* Blog Tour * SECRETS AT SEASIDE by Addison Cole

November 3, 2017 3 Comments

Secrets at Seaside
(Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers #5)
by Addison Cole
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
October 25th 2017

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers features a group of fun, flirty, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re sassy, flawed, and so easy to relate to, you’ll be begging to enter their circle of friends!

Secrets at Seaside by Addison Cole is the sweet edition of New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster’s steamy romance novel Seaside Secrets. The stories and characters remain the same and convey all of the passion you expect between two people in love, without any explicit scenes or harsh language.

In SECRETS at SEASIDE…

Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He’s got his choice of women, but Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had seemed like it had never existed—at least for her.

Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She’s spent summers on Cape Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she’s spent years trying to reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she’s ever loved. She’s back for a summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she’s been offered the opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she’s decided to try one last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means dealing with her past—and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.

EXCERPT:

Amy wanted to believe them and to see what they apparently saw when he looked at her, but she never had. It was the secret memories of being in Tony’s strong arms that long-ago summer, feeling his heart beat against hers, feeling safe and loved, that made her hopeful there would come a day when they’d find themselves there again. But then her mind would travel to the end of those recent nights when she’d had too much to drink and he’d carried her home. When he’d tucked her into bed and gone along his merry way back to his own cottage across the road, quickly dousing her hope for more with cold reality. Whatever they’d had that summer, she’d ruined.

“Exactly, Leanna. That’s why she’s not making a decision about Australia until after this weekend,” Jenna said. “Right, Ames?”

“Yes. That’s my plan. I’m going to talk to Tony, and if he looks me in the eye and says he has no interest in anything more than friendship, then I’m going to take the job. It’s pretty stupid, really, because how many times has he had the opportunity to…you know?” She dropped her eyes to her glass and ran her finger along the rim. Amy was as sweet as Bella was brash, and even thinking about trying to seduce Tony and finding out where his heart really stood had her stomach tied in knots. When her friends had come up with the idea of seducing Tony, she’d fought it, but they’d insisted that once he kissed her, he’d never look back, and she’d grabbed that shred of hope as if it were a brass ring. Now her fingers were slipping a little.

“Talk? That’s not the plan,” Jenna said.

Jessica shook her head. “So, seduction? You’re going to try?”

“If I can muster the courage.” Amy drew in a deep breath, hoping she wouldn’t back out. As much as she wanted closure, the idea of actually hearing Tony tell her that he didn’t see her as anything other than a friend made her almost chicken out. But she didn’t want to chicken out. She had a great job opportunity, and at thirty-two, she was ready to settle down and maybe even start a family. But that thought was even more painful than Tony turning her away.

Tony set a disconcerting stare on Amy as he moved confidently across the floor with the other guys, heading for their table. Her pulse ratcheted up a notch as his eyes went dark and narrow. She broke the connection, grazing over his low-slung jeans and short-sleeve button-down shirt, afraid to try to decipher if it was an angry or an interested look in his eyes. She’d probably see only what she really wanted to see anyway.

Big mistake. Now she was even more nervous.

Several women in the bar turned and watched the four gorgeous men crossing the floor, but Amy knew they had to be looking at Tony. She was held prisoner by his sun-drenched skin, sandy hair that brushed his devilishly long lashes, and squared-off features that amped up his ruggedness and made her pulse go a little crazy. She reached for a glass of liquid courage, having no idea whose it was, and drained it as Tony slid in beside her. His thigh met hers, and his irresistible scent made her hot all over again. She grabbed another glass and drained it, and another, until the glasses were all empty and the nervous stirrings in her stomach stilled.

“Since when did you become Beyoncé?” Tony grumbled.

Beyoncé? Was that good or bad? Amy couldn’t form an answer. All she could think about was that no matter what the outcome, after tonight her life would never be the same

SWEET WITH HEAT: SEASIDE SUMMERS SERIES
Read, Write, Love at Seaside
Dreaming at Seaside
Hearts at Seaside
Sunsets at Seaside
Coming soon!
Nights at Seaside (releasing December 13th)
Seized by Love at Seaside
Embraced at Seaside
Lovers at Seaside
Whispers at Seaside

Praise for the Series

“Addison Cole’s stories are the perfect blend of sizzle and sweet. You won’t be able to stop reading.” — New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne

“Romance, fun, emotions, and happily ever afters that will warm your heart, Addison Cole writes charming and unforgettable stories about real people and love in its most wonderfully moving forms.” — New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke

“Addison Cole has created characters you’ll fall in love with and a seaside world you’ll never want to leave.” — USA Today bestselling author Chris Keniston

“Loved every sweet word of this story. Loved how the relationship developed between Leanna and Kurt in such a genuine way, it made me so invested in their happily ever after. An absolute treat to read and cannot wait for more from Addison Cole.” — New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett (aka Juliette Poe, on “Read, Write, Love at Seaside”)

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

Other Books in the Series

And coming December 2017…

About the Author

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.

Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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

Tour Schedule

October 23rd: Launch & underneath the covers
October 24th: Rainy Day Reviews
October 25th: Mello & June, It’s a Book Thang!
October 26th: Colorimetry
October 27th: Harlie’s Books
October 30th: It’s All About the Romance
October 31st: Book Lover in Florida
November 1st: Wishful Endings
November 2nd: Rockin’ Book Reviews
November 3rd: Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
November 4th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon.com eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends November 8th

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Filed Under: Blog Tour

* Blog Tour * MAKE A DATE WITH HARLEQUIN

November 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

Title: Make A Date Blog Tour with Harlequin

Publisher: Harlequin

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR

What kind of book is your most favorite? Check out these 5 romance subgenres to learn more:

Passion: Give in to temptation with steamy tales of irresistible desire. Passion series feature heroes who have it all: wealth, status, incredible good looks…everything but the right woman.
Suspense: Prepare for high-octane adventure, heart-racing romance, and just enough intrigue that will have you on the edge of your seat! Take the plunge and join these true-to-life women and strong, fearless men as they fight for survival.
Inspirational: Looking for inspiration in tales of hope, faith and heartfelt romance? Love Inspired has three lines for you.
Fall in Love: Read satisfying love stories with the intensity, emotion and sparkle of falling in love.
Heroes Galore: Whatever hero you’re into, we’ve got him. Take a time-trip with a host of hot historical heroes; navigate the high stakes of falling in love in the high-pressure world of medicine; Delve into dark, sensuous and often dangerous territory, where the normal and paranormal collide.

