Book Reviews – Page 244

* Review * FALLING FOR THE BROTHER by Tara Taylor Quinn

April 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Falling for the Brother by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: Where Secrets are Safe
Published by Harlequin Superromance on March 1, 2018
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A brother’s secrets, a brother’s love

Head of security Harper Davidson is shocked when her ex’s grandmother becomes the newest resident at The Lemonade Stand shelter. The suspected abuser? The woman’s own grandson, Harper’s ex-husband. None of this makes any sense. And yet she knows his brother, Mason Thomas, would not make these accusations lightly. For her daughter’s sake, Harper agrees to help Mason uncover the truth.

Clouding the investigation is the attraction that still lingers between her and Mason—a temptation Harper won’t give in to again. Harper’s loyalty and emotions are divided once more. And when past secrets come to light, she’s not sure who to trust…

An exciting addition to the Where Secrets Are Safe series! With her signature style of writing, Tara Taylor Quinn always enchants her reader with an in depth characterization that has us quickly hooked into the story line. This book is no different. The first chapter reveals the clincher of what the book is about and throughout various ups and downs, we follow along trying to figure out if he’s truly guilty or not. The romance wasn’t the key aspect of this book, but the mystery kept me hooked. I enjoyed it!

Head of security at The Lemonade Stand, Harper Davidson never expected someone she knew to come through the doors as their newest victim, much less that the accused would be her ex-husband! When Harper gets the info that her ex’s grandmother was admitted overnight and that his brother has listed her ex as the person that injured her, she can’t believe it. She’s never known that side of Bruce … but she also knows that Mason is a stand-up guy and would never accuse him if he didn’t truly think it was true. She’s not sure what to think!

Mason Thomas will do anything to protect his grandmother, even if it’s his own brother who is hurting her! He hasn’t seen Harper in several years, but he knows she will help him get to the bottom of keeping his grandmother safe while he investigates to find out what truly happened. Along the way, the feelings they have both kept hidden over the years come back to the surface and make for an interesting situation!

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* Review * THE SHADOW by Sarah M. Anderson

April 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Shadow by Sarah M. Anderson
Series: Men of the White Sandy #3
on March 8, 2014
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Nobody Bodine is a nobody who came from a nobody and will always be a nobody.

He disappears into the shadows—no one sees him if he doesn’t want them to. He exists in neither the white man’s world nor the tribe’s, dispensing vigilante justice when he sees fit. There’s no other place for a man like him in this world.

Until Melonie Mitchell shows up on the rez. From the first moment he lays eyes on her, he can tell there’s something different about her. For starters, she’s not afraid of him. She asks where his scars came from, and why he has so many. But more than that, she sees him. For the first time in his life, Nobody feels like a somebody in her eyes.

Melonie has come west to run the new day care on the White Sandy Reservation. She’s intrigued by this strange man and his tattered skin, and when she discovers that he’s a self-appointed guardian angel for the boy in her care, she realizes that there’s more to Nobody than meets the eyes. But how far will he go to keep the boy safe? And will she be able to draw him into the light?

This book was previously published as Nobody.

Heart-wrenching, powerful and a super sweet love story! I knew there was something special about Nobody from encounters with him in the previous books in the series, but getting to know his past and seeing the true person he is inside was really special. I think he might just be my favorite hero in the series so far! The characters were quick to draw me into their story, and I hoped against hope that she was going to be able to convince him to take a chance on her. Loved their special connection and their story!

Melanie Mitchell has just arrived on the White Sandy Reservation to stay with her sister, Dr. Madeline Mitchell and to start up a day care center adjacent to the clinic. She doesn’t know what to make of the strange visitor that comes around to visit her sister’s husband Rebel, but she’s intrigued. He’s silent, strong and scarred and she thinks there’s a lot more to his story than he tells.

Nobody Bodine lives in the shadows letting life pass him by. He isn’t much for this world and thinks no one could want a man like him, but Melonie soon shows him different when she takes an interest in him. When they find themselves on the same side helping out a troubled young boy, it takes their relationship to a whole new level, but when Nobody endangers their future, can she find a way to calm him like no other?

