves! – Excerpt

He’d just leave the plate on the bench beside the door. He commanded the dog to sit-stay and started for the porch. As he reached the second stair, the front door opened and Ursula stepped outside, shaking dust and gravel off a rug and all over him.

“Oh my goodness, I’m sorry.” Her voice was apologetic, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

“No problem.” Mac dusted his coat with his free hand. “I was just returning your plate.”

“That’s thoughtful, but you didn’t have to do that.” She smiled, and it was like a sudden flash of sunshine, warming him. Her silver-shot hair fluttered in the breeze. “Come on in.”

Janice’s Book Reviews – Review

“So nice that Mac was from the same town that I live. Enjoyed the characters. Always good with animals in a book especially dogs, loved the name Blossom.”

Becky on Books – Review

“I loved Alaskan Hideaway. It is loosely related to the first book in the series (The Alaskan Catch)–Ursula is Sam’s foster mother–and the characters from book two (A Gift for Santa) make appearances, but it would also work just fine as a standalone. If you can manage to read this book and not want to go back to read the others, you’re a stronger person than I am.”

Britt Reads Fiction – Review

“I really enjoyed this touching tale, set in Alaska. I liked that the main characters, Mac and Ursula were over fifty, a trait that is not very common in the books that I read. I loved the little girl, Rory. She was sweet, smart, and very believable.”

Kimber Li – Review

“Spending time, getting to know each other, bonding with Rory who loves Blossom, it’s all so splendidly and believably written for a couple of fifty year olds. The setting is well-done and believable for a misplaced Alaskan like me too…

This is a warm story set in a cold place. Bring it home today.”

Wishful Endings – Excerpt

“Your gates are cutting my guests off from the trails. I’d much appreciate it if you’d open them.”

He stared at her as if she’d suggested he cut off his foot. “You want me to let a bunch of strangers traipse across my property?”

“Only that little corner in the back.”

“That rather defeats the purpose behind private property, don’t you think?”

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“The many depths of emotions that you will read as you are reading through Ursula and Mac’s story will keep you emotionally in tune with the store. I thoroughly enjoyed it just as well as I have the rest of Beth’s work I have read.”

SilverWoodSketches – Review

“From the first chapter, I was instantly hooked. Certain stories evoke just the right imagery and emotion in a reader. Alaskan Hideaway is one of those books…

The perfect read for all ages, when you need that extra dose of hope for happiness, and the faith in second chances.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Alaskan Hideaway
(Northern Lights #3)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

July 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble
Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants?

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?

Other Books in the Series

The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life’s currents take you…

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It’s impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana’s no closer to finding the answers she came here for.

Her brother’s best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He’s strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He’s also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana’s past…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

A Gift for Santa
(Northern Lights #2)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

A reindeer farm without Santa wouldn’t be Christmas in Marissa Gray’s Alaskan hometown. Luckily Chris Allen’s there to pinch-hit, although for Marissa, seeing her ex-fiancé again brings back memories of what might have been.

Ten years after their breakup, the feelings between the wildlife biologist and blue-eyed fisherman are stronger than ever. Only now there’s a foster kid in the mix, as well as the shocking crime that cost Marissa her job and her family’s security. She and Chris need to find their way to a meeting of minds and hearts to make this truly a season for second chances…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

About the Author

Once upon a time …

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She’s still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│The Alaskan Catch Pinterest Board

Tour Giveaway

PRIZE PACK #1: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a northern lights journal, a snowflake bookmark, and a signed copy of The Alaskan Catch (US and Canada)

PRIZE PACK #2: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card and e-book copies of The Alaskan Catch and A Gift for Santa (open internationally)

Ends July 18th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WORDPRESS HTML

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Alaskan Hideaway
By Beth Carpenter

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt

Suddenly Ursula smiled. “Look at that.” She inclined her head toward the dog.

Ursula chuckled. “That’s quite a ferocious beast you have there. What’s her name?” She took a sip from her cup.

Mac glanced down at his plate. “Blossom.”

Ursula snorted and almost choked on her coffee. Once she quit coughing, she grinned at him. “Blossom? Really?”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Mac handed her the cellophane-wrapped bundles. “For you.”

Ursula gathered the three, no, four bouquets in her arms. “Thank you, but why are you bringing me flowers?”

“I want to apologize.” Actually, from the pained expression on his face, the last thing he wanted was to apologize, but he was doing it anyway. This should be good.

Thoughts of a Blonde – Excerpt

“Who’s Andi?” Rory asked. “You talked about her before.”

