4 1/2 STARS!

Such an emotional book!  I cried for her loss, I felt sorry for her having so much thrust on her at once, I felt angry at her attitude towards Tanner, and most of all, I felt joy that they were all getting a second chance.

Claire Shelton has moved back to her Dad’s place to get things settled after he suffers a stroke.  She’s discovered that he’s been hiding mountains of debt from her and the only option is to sell to get out from under it.

Tanner Hayes broke Claire’s heart 10 years ago to follow the rodeo.  She’s very unhappy to see him because she’s afraid he’ll find out her secret … and once she hears the plans he and her father have to save the place, she’s even more angry.

Will Tanner be able to heal her broken heart and earn a second chance with her?  And when he finds out what she’s been keeping secret all these years, will he be able to forgive her?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

His Kind of Cowgirl
By: Karen Rock

Releasing March 1, 2016
Harlequin: Heartwarming

BLURB:

 Would he still love her…if he knew?

Tanner Hayes smashed Claire’s life to pieces when he chose the rodeo over her ten years ago. And now he’d wrecked her truck! Fantastic. She’d lost her husband, the family ranch was mired in debt, her father was recuperating from a stroke and her son was being bullied. Why not throw a reckless bull rider into the mix?

All she’d wanted was a safe, stable life. But with Tanner back in town—and staying on her ranch—nothing was safe, or under control. Not the feelings she’d fought so hard to forget. Not the son she was determined to protect. And certainly not her long-held secret…

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/01/his-kind-of-cowgirl-by-karen-rock.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28397519-his-kind-of-cowgirl

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/His-Kind-Cowgirl-Karen-Rock/dp/0373367791/ref=tmm_mmp_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1452090269&sr=8-1

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-kind-of-cowgirl-karen-rock/1122567968?ean=9780373367795

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Karen_Rock_
His_Kind_of_Cowgirl?id=coJqCgAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-kind-of-cowgirl/id1033214472?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/his-kind-of-cowgirl

EXCERPT:

Everything happened at once and in slow motion.

A crushing jolt shuddered through the truck. Her wheels skidded sideways. She smacked against the window when her pickup rolled down an embankment, as if punched by something large and lethal. Glass rained deadly sharp. The earth tumbled around her, her truck in spin cycle. When a massive tree loomed, the Chevy slammed into it then stilled.

Winded and stunned, she hung upside-down in her lap belt, blood, metallic and warm, on her tongue, a rushing sound whistling in her ears. Her heartbeat changed and grew slow and rolling in darkness. Something hurt, a long way away. Then nothing.

“Ma’am. Ma’am. Are you all right?” A man’s voice shouted, rousing her. She tried turning her head but pain held it in place. When she opened her mouth, silent panic flew out.

“Hold on. I’m getting you out of there.”

Acrid smoke pierced her consciousness. She closed her eyes against the billowing grit.

This wasn’t happening. It was a dream. No. A nightmare.

A tugging motion jerked her right and left, followed by a ripping sound. Large hands halted her sudden fall.

“Got you.”

Her rescuer cradled her against his chest, his breaths heaving beneath her ear. After carrying her some distance, he lowered her slowly to the ground. Grass scraped against her stinging cheeks and she opened her eyes.

“What?” she croaked, then swiped at the trickle leaking from her mouth. A man wearing a cowboy hat hunched over her, his features blurred.

“You’ve been in an accident. We have. Our trucks collided in the intersection.”

“My truck!” She bolted upright and clutched the swirling ground.

An arm snaked around her back and eased her down. “I called the dispatcher. The fire department’s on the way.”

A wail sounded in the distance and Claire wanted to shriek with it.

Her special day. Her anniversary. Ruined. No. Demolished by this…this…

She squinted upward and focused. A dark swirl of hair brushed across the tall man’s forehead; a light scar zigzagged down his square jaw. Recognition zapped through her.

It couldn’t be…

“Tanner?”

“Hello, Claire.” His mouth went up, just a fraction—the same ready-for-anything smile that had once undone her.

She closed her eyes, heart thudding. Ten years since she’d vowed never to see him again…and now here he stood, two for two in wrecking her life.