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* Review * MASTER COLE by Marie Tuhart

April 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

Master Cole by Marie Tuhart
Published by Trifecta Publishing House on February 19, 2018
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Janie Murphy’s glimpse inside of lifelong friend Cole Daniels’ special playroom has her intrigued, even if she has no physical experience with such wild pleasures. She only knows she’s been attracted to him for years and yearns for a relationship between them – and she’s not afraid to try a little kink.

Dominant Cole Daniels never imagined he’d find himself in the position of dragging a very grown-up and very attractive Janie out of a BDSM club. And when she challenges him to be the one to teach her the joys of the wilder side of intimacy or allow someone else the sheer pleasure of initiating her, he can’t resist.

As Janie begins to fall in love, witnessing a true power exchange causes her the painful realization that touching Cole’s heart is beyond her dreams.

When Janie leaves him, can Cole open his heart to the woman he truly loves? And will she be willing to handle all of Cole?

Friends to more in the blink of an eye! The friendship and familiarity of the main characters makes this a more personal feeling book than you might often get right off the bat. I loved their connection, and I felt for each of them as they felt their way through where this was all going to lead for them. It’s a pretty mild read in the world of BDSM, but the close-knit relationship made it special.

Janie Murphy has been curious about the BDSM lifestyle for years now, ever since she got a glimpse of her life-long friend Cole’s masterful playroom! She’s living back in town now and just so happens to be staying with Cole, and she’s determined she’s going to get him to open his eyes to the woman in front of him even if she has to play with someone else to prove her point!

Cole Daniels is furious when he has to go and drag Janie out of a BDSM club. Yes, she’s a grown woman and can make her own choices, but he’s not going to let any other man touch her! He won’t admit his feelings about her, but he makes a deal to teach her the things she wants to know in a loving way. Something happened in his past that made him close off a part of his heart, and even now when things are so good with Janie, he can’t release his feelings and give her the love that she wants. It breaks her heart, but she’s willing to walk away if she has to!

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* Review * EDGE OF DARKNESS by Karen Rose

April 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

Edge of Darkness by Karen Rose
Series: The Cincinnati Series
Published by Berkley on February 6, 2018
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Homicide detective Adam Kimble is no stranger to battling demons. But Meredith Fallon is a different kind of weakness: one that could actually be good for him, if only he would let himself depend on her. Meredith has loved Adam for a year, and seeing how hard he's worked to deal with his PTSD makes her feelings only stronger, but she respects his needs. Her work keeps her busy anyway: she counsels sexually abused women like Mallory Martin to help them reintegrate into the world.

But someone doesn't want Meredith helping women like Mallory, and Meredith finds herself in the crosshairs of a very determined killer. Adam would risk anything for her, but they'll soon find out she isn't the only target...

Captivatingly addictive with a shocking outcome! From the very start of this book I was drawn into the mystery of who was secretly pulling the strings of all of the goings ons around the area, and why. Here and there it would lead us to suspect one person, then a little later we might think it’s someone else. A very thrilling read with in depth characters, a well developed plot and an eery uneasiness as we came into contact with yet another person around each corner that could be involved in the mystery. I really enjoyed it!

Homicide detective Adam Kimble might have distanced himself from the woman he dearly wants in his life, but he’s only doing so until he gets stable and healthy enough to be the man he thinks she deserves to have in her life. He’s holding on by a thread as he tries to be patient until enough time has passed, but when he hears that she’s at the scene of major danger, he doesn’t hesitate to run to her side!

Psychologist Meredith Fallon doesn’t understand why Adam has pushed her away for the last several months, but she’s thrilled to have him arrive and try to pinpoint what in the world just happened right in front of her. She counsels traumatized and at risk youth, and for some reason someone seems to be targeting her … and maybe even some of her young clients!

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* Blog Tour / Review * THE SOLDIER’S HOMECOMING by Patricia Potter

April 13, 2018 5 Comments

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * THE SOLDIER’S HOMECOMING by Patricia Potter

The Soldier's Homecoming by Patricia Potter
Series: Home to Covenant Falls
Published by Harlequin Superromance on April 1, 2018
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He’s looking for roots. She won’t be tied down.