Mac’s heart tightened, but he kept smiling for Rory’s sake. “My daughter, Andrea. Everyone called her Andi for short.”

“Rory is short for Aurora,” Rory explained.

“Aurora is a beautiful name.”

“Does Andi live in your house?”

“No.” Mac sucked in a slow breath. Ursula was watching him with sympathetic eyes. “Andi died.”

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt

“I suppose the only drawback is that now they all know I’m here.”

“Oh, they already knew. Terry says he spotted you buying groceries weeks ago. Word got around. It’s just that Alaskans figure if you want privacy, they’ll leave you alone.”

He chuckled. “All but you, I guess.”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Review

underneath the covers – Excerpt

“We?”

“Okay, you. Officially, you’re the only one who can make that promise. But I intend to help in every way I can.”

The Power of Words – Review

Alaskan Hideaway is a beautiful and heartwarming story. I look forward to more of Beth Carpenter’s writing.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Excerpt

“It can’t have been easy, raising a daughter alone.”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This is a wonderful story. I loved everything about it. I love small communities like the one in this story…

I highly recommend this book to other readers. It has a great plot and a sweet romance too.” – Vickie

Book by Book – Review

Among the Reads – Review

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

Stacking My Book Shelves! – Excerpt

“Oh my goodness, I’m sorry.” Her voice was apologetic, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

“No problem.” Mac dusted his coat with his free hand. “I was just returning your plate.”

“That’s thoughtful, but you didn’t have to do that.” She smiled, and it was like a sudden flash of sunshine, warming him. Her silver-shot hair fluttered in the breeze. “Come on in.”

Janice’s Book Reviews – Review

“So nice that Mac was from the same town that I live. Enjoyed the characters. Always good with animals in a book especially dogs, loved the name Blossom.”

Becky on Books – Review

Britt Reads Fiction – Review

Kimber Li – Review

This is a warm story set in a cold place. Bring it home today.”

Wishful Endings – Excerpt

“Your gates are cutting my guests off from the trails. I’d much appreciate it if you’d open them.”

He stared at her as if she’d suggested he cut off his foot. “You want me to let a bunch of strangers traipse across my property?”

“Only that little corner in the back.”

“That rather defeats the purpose behind private property, don’t you think?”

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

SilverWoodSketches – Review

“From the first chapter, I was instantly hooked. Certain stories evoke just the right imagery and emotion in a reader. Alaskan Hideaway is one of those books…

The perfect read for all ages, when you need that extra dose of hope for happiness, and the faith in second chances.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Alaskan Hideaway
(Northern Lights #3)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
July 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble
Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants?

Other Books in the Series

The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life’s currents take you…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

A Gift for Santa
(Northern Lights #2)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

About the Author

Once upon a time …

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│The Alaskan Catch Pinterest Board

Tour Giveaway

PRIZE PACK #1: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a northern lights journal, a snowflake bookmark, and a signed copy of The Alaskan Catch (US and Canada)

PRIZE PACK #2: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card and e-book copies of The Alaskan Catch and A Gift for Santa (open internationally)

Ends July 18th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour

* Blog Tour * ALASKAN HIDEAWAY by Beth Carpenter

July 9, 2018 4 Comments

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants?

EXCERPT:

They played on, the tip of Rory’s tongue peeking from the corner of her mouth as she memorized the positions of all the cards. At the end of the game, she was the clear winner with fourteen matches. Ursula had four and Mac had eight.

“Wow.” Ursula shuffled the cards. “I don’t know how you remembered where all those cards were hiding.”

Mac smiled. “Amazing, isn’t it? Andi used to beat me regularly when she was this age. Must be something about a young mind and visual memory.”

“Who’s Andi?” Rory asked. “You talked about her before.”

Mac’s heart tightened, but he kept smiling for Rory’s sake. “My daughter, Andrea. Everyone called her Andi for short.”

“Rory is short for Aurora,” Rory explained.

“Aurora is a beautiful name.”

“Does Andi live in your house?”

“No.” Mac sucked in a slow breath. Ursula was watching him with sympathetic eyes. “Andi died.”

The corners of Rory’s mouth turned downward. “Do you miss her?”

Mac nodded. “Every day.”

“My mom and dad died, too. And my grandma.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I miss them, too.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Ursula says it’s okay to be sad sometimes because you miss people, but they don’t want you to be sad all the time. They want you to be happy, ’cause they love you. Laughing makes angels happy. And even though you can’t see them anymore, you can still love each other.”

“Yes.” It was all Mac could choke out.

