31 July, 2014

Book Blast: Echoes of Memories (Nepherium #2) by Samantha LaFantasie




About the Author:

A Kansas native, Samantha LaFantasie spends her free time with her husband and three kids. Writing has always been a passion of hers, forgoing all other desires to devote to this one obsession, even though she often finds herself arguing with her characters through much of the process. She’s primarily a fantasy writer but often feels pulled to genres such as sci-fi, romance, and others. Among her writing credentials, a member of the Kansas Writer’s Association and has authored works such as Heart Song (her debut novel) and Made to Forget. Samantha loves to take time to enjoy other activities such as photography and playing her favorite game of all time, Guild Wars 2.

Want more from Samantha? Keep up with her at any of her digital hangouts.

Facebook | Author Central | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest




Echoes of Memories (Nepherium #2) by Samantha LaFantasie
Adult Fantasy
Published: 31 July 2014


Traitor. Liar. That’s what they call me. No one believes me. Not even my team. I know it’s up to me to get the answers. To stop the corruption and unlock my memories. I’ll do anything to get them back. Even if my hands will be covered in blood.

Elsa's every move is scrutinized. She’s labeled a traitor by those she sought for protection, and kept from her family and team. Regaining memories has been a slow process. Too slow for the Council's liking, taking matters into their own hands.

The new captain has history with Elsa and operates with a hidden agenda. Even Elsa’s team reacts differently toward her. If only she could unlock her memories. Everything is playing right into Alexander's hand, even amassing an army with unconventional methods, designed to annihilate the Nepherium—starting with Noah. Elsa will do anything to stop Alexander ... even kill.

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Amazon



a Rafflecopter giveaway






Echoes of Memories Blog Tour Schedule:

August 1st
A Little Slice of Romance (http://allittlesliceofromance.blogspot.com/)

August 4th
Nocturnal Predators Reviews (http://nocturnalpredatorsreviews.blogspot.com)

August 5th
Diane’s Book Blog
 (http://dianes-book.blogspot.com)

August 6th
Avid Reader Musings
(http://www.avidreadermusings.com)

August 7th
Curling Up With A Good Book 
(http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.blogspot.com)

August 8th
MeganLentz.com
 (http://www.meganlentz.com)

August 11th
The Wonderings of One Person (http://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.com)

August 12th
WS Momma Readers Nook (http://wsmommareadersnook.blogspot.com/)

August 13th
Camisado Mind
(http://camisadomind.blogspot.com)

August 14th
Good Choice Reading
 (http://www.goodchoicereading.com)

August 15th
Dalene's Book Reviews (http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com)

Paulette's Papers (http://paulettespapers.com/)




30 July, 2014

Book Blast: Semper Mine (Sons of War #1) by Lizzy Ford (@LizzyFord2010)





About the Author:

Lizzy Ford is the author of over thirty books written for young adult and adult romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling “Rhyn Trilogy,” “Witchling Series” and the “War of Gods” series. Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring. Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Want to get to know Lizzy better? Check out this exclusive interview!




Excerpt from Semper Mine:

Excerpt 3: Grommets on the Outside

Captain Mathis is across the room, hands on hips, watching. Impossible to read as usual, though one eyebrow is up in either accusation or inquisition. He nods his head to the side in a silent command for me to join him.

I have no idea where this guy gets off thinking he can boss me around. It might work with his men, but not with me.

I go outside instead, feeling claustrophobic.

Maybe being here is a mistake. I want to think it’s for Petr and Mikael – and it is – but there’s another reason I feel compelled to stay. I think there’s a piece of me that needs this,too, though I’m not sure why, when this is totally not my scene.

Tossing my head back, I gaze at the late afternoon sky, so blue and beautiful. The forest calms me, and I shake out my shoulders.

“Is there anyone here you don’t have a problem with?” Captain Mathis asks from behind me.

“We’ll find out, won’t we?”

He’s quiet. I have a feeling he’s not entirely certain what to say in response.