AUTHOR INFO:

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and was an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Blaze and Harlequin Heartwarming. Her novel, A LEAGUE OF HER OWN, won the 2015 National Excellence in Romance Fiction award in contemporary romance series and the 2015 Bookseller’s Best award for contemporary romance, long.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website:  http://www.karenrock.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5

GoodReads:  http://www.goodreads.com/karenrockauthor

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

A $50 Amazon Gift Card, and autographed print copies of HIS HOMETOWN GIRL, RAISING THE STAKES and WISH ME TOMORROW

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5 STARS!

A great friends-to-lovers story!  I enjoyed getting to dig into the life of the 2nd Reynaud brother and follow him on his journey to discovering what was right under his nose for years. 🙂

Adelaide Thibodeaux grew up with Dempsey Reynaud and they have remained friends for what seems like forever.  She has been his assistant for years, and now that he’s settled in as Head Coach of the New Orleans Hurricanes, she’s ready to spread her wings and do her own thing … only Dempsey doesn’t want to let her go.

To stop Addy from resigning, Dempsey announces their engagement to the press … only they aren’t engaged and have never been anything but friends and boss/employee.  She doesn’t call his bluff because she doesn’t want to cause a scandal, so Dempsey takes advantage of that and moves her into his home for a few weeks.  Will the crush she’s had on him rear it’s head again?  And when Dempsey feels a hit of attraction when he touches her, will he decide to act on it?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

His Secretary’s Surprise Fiancé
Bayou Billionaires #2
By: Joanne Rock

Releasing March 1^st (Digital), March 8^th (Print)
Harlequin Desire

BLURB:

 Her boss wants her in his office—and as his bride!

Adelaide Thibodeaux grew up with Dempsey Reynaud, and she’s worked for him for years. But when the billionaire football coach springs a surprise engagement to keep her from resigning, it’s a low blow. Just as she’s ready to strike out on her own, she’s stuck in a fake relationship with her boss, biding her time…

But soon Adelaide faces a second blow: she’s actually falling for the man! Can a relationship founded on a lie become the real deal? Or will they fumble before the end zone—and stay in the friend zone?

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/01/his-secretarys-surprise-fiance-bayou.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26891443-his-secretary-s-surprise-fianc

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/168229-bayou-billionaires

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Secretarys-Surprise-Fianc-Bayou-Billionaires/dp/0373734492/ref=tmm_mmp_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-secretarys-surprise-fiance-joanne-rock/1122651876?ean=9780373734498

Google Play: https://books.google.com/books/about/His_Secretary_s_Surprise_Fianc%C3%A9_Mills_B.html?id=Nr_PCgAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-secretarys-surprise-fianc/id1044193759?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/his-secretary-s-surprise-fiance

EXCERPT:

“You can’t leave now.” He didn’t have time to hash this out. And he would damn well have his way.

“I’m going after the press conference. I told you I would come back for the pre-season, and now it’s done.” Frowning, she twisted the bracelet round and round on her wrist. “I shouldn’t have returned this year at all, especially if this ends up causing hard feelings between us. But I can send your next assistant all my files.”

How kind. He clamped his mouth shut against the scathing responses that simmered, close to boiling over. He deserved better from her and she knew it.

But if she was going to see him through the press conference, he still had forty minutes to change her mind. Forty minutes to figure out a way to force her hand. A way to make her stay by his side through the season.

All he needed was the right play call.

“In that case, I appreciate the heads-up,” he said, planting his hands on her waist and shuffling her away from the door. “But I’d better get this press conference started now.”

Her eyes widened as he touched her, but she stepped aside, hectic color rising in her cheeks even though they’d always been just friends. He’d protected that friendship because it was special. She was special. He’d never wanted to sacrifice that relationship to something as fickle as attraction even though there’d definitely been moments over the years when he’d been tempted. But logic and reason—and respect for Adelaide—had always won out in the past. Then again, he’d never touched her the way he had today and it was messing with his head. Seeing that awareness on her face now, feeling the answering kick of it in his blood, made him wonder if—

“Of course we need to get to the conference.” She grabbed her earpiece and shoved it into place as she bit her lip. “Let’s go.”

He held the door for her, watching as she hurried up the hallway ahead of him, the subtle sway of her hips making his hands itch for a better feel of her. No doubt about it, she was going to be angry with him. In time, she would see he had her best interests at heart.

But he had the perfect plan to keep her close and the ideal venue—a captive audience full of media members—to execute it. As much as he regretted hurting a friend, he also knew she would understand at a gut level if she knew him half as well as he thought she did.