Rory slipped off her chair and came to hug him. “We can be sad together.”

Tears now flowed freely from Ursula’s eyes. Blossom got up from the rug where she’d been lying to push her head between Mac and Rory and lick Rory’s tears away. Rory giggled. “Blossom says we should stop crying.”

Mac stroked the dog’s head. “She’s probably right.”

Ursula reached for a box of tissues and everyone took a moment to blow noses and wipe cheeks. Rory settled into her chair at the table. “Do you want to play again?”

“Okay.” Mac began laying out the cards. “But this time I’m going to win.”

Other Books in the Series

The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life’s currents take you…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

A Gift for Santa
(Northern Lights #2)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

About the Author

Once upon a time …

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│The Alaskan Catch Pinterest Board

Tour Schedule

July 9th:
Launch
Paulette’s Papers
Hearts & Scribbles
Thoughts of a Blonde
It’s All About the Romance
Andi’s Book Reviews
underneath the covers
July 10th:
The Power of Words
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Book by Book
July 11th:
Among the Reads
Reading Is My SuperPower
Stacking My Book Shelves!
July 12th:
Janice’s Book Reviews
Becky on Books
Britt Reads Fiction
Kimber Li
July 13th:
Teatime and Books
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
SilverWoodSketches
July 14th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

PRIZE PACK #1: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a northern lights journal, a snowflake bookmark, and a signed copy of The Alaskan Catch (US and Canada)

PRIZE PACK #2: 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card and e-book copies of The Alaskan Catch and A Gift for Santa (open internationally)

Ends July 18th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour

* Teaser * CLEAN SWEEP by Kate Willoughby — releasing July 23rd!

July 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Ice cold? More like red hot.
Meet Cam in Clean Sweep by Kate Willoughby on July 23rd!!!

PRE-ORDER TODAY!
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2tP92Fd
Apple → https://apple.co/2yNLNkn
B&N → http://bit.ly/2KmL1zz
Kobo → http://bit.ly/2Kc0PWh

BLURB:

He’s a hockey player, not a housekeeper.

Cameron Bowes is the face of the San Francisco Dragons, so when the team needs a gimmick to improve their fan relations, Cameron becomes the focus of the new video “At Home with a Dragon”. Unfortunately for Cam, his bachelor pad looks like an earthquake hit it. Repeatedly.

She’s the sexy maid a teammate hires as a joke.

Dakota Kelly has been working non-stop since she was unexpectedly awarded custody of her young niece. Though the little girl’s grandmother swooped in to help, the old woman’s overbearing ways have left Dakota no choice but to work as a janitor and moonlight as a maid in the hopes of one day getting some much-needed space from her niece’s highly controlling Nana.

Lucky for Cam, Dakota turns out to be the miracle worker he desperately needs, and he jumps at the chance to hire her as his live-in housekeeper. Soon, the two can no longer ignore their smoldering chemistry, and it seems turning their business relationship into a happily-ever-after for all three of them will be the next play. There’s just one problem: Nana doesn’t approve, and she’s not about to let her granddaughter go without a fight.

Clean Sweep may be read and enjoyed as a standalone sports romance!

About Kate

Kate is in love with the sport of hockey. And the entire Los Angeles Kings team. Having lived most of her life completely uninterested in professional sports, she is surprised at the intensity of her enthusiasm and her growing collection of Kings merchandise.

She has held a variety of jobs—podiatrist’s assistant, telemarketer, typist, gift wrapper, painter, illustrator’s assistant, paste-up artist, calligrapher, teacher, transcriptionist and barista—but her favorite by far is author. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, their two sons, and a Chihuahua named Mochi.

She is also a member of the Romance Writers of America, Los Angeles Romance Authors, and Santa Clarita Romance Writers, and winner of the 2009 EPPIE Award for Best Fantasy/Paranormal Erotic Romance and the 2016 EPPIE Award for Best Contemporary Romance.

Find Kate Online!
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2sFChKF
BookBub → http://bit.ly/2xQPsgW
Facebook → http://bit.ly/2JsxYJf
Goodreads → http://bit.ly/2Jq4Py0
Twitter → http://bit.ly/2JyMAdc
Website → http://katewilloughbyauthor.com

Filed Under: Book Teasers

* Review * HER LAST WORD by Mary Burton

July 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

Her Last Word by Mary Burton
Published by Montlake Romance on May 8, 2018
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Fourteen years ago, Kaitlin Roe was the lone witness to the abduction of her cousin Gina. She still remembers that lonely Virginia road. She can still see the masked stranger and hear Gina’s screams. And she still suffers the guilt of running away in fear and resents being interrogated as a suspect in the immediate aftermath. Now Kaitlin has only one way to assuage the pain and nightmares—by interviewing everyone associated with the unsolved crime for a podcast that could finally bring closure to a case gone cold.