After a minute, he circles and stops in front of me, reaching for my belt. Not expecting the sudden proximity, I freeze where I’d normally move or push him out of my space. He smells lightly of coconuts once more, and I find myself staring at the width of his chest and the shapely arms and shoulders. His brown eyes are the shade of dark chocolate, his skin rendered golden by the sun and his hair kept in a neat high-and-tight. His heated strength is different than that of my brother’s. I notice his body, how close he is to me, the way his roped forearm muscles shift with the movement of the long fingers unsnapping my belt. I’ve never paid any attention to my brothers like this.

“Grommets on the outside,” he instructs me. He steps closer to pull the belt out and twist it before settling it again at my waist. Snapping it into place, he drops his hands but remains a little too close for my comfort.

“Thanks,” I murmur.

In a manner of seconds, I’ve forgotten why I hate him and Brianna. It’s uncanny, as if my senses overtake conscious thought when he’s around.

“Your brother’s old enough to fight his own battles.”

Anger stirs, and I look up at him. “I know that!”

Captain Mathis is calm, always so calm. I wonder what it feels like not to experience emotions the way I do.

“So you’re just picking fights today?” he asks.

“None of your damn business!”

“For this week, it is,” he says firmly. “We’re a team. If you’re going to be picking fights all week, I’d like to know.”

“Why? So you can trade me?” I challenge, crossing my arms. Being so close to him is a little too intense right now. I step back self-consciously.

“So I can make sure I have your back, if it elevates,” he responds. “It’s what teams do. Take care of their own.”

“Except for Mikael.” I can’t help it. I’m feeling furious with the handsome man before me once more. Captain Mathis doesn’t even blink. If anything, he seems to grow colder. “Whatever you think you know about me, I will have your back, because that’s the way this works.” It’s not what I’m expecting to hear. He has a way of either infuriating me or deflating my anger. The weird tension stretches between us, the one that manages to replace thought with a physical awareness of his body.



Semper Mine
Contemporary Military Romance
Published: 29 April 2014 by Guerrilla Wordfare


Award Winning author, Lizzy Ford, gives us an emotional, sexy read with her first Sons of War novel, SEMPER MINE.

A Marine captain tortured by the death of his men in Iraq returns home and falls in love with the sister of one of the slain, who blames him for the massacre that killed her brother. SEMPER MINE, is a standalone novel in the Sons of War contemporary military romance series.


“A freak accident landed both of the Khavalov twins under my command, just before a routine mission turned into a nightmare. I brought home one twin in a coffin and the other in a coma missing his leg. I did everything right – and still people died. I can’t forget that night or how many lives it changed, including mine.

It’s natural for their sister, Katya, to blame me. I made one decision in the middle of a firefight, and it shattered her sheltered world. I’m the ice to her fire, and when we first meet, it’s not pretty. I don’t fear war or death, and I am definitely not going to let a beautiful woman with a quick temper and broken heart scare me off, either. I know she’s hurting, and I’m determined to make sure she’s okay. It’s the least I can do for the twins.

I may have failed them that night, but I won’t fail her. What I’m not counting on: the feelings she ignites within me.”

– Captain Sawyer Mathis

Goodreads | Amazon



a Rafflecopter giveaway





28 July, 2014

Release Day Tour Book Review: The Tycoon's Convenient Bride...and Baby by Shoshanna Evers





About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Shoshanna Evers has written dozens of sexy stories, including The Man Who Holds the Whip (part of the bestselling MAKE ME anthology), Overheated, The Enslaved Trilogy, and The Pulse Trilogy (from Simon & Schuster Pocket Star).

Her work has been featured in many anthologies such as Cowboy Heat and Smokin' Hot Firemen, the Penguin/Berkley Heat anthology Agony/Ecstasy, and numerous erotic romance novellas including Bedhead and Ginger Snap from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

Her two bestselling non-fiction writing anthologies include How To Write Hot Sex: Tips from Multi-Published Erotic Romance Authors, and Successful Self-Publishing: How We Do It (And How You Can Too).

Shoshanna is also the cofounder of SelfPubBookCovers.com, the largest selection of instantly customizable, one-of-a-kind, premade book covers in the world.

Shoshanna Evers has been listed on Amazon as one of the "Most Popular Authors in Romance," as well as on the Contemporary Romance, and Erotica "Most Popular Authors" lists.

