Book Reviews – Page 243

* Review * SCORE by Victoria Denault

May 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

Score by Victoria Denault
Series: San Francisco Thunder #1
Published by Forever on May 9, 2017
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He's used to winning, but now he's playing with his heart.

Jude Braddock. Hockey god. That's how everyone sees him now. But when they were teenagers, Zoey knew him as the kid who didn't have enough nerve to make a move on their one and only disastrous date. Seems he doesn't have that problem anymore, though. According to the rumors, he's with a different woman every night. After a rough divorce, the last thing Zoey needs is more heartbreak. But Jude's cocky, playful attitude is mighty hard to resist.

Jude knows he isn't built for long-term relationships. But he's getting sick of women pounding on his door in the middle of the night looking for a rematch. When Zoey comes back into his life, it's like fate has given him a second chance. He'll do anything to make her happy again. Is this what love looks like? He has no idea. All he knows for sure is that this time, he's playing for keeps.

A great kick-off to a new hockey series by Victoria Denault! I enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot … there was a slight disconnect occasionally, but overall a solid book . I look forward to more in the series!

Jude Braddock is one of the “it” guys in hockey right now. They’re coming off a Stanley Cup win and he should be flying high, but he’s just not feeling it. Life is getting old. He’s getting a little worn down on life in the fast lane with a different chick every night and living up to his player reputation. He knows he’s not cut out for a relationship, but as crazy as it sounds, it’s lonely out there!

Real estate agent Zoey Quinlin is coming out of an unexpected and discouraging divorce when Jude steps back into her life again. She can’t believe the childhood summer fling that she has never forgotten about is here in front of her .. sexy as all get out! She knows she shouldn’t, but she has never been able to resist the pull that Jude seems to have on her. He’s a great guy, even if he has the love ’em and leave ’em reputation these days … and she finds herself unable to walk away.

Is another heartache in her future, or will she be just what Jude needs to make him see that there’s love out there for him … love that is worth all of his devotion … love that will last … love that will set him free.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Book Review * FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN by Kristina Knight

May 18, 2017 4 Comments

Famous in a Small Town by Kristina Knight
Series: A Slippery Rock Novel
Published by Harlequin Superromance on May 1, 2017
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Lifestyles of the small-town famous

Forced to leave Nashville after a scandal, Savannah Walters has come home to Slippery Rock, Missouri, with a bruised ego and her singing career in jeopardy. As if that isn't humiliating enough, on her way into town she's rescued by her swoon-worthy childhood crush, Collin Tyler.

His hands are full running the family orchard and dealing with his delinquent teen sister, so Collin doesn't need to get involved with someone as fiery and unpredictable as Savannah. But the intense attraction between them can't be denied. And when disaster strikes, they'll both be surprised by who's still standing when the dust settles.

Sometimes what we go searching for has been right in front of us the whole time! A sweet story of finding a sense of belonging even when life doesn’t go the way you want. The characters are enjoyable and carry the story to a happy fruition. A little slow in places, but overall a deep and meaningful read!

Savannah Walters hasn’t been able to truly find her place in the world no matter how much she’s searched. She’s a product of her past and can’t seem to get her head around the fact that the responsibility of other people’s decisions and choices didn’t rest on her shoulders. She tried to strike out on her own in Nashville, but after a bit of a scandal that brought her tour and possibly her entire career to a screeching halt, she finds her way back home to Slippery Rock, Missouri.

Collin Tyler is the first person she comes upon when she gets back into town … of all people … the guy she had a crush on as a kid, but who never gave her the time of day of anything more than his best friend’s little sister. Collin has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders right now running his family orchard, taking care of his ailing Gran and trying to get his trouble making teenage sister under control … the last thing he needs is a woman hanging around! But needing it and wanting it are two entirely different things … and the yearning he feels for her is a little too much to resist!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Famous in a Small Town
(Slippery Rock #1)
Kristina Knight
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 306 pages
May 1st 2017 by Harlequin Superromance

Lifestyles of the small-town famous

Forced to leave Nashville after a scandal, Savannah Walters has come home to Slippery Rock, Missouri, with a bruised ego and her singing career in jeopardy. As if that isn’t humiliating enough, on her way into town she’s rescued by her swoon-worthy childhood crush, Collin Tyler.

His hands are full running the family orchard and dealing with his delinquent teen sister, so Collin doesn’t need to get involved with someone as fiery and unpredictable as Savannah. But the intense attraction between them can’t be denied. And when disaster strikes, they’ll both be surprised by who’s still standing when the dust settles.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

About the Author

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.

Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Google+│Amazon

Other Harlequin Superromance Books by the Author

And coming July 2017, also in the Slippery Rock series…

Tour Schedule

May 13th: Launch
May 14th:
Becky on Books
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Falling Leaves
May 15th:
It’s All About the Romance
Sylv.net
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
May 16th:
Brooke Blogs
underneath the covers
Hearts & Scribbles
May 17th:
Author Kimber Li
Booklove
Nicole’s Book Musings
May 18th:
Granny Loves to Read
Deal Sharing Aunt
Thoughts of a Blonde
May 19th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a Prize Pack with a signed copy of FIRST LOVE AGAIN, swag and other fun items
– Prize pack for US residents only, if international winner is pulled then they will receive a $25 gift card instead
– Ends May 23rd

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * ANY DAY NOW by Robyn Carr

May 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

Any Day Now by Robyn Carr
Series: Sullivan's Crossing
Published by MIRA on April 18, 2017
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The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr's What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan's Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It's a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan's Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She's put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn't yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she's always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it's a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan's Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

A fun jaunt into a world of second chances looking for that elusive happily-ever-after! A great cast of characters gather round to support a lost soul who wants to change her life for the better. There is happiness and joy, sadness and pain and most of all, hope and love surrounding the plot. I enjoyed my trip to Sullivan’s Crossing and would love to visit again!

Sierra Jones spent too many years just getting by and making excuses for why life was the way it was before she came to make big changes for the better … and mainly by happenstance. She’s not sure where life is going to take her going forward, but she knows she’s going to go into it steadier and stronger than ever before. Her first stop is a visit to Colorado to visit her big brother Cal and his new wife Maggie. She’s just planning on passing through, but after a warm welcome from the newlyweds and hitting it off with Maggie’s dad Sully who runs The Crossing campground, she decides to stick around for awhile. Setting down roots seems to be a work in progress as she starts to collect a few friends, inherit a wayward pup and baby step her way into a possible relationship with a hunky man. Just when she starts to let her guard down, her past rears it’s ugly head and threatens to crumble her very existence once again!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Book Review * BAYSIDE DESIRES by Melissa Foster

May 16, 2017 2 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Book Review * BAYSIDE DESIRES by Melissa Foster

Bayside Desires by Melissa Foster
Series: Bayside Summers #1
Published by World Literary Press on May 9, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

As the co-owner of Bayside Resorts, Rick Savage has a fabulous job working with his best friends and brother, and a thriving business in Washington, DC, which he’ll be returning to at the end of the summer. Spending time with his family is great, but being back on Cape Cod has unearthed painful memories. When sweet, smart, and overly cautious Desiree Cleary moves in next door, Rick is drawn to the sexy preschool teacher, and she just might prove to be the perfect distraction.

Running an art gallery was not in preschool teacher Desiree Cleary’s plans, but after being tricked into coming to her impetuous, unreliable mother’s aid, she’s stuck spending the summer with the badass half sister she barely knows and a misbehaving dog. If that’s not frustrating enough, she can’t escape the sparks igniting with her strikingly handsome and pushy neighbor, Rick, who makes all her warning bells go off.

Passion ignites as Desiree and Rick spend long summer nights sharing heartfelt confessions and steamy kisses. For the first time in years Rick is enjoying life again instead of hiding behind mounds of work miles away from his family. Desiree has touched him in a way that makes him want to slow down. Only slowing down means dealing with his demons, and he isn’t sure who he’ll be when he comes out the other side.

A sexy fun new series from Melissa Foster! I was slightly less hooked at the beginning of this book than normal with one of these sub-series from the ever-popular Love In Bloom series, but once more characters popped in and we started to hear the back story of their lives, I became more invested and really enjoyed the outcome. From the characters we met along the way, I think the continuing books in the series will be a lot of fun!

When preschool teacher Desiree Cleary is tricked by her wayward mother into spending the summer on Cape Cod running her art studio, it doesn’t seem like she’s going to be having a great time. Throw in a trouble-making dog and her wild-child half-sister and she’s ready to start pulling her hair out practically as soon as she arrives! The only saving grace is the hunk she makes eyes with as he’s jet skiing nearby.

Rick Savage is home from his busy life in DC for just a few weeks as he works with his brother and best friend on renovations at a resort they bought together. He’s instantly drawn to Desiree when he sees her watching him. Why not throw caution to the wind and enjoy a summer fling? Little did either of them realize what a strong connection they were going to share right off the bat. When it’s time to part ways and head home, will they be able to do it?

Bayside Desires
Bayside Summers #1
by: Melissa Foster

Releasing May 9, 2017
World Literary Press

BLURB:

As the co-owner of Bayside Resorts, Rick Savage has a fabulous job working with his best friends and brother, and a thriving business in Washington, DC, which he’ll be returning to at the end of the summer. Spending time with his family is great, but being back on Cape Cod has unearthed painful memories. When sweet, smart, and overly cautious Desiree Cleary moves in next door, Rick is drawn to the sexy preschool teacher, and she just might prove to be the perfect distraction.

Running an art gallery was not in preschool teacher Desiree Cleary’s plans, but after being tricked into coming to her impetuous, unreliable mother’s aid, she’s stuck spending the summer with the badass half sister she barely knows and a misbehaving dog. If that’s not frustrating enough, she can’t escape the sparks igniting with her strikingly handsome and pushy neighbor, Rick, who makes all her warning bells go off.