His game was on the line. And this was for the win.

AUTHOR INFO:

Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn’t like. The author of over seventy novels enjoys writing contemporary romance and medieval historicals alike, recently exploring Young Adult romance under a pseudonym. An optimist by nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance–in all its forms– fits her life outlook perfectly. When she’s not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded sons.

 Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://www.joannerock.com/
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JoanneRockAuthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JoanneRock6
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93455.Joanne_Rock

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

Grand prize of Heart of Cooking recipes from authors, Vera Bradley pen, notebook and backlist book by Joanne Rock and a Second Prize – Downloads of two Runaway Bride stories by Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock

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4 1/2 STARS!

Sometimes you find what you always knew you wanted in the least likely place!  A sweet friends-to-lovers romance that shows how overcoming loss and finding your way through to try again can be the best thing you ever did.

Holly Tyler has always felt like Seashell Bay Island was”home” even though she’s been living in Boston for years.  Everyone she knows and loves are there waiting for her when she makes her yearly visit.  This time she’s arriving under disturbing circumstances though, and she’s got to try to get her family healthy again and get the dilapidated business they’ve been running back in better shape before she heads back to Boston.

Micah Lancaster is a deputy on the Island, and has been one of Holly’s best friends for years.  Last summer they spent a lot of time together when she was here and sparks were flying.  He knows she’s got a boyfriend, but he doesn’t shy away from letting her know he’s interested when she arrives this time.

Will Holly do what she needs to do and head back to the city, or will she decide everything she’ll ever need is right there on the Island?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

See You at Sunset
Seashell Bay # 3
By: V.K. Sykes

Releasing February 23, 2016
Forever / Grand Central

BLURB:

 DEEPER THAN ANY OCEAN . . .

 All Holly Tyler wants is a fantastic career, a not-too-committed relationship, and a city where there are no painful memories. Instead, she’s called back to her hometown of Seashell Bay to help with her family’s struggling general store. It’s a town where everyone knows everyone, and where one man could sink Holly’s careful plans.

Deputy Sheriff Micah Lancaster has wanted Holly for as long as he can remember. He knows she has a life on the mainland-and a boyfriend-and that there’s no real future with her. But now Holly is back and the attraction still flickers between them, a promise of something more. Their desire is stronger than any undertow . . . and once it pulls them under, it won’t let go.

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/11/see-you-at-sunset-seashell-bay-3-by-vk.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25711951-see-you-at-sunset

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/129828-seashell-bay

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/See-You-Sunset-Seashell-Bay-ebook/dp/B00Z7J7BF6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444275490&sr=1-1&keywords=See+You+at+Sunset

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/see-you-at-sunset-v-k-sykes/1122087702?ean=9781455552597

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/V_K_Sykes
_See_You_at_Sunset?id=7CDVCQAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/see-you-at-sunset/id1003350471?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/see-you-at-sunset

EXCERPT: 

Micah gave Holly lots of space as she made her way across the room to the shuffleboard table. It wasn’t like him to jump in like that, accepting Ryan’s challenge—not when it was clear that Holly was about to decline. But he just hadn’t been able to resist the temptation to get close to her. He never could when it came to Holly Tyler.

Not that he wasn’t tempted to whack Ryan upside the head for being so obvious. His buddy knew exactly how conflicted he was about Holly, and yet he still hadn’t been able to resist playing matchmaker. Like plenty of islanders, Ryan wanted Micah and Holly to hook up. Not just for his sake but because it might pull her back to Seashell Bay.

Too bad Holly wasn’t down with the program. Nor was she the type to want a casual summer fling. And when it came to Holly, neither was Micah. He wanted more than that, and was pretty well convinced he would never get it.

And she has a boyfriend. Micah forced that unpleasant thought away.

He kept his eyes pretty much glued to Holly’s perfect ass as she slipped through the crowded tables. Her short, red skirt was hot enough to peel the paint off the Pot’s walls. Her form-fitting white blouse showcased her trim waist and dynamite rack. Not for the first time, Micah couldn’t help thinking that, looking the way she did—not just tonight but all the time—Holly could have virtually any man in the world.

By the time he caught up with her, Holly was already lining up the shuffleboard pucks at one end of the fourteen-foot wooden table. “Ryan, since you issued the challenge,” she said with a sly smile, “I assume you have no problem with Micah and me having the hammer to begin?”

Micah swallowed a grin. Players usually flipped a coin to see who would have the advantage of throwing the last puck—called the “hammer”—in the opening round. Holly had smoothly backed Ryan into a corner.

“No problem,” Ryan said with a mock sneer. “You and my big doofus pal will need all the help you can get.”

Morgan poked him in the side. “Play nice, you jerk.”

“Babe, I love it when you talk dirty,” Ryan said, pulling her tight against his side.

Holly laughed. “Hey, are we here to play shuffleboard or make out?”

Making out sounded pretty great to Micah. He couldn’t help pointedly raising his eyebrows as he stared down at her. Holly’s eyes opened wide as she realized her mistake, then a sweet flush turned her cheeks rosy. He almost laughed when she scowled back at him.

“Both sound good to me,” Ryan joked.

Morgan rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Keep it up, buddy, and you’ll be sleeping on the sofa tonight.”

AUTHOR INFO:

V.K. Sykes is really two people – Vanessa Kelly and Randy Sykes, a husband and wife team who write USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance and also romantic suspense. Randy excels at plot and characterization, but tends to fall down on the job when it comes to that pesky old thing called emotion. That’s where Vanessa steps in. She usually writes the sex scenes too, since Randy is a bit uncomfortable when it comes to that sort of stuff. Vanessa also writes award-winning Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra under her own name. You can check out Vanessa’s bestselling historical romances at www.vanessakellyauthor.com

Author Links:  Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website 

Website:  http://www.vksykes.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VKSykesBooks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VKSykes

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4095695.V_K_Sykes

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

Grand prize: $25 Amazon gift card, and 4 runner-up prizes: books 1 & 2 of the Seashell Bay Series (Meet Me at the Beach and Summer at the Shore)

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5 STARS!

This story takes you deep into a small town filled with kind people and history.  People who embrace newcomers and shower a timid little boy with love and understanding.  A place where people come to heal after loss and a place where people are able to dream of a bright future.

Hannah James had her professional skiing career torn out from under her after being in a horrible accident.  She suffers with the loss of those dreams, but she has forged through and created a new dream.  Snowy Sky Resort is set to open soon, and she hopes will create a magical place for families to make memories.

Tate Addison, a newly retired pro-snowboarder is brought in by the Board to consult on the resort to give recommendations before opening.  He’s recently received custody of his 6 year old nephew and is desperate to give him the life that he deserves after an early childhood filled with turmoil that a little one shouldn’t have to live through.

Tate and Hannah’s ideas for the resort don’t line up very well, so there is tension between them, but there’s also attraction … a lot of it!

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

A Family Like Hannah’s

(Seasons of Alaska #4)

by Carol Ross

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Starting over is serious business

With her professional skiing career cut short by an accident, Hannah James is putting all her energy into transforming Snowy Sky Resort into something special. There’s only one obstacle. Famous pro-snowboarder-turned-consultant Tate Addison has his own ideas about taking the Rankins, Alaska, lodge to the next level. But Hannah won’t compromise her dreams. She gets that Tate is trying to create a stable home for his orphaned six-year-old nephew—a boy Hannah already adores. And if she isn’t careful, she could also fall for the boy’s too-attractive uncle. Is she risking heartbreak? Or do she and Tate really want the same things out of life?

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo

The Other Books in the Series

Carol Ross is the author of three books for the Seasons of Alaska series for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. She lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. For a complete list of her books, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.

 

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Tour Schedule

 

February 14th: Launch

February 15th: Reading Is My SuperPower & I Am A Reader

February 16th: Rockin’ Book Reviews & Getting Your Read On

February 17th: Katie’s Clean Book Collection & underneath the covers

February 18th: Thoughts of a Blonde, Becky on Books, & deal sharing aunt

February 19th: Heidi Reads… & Zerina Blossom’s Books

February 21st: Grand Finale

 

 

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of A Family Like Hannah’s (open internationally)

Rankins’ Alaska Prize Pack: signed copy of A Family Like Hannah’s, an infinity scarf, gray fluffy mittens, a tin of Starbucks hot chocolate, a coffee mug, and a sterling silver snowflake necklace. (US only)

Copy of A Family Like Hannah’s (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)

Ends February 26tha Rafflecopter giveaway

5 STARS!

Even better than the first in the series!  These characters make me laugh … a lot … and the plot is always thick with wondering what is going to happen next.  Lucie has such a talent for getting into things that you would never believe if you weren’t reading it, and already knew her quirky personality. 🙂  Very fun read … can’t wait for Book 3!

Lucie Rizzo is doing so well with her dog-walking/pet accessory business, Coco Barknell, that she’s doing some growing.  She has a new walker-in-training, and she’s looking to set up shop somewhere other than her Mom’s dining room.

She’s off again with Frankie and unsure how she feels when sparks fly when she runs into Detective Tim O’Brien again.  When she stumbles into the middle of a suspicious art deal, he is helpful in being her sounding board and getting whatever info he can on the sly.

Will she be fingered as part of this deal if things go sour?  Will she and Frankie be on again, or will she decide to see where the sparks lead with Tim?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

* * *

DOG COLLAR KNOCKOFF by Adrienne Giordano

About the Book

Title:                           Dog Collar Knockoff
Series:                         Lucie Rizzo Mysteries
Author:                       Adrienne Giordano
Release Date:              February 9, 2016
Publisher:                   SilverHart Publishing
Genre:                         Mystery
Buy Links:                  Amazon / iBooks / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Book Summary:

Catering to the pampered paws set took Lucie Rizzo from unemployed to entrepreneur. With her dog walking/chic pet accessory business on the verge of success, Lucie’s ready to make a name for herself. One not tarnished by her dad’s mobster rep.

When an art deal she brokered between clients turns suspicious, it’s up to Lucie to sniff out the truth. She might not know the difference between Monet and Manet, but Rizzos are no strangers to jail time—and Lucie refuses to be someone’s prison bitch.

Unless that someone is a tall, blond and Irish cop. Detective Tim O’Brien certainly knows how to get Lucie hot under the rhinestone collar. And with her on-again-off-again relationship with Frankie Falcone currently off, O’Brien isn’t shy about making her feel wanted, mafia ties and all. Even joining her crack—or crackpot—team on the trail of two paintings with equally shady origins.

* * *

SNEAK PEAK!

Chapter One – DOG COLLAR KNOCKOFF

Lucie paused in front of the Lutzs’ garage while the door made its ascent. The heat from the tiny cobblestone driveway scorched right through the bottom of her sneakers, and she rocked back on her heels. For what this brownstone cost, the driveway should have come with air-conditioning. After all, Chicago in August? The humidity alone could suffocate her.

Once the door silently halted, Lucie pointed toward the interior door. “Stay alert, Lauren. This is where it gets tricky.”

The newest part-time member of Lucie’s dog walking team studied the door and waited for instructions. Lauren seemed like a nice kid. Well, at twenty, she wasn’t really a kid. Lucie was only six years older. Still, Lauren was new to Coco Barknell and needed to understand the intricacies of working with the dogs.

Particularly this dog.

“The door,” Lucie said, “is your friend. Otis is the deadly combination of a jumper and a runner.”

Lauren scrunched her face. “What?”

“When you open the door, you have to do a body block so he doesn’t squeeze through. He’s an eighty-five pound Olde English bulldog. If you’re not careful, you will either A) wind up flat on your butt with Otis on top of you or B) be chasing him around the neighborhood. I’ve done both and it’s not fun. Plus, it’ll destroy your schedule.”

And with the number of clients Coco Barknell serviced in a day, the schedule was the Bible. As happy as Lucie was about the growth of her dog walking and upscale-dog accessory business, she hated turning the dogs over to others. Of course, she’d done a thorough background check on Lauren, but these animals were almost her babies and she couldn’t trust just anyone with them.

Lucie stepped to the door and planted her feet, weight on her heels. “Are you ready?”

“Ready.”

Lauren smiled and maybe that smile had a bit of lady-you’re-a-fruitcake in it, but the first time Otis did one of his Underdog leaps, she would learn.

Lucie opened the door and the howling began. “Hi, boy,” she said, her voice firm and level, no excitement that would cause a doggie mindmelt. “I’m coming in.”

Slowly, she inched the door open and slid through with Lauren bringing up the rear. Otis did his normal jumping and Lucie steadied herself for the onslaught. “Off!”

Finally, he sat, but he tracked Lauren with his eyes. Then—here we go—unable to withstand the pressure of a new person in his space, he leaped, his long tongue flying in search of a cheek to lick.

“Off!”

But Lucie would never be Cesar Milan when it came to making Otis understand who the alpha was. That was Joey’s specialty. It helped that he was six-foot-four and weighed somewhere in the vicinity of two-thirty.

“Sit, Otis,” Lauren said, her voice calm, yet assertive in a truly enviable way.

Otis sat.

Dressed in micro shorts, a tank top, and sneakers, Lauren epitomized the wholesome, yet sexy college co-ed. Her heart-shaped face and long blond hair only added to the morphing of girl-next-door and sexy vixen. If Lucie wasn’t careful, the girl might drive Coco Barknell’s male clients insane.

But the risk was worth it. So far she’d been a responsible employee who showed up on time, ready to work.

Lucie led her through the kitchen to the utility closet, strategically placed in a nook between the kitchen and the adjoining dining room. Otis’s leash and various other dog supplies—poop bags, treats, shampoo—were all stored there and it made Lucie’s life a whole lot simpler. Too bad all her clients weren’t this organized.

“Whoa. Is this an Arturo Gomez?”

Lucie turned and spotted Lauren a few feet away studying the new painting near the dining room entrance. Lucie had seen the painting for the first time last week and marveled at the rich tones. She’d been drawn to the woman’s long, auburn hair cascading over her shoulders as she concentrated on the lute in her hands. The deep red of her dress brought out the smoky archway behind her, and Lucie imagined music echoing off the stone on the surrounding walls.

They shouldn’t be snooping, but the painting was right there. Plus, Lauren was an art history major and probably couldn’t control herself. Lucie decided to let it go. Except the schedule was quickly falling apart.

“I don’t know who the artist is, but the leash is in this closet.”

Ignoring her boss, Lauren inched closer to the painting. “I did a paper on Gomez once. Pure genius at Renaissance.”

“Uh-huh,” Lucie said.

“It might not even be a Gomez, but it looks like one. I don’t think this would be an original though.”

Lucie rolled her eyes. The only fake thing in Mr. Lutz’s world were his wife’s boobs. And those had probably cost a fortune. The man never did anything on the cheap.

“If this is a copy,” Lauren said, “it’s amazing.”

“Lauren, we need to go.”

The girl straightened up. “Right. Sorry. I’ve just never seen one in a private collection. I remember something weird about Gomez’s paintings and how they were sold. I could be wrong though. I’d love to know where he got this one.”

Lucie knew exactly where Mr. L. had gotten it. She’d introduced him to Bart Owens, an art gallery owner who was also a Coco Barknell client. Mr. Lutz had mentioned he wanted to invest in art. Lucie connected him with Bart, and next thing she knew, Bart offered her a finder’s fee for the sale of the painting. And all she’d done was make an introduction. If the amount of the finder’s fee were any indication, that painting was most definitely an original.

After that hefty commission, Lucie—a business owner with escalating expansion expenses to deal with—found herself dropping Bart’s card off with every client she serviced.

Lucie reached into the closet for Otis’s leash. “I think it’s an original. Here’s the leash. Always grab a few of his treats. If he gets loose, it’s the only way to lure him back. He’s a sucker for peanut butter. Trust me, you don’t want him to get loose. He’s an animal.”

At the sight of his leash, Otis leaped, knocking Lucie back a step, but she held her hand out. “Yes, baby. I know. It’s Lucie time.”

When Lucie shoved the leash at her new dog walker, Lauren tore her gaze from the painting. “Sorry. I promise I’m not this flighty. It’s like meeting my favorite celebrity. Total fan-girl here. Would you be able to find out the name of this painting for me? Would that be okay?”

She looked back at the painting with a wistful longing and something in her expression reminded Lucie of herself at twenty. She’d been at Notre Dame back then and dreaming of a future in banking. She’d worked hard, graduated with honors, and landed a job as Mr. Lutz’s assistant at one of the city’s top investment banks. During that time, she’d lived her dream of being more than mob boss Joe Rizzo’s kid. In the world of investment banking, she’d moved beyond the title of mob princess.

For a little while.

Being downsized had certainly humbled her. Reminded her, as if she needed reminding, how easily life could change. It had also busted her back to living in her parents’ home.

That aside, she was now living a different dream. Building her own company. Who would have imagined her little side business of making high-end dog accessories would take off? But take off it did.

In a big way.

Now Lucie, along with her mother and best friend, Roseanne, had a major department store pressuring them for more dog coats and collars. The faster they made them, the faster they sold and Lucie’s panic meter had shot to the red.

All in all, a nice problem to have considering she could still be unemployed, but as with any growing business, time had become scarce. Speaking of…

Lucie checked the time on her phone. Eight minutes behind.

If they didn’t make up some of that eight minutes, by the end of the day, it would be an hour.

“Let’s hit it, Lauren. Plenty more dogs to see today. I’ll ask Mr. Lutz for the title of the painting.”

* * *

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Adrienne Giordano writes romantic suspense and mystery.  She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her workaholic husband, sports obsessed son and Buddy the Wheaten Terrorist (Terrier). She is a co-founder of Romance University blog and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, a reading series dedicated to romantic fiction.

Connect with Adrienne:  Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Street Team

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Giveaway Details

There are three giveaways on this tour – two $25.00 gift cards and a swag pack.

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Blog Tour Stops

February 8, 2016

Adventures in Writing

Read Your Writes Book Reviews

Recommended Romance

Long and Short Reviews

February 9, 2016

Lush Book Reviews

Joyfully Reviewed

Cricket’s Chirps

Thoughts of a Blonde

February 10, 2016

Reading on the Rocks

Amy’s Blog

February 11, 2016

Harlie’s Books

Em & M Books

So Many Reads

Becky on Books

February 12, 2016

Romance Junkies

Nicole’s Book Musings

Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

February 13, 2016

Brooke Blogs

Renee Entress’s Blog

Romancing the Book

StoreyBook Reviews

5 STARS!

I adore the Archer family!  We can only dream of having a close-knit family living in a small town like this.  They each have their own unique personality and style, yet make the time to come together to love and support each other.

Liam Archer has avoided Ribbon Ridge as much as he could over the years.  He much prefers his wild and crazy ways in Denver where he’s built himself a successful real estate development company.  Certain things still bring him home to the family though … and this time it hits really hard when he stays longer than normal and has to feel his identical twin brother’s presence in all of their old haunts for the first time since his death.

Aubrey Tallinger is the Archer family’s attorney and has become a friend to some of them. She and Liam have been hooking up when he comes to town for awhile now, but she’s starting to feel too much for the “no strings” guy, and ends it with him.

Will Liam be able to convince her that there’s no harm in having fun?  Or will she be able to tame her love ’em and leave ’em guy?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

When We Kiss
Ribbon Ridge #5
By: Darcy Burke

Releasing January 19, 2016
Avon Impulse

BLURB:

Denver real estate mogul, Liam Archer, has always been a thrill-seeker, and the loss of his identical twin brother has only intensified his reckless behavior. Sky diving, heli-skiing, motorcycle riding…he’s tried everything once. Except falling in love. Liam doesn’t do relationships, but a no-strings fling with Aubrey Tallinger-the smart, gorgeous lawyer handling his brother’s estate-is totally his speed.

At first, hooking up with Liam whenever he’s in Ribbon Ridge is perfect; but Aubrey fears she could fall hard for the sexy daredevil, if he’d only stop refusing to acknowledge the demons he’s trying to outrun. To protect herself from heartbreak, Aubrey ends their affair. But this time, Liam isn’t leaving town and instead of seduction, he wants to be…friends.

The white hot attraction between them still sizzles but Liam knows that winning Aubrey back won’t happen in his bed. He’ll have to convince her that he’s more than the careless, adrenaline junkie she believes him to be. Because when they kiss, Liam feels whole again… and he isn’t ready to give her up without a fight.

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/12/when-we-kiss-ribbon-ridge-5-by-darcy.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25712086-untitled

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/117022-ribbon-ridge

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9DP6PM/

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-kiss-darcy-burke/1122566662?ean=9780062443380

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Darcy_Burke
_When_We_Kiss?id=rQvVCQAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/when-we-kiss/id1003824137?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/when-we-kiss

EXCERPT:

Aubrey grabbed her purse from the back of her chair and fished her wallet from the depths. “Here, let me pay you for my part of the bill.”

Liam’s hand closed over hers as he pushed the wallet back into her purse. “It’s fine. Come on, let’s go.”

This time she couldn’t seem to shake his hand away. She didn’t even try. She let his warmth, his masculinity seep into her and feed the fire burning in her core.

When they stepped outside, the cool, damp night air rushed over her, giving her much-needed clarity. She took a deep breath and moved away from Liam, taking her hand from his grasp and slinging her purse over her shoulder. Then she started to walk down the street. Away from him.

But he only fell into step beside her.

“You’re cute when you’re drunk. Reminds me of Labor Day weekend.”

She threw him a glare. “Do not talk about that.”

It was chilly, so she wrapped her arms around herself. She realized it was also misting, like it had been earlier, and in her haste, she’d left her raincoat back at The Arch and Vine.

She turned a smile on Liam. “Any chance you want to run back and get my coat?” Then she could get rid of him.

He chuckled. “You really don’t want me walking you home, do you? I’ll grab it later. After I make sure you’re tucked into bed.”

She turned the corner onto her street. “Oh no you don’t. You aren’t coming anywhere near my bed.”

“I promise to keep my hands to myself.”

“I just realized your name is almost spelled the same as liar.” She arched a brow at him. “Coincidence? I think not.”

He laughed again. “You are too funny tonight.”

It started raining harder. He pulled his jacket off and wrapped it around her. “Come on, let’s pick up the pace.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along at a steady clip.

The cooler temperature had given her a much-needed jolt of sobriety, but the speed walking was making her feel off-kilter again. “Not so fast,” she said, trying to tug her hand from his.

“Yes, fast. Or should I carry you?” His blue-gray gaze raked over her, and she realized it was possible to feel a shiver and a blast of heat at the same time. Or maybe she was just super extra drunk.

No, because if she was, she wouldn’t be thinking that, right? She’d be blithely unaware and probably gleefully clutching more than Liam’s hand.

They reached her house, and he ushered her up the driveway and onto her porch. He let go of her hand and held out his palm. “Key?”

Standing beneath the porch light, she rummaged around in her purse. Why did a woman’s purse always get more cavernous when she was looking for something?

Liam took it from her and stuck his hand inside. He immediately came up with her keys.

She put her hands on her hips. “How’d you do that?”

He flashed her a heart-stopping smile. “I think I told you once that I had magic fingers.”

Even if he hadn’t, she remembered. For a brief moment, she gave herself over to the memory of his hands on her body, the way he stroked her inner thigh, the manner in which he cupped her breast.

He opened the door and pulled her inside. “You’re wet.” He tugged his leather jacket from her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.

Bummer because it smelled deliciously like him—cedar and citrus. God, she loved that scent.

“Did you drink any water?” he asked.

She blinked at him. “What?”

“Water. You need water, or you’re going to be miserable come morning.”

Right. Water. No, she didn’t think they’d been drinking much water. Just tequila.

He took her hand again and led her straight back to the kitchen. He moved away from her, then came back and sat her down on one of the barstools. She half expected him to pat her on the head or something.

“You don’t have to take care of me like a lost puppy,” she said.

He laughed. “Is that what I’m doing?” He pulled a glass from her cabinet—he knew exactly where they were, which was remarkable since he’d only been inside her house a few times. She thought of the first time—that night last summer. Not cold and rainy like tonight, but hot and humid. Wet and sexy in a completely different way.

Holy hell she was horny.

He set the water on the counter in front of her. “Drink.”

She saluted him before picking up the glass and downing it.

He swept it up and went for a refill. In the meantime, she realized she was wet. Her sweater was damp from the mist and the rain before he’d covered her with his coat. She glanced at his back and realized he was wet, too. Wetter than she was. His shirt was plastered to his skin, delineating every spectacular muscle.

She swallowed and splayed her hands on top of the granite to stop herself from leaping up and grabbing him. Would that be so wrong? How terrible would one more night with Liam be? She was a grown-up. She knew not to expect more from him. She could do that, right? Trade her common sense for a night of unparalleled, mind-blowing, soul-satisfying sex?

Aubrey whisked her wet sweater over her head and tossed it on the stool beside her. Common sense was extremely overrated.

AUTHOR INFO:

Darcy Burke is the USA Today bestselling author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily-ever-after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids-who each seem to have inherited the writing gene in some form-and two Bengal cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://www.darcyburke.com/
Facebook:  http://facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/darcyburke
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

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