Reviewers have called Shoshanna’s writing “sensuous, delightful, and sizzling” with stories where “the plot is fresh and the pacing excellent, the emotions...real and poignant.”

Shoshanna used to work as a syndicated advice columnist and a registered nurse, but now she’s a full-time romance writer and a home-schooling mom. She lives with her family and three big dogs in Northern Idaho, and loves to connect with readers on Twitter @ShoshannaEvers, and Facebook at Shoshanna.Evers.

Sign up to be notified when the book comes out! ShoshannaEvers.com/newsletter

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr




My Thoughts:

In The Tycoon's Convenient Bride..., Mack and Lauren, who have known each other since childhood, are thrown into a marriage of convenience when Lauren's brother and his wife go missing and someone needs to take care of their child. Per the stipulations in her brother's will, Mack and Lauren get married to take on the care of her niece. Although the events leading up to this are a little farfetched (I would think the welfare of the child should be considered more when allocating caretakers, as opposed to making sure they are a married couple, but oh well...), I like a good marriage of convenience story as much as the next person. I think what made this story more real is that both Mack and Lauren had some sort of initial attraction to each other, even if it was hidden from the other.

I liked how the author developed the relationship between Mack and Lauren. They definitely could have had better communication, but that made the story more interesting. I kept waiting for the point when the two would figure out and resolve their issues and become a real couple and family.

I'm going to be completely honest, some of the bedroom talk got to me. I just wasn't feeling some of the language and it took away from the story because it stuck with me throughout the book. I've read other novels by Shoshanna Evers and really liked them, so it disappointed me that I wasn't completely in love with The Tycoon's Convenient Bride..., but overall, this is a sweet, romantic story about two people who come together to raise a child and end up becoming a genuine family. If marriage of convenience books are your thing, I would definitely recommend this as a quick read. It's perfect for the beach or to have on hand during a long trip.



The Tycoon’s Convenient Bride…and Baby
Contemporary Romance
Published: 28 July 2014 by Entangled Publishing


After her brother and his wife go missing and are presumed dead, Lauren Peters plans to raise their infant daughter. Her brother's will, however, stipulates that baby Callie can only be raised by a married couple. Lauren’s as single as they come.

Mack Hansen can’t stand idly by while his business partner’s baby is thrown into a foster home. As he sees it, there’s only one solution "he and Lauren will marry for the sake of the baby“and he’ll keep his attraction to her at bay.

Lauren knows that Mack is all about business, including their marriage of convenience. But her unexpected feelings for him have her turned upside down. With passion sizzling between them, can Mack keep Lauren from stealing his heart…and becoming his wife for real?

Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Books | Amazon



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Check out the rest of the reviews for the release day tour by clicking HERE.



Release Day Blitz: Clinging to Rapture by Megan D. Martin and Voracious by Jade Eby





Bad Ass Heroines Release Day Party

Jade Eby & Megan D. Martin are celebrating the release their new novels VORACIOUS and CLINGING TO RAPTURE by giving away some sweet ebooks!



About the Author: Jade Eby

Once upon a time there was a little girl who fell in love with books then she grew up to write her own.

Jade has participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) six times and enjoys copious amounts of coffee. When she's not writing, she enjoys trashy reality T.V. and reading everything she can get her hands on.

Mommy to two dogs and two naughty kitties, she feels like she might be on her way to having a zoo.

Website | Twitter | Review Blog



About the Author: Megan D. Martin:

Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. She writes New Adult Romance with a bloody, sexy twist. Her characters are damaged souls who find each other in the dark and have to fight for a love they may or may not deserve.

In her spare time Megan plays Batman with her incredibly sweet son, watches too many episodes of Vampire Diaries (Ian, call me!), buys fish for her many fish tanks, and has long talks with Gandaldore (the little writing wizard that sits on her desk.) She is well known for losing her keys and has more than one nerdy tattoo.

Website | Facebook | Twitter




Voracious (Back to Bad #2)
New Adult Suspense


Voracious, the action-packed second book in the Back to Bad series follows Lacey as she sinks deeper and deeper into the crime addled world she tried to avoid. She's got blood on her hands and a yearning to be crazy. What's a girl to do when she leaves her innocence at the door? She goes back to being bad, of course.