Passion ignites as Desiree and Rick spend long summer nights sharing heartfelt confessions and steamy kisses. For the first time in years Rick is enjoying life again instead of hiding behind mounds of work miles away from his family. Desiree has touched him in a way that makes him want to slow down. Only slowing down means dealing with his demons, and he isn’t sure who he’ll be when he comes out the other side.

Buy Links: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/3/5/bayside-desires-melissa-foster

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32595084-bayside-desires

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/196328-bayside-summers

EXCERPT:

Oh shit. Rick Savage beached his craft, threw his life vest onto the sand, and ran after the woman he’d soaked. He’d been so captivated by the curvaceous blonde that when she’d started to leave, his first instinct had been to stop her. He’d clearly lost his mind. He knew better than to come that close to the jetty or to fishtail near people.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, jogging over as she stepped off the rocks and onto the beach.

She turned, mouth gaping, strands of wet hair stuck to her cheeks, forehead, and shoulders. The most beautiful green eyes stared back at him in shock and horror. He felt like a total ass.

“I’m sorry. I saw you watching me, and—” There was absolutely no excuse for what he’d done, so he went with the truth, no matter how bad it sounded. “I wanted to meet you before you took off.”

“I wasn’t watching you.” Her eyes darted around them, as if someone else might hear her lying.

He cocked a brow.

“Okay, maybe I was for a second. But you were stalking me.” She swiped at her sundress, which clung to her incredibly sexy body like a second skin.

He tried not to leer, but damn…

Forcing his eyes up, he said, “I wasn’t stalking you—”

Her deadpan stare stopped him from telling his own lie.

“Okay, fine,” he said with a laugh. “I was. You caught me. I’m sorry.”

“Does this usually work for you? Drenching unsuspecting women?” she said with a hint of annoyance, and a smile, as she shook the water from her arms. “Not that I’m an expert on being hit on, but it doesn’t seem like the best way to go about it.”

“I’m sure you get hit on all the time, but this wasn’t planned. It was a stupid mistake. It’s actually illegal to go that fast near the jetty, so you can have me arrested if you’d like. I wasn’t thinking. I was—”

She arched a brow, a slight smirk playing across her beautiful face as she tossed his mannerism right back at him.

He felt himself smiling. Man, this woman was as sweet as she was spunky. “What can I say? If you weren’t so hot…”

“So, it’s my fault?” She rolled her eyes. “You really do kind of suck at picking up women.”

The caveman in him grunted, and he squared his shoulders. “I don’t suck at it. I’m actually really good at it. A pro. A master. A champion.”

She laughed. “Sorry, but…” She waved at her wet clothes. “Evidence proves otherwise.”

And I’m about to prove that evidence wrong. “Let me buy you a sweatshirt and something warm to drink at Mac’s so you don’t freeze.” Mac’s was a walk-up restaurant by the Wellfleet Pier, a five-minute drive by car. Less by Jet Ski.

Her eyes rolled over his face, as if she were considering it. He’d never had anything close to a poker face, which meant she saw his remorse and his attraction. At six two, two thirty, he was a big dude, and he kept in prime shape with running and water sports. He was used to women ogling him and practically doing cartwheels to get his attention. She drew in a deep breath, her eyes dropping to his bare chest, and she bit her plump lower lip. “Sexy” didn’t begin to describe the dichotomy of sweet and sultry this woman possessed. But she wasn’t doing cartwheels. In fact, those hungry eyes shifted away from him.

“It’s okay,” she said. “I was getting ready to leave anyway.”

She was blowing him off? There was no way he was letting her leave without doing something to make up for this debacle. Okay, maybe he also wanted to strip away those wet clothes and warm her up. But that was beside the point.

“Are you staying at a cottage on the beach? I can give you a ride on my Jet Ski.”

“As tempting as that sounds, since I’ve never been on one, I have my car.” She pointed to the parking lot with the hand that held her phone, and her smile faded. “Oh, shoot. My phone got wet.”

“I can take care of that.” He took it from her and wiped it on his shorts. She watched his hands, his biceps, his pecs, his shorts, with laser focus. His fish wasn’t off the line yet. “It should be okay now. Want me to put my number in your contacts? In case you change your mind about that drink?”

That brought a curious smile. He noticed the cutest dimple beside her mouth when she smiled. “Does that usually work?”

“No idea. I haven’t had to use that line before.”

He stepped closer, unable to resist brushing a lock of hair that was stuck to her cheek away from her face so he could see her better. Their eyes connected, and the temperature spiked. She must have felt it, too, because she was licking her lips like a hungry tigress. In the next breath, her eyes darted nervously around the beach. Christ, now she looked sweet and innocent. How did she do that in the blink of an eye? Rick was only at the Cape for a few more weeks, working on renovations at the resort before returning to his real life, and design-build business, in Washington, DC. The thoughts running through his mind were not sweet and innocent. He should let his apology ride, get on his Jet Ski, and drive away. But she had his rapt attention, and he was unable to walk away.

“You don’t have to use my number,” he said. “But you never know. Maybe when you’re lying in bed tonight, unable to stop thinking about me, you’ll wish you had it.”