But when a woman Kaitlin questions is later found stabbed to death, she fears that she’s drawn a killer out of hiding. It’s Detective John Adler’s fear that the murders have only just begun. Now his job is to keep Kaitlin safe.

As a bond between Kaitlin and Adler builds, the past closes in just as fast—and it’s darker than Kaitlin remembers. Soon, her wish will come true. She’s going to find out exactly what happened to Gina. Someone has been dying to tell her.

Exciting read! This story grabbed my attention from the start. The layout was a little unorthodox and a tad confusing in that sometimes you didn’t know who’s account of the story was being shared, but overall it was a great read. Lots of danger and excitement, a mystery to try to solve along the way that ends up turning into more than one. Really enjoyed it!

Kaitlin Roe was only sixteen when she witnessed her cousin being kidnapped from the dark country road they were walking on. She’s been tormented for years with that memory, and for awhile she only cared about looking for a way to forget. It’s now fourteen years later and she’s changed her life. She’s finally strong enough to go back and stir all of those old memories up again in the hope of finally finding out what happened to Gina. Working on a podcast to put the story in the forefront again, she reaches out to everyone who had anything to do with Gina or the case all those years ago. Someone doesn’t seem to welcome the intrusion!

When homicide detective John Adler responds to a murder and realizes Kaitlin has a connection to the victim, he recognizes the case and sets out to find answers. He never expects to discover that she might have opened up a door that has a murderer coming knocking. He’s not sure he can trust her, but he’s determined to keep her safe as they race the clock to find out if this is the same guy that took Gina, and what happened to her!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS ENEMY’S DAUGHTER by Sarah M. Anderson

July 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

His Enemy's Daughter by Sarah M. Anderson
Series: First Family of Rodeo
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 1, 2018
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To get what’s rightfully his, he’ll need to get past her.

But this ain’t her first rodeo…

Pete Wellington’s mission: take back his birthright, the All-Stars Rodeo. First, he must earn the trust of Chloe Lawrence, daughter of the city slicker who stole Pete’s legacy. But this princess of the rodeo isn’t who he imagined. Chloe has beauty, business savvy and spirit, leaving Pete to wonder…has he been aiming at the wrong prize all along?

Sweet, sassy and scrumptiously sexy! The next book in Sarah M. Anderson’s First Family of Rodeo series is fast paced, full of strife, and has just enough gentle cowboy worked in there to sweep us off our feet! The groundwork for this story was laid out in the first book of the series, so it was no surprise to see Pete flaring his temper trying to get his rodeo back. The characters thought they hated each other … but spending time together and seeing the real person on the other side of the feud made them open their eyes and realize they actually respected each other … not to mention the sexual tension we could cut with a knife! Really fun read! I’m looking forward to Flash’s story!

Pete Wellington has been trying to get back his family legacy for years. His father lost the All-Stars Rodeo in a poker game, and no matter what method Pete tries, he can’t get the Lawrence family to hand it over. With Chloe now in charge of things, he’s got a sure-fire way planned out to swoop in and force her out … only as he’s spending day after day around her, he realizes she’s not the “daddy’s little princess” that he took her for!

Chloe Lawrence is so tired of working her finger to the bone day in and day out for this rodeo and getting no appreciation from anyone. She’s looked down on because she’s her father’s daughter, she’s looked down on because she’s a female, she’s looked down on because she’s pretty. Enough! If Pete thinks he’s going to race in and pull the wool over her eyes, he’s got another think coming … if only he wasn’t quite so sexy!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Author Spotlight * THE THINGS WE DON’T SAY by Ella Carey

July 4, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Things We Don’t Say

A beguiling painting holds the secrets of a woman’s past and calls into question everything she thought she knew about the man she loved…

Near sixty years ago, renowned London artist Patrick Adams painted his most famous work: a portrait of his beloved Emma Temple, a fellow bohemian with whom he shared his life. Years after Patrick’s death, ninety-year-old Emma still has the painting hanging over her bed at their country home as a testament to their love.

To Emma’s granddaughter, Laura, the portrait is also a symbol of so much to come. The masterpiece is serving as collateral to pay Laura’s tuition at a prestigious music school. Then the impossible happens when an appraiser claims the painting is a fraud. For Laura, the accusation jeopardizes her future. For Emma, it casts doubt on everything she believed about her relationship with Patrick. Laura is determined to prove that Patrick did indeed paint the portrait. Both her grandmother’s and Patrick’s legacies are worth fighting for.