Goodreads




Clinging to Rapture (Rapture #2)
New Adult Erotic Romance


“I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.” Four months ago I ran away. I left him behind. The man who stalked me, took control of my body, and claimed he loved me. Now he’s returned. Like dripping razor blades, he has slashed his way back into my life. But everything is different. He doesn’t want me anymore. I expected him to come back, to be sorry. I even planned to forgive him. I should have known that he would discard me like everyone else in my life. But I’m going to change that. My billionaire stalker has come to say goodbye…only this time I plan to keep him.

Goodreads



a Rafflecopter giveaway





24 July, 2014

Teaser Blitz: Command Me by Geneva Lee

About the Author:

Geneva Lee prefers fantasy to reality, especially fantasies involving powerful, dangerous, and sexy men. You can find her devouring a good romance while avoiding the laundry and the children. She lives in Seattle with her family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter




Note: Due to mature content the following teaser is meant for readers 18 years and older.





Command Me
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 5 May 2014 by Westminster Press

When he kissed me, I was shocked. He was a stranger and still so familiar. It wasn't until I woke up to my picture splashed on the cover of tabloids that I realized I knew who he was.

Prince Alexander of Cambridge.

Royal bad boy.

Exiled heir to the throne.

He isn't Prince Charming. He's controlling. He's demanding. He's dangerous. And I can't say no to him.

We both have secrets—secrets that could tear us apart or drive us closer together—and as the paparazzi exposes each one, I have to decide just how far I'm willing to go for King and Country.

For readers 18 and up due to mature, erotic scenarios.

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Amazon








15 July, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Addicted (Ethan Frost #2) by Tracy Wolff


About the Author:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter




Excerpt from Addicted:

“There is no way to fix this, Ethan!” I bring my hands up and shove at his chest, hard.This time, he stumbles back, though I know it’s more from the emotional impact of the blow than it is from the blow itself. “There is no way to rewrite the past.

“I told you when we met that I was broken. I told you that you weren’t going to be able to fix me.”

“You’re not broken, baby.You’re not.” There are tears in his eyes, tears in his too-thick voice, and it hurts. Oh God, it hurts so badly to see him like this. To know that I’ve caused it, that I’ve reduced this strong, beautiful man to this when all he’s ever been is kind to me. It’s a blade deep inside me, an open, aching wound that can’t close because the knife keeps twisting, twisting, twisting.

“I am.”

“You’re not. Maybe you were, but you aren’t anymore.I wish you could see yourself the way that I see you.You’re strong, baby, so strong that some days it’s all I can do to believe that you’re mine. That I’m the one who gets to touch and kiss and hold you.”

He shakes his head, the look on his face saying that even now he can’t believe his luck.I know the look, because I wore the same one every day we were together when I thought about the fact that this as-gorgeous-on-the-inside-as-he-is-on-the-outside man was really mine.

“How you could have gone through everything you have and come out the other side this beautiful, brilliant woman . . .” He shakes his head. “It overwhelms me. You’re so smart and so talented and so sure of what you want, sure of how you’re going to get it. Don’t you see, sweetheart? That’s about as unbroken as you can get.”

“I’m not—”

“Yes! You are. I wish you could see yourself the way that I see you.Wish that you could understand. I’m in awe of you, Chloe.You’ve been to hell and back and you’re still here, still fighting to make a life for yourself. Still fighting to make the world a better place. None of that has anything to do with me. That’s all you, baby. It’s you, not me. You’ve healed yourself. Don’t let my bastard of a brother change that. Don’t let him ruin what you’ve built. Don’t let him ruin us.”

Now I’m the one crying. Again.I swipe at my cheeks, trying in vain to stem the flood of tears.

“Fuck.” Ethan breathes the word out and this time when he pulls me into his arms, I don’t fight him. I can’t, not when I crave his touch like a junkie craves a fix.I’m addicted to him, to his strength and his kindness, to the way he holds me and the way he makes my body burn with just a touch.



