Wishing everyone a safe, yet scary, night of tricks and treats!
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Book Tour for Dangerous Exes by Rachel Van Dyken (Review & GIVEAWAY)
Isla Turner's Top Ten Reasons To Stay Away From Jessie "Freakin" Beckett:
I like control.
And I think arrogant cheating men are the devil.
Its why I cofounded Dirty Exes PI, to pin down scoundrels with the tip of my stiletto heel.
My names Isla and I have a confession to make.
I think football players are sexy.
This poses a problem since enemy number one just happens to want to take down my entire company with his massive quarterback hands. Did I mention he has massive hands already? Stupid, who likes big hands anyways? Not this girl!
He wants to destroy me.
I want to end him.
I never lose.
Besides, I've come up with a fool proof plan, I'm a woman on a mission, a woman who likes order, and lists, so I've conjured up a list of ten reasons Jessie Beckett is the absolute worse (I may have been drinking wine, but it was the only way to power through).
10. His eyes crinkle when he smiles. I hate it. It's distracting and I think he does it on purpose just to appear friendly to the elderly. He's satan in sheeps clothing.
9. He has too many abs. I know it seems an unusual thing to be upset about, but theres just too much muscle? It's...disgusting. When he's shirtless I look away and I pray. You know, for his digestive system, theres only one way you get that much muscle, protein shakes, gross.
8. He helps orphaned children. I think it's a ploy for attention, theres no way it's genuine.
7. He's too competitive, which means you always have to have your A game.
6. His kisses are too, passionate (trust me I hate that I even know) it's like you're the sole focus of his entire world which would be fine if you weren't getting kissed on camera in front of hundreds of thousands of Patriots fans!
5. He's arrogant. So. Arrogant. The guy doesn't even need words, he just gives off this smug look and sea's of people part or just pass out completely.
4. His megawatt smile makes my face hurt. No botox in that forehead, it's all huge and ready for the next picture op.
3. He's secretive. Which makes him sketchy, he doesn't want people prying and he thinks I'm the biggest one of them all!
2. His pantry is pathetic, no color, nothing exciting, or fun, and his cereal is all, well dont get me started on his cereal. I actually took care of this point, but it still makes my eye twitch.
1. He had the best fake proposal I will probably hear. Ever. Which just makes him the ultimate bad guy, who does that to a girls heart? When she knows full well it's not real? He's a horrible, horrible human being and I can't wait for everyone to see what I'm talking about when they read Dangerous Exes!
Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.
Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!
Actually…could it be?
Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.
EXCERPT:
I was a planner.
I had one Erin Condren planner for work, and another for home and recreational activities like my biweekly running and yoga sessions.
I even mapped out my meals on the front of my fridge in different-colored chalk for each day of the week. I’d never faltered in my routine, I never forgot to highlight, to color code. It was my life.
Until Jessie.
He was the wrench you throw in the perfectly good engine, causing it to sputter to its death.
I picked up the binoculars again, despite Blaire’s heavy sigh. “He’s just … staring right back at us. Leaning against his stupid Tesla like he owns the world. Why is he even driving a Tesla?”
“Why are we mad about his car again?” Blaire asked in a bored voice.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Don’t you have a date with your perfect man-bun-wearing millionaire hotel-empire-owner slash bartender?”
“I love that you actually included the slash.” Blaire laughed. “And yes, yes I do.” She walked over to me and jerked the binoculars from my death grip. “Give it a rest, he’s just trying to get into your head. He’s still pissed about everything that was leaked to the press.”
“That wasn’t our fault and you know it.” I put my hands on my hips. “That was his blood-sucking wife trying to make us and him look bad.”
I’m a professional.
I’m in control.
Breathe in and out.
Everything is fine.
I’m co-partner of one of the premier PI companies in Hollywood.
I’m the Beyoncé of catching cheaters with their pants down.
Everything.
Was.
Fine.
“Right.” Blaire nodded slowly. “But in the end it just made him look stupid in front of the entire world—in front of a world that he’s trying to make a better place through all of his charity endeavors, which means, even though he’s not a terrible person, everyone now thinks he is.”
A headache pulsed behind my temples, I rubbed my head and tried to think of a solution. It’s what I did. I fixed things. I fixed broken marriages, relationships, and if a client was too far gone and in a free fall, I handed them a safety net and made it better.