As the stories of two women entwine, it’s time for Emma to summon up the past—even at the risk of revealing its unspoken secrets.

BUY LINKS:

What are your favorite sources of inspiration when you are wanting to settle in and write a new book?

It’s funny, I don’t tend to look for inspiration. It’s more a case of inspiration coming to me at times when I don’t expect it to appear! I have contracts to fulfil and so if something strikes me, I’ll mull over the idea in my head and consider using it for my next book. So, I usually have a bit of a bank, if you like, of ideas and often I’ll piece several of them together to come up with the next book I need to write. Inspiration can come from people, the stories people tell me (I’m a good listener!) or from places like art galleries, certainly from my travels…recently I was doing some research for my current WIP and something struck me as fascinating for my 2020 contracted book. I pitched it to my editor, and she loves the idea!

Do you travel to the places that you center a story around or is your research mostly done from books/internet, etc.?

I definitely travel to the places that inspire the settings in my book. For THE THINGS WE DON’T SAY, I packed my suitcases and travelled to London and Sussex for a week all the way from Australia! I stayed in Bloomsbury, right around the corner from Gordon Square where my character, Emma Temple lived, and very close to her granddaughter Laura’s apartment too. Then, I went out to Sussex to visit Charleston, the house where the Bloomsbury group also lived from 1916 and which inspired Summerfield, the country house in THE THINGS WE DON’T SAY. It was a wonderful, moving experience to walk where my characters would have walked. I find that nothing beats travelling to the places in my novels. I do acres of reading and research too, sometimes before I travel, and other times, I’ll travel first, then come back and read.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about to look forward to?

Hmm, that is my secret! But, yes, I actually have a few projects that I am working on for now and I will be able to share them soon. One, is another novel for Lake Union Publishing which will release in July 2019. It is completely different from the setting and story in THE THINGS WE DON’T SAY, and I am completely involved in it and in love with the real people who inspired the story. I travelled throughout the whole of January to research the book- across to to other side of the world from Australia again! The main thing for me is to have an emotive connection to my characters, the setting and the story. Once I have that, I am hooked.

Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of four novels published in the US- Paris Time Capsule, The House by the Lake, From a Paris Balcony and Secret Shores. The books are published in twelve countries, in ten languages and Secret Shores has been shortlisted for an ARRA award in 2018. Ella has degrees in music, majoring in classical piano, and in Arts majoring in nineteenth century women’s fiction and modern European history. Ella’s fifth novel, The Things We Don’t Say, is set for release in the UK, Australia and the US on July 1st, 2018. Ella is working hard on her sixth novel. She writes full time. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian Greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.

Connect with her on the web:

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ENTICING THE DRAGON by Jane Godman

July 3, 2018 Leave a Comment

Enticing the Dragon by Jane Godman
Published by Harlequin Nocturne on July 1, 2018
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A creature of fantasy…

…and the man of her dreams

Musician Torque is known for his incendiary solos and smoking-hot looks. Hollie Brennan is a dedicated fan drawn to the sexy guitarist. But she’s also an FBI agent tracking a serial arsonist…and the evidence leads her to Torque, a dragon shifter in disguise. As the sparks fly, Torque and Hollie must fight fire with fire and track down the person endangering their love.

Smoking hot connection! With the second book in the Beast series, we get Torque’s story. In the first book in the series, we learned the entire band is filled with various animal shifters and that they are super tight. Torque discovers that his past may be connected to the arsonist that’s following his every move, so he sets out to get to the bottom of who it is. I felt the shifter/mystery aspect of the story was very strong and held our attention easily. The romance, while I liked them and wanted them together, I felt there could have been more of their relationship brought into the plot. Overall a very solid follow-up book!

FBI agent Hollie Brennan has been working on a serial arsonist case for years and a sudden break through has her connecting the dots to a common denominator. She gets the go ahead to go undercover to get close to musician Torque to see if he has anything to do with the case himself or has somehow earned himself a fan wishing to heat things up!

John “Torque” Jones is the guitarist to the popular rock band Beast. He meets Hollie and knows instantly that she’s his mate. She might be human, but he’s half dragon-shifter and can sense their connection the moment he looks into her eyes. Circumstances lead to them spilling their secrets to each other and working together to see who’s set their sight on them … if they solve this case, is there a chance at forever?

Filed Under: Book Reviews