Addicted (Ethan Frost #2) by Tracy Wolff
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published: 15 July 2014 by Loveswept


Ethan Frost returns in the breathtaking conclusion to New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff’s seductive novel Ruined—perfect for fans of Release Me and Bared to You.

As Chloe Girard discovers, there’s love . . . and then there’s addiction. Ethan Frost is everything a woman could want in a man. He’s rich, gorgeous, powerful, one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.

But that’s not why I’m with him.

I love Ethan for all the things no one else gets to see: his innate kindness, his reckless spontaneity, his unwavering determination to use his brilliance for good. I love the way he looks at me, the way he touches me. The way he makes me forget the wreckage of my past and the twisted fear that still lives inside me.

But sometimes it terrifies me how much I crave him, how much I need him just to breathe. I always thought it would be my past that ruined us, but there’s a darkness in Ethan I never dreamed existed. Can we survive as his secrets surface—threatening to unravel us both?

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon




Also in the Ethan Frost series: Ruined by Tracy Wolff, currently on sale at just $1.99 across online retailers!

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | Amazon


Praise for Ruined:

“Tracy Wolff knows how to steam up the pages, and she proves it again in Ruined. If you’re looking for a hot read, curl up with Ethan Frost.”
—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner

“Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey will love Tracy Wolff’s Ruined! Heat sizzles off the page and the oh-so-sexy Ethan Frost will make you swoon!”
—USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy


a Rafflecopter giveaway






Release Day Blitz: Dare to Surrender (Dare to Love #3) by Carly Phillips (@carlyphillips)





About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips tossed away her legal briefs and a career as an attorney to become a stay at home mom. Within the year, she turned her love of reading into an obsession with writing. Over 30 published novels later, Carly writes sexy contemporary small town romances, striking a balance between entertainment, humor and the emotion her readers have come to expect and enjoy.

Carly is a New York Times bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller and as of 2012, a Romance Writer’s of America RITA Nominee. In 2002, Carly’s novel, The Bachelor, became Kelly Ripa’s “Reading with Ripa” pick on Live with Regis and Kelly, making it the first romance ever chosen on a nationally televised book club.

Carly received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and is a graduate of Boston University School of Law (J.D.). To date, Carly has over thirty novels to her credit, all available wherever books are sold.

When not writing or playing online, Carly loves to read, occasionally to knit, and to spend time with her family. She lives in Purchase, New York with her husband, two daughters and her dogs, a soft coated wheaten terrier and a Havanese. Her dogs are prominently featured on her website and Facebook page.

Website | Facebook | Twitter




Excerpt from Dare to Surrender:

Gabe silently thanked God his houseguest escaped into the shower as soon as she possibly could. The tour of the house had just about done him in. Isabelle’s oohs and aahs had been genuine, as had her love of his favorite room in the place. Unlike Naomi, who had taken one look at his apartment and immediately begun calculating how she could move in permanently, Isabelle, who he had invited, not only wanted to pay her way but she planned to leave as soon as possible. Not if he had his way.

Back at the police station, outside in the rain, it’d been all he could do not to reach out and swipe his hands over her responsive nipples, feel her tremble beneath his touch, and get rid of the ridiculous distance between them. He might not know her well, but he’d always felt they’d connected. The physical attraction was obvious. She was all woman, supple curves, her breasts full and lush, and she possessed one hell of an ass. His cock twitched with the desire he’d felt from the moment he’d first seen her on Daltry's arm.

But things ran deeper. They’d shared banter and flirting during opportune moments when he’d caught her alone. He’d had glimpses of the intelligent, witty woman she was when not with that pompous ass. But not until today had he really seen beyond the exterior beauty to the depth beneath. Those sexy blonde curls that bounced wildly around her face were a proud testament to the fiercely independent woman she desperately wanted to be.

The woman he intended to help her find.

It wouldn’t be easy. Isabelle needed gentling. Understanding. Patience. Not his best traits, but when it came to her, he’d already exercised plenty. He’d bided his time, knowing Daltry would fuck up sooner or later. The balls that made him a crack financial investor also imbued an arrogance that would be his downfall. And it had been.