Yet every time I thought of Jessie Beckett I either wanted to inflict violence on his person, or just … huh, I guess all I really wanted was to fight him.
I was tall.
He was muscular.
I would lose.
He would laugh.
Plus it would mean touching him.
I shivered.
“Cold?” Blaire grinned.
“You’re still here?” I said, confused.
She shoved me toward the door. “Go talk to him, throw up the white flag, and move on. Thanks to the news, we didn’t get the short end of the stick and have a client load that’s going to force us to take on another employee.”
I sagged a bit. “Right, you’re right. Okay, I’ll just tell him it’s over. How hard can it be? He has to be bored out of his mind anyway. He’s been there all day.”
Blaire smiled and then gave me an encouraging nod before walking to her car. I gulped at Jessie and stared him down, all six foot four of him.
There were so many things wrong with him as a human that I was offended just thinking about them.
For one, his eyes were too knowing, like he’d already done a search on every single part of your body that responded to male touch and memorized it just in case he got the chance to corner you.
His light eyes against tan skin, dark hair that was a bit longer in the back curling at the ends and making a girl think about giving them a tug.
And don’t even get me started on his muscular build.
It said one thing, in bold colors above his head, that he put physical perfection above all else and wanted everyone else to not only know it, but comment about it, appreciate it—he basically had a big giant freaking “You’re Welcome” sign hovering over him. And it irritated me.
It irritated me that when I’d tried to get close to him during our investigation, he didn’t play into my hands as easily as I was used to with most of our targets.
And to be honest, it stung a bit that when I dumbly threw myself in his face in order to distract him from Blaire—he looked at me like I was a sad excuse for bait. I’d never had a guy react to me in that way, typically it was easy to distract them, tempt them to default to their cheating tendencies, catch them on camera, and be done. But Jessie … Jessie hadn’t even blinked in interest—if anything, I annoyed him. Which in turn annoyed me, made me try harder to push his buttons, until he relented and we became friends.
He gave me another small wave.
I steeled my gaze and made the slow, painful walk across the street.
From friends.
To enemies.
In one final swipe.
Bastard.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
A war waged by an ex-athlete, still recovering from the fallout of lies and bitterness his ex leveled at him, drives him to the edge of insanity and to a sweet and sexy journey to HEA for readers in this charming rom-com. As his battle for revenge brings him closer to the woman he’s sworn to ruin, he finds himself growing ever closer to the woman who seems to be his exact opposite. Love knows no bounds though as their fake engagement soon brings real feelings to the surface and has them embracing a life full of color and love.
Jessie Beckett was dragged through the mud during, and throughout the ending, of his marriage to his best friend’s sister. Her lies and need to be in the spotlight left his reputation in shreds. Angry at her, but more so at the PI company that assisted her in defaming him, he concocts a plan to ruin the woman he blames for everything...Isla. He has a complicated connection to Isla though, one of unrequited feelings from the past and an attraction that’s becoming harder to ignore. When he and Isla are caught in a compromising position the only answer to save them both is a fake engagement that quickly intensifies. Just when HEA seems within reach a decision he once made in anger comes back to tear his heart from his chest and leaves him desperate to make amends. Jessie’s a drool-worthy hero who’s understandably anger over being betrayed by the one woman he never thought he was worthy of. It turned out to be a marriage where he was never loved for himself, a marriage where he constantly had to change for her, and a marriage full of loneliness which demoralized him as a man. I ached for all his ex put him through, but his feelings of revenge towards Isla was way over-the-top as he camped out on her doorstep to intimidate her every day. As a catalyst for bringing them together though, it was an intriguing one as their daily encounters were sizzling. As their fake engagement brought them closer together Jessie showed himself to be a true romantic. Through his words and deeds he gives Isla the self-worth that her ex tore from her. After the heartbreak his ex left him with he closed himself off, became distrustful in a life lacking in color. Being with Isla brings color and light to his life and you can see his heart growing bigger every moment he’s with her, just like the Grinch’s heart. With each turn of the page Jessie won me over. From his blatant and subtle words and deeds, he radiated his growing feelings for Isla. His attempt to make amends had him employing a secret weapon, Isla’s aunt Goo-Poh, which endeared him to me even more and showed just how far he’s willing to go to be worthy of her.
Isla Turner has her own past of heartbreak caused by an ex who repeatedly cheated on her and took everything from her when he left, both financial and emotional. She started her PI company as a way to regain her self-esteem and to keep other women from feeling as betrayed as she does. She defines herself by this company now which is why Jessie’s attempts to ruin it feel so personal and why their relationship is so combustible. Isla’s a strong-willed heroine who lives a life full of schedules and facts and you’d assume that would lead to her views being only black and white, but Isla surrounds herself with color. For far too long she let her ex keep her in the background, but now she makes her presence known and like a bull tempted by red, Jessie’s tempted by the endless array of colors she surrounds herself with. Isla kept her heart closely guarded throughout most of the story, but when she finally gave it into Jessie’s keeping I cheered as he was more than worthy of it. Isla’s the kind of heroine who gave as good as she got, loyal to her friends and more than ready to fight for those she cares about. She’s quite capable of making it on her own, but having Jessie’s support empowered her even more. Being with him had her embracing her femininity too and I enjoyed their erotically-charged encounters both in and out of the bedroom.
Throughout this story Isla and Jessie showed themselves to be a formidable couple, teeming with sensuality and witty banter that felt like endless foreplay. They both gave exactly what the other needed, strong yet silent support that made their lives richer and made their HEA all the more satisfying. From the first page to the last this was a story that captivated me. From its immensely likable main couple, to their crackling connection that brought a smile to my face, this is a story that charms and warms the heart. From sweet interludes of heartfelt talks, to scorching encounters that burn up the pages, this story had me rooting for HEA every step of the way. Along with this likable main couple, readers got to reconnect with the main couple from the previous book in this series and they were a funny yet solid support to this couple on their journey to HEA. There was one character that stood out above all others...and that was Isla’s colorful and strong-willed Aunt Goo-Poh. She was a commanding presence, both at the nursing home and in the outside world, a tiny bundle of energy who used ancient Chinese traditions to bring Isla and Jessie together...sometimes with hilarious results but always with love. With this delightful romance Ms. Van Dyken has crafted yet another winner that I highly recommend to readers.
Jessie Beckett was dragged through the mud during, and throughout the ending, of his marriage to his best friend’s sister. Her lies and need to be in the spotlight left his reputation in shreds. Angry at her, but more so at the PI company that assisted her in defaming him, he concocts a plan to ruin the woman he blames for everything...Isla. He has a complicated connection to Isla though, one of unrequited feelings from the past and an attraction that’s becoming harder to ignore. When he and Isla are caught in a compromising position the only answer to save them both is a fake engagement that quickly intensifies. Just when HEA seems within reach a decision he once made in anger comes back to tear his heart from his chest and leaves him desperate to make amends. Jessie’s a drool-worthy hero who’s understandably anger over being betrayed by the one woman he never thought he was worthy of. It turned out to be a marriage where he was never loved for himself, a marriage where he constantly had to change for her, and a marriage full of loneliness which demoralized him as a man. I ached for all his ex put him through, but his feelings of revenge towards Isla was way over-the-top as he camped out on her doorstep to intimidate her every day. As a catalyst for bringing them together though, it was an intriguing one as their daily encounters were sizzling. As their fake engagement brought them closer together Jessie showed himself to be a true romantic. Through his words and deeds he gives Isla the self-worth that her ex tore from her. After the heartbreak his ex left him with he closed himself off, became distrustful in a life lacking in color. Being with Isla brings color and light to his life and you can see his heart growing bigger every moment he’s with her, just like the Grinch’s heart. With each turn of the page Jessie won me over. From his blatant and subtle words and deeds, he radiated his growing feelings for Isla. His attempt to make amends had him employing a secret weapon, Isla’s aunt Goo-Poh, which endeared him to me even more and showed just how far he’s willing to go to be worthy of her.
Isla Turner has her own past of heartbreak caused by an ex who repeatedly cheated on her and took everything from her when he left, both financial and emotional. She started her PI company as a way to regain her self-esteem and to keep other women from feeling as betrayed as she does. She defines herself by this company now which is why Jessie’s attempts to ruin it feel so personal and why their relationship is so combustible. Isla’s a strong-willed heroine who lives a life full of schedules and facts and you’d assume that would lead to her views being only black and white, but Isla surrounds herself with color. For far too long she let her ex keep her in the background, but now she makes her presence known and like a bull tempted by red, Jessie’s tempted by the endless array of colors she surrounds herself with. Isla kept her heart closely guarded throughout most of the story, but when she finally gave it into Jessie’s keeping I cheered as he was more than worthy of it. Isla’s the kind of heroine who gave as good as she got, loyal to her friends and more than ready to fight for those she cares about. She’s quite capable of making it on her own, but having Jessie’s support empowered her even more. Being with him had her embracing her femininity too and I enjoyed their erotically-charged encounters both in and out of the bedroom.
Throughout this story Isla and Jessie showed themselves to be a formidable couple, teeming with sensuality and witty banter that felt like endless foreplay. They both gave exactly what the other needed, strong yet silent support that made their lives richer and made their HEA all the more satisfying. From the first page to the last this was a story that captivated me. From its immensely likable main couple, to their crackling connection that brought a smile to my face, this is a story that charms and warms the heart. From sweet interludes of heartfelt talks, to scorching encounters that burn up the pages, this story had me rooting for HEA every step of the way. Along with this likable main couple, readers got to reconnect with the main couple from the previous book in this series and they were a funny yet solid support to this couple on their journey to HEA. There was one character that stood out above all others...and that was Isla’s colorful and strong-willed Aunt Goo-Poh. She was a commanding presence, both at the nursing home and in the outside world, a tiny bundle of energy who used ancient Chinese traditions to bring Isla and Jessie together...sometimes with hilarious results but always with love. With this delightful romance Ms. Van Dyken has crafted yet another winner that I highly recommend to readers.
My rating for this is an A-
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Rachel Van Dyken is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and #1 New York Times bestselling author known for regency romances, contemporary romances, and her love of coffee and Swedish fish. Rachel’s also recently inked a deal for her Wingmen Inc. series—The Matchmaker’s Playbook and The Matchmaker’s Replacement—to be made into movies.
A fan of The Bachelor and the Seattle Seahawks (not necessarily in that order), Rachel lives in Idaho with her husband, a super cute toddler son who keeps her on her toes, and two boxers.
**********GIVEAWAY**********
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Book Cover Reveal for The False Series by Meli Raine
FALSE MEMORY (Book #1)
It all started with the bereavement flowers with my name on them.
Not the best way to wake up, right? I work in a flower shop. I know a funeral arrangement when I see one.
I know a killer when I see one, too. And one is standing in my hospital room right now, straight behind the man who saved my life.
I can’t tell anyone the truth, because that’s the fastest way to really die. So I do the next best thing. I “lose” my memory.
I fake my amnesia.
Pretending not to remember a brutal attempted murder has its perks. The killer is backing down, spending less time around me, loosening the noose.
The less I claim to recall, the more my rescuer, Duff, works to help me “remember.” I hate lying to him.
But he doesn’t understand that my memory is dangerous. To me. And to him.
Fooling everyone isn’t easy. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Except it’s starting to look like I’ve been fooling myself.
In more ways than one.
FALSE HOPE (Book #2)
FALSE START (Book #3)
AUTHOR INFO:
Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them. Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE | NEWSLETTER
Monday, October 29, 2018
Book Tour for A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell (Review & GIVEAWAY)
A young man from the Midwest finds fame, love, and an unexpected encounter with a peacock-worshipping cult in this exhilarating m/m rock star romance. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf. In honor of this exhilarating romance, leave a comment below telling me who your favorite rock band is for the chance to win a $20 Amazon GC!
What he wanted was a music career. What he needed was love.
When Kris Golding leaves his dusty Kansas hometown for a fresh start in New York, he thinks an apartment and a job are waiting for him. But when he finds neither, rather than admit defeat, he takes his chances busking—and meets Rayne Bakshi of international rock band The Chokecherries. Rayne needs a new guitarist, and gives Kris his first break since leaving home.
Rayne wears makeup and glitter and thinks nothing of kissing Kris in front of twenty thousand screaming fans for the attention. Instantly infatuated, Kris begins to question whether he might have a crush on Rayne—could he be bisexual? But since Kris originally claimed to be straight, Rayne’s wary of getting involved offstage.
As their tour gains momentum, Kris’s sexuality becomes the least of his troubles. Between his conservative brother hell-bent on “rescuing” him from his life of debauchery, a peacock that may or may not be the avatar of a cult god, and a publicity stunt that threatens to upend the band, Kris is definitely not in Kansas anymore.
*****GET A MORE IN-DEPTH LOOK INTO THIS BOOK here*****
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
At it’s core this is a simple story of a young man from the Midwest who finds sudden fame and unexpected love when he becomes the new guitarist for glam rock band, The Chokecherries. It’s a journey of fulfilling dreams and finding oneself that pulled me along in a wake of bright lights, addictive adulation, and non-stop sensuality. Along the way were a few frustrating distractions involving a peacock-worshipping cult, a judgmental brother, and a fake relationship that unleashes real feelings. It all makes for an exhilarating thrill ride that gives readers a vivid depiction of the rock star world that will leave you cheering.
Kris Golding grew up in the Midwest, feeling restless and longing for more. One day he decides to take a chance and move in with a cousin in New York, but things don’t go as planned as he ends up homeless on a park bench. Fate smiles down on him though in the form of rock star Rayne Bakshi who presents him with the chance of a lifetime. Kris soon finds himself on a tour bus with an eclectic group of bandmates that quickly become like family. Before long Kris has left his Midwest roots behind, embraced the glam look, and become a star. It’s a change that empowers him to experience more in life, as well as finally embracing his bisexuality. It’s a whirlwind journey, one he embraces wholeheartedly, sometimes with wide eyes, but never with judgment. Kris is a likable young man with a kind heart. He’s full of uncertainty when it comes to matters of the heart, but he leaves himself open to all the possibilities. Kris represents us, learning the ropes of being a rock star, while fumbling when it comes to love, and his bumpy journey endeared him to me all the more.
Throughout Kris’s journey he has the sexy Rayne by his side, introducing him to a whole new world, protecting him every step of the way. It’s a relationship that started out as friends but quickly became more as their sensual antics on stage soon moved backstage. Rayne’s an exotic character, teeming with sensuality, with a commanding presence wherever he goes. He was drawn to Kris from the moment he saw him buskering in the park and from there he took him under his wing. Fleeting touches, deep kisses, a bit of dirty dancing, and a drunken admission soon has Rayne feeling leery as his previous relationship with a straight man has left him bruised and questioning this new intense connection. Just as things seemed to be heating up between them though, their record label proposes Rayne have a fake relationship with another singer who was recently outed which complicates things even further. Rayne’s larger than life, prowling across the stage like an animal, and when offstage he’s just as drool-worthy. I was enamored with him wholeheartedly and could understand why Kris was drawn to him and ready to admit the truth in hopes of keeping him close. He’s loyal, giving, and unconditionally cares for the group who’s more like family to him and I quickly became invested in his HEA.
On a whole this was a thoroughly entertaining story that easily pulled me in. The rock star life was vividly depicted, with all the sex and drugs readers have come to expect. The romance between Kris and Rayne is a very slow burn, almost frustratingly so, but it still kept me rooting for them. Despite a silly misunderstanding and Kris’s uncertainties, it was still a satisfying journey to HEA. The other members of The Chokecherries were an equally entertaining bunch, supportive of one another while never judging their sexual antics. Make-up artist and trans burlesque club owner Angel was especially intriguing as she was often the voice of reason while showing a protective side to those who seemed lost. Together they made for a formidable family of their own choosing. So much about this book appealed to me, but there were a few hiccups along the way. The introduction of a cult at the midway point of the story was jarring and made me think I’d hit a wrong button on my tablet. It was over-the-top and took the story in a silly direction that marred the sexy rock star vibe that had been built. The other frustration revolved around Kris’s brother Brad and his crazed attempts to get Kris to leave his new lifestyle behind. It was melodramatic, and after reaching a fevered pitch, it was casually wrapped up. Without these two storylines I would’ve rated this book even higher as the author depicted the rock star world in a realistic and addictive light. Kris and Rayne were an immensely appealing couple whose slow burn journey to HEA kept me furiously turning the pages and has left me breathlessly waiting for what this author puts out next.
My rating for this is a B-/C+
*I got this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Arden graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with an Honours degree in English literature and the realization that essay writing is just another form of making up stories. They also came away with an overriding and all-abiding love of semicolons, to the general dismay of their editors.
Arden lives in Ontario with a dog, a fellow human, and an unnecessary number of houseplants.
**********GIVEAWAY**********
PRIZE IS A $20 AMAZON GC!
-GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO EVERYONE.
-To be entered, LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING ME YOUR FAVORITE ROCK BAND (ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDY). NO EMAIL ADDY=NO ENTRY.
-GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT EST ON NOVEMBER 2ND.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Spotlight on Patched Over - #TNTNYC19 Exclusive Anthology
Readers planning to be near Staten Island on September 21st, 2019 can rejoice as fans of MC-fueled romances get to meet their favorite authors of the Tempted and Tantalizing Event. Not only will readers get to meet their idols, but they’ll have an anthology of new stories to while away the hours. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of the Patched Over anthology, along with this exciting upcoming event, then get ready to become a part of the action!
Eight authors from the Tempted and Tantalizing Author Event are joining together to bring you this paperback, which is exclusive to #TNTNYC19 and includes eight short stories. Some feature crossovers between existing clubs, others may introduce new clubs—all, however, have been patched over.
Saddle up and let the MC authors of TNTNYC take you on a ride you’ll never forget!
✶Patched Over Breakfast Panel Event.*
Pass these Ol’ ladies a Bloody Mary and spend the morning with the authors of the #TNTNYC19 Patched Over Anthology. Get to know the women behind the badass characters and put them in the hot seat. No question is off limits—in fact, the more daring, the more fun had by all.
Featured Authors Include: Ambere Sabo, Cecile Tellier, Elizabeth Knox, Janine Infante Bosco, Khloe Wren, Linny Lawless, M. Merin & MariaLisa Demora...
But, this being TNT and all, you never know just who else might pop in.
Remember, “Patched Over” is exclusive to #TNTNYC19 and will not be in print anywhere else. You can preorder your copy and few will be available at the event along with other “Patch Over” merchandise.
Ticket includes breakfast and admission into this two-hour event.
There are LIMITED seats available and none will be added.
*LOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN TICKETS GO LIVE*
You can pre-order your copy of Patched Over HERE.
Book Spotlight on Recklessly Ever After by Heather Van Fleet (GIVEAWAY)
Readers will be captivated by this tale of a one-night stand that quickly leads to more. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Recklessly Ever After by Heather Van Fleet, then add this exhilarating romance to your bookshelf. In honor of this third installment in the Reckless Hearts series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win 1 of 5 copies of the previous book in this series too!
Gavin St. James
After the hell I’ve been through in the Marines—in life—there’s nothing I crave more than routine, stability, peace. Until McKenna Brewer walks into my life.
She’s impulsive, fiery, tempting as hell, and everything Gavin doesn’t need. But when she offers me a night of no-strings-attached passion, I can’t resist.
When our night together has unexpected consequences, I can’t help but think this might be the perfect opportunity to show McKenna just how much I want her.
The only problem? She doesn’t do forevers. But forever is exactly what I need with her.
EXCERPT:
For a split second, I almost let her go, thinking maybe I needed more time to think this through. Plan what to do next and figure shit out.
Yet the thought of doing so was like a razor to the throat—and the absolute last thing I wanted.
Needing her more than air, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
“No.”
She met my stare and whispered, “No?”
I shook my head, then I kissed her, harder this time. I expected her to fight me. Push me away and run, but her body instantly relaxed against mine, and we were right back to where we’d been just seconds before. Only this time, things moved faster.
“Need you…” I panted.
Slowly, I pulled back remembering her comment about her breasts. It made sense now why she’d said they were sensitive, but that didn’t stop me from wanting them in my mouth. Wanting to taste them most of all. So, I pulled back and lowered my head, taking my time as I held one of them in my hand. Then with the gentlest of licks, I sucked one of her nipples in between my lips, going at it with gentle laps of my tongue across the tips. She shivered so hard goose bumps danced across her skin, and a soft gasp of pleasure escaped her mouth. I teased and toyed with the ends, using my lips to kiss the peaks, my tongue to taste the edges. I gave her gentle, because she deserved it.
“That feels so good,” she moaned, encouraging me to pull at them a little harder, not too hard, but enough to drag out the low noise in her throat.
Slow, steady kisses led me to the other breast, and I used my finger to trail around the same wet tip I’d just teased. Her hips worked harder over my jeans, and I could feel the change in her body with every touch of my tongue, every lick, every kiss to her breasts.
This was the stuff of movies, the way I held her close. I didn’t know it could be this way, feel this good, and we hadn’t even gotten to the good stuff yet. Whether that had to do with her being pregnant with my baby, or the simple thought of her not running away, I didn’t know. What I did know was that I was falling hard for the first time in my life, and it didn’t scare me like I’d thought it would. Only encouraged me to take the plunge, completely. Forever.
That thought spurred me into action, and soon I had her flat on her back on the couch. Big, blue eyes blinked up at me, lips parted, breaths panting, cheeks flushed. “You’re so beautiful,” I murmured, having no idea where to start when it came to her body—to her. Fuck, more than anything, I wanted to take my time, savor the moment, but I couldn’t wait either.
I stood and tugged my jeans and boxers off. My cock sprang free, ready, and those same eyes of hers shimmered with heat as she took me in from head to toe, back up and down again.
“I want you, McKenna. All of you. No running. No more fighting this thing between us. Just…” I sighed, dropping to my knees next to her, desperate and pleading like a man on the edge of death begging for one more minute of life. I squeezed my eyes and exhaled fast. “Just please…tell me you want this too.” I gripped the edges of her panties, the lace and silk doing little to steady my shaking hands. I was ready to pull them down, give her everything she’d ever desired. But I needed her consent, that one word. Her yes.
And then it happened.
One smile.
One nod.
Three words I never expected.
“Yes. I’m yours.”
The tightening in my chest released, and I smiled too. I smiled so fucking wide that it hurt. But I didn’t care. Because McKenna actually wanted to be with me.
With. Me.
That was the best fucking moment of my life so far.
BUY LINKS: AMAZON | BN | iBOOKS | KOBO | INDIEBOUND
AUTHOR INFO:
Heather Van Fleet is a stay-at-home-mom turned book boyfriend connoisseur. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, a mom to three girls, and in her spare time you can find her with her head buried in her Kindle, guzzling down copious amounts of coffee.
Heather graduated from Black Hawk College in 2003 and currently writes Adult contemporary romance. She is published through Sourcebooks Casablanca with her Reckless Hearts series and is represented Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary.
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Saturday, October 27, 2018
Book Spotlight on Cowboy Christmas Jubilee by Dylann Crush (GIVEAWAY)
A woman who prefers to be alone finds herself surrounded by holiday love in a small town as well as trying to fight her attraction to the town’s sheriff in this charming tale. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Cowboy Christmas Jubilee by Dylann Crush, then add this sensual and heartwarming romance to your bookshelf. In honor of this second installment in the Holiday, Texas series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win 1 of 5 copies of the first nook in this series too!
Merry Christmas from your new friends in Holiday, Texas: The most celebratory town in the South!
When Jinx Jacobs's motorcycle breaks down outside Holiday, Texas, the last thing she wants is to get stuck in the cheery little town, especially during the holidays. The whole place has gone Christmas crazy, but all she has to do is stay out from under the mistletoe—and do her best to keep that unnervingly attractive cop off her back.
Single dad and sheriff’s deputy Cash Walker doesn’t have time for romance, and yet something about the tempting loner twists his stomach up tighter than a tangle of tinsel. He may have finally found the missing piece in his life…but with Jinx so determined to avoid putting down roots, convincing her to stay may just take a Christmas miracle.
EXCERPT:
Charlie couldn’t be talking about Jinx. The last place that woman would fit in was the Rambling Rose, the oldest honky- tonk in Texas. She’d be more at home at one of the raves he’d broken up at the abandoned grain mill in the next town over.
But there she was, commanding the space behind the bar. Teal hair spilled over her shoulders.
Bare shoulders.
A hot- pink Rambling Rose tank top clung to her frame like it had been spray- painted on. The scoop neck dipped low— too low— revealing an appealing glimpse of cleavage.
All the blood drained from his face to his crotch. Last time he’d seen her, she’d been covered in a black leather jacket that was at least two sizes too big. Now all he could see was skin. Skin covered in ink. Ink with swirls, drawing his gaze over her arms, her collarbone, her chest.
As he stood there staring, silently willing the blood to stop gravitating downward, she looked up. Her eyes locked with his. A flare of surprise flitted across her face, then she looked away.
“Wait. Do you two… Have you met her already?” Charlie squeezed his forearm, her attention bouncing back and forth between him and Jinx.
“Yeah. I ran into her earlier this week. Her bike broke down, and I gave her a lift to Dwight’s.” He faced his sister. “You hired her? What do you even know about her situation? She was evasive when I tried to talk to her. Didn’t want to answer my questions. Could be trouble, Charlie.”
She dismissed his concern with a scowl. “There you go again. Did you try to have a conversation with her, or did you grill her like a cop? You always think the worst about people.” Charlie moved toward the bar. Toward Jinx. “She’s on her way to New Orleans. Just needs to make some money to get her bike fixed up. It’s too bad she’s not planning on sticking around permanently though. She seems to know her way behind the bar, and with Beck spending more and more time on his craft brewery, I could use the help.”
Cash reluctantly followed, moving closer and closer to Jinx with every step.
Jinx looked up, nudging her chin his way. “Hey.”
Charlie twisted to face him, waiting for a response.
“Hi. Uh, looks like you’re working here now.” He tucked his thumbs through his belt loops, rocking back on the heels of his boots.
Jinx reached for a glass from the rack overhead, giving him a good look at the ink covering her triceps. Some sort of quote or something. “What gave it away? The fact that I’m standing behind the bar in a Rambling Rose tank top? Or did you think I sneaked back here to try to steal a beer?”
“Look, I’m in law enforcement. I’m suspicious of everyone.”
“Cash…” Charlie drew his name out while she clamped her hands to her hips. “What did you do to Jinx?”
“Nothing.” That was the truth. He hadn’t done anything to her. Couldn’t blame him for being a little leery of her though. Folks like Jinx didn’t settle in tiny towns in Texas.
“Whatever he did, please forgive him. He takes after the bumpkin side of the family. He’s just not sure what to make of a city girl like yourself.” Charlie whirled around to face Cash. “And you”— she thrust a finger in his face— “you watch your step around here.”
He rolled his eyes, snatched her finger, and flung an arm around her. “Don’t be making idle threats. Jinx and I are just fine. Right?”
Jinx swept a trio of empty mugs off the bar and stacked them in the bin below. “Sure. We’ll be just fine as long as you stay out of my way, ’kay?”
“My pleasure.” He took off his hat, bending into an exaggerated bow, then backed away toward a table to wait for his dinner. Charlie was such a bleeding heart, she’d give a complete stranger the clothes off her back if they looked like they needed them more. He’d have to keep an eye on Jinx. His gut told him she was hiding something, and he’d be damned if he’d let her take advantage of his sister’s hospitality.
The ribs arrived, and he managed to get his fill before the band started. Jinx must have felt his gaze on her. She kept glancing his direction, that swoop of hair falling over her eyes. The guys sitting at the bar seemed to appreciate the new view. The regular bartender, Shep, was good at pulling a beer, but he didn’t provide much in the way of eye candy.
Jinx, on the other hand, had all her assets on full display. The way the good ole boys nudged each other when she bent down to retrieve something behind the bar made his blood heat up a few degrees. Made him want to take off his shirt and throw it over her shoulders. Made him want to punch something.
Jinx looked like the kind of girl who could handle herself. As long as she didn’t cause trouble and kept her hand out of the till, he’d let her bide her time here until she could get her bike fixed up and get out of town. Before he did something he’d regret, he headed out front to make sure the bouncer was actually carding people this week.
The night wore on. The band hardly left the stage. The beer flowed, and the crowd erupted into a few fistfights and borderline brawls, keeping him busy straight through to last call. By the time he made it to the bar for a water, there were only a few die- hard drinkers left.
“How’d your night go?” He leaned against a stool while he filled a plastic cup from the giant cooler of water Charlie kept on the edge of the bar.
Jinx looked up from wiping down the counter. “You talking to me?” She glanced around, obviously giving him a hard time, since no one else was within five feet of them.
“Look, I don’t know what it is about me that’s got your panties twisted into knots—“
“Chill out, cowboy. There’s nothing about you that’s got my panties or any other part of me in knots. You’re not my type.”
Cash laughed. He might have been rusty, but she sure as hell sounded like she was yanking his chain. Two could play at that game. “Why not? Because I don’t have enough ink covering my torso to reprint the constitution? Or because I’ve never let someone poke my body full of holes?”
She leaned across the bar, close enough that he could look down her shirt if he wanted. Too close. “You might just like some of my holes, cowboy.”
AUTHOR INFO:
Dylann Crush writes contemporary romance with sizzle and sass. A romantic at heart, she loves her heroines spunky and her heroes super sexy. When she’s not dreaming up steamy storylines, she can be found sipping a margarita and searching for the best Tex-Mex food in Minnesota.
Although she grew up in Texas, she currently lives in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul with her unflappable husband, three energetic kids, a clumsy Great Dane, a rescue mutt, and a very chill cat. She loves to connect with readers, other authors and fans of tequila.
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