Book Tour for Dare to Tempt by Carly Phillips (REVIEW)

An athlete in trouble hires a formidable private investigator with fireworks the result in this compelling contemporary romance that will keep readers frantically turning the pages.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Dare to Tempt by Carly Phillips, along with my impressions of it, then add this second installment in the Dare Nation series to your bookshelf too!

He’s a smooth talking jock in trouble.

She’s the solution to his problems.

Love is the last thing they expected to find.

Damon Prescott had it all. Star quarterback. Money. Fame. Now? He’s being accused of taking performance enhancing drugs and banned from the sport and team he loves.

Determined to prove he’s innocent, he hires tough as nails private investigator, Evie Wolfe. She’s able to bring a man to his knees with a glare, yet sensual in ways that take him off guard - and she’s everything Damon didn’t know he needed.

Evie’s used to men dismissing her, especially playboys like Damon Prescott so she’s not buying the sexual lines he’s trying to sell. She’s with him to do a job, nothing more. But you know what they say about the best laid plans?

Sometimes you end up between the sheets with an arrogant football player anyway.

But when the case is over, can Damon convince Evie she’s the only woman for him or will she leave him tied up in love?

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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

When it comes to reliable authors Ms. Phillips is always at the top of the list for her consistently satisfying romances and her appealing and realistic characters.  With each turn of the page this release is another winner as a fake relationship slowly becomes real while the mystery surrounding a star quarterback is ultimately solved in an all-around HEA.

Damon Prescott's a sexy, star quarterback on the top of his game when this book starts.  Things go quickly downhill though the moment he gets a concussion with tests revealing performance enhancing drugs in his system which lead to being suspended from his team who are more like a family to him.  It's a crushing blow, one that has him doing whatever's necessary to prove his innocence.  Though he's always enjoyed the player lifestyle he quickly commits to a fake relationship with a PI hired to find out the truth and discovers that being close to Evie's the lone bright spot in his life.  Damon starts out as a stereotypical player, enjoying the adoration of the female fans through numerous one night stands.  He's fun, flirty, as well as a bit arrogant, but seeing him around his family shows a man with a big heart just waiting for someone to love him for him.  After a rocky first encounter, Damon and Evie's connection turned combustible and I was rooting for them every step of the way as their pairing was utterly entertaining and made them even more likable as they finally took a chance on love and each other.

Evie Wolfe's a great heroine, self-assured when it comes to her job and protective of both family and friends.  She's a smart cookie too with a need to prove herself in what's normally seen as a man's job and I was cheering her on from start to finish as she dealt with the feelings of inadequacy her ex left her with.  It was an internal battle she waged with herself over embracing her womanly side while solving the mystery of Damon's dirty test results, a battle that's a timely issue and one that made me like her all the more for standing her ground and being true to herself.  Through it all Evie's full of sass, more than capable of giving as good as she gets, and it made for a connection to Damon that was full of sparks.  With each turn of the page this couple became more united, stronger in their love, as they solved not only the mystery surrounding Damon but also mysteries surrounding the heart.

Damon and Evie were a delightful pairing, fun and flirty towards each other, with crackling banter and sizzling interludes.  Damon was a bit superficial at first, but as the story progressed I saw greater depth to his character.  Time spent with family and friends brought out a softer side that endeared him to me while his support of Evie in her job also spoke highly of him.  Evie was an appealing heroine with an air of confidence but also vulnerability that kept me rooting for her to get everything she wanted in a romance I was fully invested in. Surrounding this entertaining main couple was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters, family members and friends, some who readers have seen before and some who left a tantalizing impression on me as I wait for more stories to be told.  Fans of the theme of fake romances will find much to like about this release, much to like about the characters and their beautiful blend of sexy and sweet, and by The End you'll be left with a smile on your face.

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books HERE.

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Book Spotlight on You Had Me at Wolf by Terry Spear (GIVEAWAY)

A new town and a new business brings with it the chance to claim a mate for one of the sexy new brothers to move into a community known for its large population of wolf shifters.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of You Had Me at Wolf by Terry Spear, then get ready to add this suspenseful paranormal romance to your bookshelf.  In honor of this first installment in the Wolff Brothers series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win 1 of 5 copies of this book too!

A wolf on a mission needs a partner...even if it's only for one date...

The hot, powerful Wolff brothers have moved to the outskirts of Silver Town and opened a ski lodge. They've always wanted to live in a wolf-controlled area, and now they have their chance. They're settling in for a quiet winter, when their lives suddenly become way more exciting than they'd ever planned.

Private Investigator and gray wolf shifter Josie Grayson is hot on the trail of a dangerous criminal hiding out at the ski lodge when her partner takes ill and must leave her to pursue the mission alone. Blake Wolff steps in—he can't resist the allure of this brilliant and focused she-wolf whose presence awakens a long dormant yearning in his heart.

As pursuit of their quarry heats up, Blake has a mission of his own...to convince Josie that there's more to life than work...and that she's his perfect mate

EXCERPT:

“Looks like I’ve got some business to take care of.” Landon frowned, his gaze focused on someone behind Blake who he could hear was fast approaching. From the sound of the ski boots on the tile floor, he thought the person was female. “You go ski, and when you’re done, I’ll take a few runs down the slope.”

Blake glanced back and saw the pretty blond he’d noticed observing him and Rosco during the avalanche training. She was headed straight for them, her expression intense, brows furrowed, her gaze shifting from Landon to Blake. He smelled a whiff of her scent—fresh air and she-wolf. No wonder his brother was eager to assist her. At the same time, Blake was a little embarrassed that the woman approaching had witnessed him struggling with the snowblower. Good thing she hadn’t seen him with an out-of-control Saint Bernard even earlier.

Blake smiled. “I can hang around for a moment and take care of whatever issues she’s having.”

“No, that’s okay, Blake. The sooner you ski, the sooner I get to.”

Blake knew that wasn’t the only reason his brother wanted to take care of the woman’s concerns. Landon had recognized she was a wolf too.

When she drew closer to them, she targeted Blake, and he was eager to be the one to handle whatever was upsetting her. Happily. Conflict didn’t bother him or his brother. It was a chance to prove they could resolve any issues that arose at the lodge with the least amount of fuss. When he caught another whiff of her wolfish scent, that made him even more eager to help her. Though he reminded himself she could have a mate or a potential one.

She smiled brightly at Blake, her cheeks and the tip of her nose rosy from the cold. She was wearing a white parka, the furry hood down, a light-pink and white ski hat, dickey, and gloves, and formfitting light-pink ski pants and white ski boots, looking as if she’d just came off the slopes. She reminded him of cotton candy and snow bunnies, innocent and sweet.

When she reached him, she threw her arms around Blake in a hug, startling him. He smiled down at her, amused at where this was going. Since he was single, he didn’t have to worry about a mate throwing a fit. If he had, all she’d have to do was smell this woman all over him, and he would have been in the doghouse. As long as the woman hugging him didn’t have a mate either. Then again, wolves mated for life, so she probably wouldn’t act this way if she were mated or courting another wolf. She could smell that he didn’t have a she-wolf’s scent on him either. Not until now.

He was surprised at her action. Did she think he was someone else? But she would recognize his scent, which quashed that theory. The only other thought that flashed through his mind was that she was trying to pretend she had a relationship with him because some guy was hassling her. Whatever the reason, he was all too willing to play along and take care of whoever was giving her trouble.

She kissed him, startling him even more, and his brother laughed. “It appears your day is looking up, and I think you have a handle on this.” Still chuckling, Landon walked off.

Blake was enraptured with the woman. Her lips were soft and malleable as she pressed them gently against his, but she began building up the steam, licking his mouth and then nipping and melding hers with his.

Relishing the scent of the she-wolf and the crisp, cold out-of-doors that she carried with her, Blake wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tighter against his body, enjoying her soft curves and warmth, building a slow fire deep inside him. They were kissing like they needed a room, he realized, not family fare in the lobby of their lodge. He very reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers and smiled. “Do I know you?”

“Took you long enough to ask.” She smiled up at him, and he wondered what he was getting himself into.

Hell, he was game.

“I’m Nicole Grayson, and you’re my fiancé. For the moment. My life depends on it.”

Blake frowned, worrying she was really in trouble, though she didn’t seem overly anxious—not in her facial expression, and certainly not in the way she’d been so easily intimate with him. “Do we need to call the sheriff?” He should have already had his phone out, but he didn’t want to let go of her if there wasn’t any need. This was just too damn nice.

“No, I’ve got a handle on this.”

He wanted to laugh at her choice of words since Landon had said the same thing about Blake. “All right, good show. By the way, I’m Blake Wolff.”

“Wolf? I’ll say.”

He smiled. He liked her easy banter and didn’t think she could be in any real danger. He would have smelled her anxiety for one thing, instead of her enticing arousal that was fueling his own. “I’d shake your hand, but I think we’re beyond that.”

“For this to be believable, yes.” She smiled up at him as if she truly adored him. “I saw all the trouble you were having with the snowblower earlier.”

“Uh, yeah.” That kind of blew his macho image, he was afraid. He had hoped she wouldn’t bring it up. “I’ve never used that kind before.”

“I kind of figured that. I haven’t either, or I would have tried to help.” He smiled. “You watched instead.”

Her cheeks pinkened. “You were entertaining.”

“You saw everything?”

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AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over forty paranormal romances. Heart of the Wolf was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and Billionaire in Wolf’s Clothing was a Romantic Times Top Pick. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears. She lives in Spring, Texas.  Learn more about Ms. Spear, and her books, by visiting her WEBSITE.

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Book Spotlight on Calling on Quinn by Blue Saffire (GIVEAWAY)

A man devoted to family finds himself drawn to his niece’s driving instructor in this contemporary romance of family and taking a chance on love.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Calling on Quinn by Blue Saffire, then start counting down the days until this series starter hits shelves on February 25th.  In honor of this first installment in The Blackhart Brothers series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of this book too!

He's trouble—of the very best kind.

Quinn Blackheart is a private investigator, former cop, and no-nonsense, take-charge kind of guy who adores his sprawling Irish family. He likes to check all the boxes, and his niece's gorgeous driving instructor just earned a place at the top of his to-do list.

Alicia Rhodes has had a tough, chaotic year, and she's ready to put the past behind her and find happiness in the present. When handsome Quinn Blackhart shows up at a driving lesson, she can see he's the very best kind of trouble—but is she game? Now isn't a great time to get involved with a man—even if he's the most romantic, supportive, understanding, magnificent man she's ever met.

So between unfinished business of Alicia's, and a dangerous case threatening the Blackhart family, Quinn is determined to both woo Alicia and keep her safe—which is going to make for one wild, sexy ride.

EXCERPT:

Quinn

That lass does my head in. I don’t know how she can annoy the fuck out of me and turn me on so much I forget my own name at the same time. My body wants to go after her, but my mind is telling me to stay put.

My brothers and I have been on rotation to watch over Erin. Ma and Da left a while ago so Ma could shower in her own home and spend time with the babes. Kasey and Molly need their grandma. All of this is a big adjustment for the family. I think we’re all exhausted.

I can’t say the last time my mum didn’t stay overnight here at the hospital, with my da right by her side. I was happy to sit in while they take some time away. However, now my jaw ticks as I watch the swaying hips of the woman who’s been on my mind for a week.

I need to talk to her. That call went all wrong the other night. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m nothing but awkward when it comes to dating. Still, that woman made it a hell of a lot harder to try to ask her out.

I twist my lips into a frown as I watch her walk away. Trenton walks past her in the hallway, turning his head to watch her go by. I release a growl, feeling possessive and irritated.

“Now, that’s a looker.” He whistles when he enters the room.

“Stay here,” I snap at him.

“Wait, what?” he calls after me, but I’m already in motion.

My long legs eat up the floor as I head in the direction Alicia retreated in. I have her in sight as the elevator arrives. She steps in and the doors go to shut. I get there just in time to stick my foot in the way of them closing.

The lift makes a dinging sound as it opens wide. Alicia looks up from her phone as I step on. Our eyes lock and I close the distance between us. She drops her head down shyly to break the connection. She has to feel the same thing I feel. This energy that’s charging the tight space between us has a pulse.

The elevator chimes and others begin to crowd on, causing us to move closer together. Alicia tries to take a step back, but my hand shoots out. It lands protectively on her waist, drawing her into me to shield her.

I trap a groan between my lips when her soft curves press against me. She still won’t look up at me, but she doesn’t wiggle out of my hold either. She feels so right this close.

I dip my head to whisper in her ear, “We need to talk.”

She lifts her head to look at me, her lush lips are parted, begging me to kiss them. I’m this close to listening. The lift stops again, allowing more passengers onto the car.

Alicia places her hands on my chest as we’re squished more closely. The look in her eyes tells me I’m not alone in this. She indeed feels it too.

When we reach the lobby, the crowd starts to exit. I maneuver her body in front of mine to cover her as I lead her out. She relaxes into my hold on her waist, causing me to have hope that this won’t be a fight.

As soon as we get off the car, my newfound confidence implodes. A stony-faced Kevin is standing outside the elevator. When he turns his eyes to me, I know my talk with Alicia is going to have to wait.

“We need to talk,” Kevin says gruffly.

“I should be going anyway,” Alicia rushes out.

She tries to take off, but I wrap my fingers around her forearm to stop her forward motion. She turns to look back at me. I grind my teeth against the electric current that zaps straight up my arm.

“This isn’t over. We’ll be having that talk,” I say before releasing her.

“Not such a good idea, but it was nice seeing you again. I’ll keep Erin in my prayers,” she replies softly.

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AUTHOR INFO:

As a young girl, Blue’s mother introduced her to the world of love and music through movies, but once she got her hands on books, an author was born. With more than thirty contemporary romance novels and novellas under her belt, she’s now an award-winning, bestselling author. She lives with her husband on Long Island.  Visit her website HERE.

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