Her cheeks flushed, and those sparkling green eyes moved over his face and down his chest again, lingering long enough to send a stroke of heat to his core.

“Why not?” she said, surprising the hell out of him. “Go ahead and put your number in my phone…?”

“Rick.” He entered his contact information and handed it back, curling his fingers over hers and holding them for a beat.

Her eyes flicked up, dark and alluring. “I’m Desiree,” she said a little breathlessly.

Oh yeah, you feel it, too.

AUTHOR INFO:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * TEXAS TAKEDOWN by Heather Woodhaven

May 16, 2017 Leave a Comment

Texas Takedown by Heather Woodhaven
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on May 1, 2017
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LETHAL SABOTAGE

Presenting her research findings at an oceanology conference should be marine biologist Isabelle Barrows's big break—until she spots two men chasing her. With shadowy assailants on her tail, impressing potential investors becomes the least of her concerns. Especially when the men chase her straight into the arms of her high school crush. Unbeknownst to Isabelle, Matt McGuire still regrets the way they parted. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Matt vows to keep her safe and make things right. But what good is a second chance when Isabelle's attackers will stop at nothing to destroy everything she holds dear—her life, her promising career and any possibility of a happily-ever-after?

Fast-paced action kicks off quickly and leads us into the mystery of who the bad guys are!

Marine biologist Isabelle Barrow is excited about presenting her latest and greatest discovery at the oceanology conference in Texas, but when two men start following her when she’s out alone, she doesn’t know what’s going on! Strange things continue to happen, and eventually she has to admit that someone is determined in getting their hands on her research before she ever makes it to that conference!

Matthew McGuire happens to be in the right spot at the right time to rescue her from her first assailants. He can’t believe it when he recognizes her! His best childhood friend … and high school crush … Izzy! He has often regretted the fallout they had and losing touch. Will this be the break he always wanted to apologize and explain how he felt about her … or will the danger at their heals keep them too occupied?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * REBEL CUSTODY by Sarah Hawthorne

May 12, 2017 Leave a Comment

Rebel Custody by Sarah Hawthorne
Series: The Demon Horde Motorcycle Club Series #2
Published by Carina Press on May 1, 2017
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A son in danger

The Demon Horde MC are no strangers to breaking the rules, but making a man pay to get his son back crosses one too many lines for Skeeter. He'll do anything, including play by the book, if it means bringing his son home. Hiring straitlaced attorney Miriam Englestein is meant to solve his problems, not create new ones. One look at her and his good-guy facade goes out the window. He wants to throw his buttoned-up lawyer onto the back of his bike and make her his.

A woman at risk

Miri wants nothing to do with the club. Her father may be in their pocket, but she's on the right side of the law and she intends to stay there. But there's something about Skeeter's plea—something about him—she can't walk away from. While she's tempted to let him do unspeakably wicked and delicious things to her, she can't risk her law practice, or her heart.

A dangerous deception

When Miriam agrees to pose as Skeeter's woman to get details they need for the case, things heat up fast—and it's not long before the lines between business and personal blur, and they're both in over their heads. In the MC world, lies have a way of coming back to you, and they put everyone at risk.

Entangled webs are woven as an MC takes on a members past they never knew about. When danger gets too close, will his brothers be able to keep his kid … and his woman … safe? Not a super raw MC story, but very enjoyable none the less. There is talk of a lot of deep deception and criminal activity, but it’s not riddled into the story very much. I liked Jean Luc and Miri together!

Demon Horde Motorcycle Club member Jean Luc “Skeeter” Devaneaux isn’t worried about breaking the law, but he isn’t down for being blackmailed himself … and about a kid he never even knew he had to top it all off! The club hooks him up with Family Law attorney Miriam Englestein to work her magic on figuring out how to get his son away from the “old friend” hanging him over his head.

Miri doesn’t normally associate with her dad’s handling of club business, but she can’t resist helping Jean Luc when she hears his story … even if it means playing his old lady to get info out of his blackmailer. When the lines between personal and professional get crossed, will they still be able to work out a solution that puts his son in his custody? And when the good girl and the bad boy actually admit their feelings for each other, is there a way to make their totally different worlds mesh into a future?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LITTLE SECRET, RED HOT SCANDAL by Cat Schield

May 12, 2017 Leave a Comment

Little Secret, Red Hot Scandal by Cat Schield
Series: Las Vegas Nights
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2017
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Goodreads

Could this surprise pregnancy be the ultimate betrayal…or her Cinderella moment?

Meek and mild Mia Navarro has spent her entire life in her twin's shadow. But a brief and secret affair with superstar singer/producer Nate Tucker is about to change all that. Their one night together on tour has left her pregnant and torn between her obligation to her pop-princess sister and claiming the life she longs for. But as Mia gears up to put her own needs first for once, she faces an even starker moment of reckoning: Will her pregnancy news strike the wrong chord…or be music to Nate's ears?

Cat Schield takes us on a walk through the inner beat of the music industry as her sure and reliable voice weaves an exciting story filled with heartwarming antidotes and swoon worthy connections. The characters are rich and the plot is filled with both joy and compassion as one heart tries to find the right direction when torn between family and love. I really enjoyed Mia and Nate!