Army ranger Travis Hammond needs to heal physical and emotional wounds. A job in Covenant Falls checking out equine therapy programs for veterans is a start, but it’s only temporary. And he doesn’t need a partner, especially some reporter with the persistence of a terrier and irresistible green eyes. Like Travis, Jenny Talbot’s just passing through town. Unlike Travis, Jenny knows exactly where she’s going next—back to the Middle East, as soon as she recovers from her own war injury. But there’s a bend in the road for both of them.

An emotionally riveting read! Two lost souls find a friend to believe in as they each recover from their own traumas and find their way into each other’s hearts. The story was very easy to get hooked into and the characters felt real. This town seems to have a healing power on veterans who return home from fighting for their country and then find themselves floundering to return to life and daily living. It’s very humbling to see so many different sides of what they have gone through and continue to live through as they heal. Great series!

Major Travis Hammond is trying to figure out which path to take in his life now that an injury has side-lined him. When a friend reaches out to him to be a consultant in setting up the equine therapy program in Covenant Falls, it seems like a great program to take his mind off of his troubles for the time he needs to make up his mind about his future.

Reporter Jenny Talbot was wounded doing a story in the Middle East, and is now passing time while she heals and waits to go back. When she hears about this town that seems to call to veterans, she knows she just has to visit and do a story on them. When she gets there and meets Travis and feels the tension the town feels about spotlighting the people who want privacy most, she agrees to center on the program and not on the people. She knows this story is going to be powerful and she wants to get it just right.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Soldier’s Homecoming
(Home to Covenant Falls #5)
by Patricia Potter
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Superromance

He’s looking for roots. She won’t be tied down.

Army ranger Travis Hammond needs to heal physical and emotional wounds. A job in Covenant Falls checking out equine therapy programs for veterans is a start, but it’s only temporary. And he doesn’t need a partner, especially some reporter with the persistence of a terrier and irresistible green eyes. Like Travis, Jenny Talbot’s just passing through town. Unlike Travis, Jenny knows exactly where she’s going next—back to the Middle East, as soon as she recovers from her own war injury. But there’s a bend in the road for both of them.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

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

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

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Tour Schedule

April 9th:
Launch
It’s All About the Romance
Simply Kelina
underneath the covers
April 10th:
Colorimetry
Deal Sharing Aunt
Locks, Hooks and Books
Harlequin Junkie
April 11th:
Mello & June, It’s a Book Thang!
Nicole’s Book Musings
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
E-Romance News
April 12th:
Wishful Endings
Two Points of Interest
Hearts & Scribbles
April 13th:
SilverWoodSketches
Thoughts of a Blonde
Teatime and Books
April 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally
– 1 winner will receive signed print copies of of THE SOLDIER’S PROMISE, TEMPTED BY THE SOLDIER, A SOLDIER’S JOURNEY, and THE SEAL’S RETURN (US only)
– Ends April 18th

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* Blog Tour / Review * EXPECTING A SCANDAL by Joanne Rock

April 12, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * EXPECTING A SCANDAL by Joanne Rock

Expecting a Scandal by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: The Impostor
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2018
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Five months pregnant and on her own. Even so, she can’t resist this rugged rancher…

Solely responsible for her unborn child, Abigail Stewart is desperate for the art commission at Royal Memorial Hospital. Winning over the sexy Texan on the board seems impossible, but Vaughn surprises her with his response. And his attention. And a sizzling connection that defies all logic. But even if he can accept her baby, will Vaughn’s dark past tear them apart?

Instant attraction brings the pages to life! As we delve deeper into the Texas Cattleman’s Club: The Imposter series, Joanne Rock brings us the story of a taken advantage of woman and a weary doctor who find an instant connection and set out to enjoy the ride while it lasts! The characters were easy to connect with, the story was a fast paced, easy read and the plot while having the underlying connection to an on-going mystery, had it’s own story as well that drew me in quickly. I really enjoyed it!

Abigail Stewart never expected to find herself pregnant and alone at this point in her life. She’s a talented artist and really needs this new commission at Royal Memorial Hospital … only problem is, the handsome doctor that is throwing up roadblocks!

Vaughn Chambers is from a wealthy family, and became a surgeon because he wanted to, not out of need for a prestigious career. He’s recently back from a medical deployment in the Army and isn’t handling the things he saw very well. His brusque attitude is the first thing Abigail notices about him, but she also notices what a kind and gentle soul rests behind the demons weighing him down!

Five months pregnant and on her own. Even so, she can’t resist this rugged rancher…

Solely responsible for her unborn child, Abigail Stewart is desperate for the art commission at Royal Memorial Hospital. Winning over the sexy Texan on the board seems impossible, but Vaughn surprises her with his response. And his attention. And a sizzling connection that defies all logic. But even if he can accept her baby, will Vaughn’s dark past tear them apart?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B16TG4/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/expecting-a-scandal-joanne-rock/1127202013?ean=9781488091926

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/expecting-a-scandal/id1294225791?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/expecting-a-scandal

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Joanne_Rock_Expecting_a_Scandal?id=oxM5DwAAQBAJ

Excerpt from Expecting a Scandal by Joanne Rock

April 2018

“Detaching isn’t a problem for me,” Vaughn admitted, unwilling to confess how deeply he wrestled with the fallout from that skill. “Sometimes that makes me far too abrupt, as you witnessed firsthand in today’s committee meeting.”

He watched Abigail’s face, locking on her expression before he continued. “Were you venting negative emotions about that when you drew the picture of me?”

Perhaps she’d been expecting the question, or maybe she’d simply been more prepared to revisit the topic after her initial embarrassment about the sketch. She lifted a brow, her gaze wary, but she didn’t flush with discomfort this time.

“You noticed that and didn’t say anything?” She shook her head with a rueful laugh and leaned up against a built-in counter with cabinets below and shelves overhead. Paintbrushes in every size imaginable hung on a rack over the shelves. “I guess you are good at detaching. If I saw someone had made a picture of me, I would have been quick to ask a hundred questions about it.”

His gaze traveled her body, where her position drew all the more attention to her curves.

“I was curious.” He shoved his hands in his pockets to combat the urge to touch her. “I just didn’t think it was the right moment to ask.”

“Truthfully, yes, I felt frustrated about the meeting when I returned to the studio. I didn’t have any preconceived idea of what I would draw. I just sat down to blurt out anything that came to mind.” She met his eyes directly. Openly. “I was surprised when I saw you take shape on the paper.”

He wanted to think he’d ended up there because they had a connection. An undeniable spark.

Because the longer he lingered in Abigail’s sunny studio, the more he felt his normal boundaries crumbling. And while he wanted that—craved following up on the attraction simmering between them—he wasn’t sure how he would handle anything beyond simple lust. The realization made him edgy.

She filled the silence that followed with a sudden question. “Would you like me to finish the drawing?”

His throat went dry. The question had gotten complicated in the space of a moment as he started to recognize that Abigail wasn’t going to be the kind of woman who would be open to a purely physical relationship.

“I wouldn’t want to keep you from your work.” He couldn’t think of a more eloquent retreat with Abigail moving toward him. Touching him again.

“Not at all.” She took his hand briefly to lead him toward a chair near her painting spot, her touch fanning the flame inside him, making him think about so much more. “Have a seat and I’ll finish up. You can see what it’s like to watch an artist at work.”

In the space of five minutes, Vaughn realized he’d somehow used up all his emotional reserves today. All of his ability to detach. Because that simple touch from Abigail sent all the wrong messages to his brain. He hadn’t given himself the outlet of a sexual relationship since he’d returned from Afghanistan. And now, the consequences of that had him on sensory overload, when he’d already battled the aftermath of a hellish surgery this morning.

A perfect storm of too many emotions without enough time to process them. He should have taken the time to go home and pick up Ruby before he came here. Having his dog beside him would have helped.

But he was already sitting in the seat Abigail had shown him when she returned with a heavy pencil in one hand and her half-made sketch in the other. She set both on a low table nearby, then moved closer to him, her gaze all over him. Studying him.

Seeing inside him somehow.

“Do you mind if I position you just a little?” she asked, already setting aside the folder he’d been carrying.

He wasn’t sure if he’d agreed or not. His forehead broke out in a sweat. Warning heat blasted up his back. He wanted her.

“Here.” Abigail set her hands on his shoulders and gently shifted them toward her.

She stood close, her knee brushing his thigh as she moved him, her breasts at eye level. She smelled like cinnamon and oranges, a spicy, tangy fragrance that would be burned into his memory forever. Sunlight kissed her face as she lifted his chin with one palm, her eyes taking a critical assessment of his features while he battled lust and a whole knot of other things he couldn’t come close to naming. Hunger for her gnawed at him. Hot. Persistent.

“I’ve got to go.” He clamped a hand on her wrist. Too hard at first. But then, realizing his responses were all out of whack, he gentled his hand. Released her. “I’m sorry, Abigail. I forgot that I said I would—” He rose from the chair. Sidestepped her. “Upload my notes on a critical care patient after some—” His brain worked to come up with something vaguely believable before he did something stupid. Like kiss her until they were both breathless. Senseless. “Technical difficulties at the hospital.”

His voice rasped drily as he grappled for control.

“Of course.” She nodded even though she appeared as perplexed as he felt. “I’m sure I’ll see you at the hospital when I start work on site.”

“Right.” He didn’t reiterate his offer for her to come by his ranch. He needed to get his head on straight first. “I’m sure you will.”

Backing out of the door, he lifted a hand in a quick wave.

“Thank you for coming by. I couldn’t be more excited about the project,” she called after him.

But Vaughn didn’t answer. He was down the steps and seated in his truck in no time, slamming the door behind him while he turned over the engine and blasted the air-conditioning on his overheated body.

He didn’t know what the hell he’d been thinking, pursuing this sudden attraction he was clearly not ready to handle. Maybe some other day, when he wasn’t already depleted from a surgery that had brought back too many memories. But for right now, he needed to put some distance between him and a woman who stirred a surplus of emotions. No matter how much he thought he had mastered detachment, Abigail Stewart made him realize he’d only succeeded in getting damn good at lying to himself.

About Joanne Rock:

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.

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* Blog Tour * EMBRACED AT SEASIDE by Addison Cole

April 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

Things are heating up at Seaside!

EMBRACED AT SEASIDE

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers #8

Addison Cole

Releasing April 11, 2018

Blurb
After working hard all day creating his beautiful metal sculptures, Hunter Lacroux likes to unwind with a hot babe–or two. But after spending a handful of nights with smart, sassy, and beautiful Jana Garner, the woman who challenges everything he does and says, Hunter wants more.

As a dancer, boxer, actress, and waitress, Jana is tough, organized, and as dedicated as she is committed. She has to be to maintain her crazy schedule. But when it comes to men, Jana’s had a string of bad relationships, and there’s only thing she’ll commit to–not committing.

Passion ignites every time Jana and Hunter are together, but the closer Hunter gets, the faster Jana runs. When Hunter lays on the charm, Jana throws out a challenge she’s sure he can’t meet, and Hunter steps up to the plate, forcing her to face her hurtful past or let go of him forever.

Embraced at Seaside is the sweet edition of the steamy romance novel Seaside Embrace by Melissa Foster

PLEASE NOTE: “Embraced at Seaside” is true sweet with heat. Jana and Hunter’s story is the steamiest in the series, and remains true to the characters’ personalities. As with all Addison Cole novels, “Embraced at Seaside” does not include any explicit scenes or harsh language (with the exception of an occasional “damn” or “hell”).

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Author Info

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language.

Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Visit Addison on her website or chat with her on social media. Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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* Blog Tour / Review * HOW THE COWBOY WAS WON by Lori Wilde

April 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * HOW THE COWBOY WAS WON by Lori Wilde

How the Cowboy Was Won by Lori Wilde
Series: Cupid, Texas
Published by Avon on March 27, 2018
Buy on Amazon
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Ember Alzate is a fantastic matchmaker with one big problem: she can’t find the perfect mate for herself! Alzate family legend says that when she kisses “the One” she’ll hear a mysterious humming in her head. Well, Ember’s kissed a lot of guys and she’s never heard a thing. Now, instead of searching for herself, she vows to find her best friend, Ranger Lockhart, a bride. It’s clear this smart, sexy man just needs to meet the right gal.

Ranger’s returned home to Cupid with marriage on his mind, but he’s not interested in the parade of women Ember pushes under his nose. His thoughts keep returning to his best friend—with her combustible combination of curves and sass. No one compares to Ember, but what’s it going to take to convince her she’s the woman for him?

A realization of forever! Ember and Ranger have been best friends for pretty much forever. Always there to entertain and support each other through thick and thin. Finally back in the same place again and both single, they start to feel a tingle of attraction they’ve succeeded in denying in the past … but this time they just might act on it! I really liked the characters, and the logistics of the plot was fun, it was just very slow moving … and I felt cheated out of the cowboy, since even though he grew up on a ranch, Ranger did nothing the entire book to push my cowboy button. Entertaining none-the-less!

Ember Alzate has always felt like the loner in the world surrounding her. She only manages to feel like she fits when she’s with her best friend Ranger. They complete each other. Total opposites, but with a magical connection. She’s licking her wounds after a painful divorce when Ranger arrives back into town to sweep her off her feet and get her pulled back together.

Ranger Lockhart has always had his head in the stars … literally! … but his grounding force has always been Ember. She can reach him like no other, and their love and friendship has been his saving grace for his entire life. Now back in town and courting his forever job, he has a lot of time to enjoy Ember being at his side … and finds he really loves it … in a whole new way! When new feelings flare up between them, will they decide to act on them or be leery of damaging their forever friendship?

Return to New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s beloved town of Cupid, Texas, where wedding fever is in the air…and two best friends discover that sometimes the perfect match is standing right in front of you.

Ember Alzate is a fantastic matchmaker with one big problem: she can’t find the perfect mate for herself! Alzate family legend says that when she kisses “the One” she’ll hear a mysterious humming in her head. Well, Ember’s kissed a lot of guys and she’s never heard a thing. Now, instead of searching for herself, she vows to find her best friend, Ranger Lockhart, a bride. It’s clear this smart, sexy man just needs to meet the right gal.

Ranger’s returned home to Cupid with marriage on his mind but he’s not interested in the parade of women Ember pushes under his nose. His thoughts keep returning to his best friend—with her combustable combination of curves and sass. No one compares to Ember, but what’s it going to take to convince her she’s the woman for him?

About the Book

How the Cowboy Was Won
by Lori Wilde

Series
Cupid, Texas #6

Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance

Publisher
Avon Books

Publication Date
March 27, 2018

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

HOW THE COWBOY WAS WON by Lori WildeA minute later, Ranger found Ember near the barn entrance scooping two longneck beers from a galvanized tub filled with ice. She was laughing with a younger, dark-haired man that he vaguely recognized. Her head was thrown back, exposing her creamy white throat, and a flirtatious grin lit up her face.

The other man was leaning into her, practically drooling, his eyes fixed on her cleavage.

Quick and sharp, a poke of jealousy stabbed Ranger’s gut, and he had an inexplicable urge to punch the leering guy in the nose. Which wasn’t him. He was the normally the mediator, not the guy starting fights.

But right now? He’d roll up his sleeves for a full-on brawl if it stopped the guy from staring at Ember.

What was this? He knew Ember could take care of herself. She had no need for a chivalrous knight to protect her honor, but damn if he wasn’t mentally searching for jousting armor and a white horse.

Confused, he blinked and shook his head, tried to figure out why he was suddenly feeling so possessive. She was Ember. No one could contain or control her. Nor had he ever wanted to, but right now? Watching this guy touch her shoulder? He felt positively Neanderthal.

Ranger knotted his fists at his sides, bit down on the inside of his cheek.

She caught sight of him and her eyes danced like a kid on Christmas getting the toy she’d long prayed for, and his jealousy vanished. “There you are!”

Her words were a caress, a joyous gift.

Cradling the longneck bottles, dripping with cold water, between her fingers, she reached out to take Ranger’s palm with her other hand, and called, “Bye Warren,” over her shoulder to the other guy.

“Come with me,” she said, guiding him out of the barn and across the dirt road to the cowboy wedding chapel. She opened the door into the empty building. At the back of the room, to the left of the altar, a wooden staircase led to an up-stairs loft.

The place was quiet and dark. Music and laughter from the reception barn sounded muffled and faraway, and the only light came from the full moon shining in through the curtainless windows. The chapel smelled of hymnals and wedding flowers and Ember’s cinnamon-and-anise scent.

It felt mysterious and secret, and Ranger found the place strangely erotic.

What was going on with him tonight?

Ember dropped his hand and hiked up the skirt of her formal gown, a sapphire blue that perfectly matched her eyes, bunching the material in her small fist. She kicked off her high-heeled shoes and climbed barefoot up the wooden ladder, somehow still managing to hang on to those beers.

Part tomboy, part girly-girl, she straddled both identities with ease. Poised and self-confident, Ember was one of those accomplished people who just naturally navigated any environment without having to think about it.

Agog, he stood in the darkness watching her as if seeing her for the first time, amazed at her agility and grace. He noted her delicate feet and toenails painted a pearly peach. Or at least they looked peachy in the moonlight. He admired how soft tendrils of red hair floated from her upsweep to trail against the nape of her long, swan-like neck. God, she was beautiful.

It was as if a year away had spritzed his eyes with window cleaner and rubbed them clear. How could he not have noticed before the ripe lushness of her breasts, the sexy curve of her hips, the pouty fullness of her bottom lip?

She’s your best friend, Lockhart. Stop this.

“Earth to Professor, head out of the clouds,” she called to him from the loft. “You gonna stand there all night?”

Sheepishly, Ranger scooted up the ladder behind her.

Once he joined Ember upstairs, she pushed open the wide barn door and walked out onto a ledge with roof access. Without missing a beat, and still holding the beers, she hiked up her skirt again, revealing those long shapely legs, and glided up a second, spindlier ladder that led to the roof.

Behind her, Ranger felt like a lumbering ape, the heels of his cowboy boots clinging sluggishly to each rung.

“Ahh,” she said, sinking onto the shingles, her knees drawn up, her dress tucked around her legs. Ranger’s heart thumped oddly, and he lowered himself beside her. “Cowboy boots and roof shingles don’t mix well.”

“At least it’s not tin like the barn.” She shrugged, twisted off the top, and passed the beer to him before opening her own.

“True.” He took a long swallow, tasted the familiar yeasty flavor of Lone Star.

With her knees still raised, she lay back on her spine and exhaled forcefully. “Ahh,” she murmured again. “Ahh.”

He doffed his Stetson, lay on his back beside her, resting his cowboy hat on his belly. Their shoulders barely touching, they stared up at the stars, resting in comfortable silence.

How many times had they climbed up on a roof to get away from the hubbub of their large families. A hundred? Two hundred? More?

“Look!” She pointed at the sky. “A falling star.

Make a wish.”

“You know stars don’t have the ability to grant wishes. It’s just—”

“Bits of dust and rocks falling into Earth’s atmosphere and burning up. I know, I know, you’ve told me a million times, but I’ll never give up trying to make a romantic of you.”

“You’re doomed to fail,” he predicted. “I can’t help being born with a scientific mind.”

“Spoilsport,” she teased, and dragged a toe along the roof. “You could pretend once. For me.” “Sorry,” he said. “I can’t eschew a lifetime of education.”

“And that—” she tapped his right knee with her left “—is why you’re not married.”

He didn’t say anything. What was there to say? He’d never much been interested in marriage. His career, and helping his family out with the ranch, took up most of his time, and what was left he spent with Ember.

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of HOW THE COWBOY WAS WON, we’re giving away a paperback copy of MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY by Lori Wilde!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Million Dollar Cowboy. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/10/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Lori Wilde

A fifth generation Texan, Lori Wilde is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 82 works of fiction. She’s a three-time nominee of the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award and has won numerous other awards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University, and a certificate in forensics.

She is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor, and runs a yoga/creativity retreat for artists at Epiphany Orchards in Weatherford, Texas, the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.

Author Links

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

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

April 6, 2018 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

Never Been Good by Christi Barth
Series: A Bad Boys Gone Good Novel
Published by Avon Impulse on April 3, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Never Been Good
by Christi Barth

Series
Bad Boys Gone Good #2

Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance

Publisher
Avon Impulse

Publication Date
April 3, 2018

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

Tour Wide Giveaway

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

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

About Christi Barth

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

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

Christi’s Links

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by Jane Godman

April 5, 2018 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by Jane Godman

Colton and the Single Mom by Jane Godman
Series: The Coltons of Red Ridge
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

This Colton cop falls for
a ready-made family

A Coltons of Red Ridge story

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Book Reviews