It was Gabe’s good fortune that Daltry’s screw-up had landed Isabelle at his brother’s police station. Seeing her there had given him insight he wouldn’t have had otherwise. In Isabelle, he saw an intriguing combination of weary life experience and innocent ingenue. It was the innocence the most primitive part of him wanted to conquer, to possess. Since he'd begun running his father's empire at the age of twenty-one, the same age he'd been drafted into surrogate parenthood to his sister, he had always gotten what he wanted.

And Gabe wanted Isabelle.



Dare to Surrender (Dare to Love #3)
Contemporary Romance
Published: 15 July 2014 by Carly Phillips


After ending a relationship to a cheating, domineering man, Isabelle Masters takes off in her leased Mercedes, only to be arrested for grand theft and hauled to a local police station. To her surprise, she is rescued by the most unlikely person possible, Gabriel Dare, a man she’s been attracted to for far too long. Gabe offers Isabelle freedom along with an invitation to Eden, an exclusive island resort where everything and anything is possible.

Although Gabe yearns to possess Isabelle, he knows all too well he must fight his primitive need to bind her to him, and instead help bring out the independent woman she yearns to become – or risk losing her for good.

A woman who needs to run her own life. A man who needs to exert control. Can she surrender to his erotic demands without losing her sense of self once more?

iBooks | Amazon






The Dare To Love series by Carly Phillips
New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family... siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Dare Family Tree

Dare to Love (Dare to Love #1)
Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Dare to Desire (Dare to Love #2)
Barnes and Noble | Amazon


14 July, 2014

Blog Tour - Book Excerpt: The Reality of You by Jean Haus

About the Author:

When Jean Haus isn’t writing, she’s usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there’s at least a bit of romance, she’ll load it on her kindle. She also loves to cook. And someday she will create the world’s best potsticker.

Website | Facebook | Twitter




Excerpt from The Reality of You:


Barbie began leading us through some warm up stretches.

Reese’s flexing biceps in my peripheral vision. Then his taut thigh. After that a sliver of his lovely abs as he stretched up.

Concentrate Naomi! Quit ogling the man!

Strangely, or maybe not strange, my inner conscience’s voice sounded a lot like Kara.

I kept my eyes on Barbie for the most part, and copied her moves that were starting to remind me of a pretzel, or at least make my body feel like one. Surprisingly, a thin sheen of sweat soon covered my body. Unfortunately, Reese’s muscles began to shine too. Shiny, golden luscious skin inches from me.

As I reached and stretched, Kara’s voice screamed at me, Stop looking at him! Do NOT touch!

This was harder than I had anticipated. Besides the squawk of my stomach muscles contorted in a half back bend, was Reese’s body next to me with his abs in a lickable position. I was quite sure that his ‘secretary’ licking him during Pilates would be frowned upon.

You think? the inner Kara voice sarcastically asked.

Forcing myself to concentrate on Barbie and the current torture she committed on my body, I somehow kept my gaze from Reese’s body for most of the stretches.

During what I guessed was the cool down, we all stood feet apart, reaching sideways, and I faced the taut flex of Reese’s muscular ass. Wow. Almost three years without sex suddenly caught up with me. Big time. A flush shot through my body hitting each erogenous zone, and I snapped my head forward from the zing.

Which turned out to be a bad, bad thing.



The Reality of You by Jean Haus
Contemporary Romance
Published: 26 June 2014

Naomi Porter was once witty, fun, and outgoing, but she has scratched outgoing off the list, along with men. She has a mediocre tech job in fabulous New York, a large smut book collection, and awesome friends, both tangible and in an online gaming community. She just doesn’t date. A future filled with cats and housedresses beats having her heart broken again.

But Naomi still likes men, even kind of stalks—mostly fantasizes about—a gorgeous one at work during lunch.

Her best friend, Kara, is determined that Naomi will be outgoing again. When Kara finds out who, as in a notorious playboy, Naomi is stalking at lunch, she plans to break Naomi of her lunchtime habit and bring her back into the real world. It’s just going to take a bit of deception.

Between all the deceiving, fangirling, and bumbling, Naomi might not be able to resist the temptation of turning her seven-month fantasy into reality. And really, so what if he’s a playboy or a demanding jerk? Her fantasies don’t include love or even like, just a bed or a couch or the back seat of a limo…

Reality might be just what she needs.