Find Your Happy Place. Make A Date With a Harlequin:

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Filed Under: Blog Tour

* Blog Tour * SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF by Melinda Curtis

October 26, 2017 6 Comments

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Support Your Local Sheriff
(Harmony Valley #10)
by Melinda Curtis
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will he pass the daddy test?

With his job in jeopardy, it couldn’t be a worse time for Sheriff Nate Landry’s recent past to come back to haunt him. But it would take an army to stop SWAT team leader Julie Smith. The fellow cop—and sister of his ex-fiancée—wants one thing from the beleaguered lawman: custody of the toddler son that Nate didn’t know he had.

He may not be natural daddy material, but he quickly takes a shine to little Duke. And then there are the feelings Nate’s been hiding for years. Only now Julie’s running for sheriff of Harmony Valley—against him. Time to retreat? Not if he wants a future with the woman he loves.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

EXCERPT

“You got married.” Nate’s gaze was gentle.

Julie didn’t want his gentleness. She wanted his anger. She wanted to argue and shout, and have him argue and shout back. “You think I’m married because…”

A small crease appeared between Nate’s brows, only for a moment. “Well… This little guy…”

A surge of satisfaction shored up sagging dreams of revenge. “You think a woman has to be married to have a child?”

The crease returned, deeper this time. “You’re a cop. Female cops don’t—”

“You’re a police officer?” asked the woman who’d been putting up a stink at the podium. She’d stopped at Julie’s pew. Doris didn’t smile. She didn’t coo over Duke. She eyed the pair like a cattle rancher at a bull auction.

Julie didn’t put much stock in the woman’s claims. Nate was many things, but he was a good cop. And Julie wasn’t keen on being sized up. But she wasn’t here to cause a ruckus about it either, so she said, “Yes, ma’am,” and ground her teeth at the interruption in her attempted takedown of Nate the Unflappable.

The woman stored that information with a brisk nod, and then moved toward the door.

“Mama.” Duke crooned softly.

Nate glanced around, perhaps catching on to where this was going, perhaps assessing how much privacy they had. Or how much they’d need.

The more public his humiliation, the better.

“I’m not married.” Julie’s smile felt the way it did when guys on the force made a crude remark and deserved reproach. “And Duke isn’t my child.”

This is Nate and Julie’s first meeting since Nate left her sister at the altar. She was always protective of her little sister, who demanded Julie never confront Nate after he dumped her. But now, all bets are off and Julie will do anything to make Nate’s life as uncomfortable as she can. At least, until she remembers Nate used to be her best friend.

Melinda Curtis is an award-winning USA Today bestseller. She writes sweet romance for Harlequin Heartwarming, sweet romantic comedies and sexy traditional contemporary romances. Her latest release, Support Your Local Sheriff, is an ode to the quiet heroic sheriffs her mother made her watch with her on Sundays when there was nothing else on TV.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Melinda Curtis is the award winning author of contemporary romance that spans the sexy scale – from sweet romance to sweet romantic comedy (written under the Melinda Curtis brand) to fun, sexier romances (written under the Mel Curtis brand).

Melinda loves writing romances about women who don’t realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while simultaneously capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love (because, really, who lets the man have the last word?).

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

October 23rd:
Launch
Hearts & Scribbles
Book Lover in Florida
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
October 24th:
Mello & June, It’s a Book Thang!
Getting Your Read On
Heidi Reads…
October 25th:
Paulette’s Papers
Nicole’s Book Msuings
Janices Book Review
It’s All About the Romance
October 26th:
Zerina Blossom’s Books
Thoughts of a Blonde
Reading Is My SuperPower
underneath the covers
October 27th:
Brooke Blogs
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
The Bookworm Chronicles
Becky on Books
October 28th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive autographed copies of Time for Love, A Memory Away, A Man of Influence, and Marrying the Single Dad
– US Only. International will receive ecopies.
– Ends November 1st

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Filed Under: Blog Tour

* Blog Tour / Review * RIDE WILD by Laura Kaye

October 23, 2017 2 Comments

Ride Wild by Laura Kaye
Series: A Raven Riders Novel
Published by Avon on October 31, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Wild with grief over the death of his wife, Sam “Slider” Evans merely lives for his two sons. Nothing holds his interest anymore—not even riding his bike or his membership in the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. But that all changes when he hires a new babysitter.

Recently freed from a bad situation by the Ravens, Cora Campbell is determined to bury the past. When Slider offers her a nanny position, she accepts, needing the security and time to figure out what she wants from life. Cora adores his sweet boys, but never expected the red-hot attraction to their brooding, sexy father. If only he would notice her...

Slider does see the beautiful, fun-loving woman he invited into his home. She makes him feel too much, and he both hates it and yearns for it. But when Cora witnesses something she shouldn’t have, the new lives they’ve only just discovered are threatened. Now Slider must claim—and protect—what’s his before it’s too late.

Can she manage to reawaken his passion for life, love and the club?? This isn’t your typical edgy motorcycle club type of a book, but it is strong in the sense of brotherhood and true affection. We’ve known Cora since book one when she came to the club for help with Haven and we’ve had faith that she would one day get her story with one of these tough yet gentle bikers, and Ride Wild is her time! I loved her and Slider together, and most of all, I enjoyed the little family they made for his boys. I hope there will be more in the series!

Sam “Slider” Evans became a different man when he lost his wife a couple of years ago. He turned away from the club, became serious and brooding and only had eyes for keeping his sons life stable. Everyone thought he was buried beneath his grief … there was some of that, but there were also some ugly secrets that he’s been carrying the burden of as well.

Cora Campbell has been babysitting part-time for him for a few months now, and his kids really enjoy their time with her. When Slider offers her a more permanent nanny position, she is overjoyed at having a chance to have her own space and save money for things she wants to do with her future! Being in closer proximity makes it harder for him to ignore the sizzle that she brings to his body when she’s near … they both need some TLC and a chance to heal with someone that will have patience … will they take that chance on each other? And when Cora witnesses something that could put her in danger, will Slider be the one to keep her safe?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye brings you the third novel in her Raven Riders Series, RIDE WILD. A sexy contemporary romance series, and a spin-off from Laura’s Hard Ink world, about a different kind of motorcycle club with a protective mission. The Raven Riders Series takes you on an adventure and kicks it into overdrive! RIDE WILD is the hot and emotional story of a sexy single father wild with grief over the death of his wife several years before and the strong survivor he hires to be his nanny. Order your copy of RIDE WILD today!

About Ride Wild (Raven Riders #3, 10/31/17)

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…

Wild with grief over the death of his wife, Sam “Slider” Evans merely lives for his two sons. Nothing holds his interest anymore—not even riding his bike or his membership in the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. But that all changes when he hires a new babysitter.

Recently freed from a bad situation by the Ravens, Cora Campbell is determined to bury the past. When Slider offers her a nanny position, she accepts, needing the security and time to figure out what she wants from life. Cora adores his sweet boys, but never expected the red-hot attraction to their brooding, sexy father. If only he would notice her…

Slider does see the beautiful, fun-loving woman he invited into his home. She makes him feel too much, and he both hates it and yearns for it. But when Cora witnesses something she shouldn’t have, the new lives they’ve only just discovered are threatened. Now Slider must claim—and protect—what’s his before it’s too late.

Order on Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google

Add to your Goodreads

EXCERPT:

Cora had such an easy way with Ben. With both of his kids, really. God, Slider admired that about her. Especially when nothing about him was easy, and hadn’t been in years.

Ben yawned and peered up at Slider. “You’re gonna stay with me, aren’t you? “

“You better believe it, Benji. And remember what we talked about. Nurses are going to come in a couple of times throughout the night. Just to check on you. I’ll be here the whole time,” Slider said, leaning over the boy so he could look him in the eyes. There was nothing like the unconditional love and admiration of a kid. But that didn’t mean Slider shouldn’t have to earn it. And he hadn’t done nearly enough these past few years, had he? He pressed a kiss to his son’s cheek. “Now shut those peepers.”

Ben giggled. “Your whiskers tickle Dad.” Slider ran his hand over the facial hair on his jaw. One more piece of evidence of the mess he’d become. But at least it made Ben laugh. The boy looked up at Cora next, his hand snaking into hers and tugging her closer. “You’re staying too, right?”

“Wild horses couldn’t tear me away,” she said, squeezing his hand.

Ben made a face. “There are wild horses here?”

Cora chuckled and Slider shook his head. “Peepers. Closed. Now,” he said.

The boy was asleep in an instant.

After not sleeping much today himself, Slider probably wasn’t far behind him. Still, he nodded at the small sleeper sofa and quietly said to Cora, “You can take that. Nurse said there are pillows and blankets in the closet.”

She shook her head. “No way. You haven’t slept. And I’m kinda attached here,” she said, glancing at where Ben still clutched her hand. “Seriously, Slider. Get some sleep while you can.”

Frowning, he pulled out the sleeper, which was only a little wider than a twin-sided bed, found the bedding, and lowered the lights. “How ‘bout this. We’ll take shifts.”

She smiled. “Sure.”

On a bone-deep sigh, Slider sat on the bed’s edge and kicked off his boots, and then he went horizontal still wearing his jeans and T-shirt. Cora laid her cheek against her arm, her face turned away from Slider toward Ben, her blond waves a soft cascade against the white hospital blankets.

And damnit all to hell, but it played with uncomfortable things inside his chest to see her like that. Things he didn’t want played with. Not ever again.

So he closed his eyes. And woke up two and a half hours later when the nurse came into the room to check Ben’s vitals. The kid hardly stirred, but Cora was still awake and making small talk with the woman about how her night was going.

“Your turn to get some sleep,” Slider said when they were alone again.

“Don’t worry about it. Go back to sleep.”

“We had a deal,” he said, his voice like gravel. Years of exhaustion did that to a man.

“Later,” she said, her expression soft with sleepiness. He forced himself into a sitting position, his stiff movements making him feel ancient. “You need it more than I do.”

He shook his head and pushed to his feet. “I’m not hogging the bed all night while you sit up in that hard chair.”

“Don’t be stubborn,” she said. “Sleep.”

He arched a brow. As much as he wanted to lie back down, he wasn’t doing it at her expense. “It’s your turn.”

“Slider—”

“Cora—”

She sighed. “I’m trying to take care of you, too.”

And don’t miss all the books in the Raven Riders Series!

HARD AS STEEL now available
RIDE HARD now available
RIDE ROUGH now available
RIDE WILD coming October 31^st, 2017

PREORDER RIDE WILD & HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Animal rescue is a big part of the storyline of Ride Wild, and that’s something that’s close to Laura’s heart, so Laura’s giving to the cause by donating a portion of all preorders and sales through 11/5 to Noah’s Arks Rescue, a fantastic organization that serves as a source of inspiration for the book. When you grab your copy of RIDE WILD, you’re helping a great cause AND you’ll get a bonus story when you submit your order info, too!

Submit Your Preorder Info to Get A Bonus Story:https://a.pgtb.me/HRn7Bc

Learn More about Noah’s Arks: http://www.noahs-arks.net/

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Laura Kaye’s RIDE WILD – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

October 23^rd

Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – Excerpt

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

Ebook Indulgence – Review & Excerpt

FMR Book Grind – Review

JordansBookReviews – Excerpt

Les ChroniquesAléatoires – Review

Ramblings From This Chick – Excerpt

Romance as a first language – Review & Excerpt

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review

October 24^th

Booknerd1107 – Review & Excerpt

Eye in Bookland – Review

From the TBR PIle – Review & Excerpt

OMGReads – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

Romancing the Readers – Review

Sammi’s Bookish Reality – Review

The Book Nympho – Review & Excerpt

October 25^th

Cara’s Book Boudoir – Review & Excerpt

Fire and Ice Book Reviews – Review

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader – Review & Excerpt

Knotty Girl Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Lightning City Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

NallaReads – Review & Excerpt

Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt

The Book Hammock – Review & Excerpt

October 26^th

A crazy vermonters book reviews – Review

Book Munchies – Review & Excerpt

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Excerpt

Krista’s Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt

My Nook, Books & More – Excerpt

Pervy Ladies Books – Review & Excerpt

Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt

Romance Between The Sheets – Excerpt

Spoons, Hooks, and Books – Review & Excerpt

October 27^th

Addicted To Romance – Review & Excerpt

Bad boys and bedtime stories book blog – Review

Melena`s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

NightWolf Book Blog – Excerpt

Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt

Ripe For Reader – Review & Excerpt

Romancing the Dispatcher – Review & Excerpt

The Book Disciple – Review & Excerpt

October 28^th

Always a happy ever after – Review & Excerpt

Books According to Abby – Review & Excerpt

Bridget’s Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt

Cocktails and Books – Review

Four Chicks Flipping Pages – Review

Reading Is My Bliss – Review

Shahla’sBookcorner – Review

What I’m Reading – Review & Excerpt

October 29^th

Alphas Do It Better Book Blog – Review

Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt

Fishing for Books – Review

I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt

Katy and Zetti’s Book Ramblings – Review & Excerpt

KDRBCK – Review & Excerpt

Love Notes Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads – Review & Excerpt

October 30^th

A Brit and a Yank – Excerpt

Bobo’s Book Bank – Review & Excerpt

Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt

Hot Kindle Reads – Review & Excerpt

Lit. 4 Ladies – Review & Excerpt

Novel Grounds – Review

Reviews by Tammy and Kim (Rachel and Jay) – Review & Excerpt

Take Me Away To A Great Read – Review & Excerpt

October 31^st

Book Lovers 4Ever – Excerpt

BooksandMe – Review & Excerpt

Epic Romance Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Living In Our Own Story – Review & Excerpt

Only One More Page – Review & Excerpt

Read-Love-Blog – Review & Excerpt

Ruby Red Romance Review – Review & Excerpt

Stephanie’s Book Reports – Review & Excerpt

Two Girls with Books – Review

November 1^st

A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia – Review & Excerpt

Bookaliciousbabes blog – Review & Excerpt

Curvy and Nerdy – Review & Excerpt

Love Book Triangle – Review & Excerpt

Nose Stuck in a Book – Review & Excerpt

Red Hot + Blue REads – Review & Excerpt

Somewhere Lost in Books – Review & Excerpt

Tanya the book obsessed momma – Review

The bookworms obsession – Review

Wickedcoolflight – Review & Excerpt

November 2^nd

A small girl, her man and her books – Review & Excerpt

Beneath The Covers Blog – Excerpt

Feel the Book – Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

MI Bookshelf – Review

Obsessive Reading Disorder – Review

Renee Entress’s Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Book Boyfriend Addict – Review & Excerpt

November 3^rd

Angel Reads – Review

Books 2 Blog – Review

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Love Drug Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Reese’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt

White Hot Reads – Review & Excerpt

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess – Review & Excerpt

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Review * IN TOO DEEP by Kimberly Kincaid

October 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

In Too Deep by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Station Seventeen
on October 17, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

With the next book in her Station Seventeen series, Kimberly Kincaid brings us the sexy story of rookie Luke Slater and paramedic Quinn Copeland. While the plot is reminiscent of a past Chicago Fire “kidnap the rookie and paramedic, make them care for wounded, threaten them” story line, it still was an entertaining read to watch the flirting crushes that Luke and Quinn had on each other turn into red-hot passion!

Rookie firefighter Luke Slater has been working on getting his paramedic certification at the same time as his firefighting gig, so when Quinn is all of a sudden without a partner for a few shifts, Luke is put on rotation with her. They both secretly are attracted to the other, but hesitant to be the first to admit it. When danger comes knocking on their first shift together, they have to stand behind each other at all costs!

Paramedic Quinn Copeland will do anything to keep her friends at Station Seventeen safe. They are as close as family and when a madman threatens to take her and everything around her down, Quinn will fight back with all she has. With danger at every corner, will they be able to overcome it and have a future together?

USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Kincaid returns with a new romantic suspense, IN TOO DEEP. Edgy, suspenseful and hot – in more ways than one – IN TOO DEEP features a friendship turned romance and edge-of-your-seat action!

Title: In Too Deep
Author: Kimberly Kincaid
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Publisher: Kimberly Kincaid Romance
Series: Station Seventeen
Format: Print & Digital

Synopsis:

As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

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An excerpt from IN TOO DEEP

Quinn sat in the passenger seat of Luke’s sleek, dark gray sports car, finally able to breathe for the first time in hours. The unease that had clutched at her chest, tightening like a vise with each faked smile and passing minute she’d sat in the Crooked Angel, was finally loosening, allowing her the luxury of a steady inhale/exhale without having to hide the truth from the people who were closest to her. She was in Luke’s car, sitting right beside him. His body was right there. Warm. Safe. Close enough for her to reach out and run her hand over his bare forearm, his fingers that were callused in some places, soft in others.

There. Easy. Breathe…

Luke pulled into the parking lot beside her apartment building, quieting the engine without pulling the keys from the ignition. His gaze moved covertly over their surroundings, mirroring the one Quinn had just sent over the adjacent parking spaces, the brightly illuminated walkway connecting the parking lot with the apartment building, the potential spots where someone might lurk or hide.

“Looks clear.” It was the first thing he’d said since he’d quietly told Isabella and Hollister he was going to take her home, then paid Kennedy for the beers they didn’t drink.

Quinn nodded in agreement. “Mmm hmm.”

Heeding the detectives’ advice not to dawdle, they both got out of the car, Luke locking the doors with a click-CLICK of a button on his key fob before walking her over the paved path leading to the front door of her building. The tension that had made a playground out of her shoulders faded with each step, and she and Luke made their way over the threshold, into the elevator, and down the tastefully carpeted hallway until finally, they were in her apartment.

“Thank you for bringing me home.” Heat climbed Quinn’s cheeks as she grew aware of how very alone they were, standing there in her dusky foyer with nothing but the soft light filtering in from the one bulb she always left lit over the kitchen sink. But Luke was the only person she didn’t have to hide anything from. The only person who could get her to breathe. The only person she could be truthful with.

And the truth was, she wanted him.

It seemed completely contradictory that her body should respond in such a primal, greedy way when her brain was a jumbled mess. That was just the thing, though. Her thoughts were a mess around her friends. They were a mess when she tried to work, and they were definitely a mess whenever she remembered the kidnapping. The only time her mind wasn’t on overdrive was when she thought of Luke, with his hand on her rib cage and his breath in her ear, as steady as a heartbeat.

God, she wanted his touch so badly, she ached.

“Do you want to talk about what’s going on with you?” he asked, his eyes steady on hers even through the shadows of her foyer.

“Honestly?” She stepped toward him and shook her head. “No.”

“Quinn—”

“Please, just stop. I don’t want to talk about the other day. I don’t even want to think about it.”

Luke opened his mouth, likely to argue, but she cut him off before he could say so much as a syllable. “Look, I’m not stupid, okay? I know I can’t ignore things entirely. I’m not foolish or flighty enough to think I can magically make the truth into something it’s not. But you asked me what I need, and right now I need to not remember what happened, just for a little while.”

A pause opened between them. Quinn’s heart raced so rapidly she was certain he had to be able to register the constant thump-thump-thump from where he stood.

Finally, he said, “What else do you need?”

For a question that had the potential to be so complicated, her answer was shockingly simple, and even though she knew it made her vulnerable, she didn’t hesitate.

“Just for tonight, I need to feel something other than scared. I need to remember what it’s like to feel good.” She moved closer, until she could feel his exhale coast over her cheek. Yes. This. I need this. “So please, can you stay for a while and make me feel right again?”

About Kimberly Kincaid

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads | Instagram

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* Blog Tour / Review * BAD FOR HER by Christi Barth

October 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * BAD FOR HER by Christi Barth

Bad for Her by Christi Barth
Series: A Bad Boys Gone Good Novel
Published by Avon Impulse on October 3, 2017
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USA Today bestselling author Christi Barth launches a sexy new series about three bad-boy brothers in Witness Protection who are about to learn that going good is harder than they thought...

Doctor Mollie Vickers loves the tight-knit community of her tiny Oregon town. But she’s not a fan of the limited dating options. Sleep with a guy who tried to copy off her in junior high? Pass. Mollie’s sex life is flatlining… until a deliciously handsome man she’s never seen before stops to help her fix a flat tire.

As an ex-mobster, Rafe Maguire’s no saint. But he’s trying to turn over a new leaf. Although he probably shouldn’t kiss the hot doctor on the side of the highway. Or suggest a no-strings fling with a woman he has no business pursuing. Rafe’s life is too complicated for love—his new WITSEC-provided identity doesn’t fit him at all and there’s a U.S. Marshal watching his every move. He can’t tell Mollie the truth… but their chemistry is scorching and being good doesn’t mean he can’t be a little bad.

Mollie can’t resist the guy who looks rough, talks tough, and is loyal to the bone. But it’s obvious Rafe is keeping secrets. When the truth comes out, Mollie must decide if she could ever love an ex-mobster… or if this bad boy has truly gone good.

A sexy-hot reformed bad boy? Yes please! Kicking off her new Bad Boys Gone Good series, Christi Barth takes us into the life of a mobster trying to turn over a new leaf! The sass between the characters is super fun and you’ll find yourself laughing out loud often. With an interesting plot to keep our attention, we travel through the ups and downs when love finds him when he least expects it!

Doctor Mollie Vickers loves living and working in her little hometown in Oregon, but there are drawbacks. Everyone in town knows all about her life, her family is always underfoot, and there are only so many men in a small town, and she’s not looking forward to dating the ones she’s already rejected again … but her luck must be changing, because the sexy stranger that just stopped to help her when she’s stranded on the side of the road is HOT!

Ex-mobster Rafe Maguire might be trying to adjust to a new life in WITSEC, but nothing is going to stop him from recognizing a sexy woman in distress! He probably should’t be flirting with someone from his new town before he’s even settled in … and yeah, he definitely shouldn’t have kissed her … but what’s a guy to do?? A sexy fling doesn’t exactly turn out that way when the connection they both feel burns deeper than they expected … will Rafe be able to convince her he’s worth taking a chance on when all of his secrets come out?

Today we have the blog tour for Christi Barth’s Bad For You! I am so excited to share this new romance with you! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Title: Bad For You

Author: Christi Barth

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 3^rd

Bad For Her Synopsis:

USA Today bestselling author Christi Barth launches a sexy new series about three bad-boy brothers in Witness Protection who are about to learn that going good is harder than they thought…

Doctor Mollie Vickers loves the tight-knit community of her tiny Oregon town. But she’s not a fan of the limited dating options. Sleep with a guy who tried to copy off her in junior high? Pass. Mollie’s sex life is flatlining… until a deliciously handsome man she’s never seen before stops to help her fix a flat tire.

As an ex-mobster, Rafe Maguire’s no saint. But he’s trying to turn over a new leaf. Although he probably shouldn’t kiss the hot doctor on the side of the highway. Or suggest a no-strings fling with a woman he has no business pursuing. Rafe’s life is too complicated for love—his new WITSEC-provided identity doesn’t fit him at all and there’s a U.S. Marshal watching his every move. He can’t tell Mollie the truth… but their chemistry is scorching and being good doesn’t mean he can’t be a little bad.

Mollie can’t resist the guy who looks rough, talks tough, and is loyal to the bone. But it’s obvious Rafe is keeping secrets. When the truth comes out, Mollie must decide if she could ever love an ex-mobster… or if this bad boy has truly gone good.

Grab Your Copy Today!

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About the Author:

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, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series. Christi can always be found 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.

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* Blog Tour / Review * MR. TAKEN by Danica Winters

October 17, 2017 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * MR. TAKEN by Danica Winters

Mr. Taken by Danica Winters
Series: Mystery Christmas
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on November 1, 2017
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In Mystery, Montana, a white-hot hunk fights fire with passion…

Though he's ridiculously handsome and notoriously funny, it's Colter Fitzgerald's firefighting skills that are most needed by Whitney Barstow—at first. She's been traumatized by fire and terrified that the arsonist sabotaging Dunrovin Ranch is a madman from her past. She's also fearful that harm will come to any man she loves, so denies her attraction to Colter. Then why is she jealous of another woman's hands all over him?

On the eve of the ranch's Christmas festival, Colter wants no one but Whitney, body, soul and darkest secrets. But there's still an arsonist to stop…before what makes the season bright is Dunrovin in flames.

With the next story in the Mystery Christmas series, Danica Winters brings us Colter Fitzgerald’s story. We’ve met different members of his family throughout the previous books and see several of them again in this one. The intrigue keeps our attention as we race against the clock to try to figure out who’s causing the problems surrounding Whitney. The romance was light and could have been built on more, but the characters were enjoyable to get to know.

Whitney Barstow has finally found a place that she enjoys and wants to stick around for with her job at Dunrovin Ranch, but when things start happening around her, she’s scared that her hidden past has caught up with her and is endangering the family around her!

Colter Fitzgerald has been crushing on Whitney since the first time he crossed paths with her on his parent’s ranch, but she’s been playing hard to get. When he finally gets her to notice him and they start to flirt with the idea of seeing each other romantically, all kinds of things start happening around the farm to make him suspicious and sends them out to figure out who’s out to harm the festival coming up at the ranch.

Mr. Taken

by Danica Winters

Series: Mystery Christmas, #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Paperback Release Date: October 17, 2017
Digital Release Date: November 1, 2017

In Mystery, Montana, a white-hot hunk fights fire with passion…

Though he’s ridiculously handsome and notoriously funny, it’s Colter Fitzgerald’s firefighting skills that are most needed by Whitney Barstow—at first. She’s been traumatized by fire and terrified that the arsonist sabotaging Dunrovin Ranch is a madman from her past. She’s also fearful that harm will come to any man she loves, so denies her attraction to Colter. Then why is she jealous of another woman’s hands all over him?

On the eve of the ranch’s Christmas festival, Colter wants no one but Whitney, body, soul and darkest secrets. But there’s still an arsonist to stop…before what makes the season bright is Dunrovin in flames.

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Book 1: Ms. Calculation

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Book 2: Mr. Serious

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Book 4: Ms. Demeanor

Available November 21 – Pre-Order Now!

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Danica Winters is a Nielsen BookScan and an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.

When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Danica Winters is represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

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* Blog Tour / Review * THRILL OF LOVE by Melissa Foster

October 16, 2017 1 Comment

Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster
Series: Love in Bloom: The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor
Published by World Literary Press on October 4, 2017
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Do you believe in fate?

World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his--and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn't imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she'd worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.

With her powerful voice, Melissa Foster brings us her most emotional book yet! Fate brought them together, but their hearts easily attached and led them to the deep love they can’t imagine letting slip through their fingers. They might start out casual without plans of a future in tact, but each day brings more hope that it is their destiny to share a forever … until horrifying news tears through their dreams and make them have to decide how to soldier through. It’s gut wrenchingly real and beautifully written!

Mountain climber and photographer Ty Braden has never been one for settling down and believing in more than living for the moment, but when he happens upon a gorgeous woman that he spends five days with in Saint-Luc, he gives his heart away without a second thought. She takes his breath away and he can’t imagine life without her, but his reputation precedes him and scares her away.

Ski instructor and photographer Aiyla Bell can’t believe it when she runs into Ty again at a five day charity wilderness event! She hasn’t been able to forget about him since their time together a few months ago, but since she knew his reputation as a player, she was leery of trusting him. Now that he’s in front of her again and the same old feelings are burning strong, she can’t deny him again. This has to be real if fate has brought them together twice and they are both waiting for the other to complete them. They decide to when it’s time to pack up and leave that they have to share their lives … but when reality comes crashing in on them faster than they ever expected, they are going to have to dig deep to find the strength to lean on each other.

Thrill of Love
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #6

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing October 4, 2017
World Literary Press

BLURB:

Do you believe in fate?

World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his—and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24779253-thrill-of-love

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/174204-the-bradens-at-peaceful-harbor-md

EXCERPT:

“Do you believe in fate?”

His warm breath coasted over her cheek, and she swallowed hard, paralyzed by the sound of the deep, seductive voice she’d heard in her dreams so many times she wasn’t sure it was real. Her heart thundered against her ribs, and she forced her shaky legs to work. She turned, both of them rising at the same time, bringing all six-plus broad, muscular, feet of Ty Braden into focus. Oh God. It’s really you. His silky brown hair was in desperate need of a trim, stopping just short of his shoulders and framing his rugged features. The mix of longing and shock in his golden-brown eyes unearthed a storm of memories—her hand in his, his lips on hers, deep conversations as they shared their hopes and dreams, which were as perfectly aligned as the stars in the skies of Saint-Luc.

“Ty” came out ridiculously breathless. She wanted to scale him like a mountain, to kiss his hot, sensuous mouth again and feel him holding her as he once had. But she couldn’t do any of those things. She was frozen in place, and that was probably a good thing. He was still Ty Braden, the world-renowned mountain climber and photographer, with a reputation as a player that preceded him.

In an effort to regain control, she shifted her gaze away and managed, “What are you doing here?”

“It’s fate,” he said confidently, as if he believed in it. “Fate has brought us together for another five days.”

She forced herself to meet his gaze, her heart thundering at the prospect of more time with him. “You don’t believe in fate, remember? You believe people are in charge of their own destiny.” Their last night in Switzerland, he’d asked her to leave with him the next day and travel with him “to see where things end up.” Oh, how she’d wanted to throw caution to the wind and join him. But she’d worked years to build the life she had always dreamed of, and she couldn’t risk it all to be one in a long line of Ty’s women. She’d fallen hard for him—fallen in love with him—and she hadn’t been able to bring herself to confront the rumors about his reputation. Instead, she’d said, Do you believe in fate? And though he’d said he didn’t, she always had, and she’d said, if this is meant to be, we’ll meet up again. They’d agreed not to exchange phone numbers or addresses, and not to track each other down by any other means, but to truly leave their future in fate’s hands.

“I think that’s changed, Aiyla.” He said her name like he’d been waiting to say it for all these months. He stepped closer, so close she could smell something minty on his breath. “I can’t believe you’re here. After all this time, you’re really here.”

The longing in his voice confused her even more. She looked into his eyes, and memories swamped her. She remembered the feel of him holding her in his arms as they fell asleep fully clothed and waking to his sweet whispers and gentle kisses. Cuddling under blankets as snow fell around them and they reminisced about their childhoods and families. She felt like she already knew his five siblings, though she’d never met them. A lump rose in her throat, and she shifted her gaze over his shoulder to try to regain control. Two female competitors were whispering and watching them. Her stomach knotted again. Why did the only guy she’d ever fallen for have to come with a womanizing reputation? He hadn’t seemed like a player in Saint-Luc. He hadn’t even tried to sleep with her until that very last night, when she knew he’d been picking up on all of her sexy signals. Signals she’d then dashed with one sentence. She’d been seconds from going back to his hotel room when he’d stepped away to answer a call. The brief moments it had taken him had given her a chance to clear the lust from her head enough to make a more rational decision. He probably thought she was a cocktease, but it wasn’t merely sex she’d been avoiding. She’d thought she was saving her heart. And she’d regretted that decision ever since.

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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* Blog Tour / Book Review * A CHANCE THIS CHRISTMAS by Joanne Rock

October 12, 2017 Leave a Comment

A Chance This Christmas by Joanne Rock
Series: Road to Romance #3
Published by Tule Publishing on October 5, 2017
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Growing up in the Christmas-crazed theme town of Yuletide was fun for fashion designer Rachel Chambers until a family scandal made her unwelcome. Eight years later, she’s home for a friend’s wedding and trying to go incognito… until her old flame spots her.

Snowboarder Gavin Blake wants to make things right with Rachel, and smoothing her way back in Yuletide seems like the best way to do just that. Making Rachel his date for a week of pre-wedding parties is sure to bring them closer. Except he underestimated how long a small town can carry a grudge--or how much the memory of a long-ago kiss could tempt him all over again.

As the wedding approaches, Rachel remembers all she loved about her close-knit, Christmas-loving neighbors. But even if she can win over the town again, will she be able to convince her footloose, mogul-shredding wedding date that they can find happiness beyond the holidays?

A quirky little Christmas town captures our attention and takes us on a fast-paced journey of forgiveness! The characters have a sweet connection and it’s fun getting to watch them try to ignore and then give in to the feelings they have for each other. Sometimes, you really can go home again!

Rachel Chambers never thought she’d be making this trek back home to Yuletide, New York after the scandalous way she left town, but a wedding invitation she never expected has her hoping to slink into town unnoticed. That doesn’t work out so well!

Short-lived ex-flame Gavin Blake now lives next door to her mother, and when he sees that she’s home, he doesn’t waste any time apologizing for his part in how she was treated all of those years ago. When he offers to pave her way back into the good graces of the town in exchange for her being his date to the wedding, how can she refuse?

A Chance This Christmas
by Joanne Rock
October 5, 2017
Tule Publishing

Growing up in the Christmas-crazed theme town of Yuletide was fun for fashion designer Rachel Chambers until a family scandal made her unwelcome. Eight years later, she’s home for a friend’s wedding and trying to go incognito… until her old flame spots her.

Snowboarder Gavin Blake wants to make things right with Rachel, and smoothing her way back in Yuletide seems like the best way to do just that. Making Rachel his date for a week of pre-wedding parties is sure to bring them closer. Except he underestimated how long a small town can carry a grudge–or how much the memory of a long-ago kiss could tempt him all over again.

As the wedding approaches, Rachel remembers all she loved about her close-knit, Christmas-loving neighbors. But even if she can win over the town again, will she be able to convince her footloose, mogul-shredding wedding date that they can find happiness beyond the holidays?

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36183705-a-chance-this-christmas

Buy links:

Excerpt from A Chance this Christmas by Joanne Rock

Tule Publishing

October 5, 2017

For a second, she blinked up at him, blue eyes wide. She still had that sweet, girl-next-door appeal. But there had always been an edge to her, too. A wicked gleam behind the innocence. A twinkle of mischief.

She edged past him. “Hi. Sorry I don’t have time to visit. I need to see a friend.” Fumbling her keys with her red mittens, she dropped them in the snow.

“No problem.” He moved to help her retrieve them, hearing the brush-off in her tone. “I’m glad to see you back in town.”

“If that’s true—and I doubt it—then that makes you the only person besides my mother who would ever admit it.” She sounded breathless and agitated.

Irritated.

The last time he’d spoken to her, she’d been breathless for much better reasons. At least at the start of the day. His fingers closed around her keys where they’d fallen behind the Cadillac front tire. Gavin turned toward her, the two of them still crouched side by side in the snow.

“I’ve always regretted the way we parted, Rachel. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about what happened.” He reached for her hand in the shadowy darkness lit mostly by the empty Christmas carousel spinning around nearby. He held her wrist and deposited the keys into her mitten.

“Sorry for what? That my father thought it would be a great idea to bankrupt the town? That he timed it to happen while everyone was distracted by my ex-boyfriend proposing in skywriting? Or that my embarrassment over making out with you caused me to flee and look as guilty as my crooked dad?” She yanked her wrist away from him and shot to her feet, already sifting through the set to find the door key. Her breathing sounded labored, like she’d just finished a snowboard run at full speed.

“I felt bad about all those things, Rach. But I’m sorry I acted like an ass and clammed up when Luke came along.” He shook his head, uncomfortable with the memory. “I had no right to hang you out to dry like that.”

Key in the door, she let go of the fob. The thick metal elf icon banged against the door. Her shoulders rose and fell with her breathing.

“It’s been eight years.” She sighed out the number. Or tried to. It came out as more of a wheeze. “If Luke hasn’t put it behind him, he’s not as much of a grown-up as we all gave him credit for.”

Good to know his actions hadn’t kept her up at night. But he wasn’t letting himself off the hook yet.

“Are you okay?” He held a hand out to her, cupping her shoulder through her dark coat.

“I’m fine.” She shook her head, her face illuminated by the blue and yellow lights of one of the animals on the carousel as it spun past. “Just a tree allergy, I think.”

“In thirty-degree weather?” He frowned.

“I might actually be allergic to the whole town.” She pulled an inhaler out of her pocket and took a quick puff.

“I’m sure it’s not as bad as all that. I’ve been hoping I’d see you again ever since I bought Jingle Elf’s house.” He didn’t move his hand right away, enjoying the feel of her.

They’d been friends for a long time before things fell apart. When she’d been Luke’s girlfriend, he’d been respectful of that, giving her a wide berth because he’d always felt a bit more than friendly toward her. But with his training schedule, he’d been wary of jumping into a relationship even as a teen. He shouldn’t have been surprised when she started dating Luke.

Then, after his friends had split, he should have known it was only a matter of time before the chemistry simmered to the surface.

“I never would have guessed you’d want to be a part of the madness that is Yuletide.” She shivered lightly. “I’ve been back in town for a day and Katie Garrett is already threatening to have me thrown out on my ear.”

“I’ve always loved it here. You know that.” Gavin remembered a time when her father had been a mentor to him, giving the local teens all a role in helping the Christmas town take shape in the early years. “And it’s past time you reminded the old guard you have just as much of a right to be here as any of them.” He noticed a few of the town board members in the next row, wearing their tree-lighting finery and the light-up necklaces that said “Yuletide.” “Although, unless you’re prepared to do that right now, maybe you should let me drive you where you want to go.”

Glancing over her shoulder, Rachel pulled her hat lower. “That’s okay. I’m going in to Lake Placid. I can take Mom’s car.”

“You realize there isn’t a more recognizable vehicle in town outside of St. Nick’s sleigh?” He kept his voice down, unwilling to end this unlikely reunion with the intrusion of a bunch of the town founders who’d grown cynical since the Chris Chambers’ embezzlement. “That Cadillac is going to announce your presence pretty quickly.”

Rachel glanced back and forth between him and the car. “I don’t know.”

Insulted that he didn’t look like the better option, he tugged the keys free from the door. “The Rachel Chambers I once knew had a sense of adventure.”

He held out his hand, waiting. And yes, hoping.

“And look where that got me?” she whispered, but took his hand just the same. “I’m a pariah in my own town.”

Leading her toward his truck a few spaces on, he made sure they stayed out of the reflected carousel lights.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.” Unlocking the passenger door, he helped her up into the old F150 he’d bought when he purchased the house. He hurried to the driver’s side and slid behind the wheel before she changed her mind.

“Oh really? I’m not sure you’re going to be much help salvaging my reputation.”

He really shouldn’t get involved. He knew that. Championing Rachel in this town would be bad for the business he wanted to open. It could hurt his chances of accomplishing a whole laundry list of things he wanted to tackle in town, starting with a fundraiser he needed the town council to approve.

But he owed her, didn’t he?

“That’s where you’re wrong.” A plan came together in his mind—a way to make up to her the wrong that he’d done all those years ago. “I’m a local sports hero these days.” He wasn’t bragging. People placed a whole lot of emphasis on sports. “I’ve got some standing in town.”

“I don’t think that’s going to help me. I might just tarnish your Olympic halo.” She rubbed a knuckle along the passenger window, as if she could clear the icy layer on the outside.

They sat in the cold truck while he waited for the defroster to kick in enough to clear the windows.

He knew she had a valid point.

“I kept my mouth shut eight years ago when I should have defended you to everyone. At the time, I thought maybe you hadn’t been honest with me, and that maybe you really were still with Luke.” Gavin had felt like he’d betrayed his friend, and the guilt had made him say things he later regretted. “I know better now, thanks to making amends with Luke. And I’d like to help you feel welcome in Yuletide again.”

“You don’t have to do any such thing.” She turned toward him, a hand on his arm. “I’m not going to stay in town long anyhow.”

He could see the hint of vulnerability in her pretty eyes. Was she leaving because things were uncomfortable for her here? He couldn’t abide that. Not when he’d been a part of the reason she’d felt ostracized. He knew exactly how to fix it.

Besides, he realized he was in no hurry for her to leave. It’d been too long since he had seen her.

“I happen to know Kiersten Garrett really wants you at her wedding.” He’d been over to dinner at Luke’s and Kiersten had shared as much.

Rachel’s jaw dropped. “I— Well. Just because Kiersten wants me there doesn’t mean I need to put up with grief from everyone in town.”

He jumped into trouble with both feet. It came with the territory on the mountain every day, and he wasn’t going to shy away from a risk now, with someone who used to be important to him.

“Consider the town quieted when you go to the bridal welcome dinner as my date.”

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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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Blog Tour / Book Review * DEFENDING HEARTS by Rebecca Crowley

October 11, 2017 2 Comments

Defending Hearts by Rebecca Crowley
Series: An Atlanta Skyline Novel
Published by Lyrical Shine on September 19, 2017
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

WHEN THE PITCH GETS PERSONAL

Atlanta Skyline’s star Swedish wingback Oz Terim—or as the fans call him, the Wizard—has an airtight plan for his life, his career, even his meticulously renovated house, but he barely gives a thought to the Islamic faith he inherited from his Turkish parents. So no one’s more surprised than he is when he’s the victim of anti-Muslim hate crime. Refusing to take the threat seriously, he resists the security detail Skyline insists on . . . until he meets Kate Mitchell. There’s no room for her in his plan and she’s the exact opposite of what he wants. Then why can’t he keep his hands off her?

After ten years in the military—and getting fired from her first post-Army job in Saudi Arabia—Kate Mitchell has slunk home to her Georgia roots. Private security isn’t the career she dreamed of, nor is she thrilled to work with an uptight professional athlete who plays a sport she has no interest in. She never expected to be attracted to him—or for him to fall for her, too. As their opposite lives tangle up—and the threat against Oz grows more serious—Kate has to decide who she wants to be in life and in love.

In a powerful voice, Rebecca Crowley takes on a hot topic with her latest book in the Atlanta Skyline series … and does it well! She delivers just the right amount of oomph to bring his plight to light in our minds and have us rising up behind him in support. The subject is of a relevant topic, the friendship rallying behind him is touching, the sports factor brings in fitting action to keep us wanting more, and the sweet love story developing from strife has us mesmerized. Overall, a great read!

Swedish soccer player Oz Terim was enjoying the good life as a star wingback for the Atlanta Skyline when sudden media attention brought him to center stage for another reason. He might have inherited his Islamic faith from his Turkish parents, but he’s never even been a devout follower, so when he’s suddenly targeted on a published list just for being a Muslim athlete, he’s blown away. Finding himself entrenched in hate is demoralizing and disconcerting.

Kate Mitchell is former military and newly back in her home area of Atlanta, Georgia and working for a private security company. When she’s contacted by Oz’s manager about the incident, she is hesitant to work with what she assumes is a cocky athlete, but when she meets Oz and hears his dilemma, she steps up and takes him on as a client. Attraction flares fairly quickly between them, but Oz isn’t quick to trust or jump into an intimate relationship with just anyone. Will she prove to be irresistible?

When The Pitch Gets Personal

Atlanta Skyline’s star Swedish wingback Oz Terim-or as the fans call him, the Wizard-has an airtight plan for his life, his career, even his meticulously renovated house, but he barely gives a thought to the Islamic faith he inherited from his Turkish parents. So no one’s more surprised than he is when he’s the victim of anti-Muslim hate crime. Refusing to take the threat seriously, he resists the security detail Skyline insists on . . . until he meets Kate Mitchell. There’s no room for her in his plan and she’s the exact opposite of what he wants. Then why can’t he keep his hands off her?

After ten years in the military-and getting fired from her first post-Army job in Saudi Arabia-Kate Mitchell has slunk home to her Georgia roots. Private security isn’t the career she dreamed of, nor is she thrilled to work with an uptight professional athlete who plays a sport she has no interest in. She never expected to be attracted to him-or for him to fall for her, too. As their opposite lives tangle up-and the threat against Oz grows more serious-Kate has to decide who she wants to be in life and in love.

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Rebecca Crowley inherited her love of romance from her mom, who taught her to at least partially judge a book by the steaminess of its cover. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with smart heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and never tires of the happily-ever-after. Having pulled up her Kansas roots to live in New York City and London, Rebecca currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.