Musician and producer Nate Tucker has had his ups and downs in the music industry, but he’s finally at a comfortable place with his career. If only he could say the same about his personal life! He met a woman that he really cares about … but she dumped him without looking back!

Mia Navarro has lived in the shadow of her outgoing and talented pop-star twin sister for the majority of her life. Family dynamics have her burying her own dreams to cater to Ivy’s every whim and desire. She thought having a secret fling with Nate during Ivy’s last tour might go somewhere, but in the end she had to walk away due to her obligations … but now she’s back in his life again. Will things turn out any different this time … especially when she discovers their fling led to a baby being on the way?

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Release Blast * PAYBACK by Christina Phillips

May 12, 2017 1 Comment

Payback
Viking Bastards MC #2

By: Christina Phillips

Releasing May 1, 2017
Entangled Scorched

BLURB:

Gage…

I don’t fuck girls who work for me, but as soon as Amelia turns those big green eyes on me I know she’s trouble. I can’t keep my hands off her, and the almost-but-not-quite-sex we share in the kitchen is the hottest thing I’ve ever had. Except she calls it quits, before we’ve even started.

Instead of moving on, she’s all I can think about and that’s bad news. I’m breaking all my rules for her, and don’t even care.

Until I find out who she is and what she really wants. She’s after payback, but there’s no way she’s going to get it. No way in hell…

Buy Links: AMAZON | B&N | iTUNES | KOBO

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/3/29/payback-christina-phillips

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34741829-payback

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/197376-viking-bastards-mc

I trace the outline of her ear and those three irresistible hoops. She gives a little shiver but still doesn’t grab hold of me. Guess it’s time to ease her mind on things.

I move in closer, and she steps back until she’s flat against the larder door.

“What happens between us tonight doesn’t affect your job. You understand?”

“You mean if I knee your nuts, you won’t fire me?”

Instinctively, I cradle my junk. “That wasn’t my first thought.”

Her smile damn near takes my breath away. “I bet it wasn’t. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

“Is that right?” I’m sure my package is safe so I twist a length of her hair around my finger. It’s as soft and silky as I imagined. “What’s that, then?”

“I think you’re trying to get inside my thong.”

The image of Amelia in nothing but a sexy thong fills my head. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yeah. It’s not happening.”

My gaze drops to her mouth. “Wanna bet?”

“I don’t need to bet. I’m telling you. All you get tonight is a kiss.”

Chicks don’t lay down the law to me. But then again, I’ve never been with a girl who confuses me as much as Amelia. If she wants to leave, she could easily walk away. I won’t stop her. But she stands there, like she’s daring me to take me up on her offer.

A kiss.

I give her a mocking smile. “You’ll want more than a kiss from me.”

She doesn’t answer right away, and I hide my smirk of victory as I lean in to claim her mouth. Her head tilts to the side, evading me, which is both frustrating and oddly fascinating.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. A kiss is my best offer. Take it or leave it.”

Despite the throb between my legs, I have the crazy urge to laugh. “That’s your best offer? You sure you don’t want me to go down on you?”

For a second I swear she’s about say yes, but then she hitches in a ragged breath. “Totally sure. Keep your head right where it is.”

No chick has ever refused that offer before, and the way she’s so desperately trying to hide how turned on she is makes me grin. “Okay. But I’ll only kiss you on one condition.”

“Huh?” She sounds drunk, and blinks at me like everything’s out of focus. “You have a condition?”

“It’s only fair.”

She stares at me as though I’ve lost my mind. I think I fucking have. Not that I care, since crazy as this all is, I’ve never had as much fun hooking up before.

Finally, she speaks. “What is it?”

“I can use my hands on you.” I wave my fingers in her face and she glances at them as though she has no idea what I’m talking about.

“Okay.” There’s a cautious note in her voice as though she thinks it’s some kind of trick. “But that’s all. Just your hands.”

That’s all I need.

AUTHOR INFO:

Christina Phillips is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She writes on the sizzling side of naughty, and loves bringing her tough biker heroes to their knees (her heroines enjoy this, too ☺)

She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blast / Book Review * THE MAGNATE’S MARRIAGE MERGER by Joanne Rock

May 11, 2017 1 Comment

The Magnate's Marriage Merger by Joanne Rock
Series: The McNeill Magnates
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 1, 2017
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The matchmaker meets her match…in one very persistent tycoon!

Secretive matchmaker to the rich and famous, Lydia Whitney prefers to stay behind the scenes. But after one mistake, rich resort developer Ian McNeill is hot on her trail, and he's more attractive—and persistent—than ever before.

Ian can't believe it when he figures out who's messing with his family: a woman who has deceived—and seduced—him before. What's her agenda? And why can't he resist her? He'll get the answers to all his questions, if Lydia agrees to his convenient marriage proposal. But once she's in his arms again, will he let her go?

A dashing business man gets a second chance with the one that got away! The characters are easy to like, and we enjoy seeing them interact with the rest of the family that we got to know in the previous book. A fast-paced, satisfying read! Looking forward to more in the series … and especially delving into the secrets that were uncovered!

Resort developer Ian McNeill got more than he bargained for when he hired his PI buddy to track down the matchmaker that caused a huge scandal for his brothers a couple of months ago. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d come to him with a picture of his ex!

Lydia Whitney admits that the secretive matchmaking originally started as a little bit of payback on Ian, but she seriously never meant for the big snafu to happen with his brothers! A big misunderstanding that she was a bit too sensitive about led to them breaking up a year ago after a short-lived relationship … and seeing each other brings back those same old feelings. Ian proposes she help him out of a situation by marrying him for a year … and she reluctantly agrees. When all is said and done, will either of them be walking away?

The Magnate’s Marriage Merger
The McNeill Magnates #2

By: Joanne Rock

Releasing May 9, 2017
Harlequin Desire

Blurb
The matchmaker meets her match…in one very persistent tycoon!

Secretive matchmaker to the rich and famous, Lydia Whitney prefers to stay behind the scenes. But after one mistake, rich resort developer Ian McNeill is hot on her trail, and he’s more attractive—and persistent—than ever before.

Ian can’t believe it when he figures out who’s messing with his family: a woman who has deceived—and seduced—him before. What’s her agenda? And why can’t he resist her? He’ll get the answers to all his questions, if Lydia agrees to his convenient marriage proposal. But once she’s in his arms again, will he let her go?

Buy Links: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/magnates-marriage-merger-joanne-rock

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32336143-the-magnate-s-marriage-merger

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/200999-the-mcneill-magnates

She was a woman of habit and that would serve him well now. He hoped. He remembered how much she had enjoyed swimming first thing in the morning when they were working together in the islands of Tahiti. He’d accused her of being a mermaid with her daily need to return to the sea, but even when he’d been bleary-eyed from working late the night before, he never missed a chance to swim with her. For safety purposes, he’d told her, and not just because he enjoyed the occasional chance to slide a hand beneath her bikini top or wind the wet rope of her hair around his hand and angle her sea-salty lips for his kiss.

When the elevator sounded its dull chime, he slowly looked up. The doors opened and Lydia strode into view. His gaze fell on her long, shapely legs, the hem of her black mesh tunic revealing a hint of thigh.

“Ian?” Her voice tugged his attention higher, pulling his focus to her green eyes and creamy skin devoid of makeup.

With her hair scraped back into a ponytail, she looked every inch the part of his earthy, warmhearted lover from last summer. He had to remember that she hadn’t been the woman he thought, that he’d been wrong about her, or he might have swept her up into his arms and ridden the elevator back up to her hotel room to remind her how good they were together in at least one respect.

Sex. Raw, sensual, mind-blowing sex.

His pulse ramped up at the steamy memories, so much so that he had to shut down those thoughts and focus on the present or his plan would be doomed before he even started.

“Hope you don’t mind if I join you.” Ian tucked his phone back into the pocket of the cargo shorts he’d slid on over his swim trunks.

She halted in front of him abruptly. Then, eyes sliding to the desk attendant, she stepped closer. Probably she did it to minimize the chance of being overheard.

Ian liked the opportunity to breathe in the scent of her—the lavender fragrance of the detergent she washed her clothes in and a subtle perfume more complex than that.

“What on earth are you doing here?” She glanced over her shoulder. “You realize most of the consultants working on the Foxfire are staying in this hotel? What will they say if someone sees us together at this hour?”

“They’ll think we had a whole lot more fun last night than they did.”

Last night, he’d paced the floor of his penthouse suite for far too long, thinking through every aspect of a contract marriage and what details he should include in the paperwork.

In the end, she would sign. But she wasn’t going to like him forcing her hand, and that bothered him more than it should have.

“And that doesn’t concern you? I happen to enjoy a hard-earned reputation as a professional.” Her clipped words and the high color in her cheeks told him he’d gotten under her skin in record time.

“If you don’t want anyone to see us together, we might as well hit the beach. Take refuge in the water.” His hand itched to touch her. To rest on the small of her back and steer her out the door, across the street and onto the soft sand. But he had to be careful not to push or she could dig her heels in about his suggestion and delay the whole thing.

Now that he’d made up his mind and seen the benefits of a union between the two of them, he couldn’t think of one damn reason why he should delay.

After narrowing her green eyes at him for an instant, she pivoted on her wedge sandals and strode toward the exit.

He caught up to her in two long steps, holding the door wide for her before as they headed out onto Ocean Drive, which was strangely quiet in the predawn dark. There were more joggers on the beach than bathers; a few runners kicked up sand as they pounded past them.

“It’ll be quieter down here.” He pointed out a stretch of the shore where no beach loungers had been set up yet, a spot free from any hotel guests.

In fact, he’d claimed the location for them earlier when he’d ordered a cabana and sunrise breakfast. Lydia apparently didn’t notice his preparations, however, instead appearing too absorbed in her frustrated march toward the water, her feet churning through the sand at breakneck pace.

The horizon was starting to smudge from inky black to purple as she reached the shoreline and kicked off her shoes. Then she yanked the black mesh cover-up off and over her head. Mesmerized by her silhouette as his eyes adjusted to the light, Ian watched as she ran into the surf and made a shallow dive under an oncoming wave… She was a woman of habit and that would serve him well now. He hoped. He remembered how much she had enjoyed swimming first thing in the morning when they were working together in the islands of Tahiti. He’d accused her of being a mermaid with her daily need to return to the sea, but even when he’d been bleary-eyed from working late the night before, he never missed a chance to swim with her. For safety purposes, he’d told her, and not just because he enjoyed the occasional chance to slide a hand beneath her bikini top or wind the wet rope of her hair around his hand and angle her sea-salty lips for his kiss.

Author Info

Four-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn’t like. The author of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her life outlook perfectly–love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann. 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

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Prize 1: a Lily Pulitzer weekly calendar, makeup bag, scented soap, nail polish set and romance by Maisey Yates and Joanne Rock ( 1 winner – US Only)

Prize 2: $10 Amazon GC and digital download of The Magnate’s Mail -Order Bride by Joanne Rock (1 winner, open INTL)

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Week Blitz * SCORE by Victoria Denault

May 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

Title: SCORE

Author: Victoria Denault

Series: San Francisco Thunder, #1

On Sale: May 9, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Trade Paperback: $14.99 USD

eBook: $3.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

“Denault launches a new series, featuring the bad boys of the San Francisco Thunder, with gusto, passion and heaps of tension and sensual detail. Several genre-defying complications makes the story feel unexpectedly fresh. Moreover, the consistent reinforcement of the female characters’ strength and individuality turns this book into something unique, and provides plenty of incentive for fans of sport romances to seek out this new series without delay.” –RT Book Reviews

“Sexy, sassy, and a perfect new adult read for fans who love hockey and romance, not necessarily in that order. An excellent new sports series launch.” –Library Journal

He’s used to winning, but now he’s playing with his heart.

Jude Braddock. Hockey god. That’s how everyone sees him now. But when they were teenagers, Zoey knew him as the kid who didn’t have enough nerve to make a move on their one and only disastrous date. Seems he doesn’t have that problem anymore, though. According to the rumors, he’s with a different woman every night. After a rough divorce, the last thing Zoey needs is more heartbreak. But Jude’s cocky, playful attitude is mighty hard to resist.

Jude knows he isn’t built for long-term relationships. But he’s getting sick of women pounding on his door in the middle of the night looking for a rematch. When Zoey comes back into his life, it’s like fate has given him a second chance. He’ll do anything to make her happy again. Is this what love looks like? He has no idea. All he knows for sure is that this time, he’s playing for keeps.

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EXCERPT:

Still staring at my blank phone screen, I stumble toward the door and of course I walk straight into someone. Of course. Because to- day is going to be shitty in every possible way. Luckily, I manage to avoid getting chai latte on either of us; it barely spills over the lid and only dribbles onto my hand.

“I’m so sorry!” I say at the exact same time she does, and I look up to see a familiar face staring back, but I can’t place it.

She blinks azure eyes and then her whole face lights up. “Zoey?

Zoey Quinlin? Oh my God!”

She’s hugging me before I realize what’s happening. I wrap the hand not covered in latte around her back and return the embrace. She pulls back, still holding my shoulders, and smiles. “Holy crap! It’s been over ten years! Oh my God.” She pauses and glances around before adding in a softer voice, “It’s Dixie. Dixie Braddock. You used to babysit me at my family’s summer cottage in Maine. You were friends with my brother, Jude.”

“Holy shit! Dixie Braddock?” I can’t believe it. The last time I saw her she was thirteen. Wheat hair; pink, suntanned skin; freckles across her nose and chronically scabbed-up knees from trying to keep up with her older sisters and brother, who were all daredevils on their bikes and skateboards and surfboards. Babysitting them—well, the girls, anyway—for the two years I lived in Maine was a highlight of my summers. And so was seeing their brother. Shit, I hadn’t thought of Jude Braddock in a while. I find myself smiling now that I am.

“You live in San Fran?” she questions as she takes my elbow and leads me over to the counter and hands me a napkin for my latte- soaked hand.

“Yeah. Stayed local after college,” I explain as I put down the latte and wipe my hand. “And you live here?”

She nods, her sleek blond bob moving like a curtain around her face. She looks close to the tiny thing I babysat but much more refined and beautiful now. I do the math: she’s only twenty-four, but she looks more put together than any twenty-four-year-old I’ve known.

“Yeah. I went to school for sports media, then interned with the San Francisco Thunder hockey team, and they hired me full- time this year.” Her eyes dart around, and her voice drops again. “Jude plays for them, so I use my mom’s last name, Wynn, so no one thinks he got me the job. He didn’t.”

“Jude is in San Francisco?” I don’t know why I felt the need to say that with such breathless shock. I knew he made the NHL, but I had thought he was playing in Milwaukee. That’s where he was last time I Googled him, which was three years ago, before I married Adam.

“Yeah. Got traded a couple years ago,” Dixie explains. “So how’s your family? Where’s your dad preaching now?”

“He’s retired. Mom and Dad are in Sacramento,” I explain. “My brother, Morgan, is a teacher here in San Francisco.”

“Morgan!” She laughs and her cheeks turn a little pink. “Sadie, Winnie and I had such a crush on your brother when we were little. Remember we used to keep begging you to invite him over when you were watching us?”

I nod and can’t help but smile back. Yeah, that memory hasn’t faded. The Braddock girls wanted my brother to come over, but I never invited him. Not because he was gay, which I already knew at that point, but because if Morgan was around, he would tease me about gawking at Jude, which I always did if he happened to come home before Mr. and Mrs. Braddock’s date night ended.

Dixie glances at her phone in her hand, and I realize we both must have been looking at our screens when we collided. She frowns. “I have to go. I have a meeting at the arena in twenty.” She puts a hand on my arm again. “But I would love to catch up with you, and I know Winnie and Sadie would too. They’re going to be in town this weekend. Would you be able to do brunch?”

“Yeah, I can do brunch,” I reply and am shocked at how excited I am at her suggestion. I haven’t really done much of anything social since the separation. I kind of lost touch with a lot of my friends after marrying Adam and adopted his circle of friends. And they all promptly orphaned me after the separation. I didn’t care much because I didn’t feel up to social interaction, but suddenly this seems like a pleasant distraction from my reality. The Braddock family was one of my favorite parts of my childhood.

“Amazing!” Dixie almost squeals. “How about tomorrow. Eleven?”

I nod. “Where?”

“You pick.”

“MKT?” I blurt out because it’s in my hotel and I’m too flustered to think of anything else. To be honest, I don’t even know what they serve for brunch.

“Great! Sadie loves that place, and she’s normally impossible to please.” She hugs me again. “See you tomorrow! Winnie and Sadie are going to be so excited!”

And then, before I can even lift my hand to wave, she’s back out the door. She never even got a coffee, but she doesn’t seem to notice. I’m more dumbfounded and confused than I was from the phone call with Minerva. The Braddocks are here. Well, at least Jude and Dixie are here. In San Francisco. Where I live. When the hell did that happen?

I look around the coffee shop to make sure there’s no one else from my past lurking around. A teacher, a neighbor, another sister of an old unconsummated love. Although Jude was my only unrequited love, but he did have three sisters. Whom I will be having brunch with tomorrow. Crazy!

I slip out of Peet’s and concentrate on the clicking of my heels as I make my way back over to my office. I finally take a sip of my jostled latte. It’s barely warm but the caffeine still manages to clear my head a little. Not enough that eagle-eye Marti doesn’t notice something is up.

“Everything okay?” she wants to know as she stands at her desk, gathering things she needs for her day and placing them in her bag. “You look more out of it than you did before the coffee.”

“I ran into someone I haven’t seen in a long time,” I murmur, and for some reason Jude’s seventeen-year-old face floats through my head, not Dixie’s from this morning. “The last time I saw her was in Maine eleven years ago, so it was surprising.”

“Wow.” Marti takes a break from filling her Michael Kors satchel with listing flyers. “Small world, huh? I love when that happens. Unless it’s someone I hate. Was it someone you hate?”

“No. Not at all,” I reply and drop down gently into my seat. “She and her sisters were sweethearts. Seems like they still are. I’ll definitely find out, because I’m having brunch with them tomorrow.”

“Cool.” Marti isn’t paying attention anymore. Her eyes are focused across the room on Parker McDavid, who is the owner of our company. He’s midforties, tall with a dad bod that is oddly at- tractive, probably because he covers it in perfectly tailored designer clothes. His dark hair is graying in all the right places, like George Clooney’s, and his eyes are warm and his smile is kind. But he’s an astute businessman who expects a lot from his Realtors, and Marti is constantly trying to impress him. I am too, if I’m being honest, but I’m new. She’s not new, but she’s still hungry.

“I’m going to tell Parker about the deal I just closed, and then I’m off for a condo showing,” Marti explains and barely even waves good-bye as she hustles toward the kitchen Parker just disappeared into for his morning croissant and English Breakfast tea.

I open my laptop and pull up my email, determined to keep my mind focused on work. I need to send a follow-up email regarding the potential Haight listing, but my brain is bouncing from Adam to Dixie.

One future encounter I’m dreading—confronting Adam—and one I’m looking forward to—seeing the Braddock sisters. But the one that isn’t destined to happen is the one that fills me with excitement I haven’t felt in a long time—the potential that since I’m meeting three Braddock siblings I might also run into the fourth: Jude.

THE SAN FRANCISCO THUNDER SERIES

SCORE, #1

SLAMMED, #2

Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Denault loves long walks on the beach, cinnamon dolce lattes and writing angst-filled romance. She lives in L.A. but grew up in Montreal, which is why she is fluent in English, French and hockey.