Goodreads | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Amazon




a Rafflecopter giveaway






09 July, 2014

Blog Tour - Book Review: Taken by Koko Brown (@authorkokobrown)

About the Author:
Koko Brown is an USA TODAY Bestselling author and romance junkie who once read over 200 Zebra romance Club novels the summer before her senior year in high school.

Her writing career began at the tender age of nine when she self-published and distributed a newspaper for her fellow classmates. Unfortunately, her grade-school principal Mr. Clark didn’t appreciate the competition and put her out of business after one best-selling issue.

Undaunted, Koko continued to write and read everything she could get her hands on. She honed her writing skills as a staff writer on her college’s newspaper, writing obituaries for the local newspaper, and even teaching American Literature.

One day, while daydreaming in bed, she came up with the idea for her first erotic manuscript. Taking a hiatus from teaching, she had enough time on her hands to flesh out the story in two short weeks. A month later, she cleaned it up and sent it to Ellora’s Cave. By January, she received a revision letter from one of their editors and by March she signed a contract for her vampire erotic novel Charmed.

Koko calls the east coast of Florida home. Even though she’s a multipublished author of interracial erotic romance, she has a life. She loves to travel (three continents, 20+ countries and 38 states so far), shop in thrift stores, ride motorcycles, and volunteering.

Website | Facebook




MY THOUGHTS:

I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading Taken. Not that I expected it to be bad, I just don't usually go in for abduction stories. But it sounded interesting, and, I'll be honest, any book that has POC main characters in it is going to intrigue me.

The location also had an influence in my decision to read and review this book - I love to travel and also to read books set in different and exotic (at least to me) places. And finally, (as a fan of Nascar) I liked the fact that Khalid was a racing enthusiast. I actually would have loved to have this developed a little more in the book, but even this slight glimpse into Khalid's character gave him more depth.

I wasn't as enthralled with Olivia as a character - I just couldn't connect with her. I will say though, that I liked how she was independent and stood up for herself, during a time when women were viewed more as objects than people. This is, in fact, how Khalid saw Olivia in the beginning of the story. She was another woman for him to conquer and bend to his will, but that view changed by the end of the book.

It took me a while to get into Taken, but by the end I'm glad I stuck with it. It's a fast read and the encounters between Olivia and Khalid (clothed and not) are hot, hot, hot!



Taken Published: 7 July 2014 Historical Erotic Romance

Khalid Francois Duïs is a man who isn't afraid to take what he wants. And what he wants is Olivia Pierce. As his best friend's sister, she was supposed to be off limits but Olivia quickly becomes a fever in his blood he simply can't shake. He will do whatever it takes to have her with him and underneath him, even it means kidnapping.

The independent woman...

Olivia Pierce vows to never marry, instead choosing to focus on her career. But a clandestine encounter with Khalid’s threatens her resolve. Though her mind says no, her body screams yes! Her only option is to reject the the arrogant industrialist who believes a woman's place is in his bed.

When Olivia rejects Khalid's advances, he takes matters in his own hands and whisks her away to placate his obsession. From the tempestuous passion of their first encounter, across stormy seas, to a beautiful oasis in Africa, Olivia becomes his prisoner and a slave to Khalid’s all-consuming seduction.

Goodreads



a Rafflecopter giveaway


08 July, 2014

Teaser Tuesday Blast: Whiskey Prince by Toni Aleo

About the Author:

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter


Toni Aleo will be attending Chapter by Chapter Book Rave in NY on September 20th! Over a 100+ authors signing! Check it out!
www.cbcevent.com




Teaser from Whiskey Prince:

Lacing my fingers with Amberlyn’s, I bring them to my lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles before looking deep into her eyes. Her hair is up today, in a tight bun, her eyes are dark with makeup, and her lips lush and pink. Leaning forward, I brush my mouth over hers as her hand comes to rest on my cheek. I want to deepen the kiss but we have an audience, so reluctantly, I pull away, smiling slightly. “Hi.”

She smiles. “Hi. Great entrance there.”

I grin bashfully. “I only came to tell you I was madly thinking about you all day, not with the intentions of all that. I apologize.”

Her lips curve further before she runs her thumb along my bottom lip. “No worries, but I am confused on something.”

Her eyes are teasing, her lips plump, and all my anger from before is gone, replaced with pure lust for this beautiful woman. “And that is?”

“When did I become your girl?”

I smile, my cheeks dusting with color as I pull her closer to me. “The moment I kissed you. You didn’t get the memo?”

She shakes her head, biting into her bottom lip as she holds my gaze. She says, “No, must have lost its way to me.”

“Must have,” I say, bringing our mouths together again. This time I don’t care about the audience, and I hate that the bar is between us. I want to feel her against me, get lost in her kiss, but before I can, I hear someone clear their throat, causing us to part quickly.





The Whiskey Prince
Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: 14 July 2014


Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.

When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.

Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.

With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?


Goodreads






07 July, 2014

Fight Night - Beyond Series by Kit Rocha

Starting July 7th, Read My Mind will be participating in The Beyond Series Fight Night, brought to you by author Kit Rocha!

If you're a fan of the series, don't miss out on the chance vote for your favorite fighter, because the prize is a free story about the fight night champion. So do you want to see more of your favorite couple? Do you want a peek into the past – or present – of someone whose story hasn’t been told yet? Vote for your favorite and your wish may be our command!

Here's the line up for the first round:






These are the four I'm cheering for to go to the next round (I'm sure those reading this agree with me, right??):


I'm Cheering for Dallas!

Dallas, of course, because he's the boss and the original O'Kane.


I'm Cheering for Cruz!

This is a tough one, but I'm picking Cruz over Ace. It's a close call, though.


I'm Cheering for Jasper!

Jas and Noelle are the couple who started it all, so I'm voting for him to beat out Jared.


I'm Cheering for Bren!

Because Six is one of my favorite females in the series and I love the relationship between her and Bren.


Click on any of the banners to cast your vote! And don't forget to check back next week to see who advanced to round two and vote for your favorite fighters from those matchups.


Release Day Blitz: My Hunger (Inside Out #3.2) by Lisa Renee Jones





About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland, Austin Powers, Must Love Dogs) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today and USA Today lists.

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Website | Facebook | Twitter




My Hunger (Inside Out #3.2)
Published: 7 July 2014
Contemporary Erotic BDSM

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, an Inside Out series e-short told from Mark’s point of view, as he battles his all-consuming desire for Crystal.

Devastated by Rebecca’s death, Mark is facing the chaos of the press and the police investigation alone, his reputation, his business, and even his freedom under threat. When a family emergency sends him back east to New York, he puts Crystal—who’s as capable as she is challenging—in charge of his San Francisco art gallery. A Master, all about control, right now he feels that he has none. With his secret sex club and his relationships of the past in the spotlight, Mark finds sanctuary in the one place he promised he would never be again — but cannot seem to resist - Crystal’s arms.

Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon






a Rafflecopter giveaway






03 July, 2014

Playlist Blast: The Whiskey Prince by Toni Aleo (@tonilovesweber6)

About the Author:

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter


Toni Aleo will be attending Chapter by Chapter Book Rave in NY on September 20th! Over a 100+ authors signing! Check it out!
www.cbcevent.com




Playlist for the Whiskey Prince:

The Parting Glass - Ed Sheeran

Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran

Burn- Elli Goulding

Dream a Little Dream of Me - Michael Buble

All of Me - John Legend

Let her Go - Jasmine Thompson

Tattooed Heart - Ariana Grande

Adore You - Miley Cyrus

One One - Yellowcard

Overjoyed - Bastille

Say Something - Madilyn Bailey

Falling Slowly - Chester See

Who you Love - Jake Coco

Make You Feel My Love - Adele

I’ll tell Me Ma! - The Rumjacks

Buffalo Gals - Eliza Gilkyson

Within a Mile of Home - Flogging Molly

Patsy Fagan - Dessie O’Halloran

The Irish Rover - Dropkick Murphys

Everything Has Changed - Taylor Swift





The Whiskey Prince
Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: 14 July 2014


Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.

When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.

Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.

With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?

Goodreads




LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails