Book Tour for Happily Ever Alpha: A Paranormal Romance Boxed Set (2 GIVEAWAYS)

Fans of the paranormal will be drawn to this super steamy collection featuring some of today's best authors.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of the 21 tales of Happily Ever Alpha: A Paranormal Boxed Set and then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this collection make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $50 Amazon GC!  As a second opportunity to win a surprise prize of books, swag, and other goodies from an author of your choosing from this box set leave a comment, with your email addy, telling us your favorite kind of paranormal creature (vampire, shifters, demon, witch) too!

When Once Upon A Time Isn’t Enough
Happily Ever Alpha – From Twenty-Two NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Authors
What’s Inside:
*TWENTY-ONE FULL-LENGTH NOVELS AND NOVELLAS! NO CLIFFHANGERS!*
Professionally Edited and Formatted.
Limited Edition. Sale Ends Soon!
HAPPILY EVER ALPHA
Fourteen HOT paranormal alpha-male romances and six additional kick-ass paranormal romance tales bundled together in one of the steamiest collections to date!
With twenty-one novels and novellas and over one million seductive words of fiction, this paranormal romance boxed set will leave you Happily Ever Alpha.
These hot heroes and tough as nails heroines will steal your heart and make your beg for more.
How about a little Heat to keep you warm this Winter?
Our first tagline was so hot, Amazon wouldn’t let us publish it here, but you can find that same heat burning inside the pages of this set. Treat yourself to a varied collection of hot, steamy, and passionate paranormal tales. This satisfying collection has something to excite all readers.
With sexy shifters, hot vampires, wickedly cool witches, and so much more, this boxed set will has titles that will either warm you up or set you on fire—Take your pick!
For a limited time, you can enjoy books from today’s NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling authors!
When purchased separately, these books cost over $50! But they are yours today for less than $1.
Every selection in this rare, limited edition paranormal romance boxed set are full-length novels and novellas!
***Save over $50! This set is only available at this price for a limited time, so order your copy before it’s gone!

SAVING GRACE: THE RYAN CHRONICLES - BOOK ONE by J.E. Taylor

EXCERPT:

She smiled and I felt a need stir inside me and it had nothing to do with my heart, or soul,for that matter.

“You really let a demon tie you up?” Dimples appeared in her cheeks and mine bloomed with heat.

I shifted, focusing back on the darkness beyond the glass, suddenly uncomfortable and unable to look at her. I swear my face must be the shade of a bright red kickball. “I wasn’t exactly myself,” I said without looking at her.

She chuckled.

The kind of chuckle that was meant as a turn on and I slid my gaze to her. “You like your men tied up?” I raised an eyebrow. It was her turn to blush and she grinned, shrugging and looking back outside. Before I could explore more of this conversation, she paled and took a step back, dragging me with her.

There must have been a dozen pale creatures slinking across the back yard. I gave her hand that gripped my upper arm a gentle pat and she turned her frightened gaze to me.

“They won’t get through.” My voice held confidence, but deep inside, I was trembling just as much as she was. Damian, Steve, and I had wiped out more than this at the cove, but that was three of us and of course Paradise Cove probably had a lot to do with it.

We both focused on the approaching horde and without much thought, I slung my arm around Valerie’s shoulder and pulled her close. It was time to concentrate on the deadly quality of the wall I put up. I wasn’t sure of how much sizzle to put into it.

“I want to see them burn,” Valerie said, answering my silent contemplation and a chill ran up my spine.

She had every right to hate these creatures as much as demons and I concentrated, glaring at the approaching danger. Saliva ran from their lips and their teeth gleamed in the moonlight. My heart pounded in my chest, sending throbbing vibrations through my skin. The harder my heart beat, the hungrier the approaching vampires looked.

“Just a few more feet,” I muttered, focusing on the entire perimeter of the house because I wasn’t as much of an idiot as they thought. This wasn’t the only line of assault. Still, when they advanced, I took a cautious step backwards, pulling Valerie with me. The power inside me grew and I couldn’t tell whether it was the adrenaline or the power raking across my skin like a hundred finely manicured nails. The sensation grew, moving from the land of pleasure into the world of discomfort and I gritted my teeth.

“Come on, you motherfuckers,” I growled, loud enough for their acute hearing to pick up. I moved Valerie behind me and positioned myself in a fighting stance, waving them in with my leading hand. The results were memorable.

They all launched towards the glass slider and the moment they hit my invisible barrier each vampire burst into a ball of flame. The roar of fire drowned out their screams, but I heard them and the dark part of my soul reveled in it.

Valerie let out a high pitched laugh and I glanced back at her, smiling.

She met my gaze with a measure of awe. “The only one I ever saw do something that impressive was Michael."

Being compared to an archangel was humbling and I glanced outside at the black dust that spun on the wind. “I’m not an angel.”

“Oh, I gathered that,” she said and stepped away.

I turned towards her. “What do you mean by that?"

“You’re more recent activities?”

I shoved my hands into my pockets and stared at the floor, shamed by the fact she was privy to my more decadent actions. Instead of apologizing, I lifted my gaze to hers, studying her memories of past events, especially the times after the more traumatic events. Naomi was right about one thing. The girl never freaked out. Ever.

And therein lay the challenge.

I let a grin slowly surface and narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. “So, you want to try out some of those ‘activities’ with me?"

She laughed. The kind of laugh that bruised a man’s ego and when she went into the gale realm, I crossed my arms, my good humor turning sourer by the second.

CREATURE OF HABIT by Angel Lawson

EXCERPT:

"I know you have a secret."

My still heart plummeted to my ancient stomach, igniting a feeling of absolute dread and horror.  These were the words of my deepest fears. Miles had warned me—this is what Olivia was trying to tell me. I’d gotten too close. My mouth became dry and I had to force myself to breathe in order to appear normal.

I steadied my voice. "A secret?"

The sound of her metal spoon, tracing the edge of her cup, was the only noise in the room until she said, "The signs were all there. I mean, they’re stereotypical but stereotypes are for a reason, right?"

“I’m, uh, not following."

“Well, you’re freakishly neat and tidy. Your closet alone should have sent up a red flag."

Okay. This was true. I had an extreme case of obsessive compulsive disorder, but that was hardly an identifiable trait of being a vampire. It was more of a personal quirk exaggerated by the vampirism. I braced myself for more.

“Obviously your body is like…killer.” Her heart beat like a hummingbird's wings and I could almost feel the heat of nervousness rolling off her body. Only this silly woman would be embarrassed as she destroyed my life. Abruptly she said, "I mean, killer. I know a lot of men who would die for your physique."

She thought I looked amazing. A smug grin crept across my face before I shook it off, wondering for the millionth time what thoughts were running though her head. I was aware women found me attractive, as it was one of the lures that made humans such susceptible prey. To hear Amelia say those words brought about a rush of feelings I wasn't used to, but was it really important to say right now?

"Your skin is flawless, unblemished. And your hair…it’s a work of art."

“My hair?"

I hated my hair. Loathed it. It was the one thing that drove me absolutely insane post transition, but that alone was nothing definitive. I mean, look at Miles. He was bald. Forever.

She stepped closer and peered at my neck and chest. “You man-scape, right?"

I shook my head silently, afraid to speak. I had no idea what this 'man-scaping' thing was but I knew I didn't have it "Huh," she considered and turned back to the counter, her long hair swaying a bit as she took a sip of her tea. "You probably have more clothes than Kanye West."

The uneasy knot in my stomach quickly morphed into one of confusion. Kanye West? Who?

She continued, rambling now. "Sometimes you speak like you've never been around a woman, and you never have company, and the only time you did it was a man. Who, coincidentally, was also unbelievably gorgeous."

What? I literally was unable to follow her train of thought. What man was she talking about? I searched my memory and came up with the only male visitor we'd had.

Elijah.

She stilled, palms flat on the counter. When she spoke it was low and with conviction. "Like I said, I know what you’re hiding, Grant.

Here it comes. Images of what would come flashed in my mind. Would she run screaming? Would I have to kill her? In over a hundred years I'd never had a moment of exposure like this.

“I want you to know that I support you—no matter what."

I waited for a beat. I waited for the earth to stop. For the fear to sink in her eyes.

“Uh, what?”

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN

**********GIVEAWAY**********

PRIZE #1:  THE CHANCE TO WIN A $50 AMAZON GC BY FILLING OUT FORM BELOW!

PRIZE #2:  THE CHANCE FOR A SURPRISE GIFT FROM AN AUTHOR OF WINNER'S CHOOSING FROM BOX SET BY FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS BELOW!

-To be entered, LEAVE A COMMENT STATING WHAT YOUR FAVORITE PARANORMAL CREATURE IS, along with your email addy! (NO EMAIL ADDY=NO ENTRY)

-Giveaway is OPEN TO EVERYONE!

-GIVEAWAY ENDS ON FEBRUARY 2ND AT 11:59 PM CST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release Blast for Licked by Brooke Blaine (GIVEAWAY)

Romances of reunited loves is a favorite theme of mine and Ms. Blaine amps up the emotions by adding in a third sexy element that makes for a compelling love triangle.  Alongside decadent desserts comes a tempting glimpse of the battle for one woman's heart with friendship and loyalty on the line in Licked by Brooke Blaine.  Add this compelling read to your bookshelf then fill out the form below for the chance to win a Sprinkles Ice Cream Gift Pack and a signed copy of this book too!

As the owner of Licked, an eclectic ice creamery and bar, Ryleigh Phillips doesn't have time for that love stuff.  Serving up Nibble My Nuts sundaes and Drunken Sailor boozy shakes are as close to an orgasmic affair as she's had in months thanks to her expanding empire--until the night of her ten-year high school reunion.
When Ryleigh's crush, gorgeous ex-football god Cameron Mathis, comes streaking into her life (literally—streaking), she begins to wonder if she really can have it all.
Wouldn't it just figure that the moment you think life is perfect is when it falls spectacularly apart?
Enter Hunter Morgan, the contractor in charge of Licked's renovations.
Devastatingly handsome, and a smartass to boot, he's got his eyes on Ryleigh from the moment he finds her passed out on his couch (yeah, that's a long story). There's just one tiny complication—he happens to be Cameron's best friend.
When the lines between relationships and friendships blur, and it's impossible to choose between two delicious flavors, what's a girl to do? Taste a sample of each? Or go out and get LICKED?

EXCERPT:

“And then?"
I tugged at the edge of my apron in an attempt to avoid the three pairs of eyes staring bug-eyed at me. “And then he walked me to my car.”
“And then you…?” Shayne asked.
“Went home,” I said.
“Wait a minute, can we talk about the fact that he made you sleep on his couch?” Paige’s eyebrows were raised up to practically her hairline. “I’m sorry, but in what fucking universe is that acceptable? Why didn’t you call Quinn to pick you up?”
“He didn’t make me, geez. He passed out and it was late, and I thought maybe…you know. Morning sex.”
Shayne cocked an eyebrow. “And did that happen?”

“Well, no. Hunter made me coffee, and then Cameron woke up and…that’s it."
"Wait,” Quinn interrupted. “You slept in an apartment with two guys and both of them had you sleeping on the couch.
Jesus, Ryleigh, it’s against man-code for that to happen. Did you wear a chastity belt last night or something?”
I groaned, my head falling into my hands. Of course the girls would give me a hard time. I’d been talking up tackling Cameron at the reunion for weeks, so my body wasn’t the only one feeling let down.

Still, I was seriously regretting inviting them over for a powwow at my shop during our off hours.

“I think I need another shot of vodka in my Feisty Ho-bag now.” Paige pushed her glass stemware toward me, and I grabbed a liquor bottle from behind the bar and tipped some into her glass.

Boozy shakes. They were the bread and butter of Licked during the brunch and evening hours, and the main reason for the expansion next door. I glanced at the black tarp hanging over the doorway that led to the space I’d bought a few months ago and sighed. Construction was running behind, and it was too late to hire another company if I wanted to keep the launch date set.
And I had to keep the date set.

“So are you seeing him again?” Shayne asked, dunking her cherry through the layers of baklava bits and whipped cream on top of her Nibble My Nuts shake. “I will totally get involved if I need to.”

No doubt she’d be successful. She basically ran one of the top matchmaking companies in the city, not that you’d know it from her degrading pay scale. Her boss was a fucking nightmare, but Shayne was convinced she had to pay her dues.

“I don’t need your expert skills this time, but thank you. He’s got my number, so…we’ll see.”

“You can’t just wait around for a guy to call,” she said.
"I’m not waiting. I’ve got all that”—I gestured to the ugly tarp that hid the mess behind it—“to deal with, so I’m actually quite busy at the moment."
The three of them gave each other “the look.” You know, the one that said, We’ve got to help our poor little friend get laid so she doesn’t end up gorging on the ice cream and boozy shakes she makes and be relegated to spinsterhood.
“Guys,” I said, placing my hands on the counter as I stood in front of them. “I’m not on my way to spinsterhood. I just have priorities.”
“I’m sure you could squeeze Cameron Mathis in,” Quinn said with a wink. “Get it? Squeeze him in."
“More like blow off the dust, grab a key, unlock that shit, and pray there are no bats,” Paige agreed.
Oh for fuck’s sake. “All right, no more booze for either of you.”

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  AMAZON (DE)  |  AMAZON (FR)

BOOK TRAILER here.

AUTHOR INFO:

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her quiet time. Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas. Flash Point is Brooke's debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts. Licked, a romantic comedy, will be released on November 11th, 2015. If you'd like to get in touch with her, she's easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that's dominated her cell phone for ten years.

WEBSITE:  http://www.brookeblaine.com
MAILING LIST:  http://www.brookeblaine.com/#!contact/c20x9
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/BrookeBlaine
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Brooke-Blaine/e/B00R32D186/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1444764225&sr=8-1
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer
TWITTER:  https://www.twitter.com/brookeblaine1
PINTEREST:  https://www.pinterest.com/brookeblaine11/
INSTAGRAM:  http://www.instagram.com/brookeblaine1/

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release Blast for How We Began Anthology (GIVEAWAY)

Readers looking for a charming and romantic collection of romances where love knows no boundaries will be drawn to these seven stories from some of today's best authors.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of the romantic tales of the collection How We Began and then add it to your bookshelf.  To celebrate this collection make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

How does love begin? A glance, a gesture, an unexpected offer of help from a stranger…or from a good friend. A smile across a counter at a coffee shop or video store. A  secret revealed in a song from another place and time. Or in a love ballad crooned at a high school dance.

In this anthology of never-before-published sweet LGBTQ+ stories, seven authors (Alexis Hall, Amy Jo Cousins, Annabeth Albert, Delphine Dryden, Edie Danford, Geonn Cannon, Vanessa North) explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project’s work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

EXCERPT FROM First in Line by Annabeth Albert.....

I blame my mom’s suitcase. I knew it was a terrible idea to use luggage older than I was, but the dingy navy case with a weird mauve stripe and ominously bulging zipper was the biggest we had in the house, and my folks sure as heck weren’t springing for something new for me to take to Cathia University. It teetered precariously on three good wheels as I dragged it behind me, the cracked handle cutting into my palm as I navigated the steps to Grubbs Hall.

I’d picked up my keycard moments earlier in front of the dorm. The wait at the “R-Z” portion of the keycard line was nothing compared to what I was likely in for in the dorm’s lobby. The crowd around the elevators was big and loud—couldn’t squeeze a strand of hay between all the freshmen, their parents, grandparents, and assorted siblings. The Cathia admissions folks had sent out a letter three weeks earlier with a schedule of staggered move-in times, but judging by the overflowing lobby, nobody had read the letter.

Everyone else was in groups—dads lugging huge footlockers and mini-fridges, moms carrying armfuls of bedding, younger siblings wheeling sleek black suitcases that made me want to shove mine behind me. On the lone bench in the lobby, two men sat with a blond girl who looked like she was around my age. Her sweatshirt said “Dance Team” under a large logo for a Massachusetts high school. What intrigued me more were the men she was with. Both were aparental sort of age. The taller one had a cane leaning against one leg, military-short black hair, and a stiff way of sitting that reminded me of my dad’s ex-army buddies. The other guy was way shorter, with a beer gut and a full head of graying curly hair. He talked animatedly as he motioned for the other two to lean in for a selfie. Neither man looked a thing like the girl. Were they related to her? The way they put their arms around her—beefy hands gripping her thin shoulders—made it seem that way. One of them must be her dad. Or maybe both of them? The military guy laughed and the other one touched his arm. They sat a bit closer than I’d ever risk, even with a good friend.

“Excuse us.” A family with twin redheaded jocks in Cathia football T-shirts cut in front of me, interrupting my little stare fest. When the jocks passed, though, my gaze went straight back to the bench. The two men and the girl were getting up, the shorter guy helping the taller one to his feet and handing him the cane. The way he hovered confirmed my guess—definitely a couple.

Warmth spread from my chest to my neck and all the way up to the tips of my ears. This.This was what I had left Ashwood behind to see. Two men, normal as a pot of rice, depositing their kid at college. Just another day in America, and yet it was so far outside my reality I had to take a minute and breathe.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release Blast for Still a Bad Boy by Ada Scott (GIVEAWAYS)

I LOVE bad boys, who doesn't love them, and am thrilled by the release of this series starter with its delicious anti-hero and the good girl caught up in his dangerous world.  Keep reading to get a decadent glimpse of Still a Bad Boy by Ada Scott and then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this book release I'm hosting two giveaways....for the chance to win an e-copy of this book leave a comment telling me what you like about bad boys and for the chance to win a $15, a $10, and 5-$5 Amazon GCs make sure to fill out the form below too!

I can’t get him out of my mind, and I can’t keep myself out of his bed

Kendall

He wasn’t supposed to notice me. Jace Barlow: the most powerful man in the city. Mysterious, scarred, pure muscle and tattoos.

He was my first. That didn’t stop him from pinning me against a wall, using me for his own pleasure until I screamed his name.

Now my boss thinks I’m getting the scoop of the century, but all Jace is giving me is orgasm after leg-quivering orgasm. When he puts his hand on my throat and growls in my ear…

“You are mine.”

I know it’s true.

I’ve fallen hard and I’ve never felt safer…

Until I see him kill somebody.

Jace

I dedicated my life to taking down the Picolli Crime Family from the inside.  I made a name for myself, the mafia’s most brutal enforcer.  I worked my way up the chain, and my revenge came.  A righteous bloodbath.

Then I took their place so they could never come back.

Nothing else has ever mattered.  Until Kendall.

She was an innocent girl for me to defile, and then leave her ruined for other men like all the rest.  But she makes me so hard I ache for release, and for the first time in my life, I want to have her again.

Kendall’s the chink in my armor my enemies have been looking for.

I don’t care.

She is mine and I’ll die before I give her up.

EXCERPT:

After a brief hurricane of panic from everybody back in the office, I spent the entire afternoon on a computer researching Jace Barlow, determined to make part two of my interview infinitely less embarrassing than part one.  I’d known he was secretive, but I didn’t realize just how little of his life had made it on to the internet.

Mr. Kinsley sent me some lines of questioning the brain-trust back in the office thought would be important to go through, but not until after trying to replace me at the dinner with a more experienced reporter.  Barlow’s people shot that idea down.

This was my big chance, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to show them what I could do.  Everybody at The Weekly Enquirer, my family, everybody back home who thought I would live and die in Woodville, I’d show them all.

I couldn’t afford the kinds of things that most people who dined at Luc Monette’s wore, but I dressed up as well as I was able to.  Even so, when I arrived early, the woman behind the counter looked down her nose at me until I said I was here to meet Jace Barlow.

After that, I was royalty as far as she was concerned.  She even brought me a complimentary glass of wine while I waited.

It wasn’t easy to keep a level head.  This was as exclusive a restaurant as existed anywhere in the city, the whole country even.  Everywhere I looked, I saw faces I recognized from the news, from the magazines, even from the paper I worked for.

The instant he walked in the room, he caught my eye.  He had so much presence it was like the universe revolved around him, the complete opposite to me.

It didn’t take him long to spot me either, as if I drew his eyes as much as he drew mine.  He headed straight for me and I had this image of him picking me up and carrying me off into the sunset.

There I went again.  What was it about him that made me forget who I was?

“Mr.  Barlow.” I began to stand.

He held out his hand, halting me, before he sat down on the opposite side of the table.  “Please.  Just call me Jace for tonight.”

“Oh.  OK.  You can call me Kendall too.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

I glanced down at my glass of wine for a second, fighting off the shy blush that seemed to blossom anyway whenever he looked at me.  Lines like that didn’t help my predicament.

Eventually, I managed to raise my eyes to his with a goofy smile on my face.  “Thank you.”

“Have you ordered?” he asked.

“No, I was waiting for you.”

“Well, now you’ve got me, what are you going to do with me?”

It was an innocent question, but the way he said it and the look on his face gave me the impression that he was implying something.  I didn’t know if it was just my imagination running wild again, not out of the question when I was around him, or if I was getting hit on by a multi-millionaire.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN

AUTHOR INFO:

A former office drone, a former nurse, I now spend every waking moment doing what I love, creating and publishing these steamy stories about bad boys from the mafia, motorcycle clubs, and MMA that make me, and hopefully you, weak at the knees! Anywhere a bad boy can be found, I'll be there taking notes and making it even sexier :)

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  NEWSLETTER

**********GIVEAWAYS**********

#1--PRIZE IS AN E-COPY OF STILL A BAD BOY!

-To be entered, TELL ME WHY YOU LOVE BAD BOYS ALONG WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDY (no email addy=no entry)!

-Giveaway is OPEN TO ALL!

-Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST ON 11/11!

#2--PRIZES ARE A $15, A $10, AND 5-$5 AMAZON GCS!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour for The Inheritance by Morgan K Wyatt (Review & GIVEAWAY)

Readers help me in welcoming Ms. Wyatt back to my site today with her tale of two people betrayed by those who swore to love them.  Get a glimpse of these bruised souls as a cantankerous old man plays matchmaker from beyond the grave in The Inheritance by Morgan K. Wyatt.  Read my impressions of this book and learn even more about it by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this release make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $40 bookstore GC too!

Melody’s work as a hospice nurse both gives her life purpose and rips her heart out when her patients die. Her latest client left her his lakeside home. After years of living in foster homes, Melody seizes the opportunity for a real home.

Her happy residence comes to an abrupt halt when her benefactor’s missing nephew, Levi, shows up. A bomb shattered his leg and life, which left him in need of a safe place to figure out the rest of his life. The will leaves the house to both of them, but only if they cohabit for a year. Otherwise, the house goes to a third party.

Melody detests Levi for never writing or visiting his dying uncle. Levi considers Melody little more than a gold digger similar to his ex-wife. There’s no way he’ll let her have his inheritance.

EXCERPT:

He was an attractive man and a young one too. When was the last time she’d met a man under sixty-five? If she didn’t count her former roommate’s fiancé and jerky friend, it had been months. It could be the reason behind her over reaction to a man who was her nemesis. He’s the enemy. Overlook the nice packaging, the strong jaw, the ripped arms, and the attitude. He’s trouble with a capital T. Don’t even let him get near the front door.

Charmer’s ears went up, hearing something, and he dashed in the direction of Levi. The leash slipped out of Melody’s hands as her canine loped across the yard. Would he welcome the man with a lopsided doggy grin or roll over on his back for a belly rub? With her luck, Charmer would deliver the house key. Then again, maybe the lawyer already had.

Her eyes drifted over to the lawyer, hoping Mr. Douglas would enlighten her about the nature of the visit, although she had her suspicions.

Levi’s voice had her attention whipping back to the man. “Hey, what’s the stupid dog doing?”

Her dog balanced on three legs while he hiked the fourth, thoroughly drenching Levi’s leg. Worried he might hurt her dog, she rushed forward, knelt beside the dog, and wrapped her arms protectively around his body. “Please don’t hurt him. He’s old and already has enough trouble walking with his arthritis.” Her eyes searched Levi’s face. Would he take out his anger on her instead?

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  BN  |  SWEET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Two people scarred by their pasts are brought together through the machinations of a cantankerous old man from beyond the grave in this sweet and sentimental romance that touches on a few topical issues too.  Ms. Wyatt nicely balances all this amongst two very likable and realistic characters with the help of an endearing cast of secondary characters, including Charmer the dog who does his best to help two bitter people find their HEA.

Melody is a hospice nurse who finds it easy to connect to her patients but hard to form a bond with others after a childhood full of numerous uncaring foster parents.  Her own mother even set her up for heartache through broken promises and tarnished dreams that have left Melody doubting herself when it comes to love.  She always longed for a family, and with her recent patient offering a place in his home, she thought she'd finally found one.  With his death she's once again feeling lost but with his nephew coming to stay Melody will once again find herself nursing another as their mutually bruised hearts can only be healed through their burgeoning relationship and trust.  Melody was a strong-willed woman with very low self-esteem who was easy to relate to. Though she wanted to be angry at Levi for not coming home sooner her kind heart wouldn't allow her to punish him more than he's punishing himself.  She was a woman deserving of love who wore her heart on her sleeve waiting for her Prince Charming.

Levi had a rough upbringing too until he ended up at his uncle's house.  There he found a sense of belonging until a woman's lies had him walking away in anger.  Time in the military, and the loss of his leg, were an eye opening experience that left him with regrets but trying to move on with the changes his body's undergone.  A duplicitous woman, and his own low self-esteem, have left him a bit cold and untrusting though.  Spending time with Melody, per his uncle's will, shows him a woman he can finally count on, but will he let his own self-esteem issues keep him from happiness or will his sensual battle with Melody end in victory?  Levi's been through a lot in his life so his initial standoffishness was understandable.  His playful yet subtle flirtations towards Melody endeared him to me though and had me rooting for him as his impressions of himself grew through Melody's responses to his sensual onslaught.  He might've been mired in pity at the start of the story but quickly gained confidence through his interactions with Melody.

With its appealing characters and their flirty and heartfelt interactions teeming with sexual tension I found myself easily immersed in this romantic tale of self-acceptance and finding love in the unlikeliest of places.  The lead characters are strong-willed but traverse a slow journey to HEA because of deep-seated trust issues that left me aching for them both.  Small town living, with all its inherent colorful denizens, is charmingly depicted and helped push the main couple together.  Topical issues dealing with problems in the foster care system, issues of returning veterans, along with animal adoption are seamlessly incorporated into this tale to bind the main couple together even more.  Overall it makes for a sweet and heartwarming tale that starts off a bit slowly but quickly captivates readers.

My rating for this is a B.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Morgan K Wyatt believes in happy endings. When things don’t end well, she holds to the familiar Indian saying: If things don’t work out, then it’s not the end because everything works out in the end. She considers herself living proof after escaping an abusive marriage; she found and married her soul mate. While not every day is sunshine and roses, she writes about the possibility of flowers and chance meetings between strangers.

Her reputation as a plant rescuer has people dropping sick and dying plants at her house, and then speeding off in the night. The magic ingredient that brings the plants back to life is love and Miracl-gro. Morgan would love to hear from you. If you have a name for a character, cute dog pics, or gardening info, even better.

WEBSITE:  http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/morgankwyatt

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Morgan-K.-Wyatt/e/B008EEC4EY

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway