THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE WILD MAN–Review and Giveaway!

tourbutton_wildmanHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary romance from Lucy Felthouse and Victoria Blisse. THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE WILD MAN is a sweet and tender love story between a hotel magnate and the off-the-grid veteran she meets while on holiday.

Catch the author’s note, a sexy excerpt and enter the multi-book giveaway below.

billionaireandthewildman-evernightpublishing-oct2016-smallpreviewAbout the book:
Flynn Gifford is enjoying a simple existence in a rural Derbyshire village when Caroline Rogers crashes into his life, barefoot and panicked.

Their lives could hardly be more different—she owns a successful luxury hotel chain, and he’s a penniless nomad who’s off the grid—yet neither can deny the attraction that burns between them. As Caroline reluctantly starts to open up to him, Flynn finds himself divulging some secrets of his own, secrets he thought he’d take to his grave.

But can a billionaire and a wild man ever make a relationship work, or will their secrets keep them apart?

Thoughts on writing from Victoria Blisse…

Can you Co-Write a novel with a Friend? By Victoria Blisse
I’ve been a published author for 10 years now and until recently I’d never co-written anything. Sure, I’ve batted ideas to and forth with other authors before now, played around with story ideas but they’ve never turned into anything more.

But now, I have written a novel with my partner in Erotica (not crime, well, least not yet) Lucy Felthouse. We’ve been mates for ages, Northern birds with very similar senses of humour and both part of the amazing Brit Babes. We’ve talked about co-writing for ages and then BOOM. We did it.

What was it like? Well, it was fun. No, I’m not just saying that because Lucy will read this, it really was. I got instant reaction to each chapter I wrote and it was a challenge to keep the story going. I’m not sure we expected it to be a novel when we started but Carrie and Flynn just wouldn’t get it on! There’s loads of hot chemistry and snogs but blimey, it was hard work getting them into bed together.

I had an on hand editor to pick me up on stupid things like changing the Doctor’s name from chapter to chapter and someone to help get past those plot holes. 2 heads are better than one for that, definitely.

Would I co-write a novel again? Yeah, I think I would. It’s different but variety is the spice of life.

Would I co-write a novel with Lucy again…

I have to say yes, or she’ll thump me. 😉 Actually, more to the point, would she want to write with me again? If she does, I reckon another Blisse/Felthouse best seller will soon come around.

Now, I’ll leave you with an excerpt that really made both me and Lucy laugh!

Worst end to a romantic picnic?

I want to fuck him. I want to feel him inside me. The words of invitation hover on my lips when I hear a shrill bark. We both stop, lips locked, and listen. All I can hear at first is our panting breaths, but then the yip of a little dog clearly sounds on the air. I snatch my hand from his pants, and Flynn pulls back from me. Just as a wet doggy nose hits an exposed patch of flesh on my back.

I yelp then turn to see the little Jack Russell looking at me with a mischievous glint in its beady eye. Cock-blocked by a bloody dog. Nice. The dog leaves me alone and pounces on the cocktail sausages.

“Skipper, behave!” A shrill voice yells, drawing my gaze up to meet the white-haired woman in chintz blouse, navy skirt and heavy duty sandals walking towards us. “Skipper, get out of it! Skipper, stop!”

The dog doesn’t even flutter an eyelash, just continues eating.

“I’m so sorry.” The lady gasps as she bends down to pull on the recalcitrant dog’s collar. “He’s such a naughty little thing.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” I smile. “He’s only doing what comes naturally.”

Skipper is clipped onto a lead, but his little tail still wags. Nothing’s going to get him down, especially now he’s got a belly full of sausage.

“I’ll leave you two in peace to enjoy your picnic now.” She smiles. “It’s a lovely day for it.”

“Thanks,” Flynn finds his voice and chips in. “Enjoy your walk.”

She waves and drags the little dog behind her.

“He’s still eyeing up our picnic,” Flynn laughs.

Ha! That made me giggle when I read it too!

My Review:
Caroline Rogers is a self-made woman having a rough patch. She owns a luxury hotel chain, but got caught up in all the pressure and had a bit of a meltdown. Now, she’s in northern England recuperating under the watchful eye of her harping mum. She’s seeing a psychiatrist every few days and trying not to strangle her mother for being a mean-spirited, overprotective nag; their relationship has always been problematic.

After a particularly gruesome shouting match, Caroline hopped over the stone wall at the back of the garden and encountered Flynn Gifford, a clearly unkempt homeless man, picking up litter as an odd job. He’s sweet and a little saucy with her, shaking her from her doldrums. Carrie wants to forget all her troubles–personal and professional–so she joins Flynn in the work, despite being barefoot and half-hysterical. They pass the time talking, and both open up; Carrie about her breakdown, and Flynn about his career in the Armed Service, and how he’s AWOL after a mission went bad. The lack of judgment on either side is refreshing for both. As a favor, Carrie invites Flynn to return to her mum’s house later, when she knows her mother will be gone, so he can get a shower and shave.

The attraction that had developed during their talk is only bolstered by increased company. I’d thought this book would be erotica, honestly, but it’s more a straight romance. These two lost souls find each other at just the right moment. They each need support and comfort, and a little bit of protection, too. They pass a few days together, and it looks like Carrie’s about to propose something wild, but before they can get too far Flynn does what he needs to do: account for himself with the service. He can’t very well court a woman like Carrie if he’s off the grid, can he? Plus, he’s got loads of pride and wants to be able to make something of himself, other than a beggar boy-toy. Not that Carrie ever treated him as such. Her heart’s broken when she finds him gone, but that break is necessary for both Carrie and Flynn to put their respective worlds in order.

I really liked this one. It was honest and practical, and still very sexy and emotional. These two get battered a bit in life, no matter their financial circumstances, and they’re guarded. Giving confidence to a stranger was never in the plan, yet it worked so beautifully for those shining moments. Flynn’s a stand-up guy, who won’t let Carrie boss him around, though, and when he makes good on his promise to find her once he’s made his amends I really felt for him. She doesn’t make apologizing  easy, but I understood that too! Her heart was torn up, and she’s finally gotten over him, only to have him return?

Still, the reunion is sweet (after all the shouting and tears!) and the future looks brighter than ever before. It’s tender and touching and real. I really enjoyed it!

Interested? You can find THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE WILD MAN on Goodreads, Evernight Publishing, Amazon, BookStrand, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and All Romance eBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link to be entered to win a boat-load of erotic reads!
Follow the tour and enter as many times as you can, for your best chance. Good luck and keep reading my friends.

About the Authors:

Lucy Felthouse:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller) and The Persecution of the Wolves. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 150 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes.

Find out more about her writing on her website, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter.

Victoria Blisse:
Victoria Blisse is a Mother, Wife, Christian, Manchester United Fan and Award Winning Erotica Author and all round Cheeky Wench. She is also the editor of several Bigger Briefs collections, and the co-editor of the fabulous Smut Alfresco, Smut by the Sea (Vol.1), Smut by the Sea (Vol.2), Smut by the Sea (Vol.3), and Smut in the City Anthologies.

She is the mistress of Smut UK putting on Smut Events, Days & Evenings dedicated to erotica, socializing, fun and prizes. Check out Smut Nights, Smut by the Sea: Scarborough, and Smut Manchester for more info.

Born near Manchester, England, her northern English quirkiness shows through in all of her stories along with her own particular brand of humour and romance that bring laughs and warm fuzzies in equal measure.

Passion, love and laughter fill her works, just as they fill her busy life.

You can find often find Victoria procrastinating on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest.

Making Love UNBREAKABLE–Release Day Review

banner-unbreakableHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new YA supernatural romance from Kallie Ross. UNBREAKABLE is the first book in a new series that features all sorts of supernatural entities in a battle for humanity.

Check out the excerpt below and be sure to enter the arrow-themed jewelry giveaway, too!

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000046_00071]
About UNBREAKABLE (The Cupids Chronicles #1):
Dying for the love of your life…
Evelyn Bowden thought her story was over. Little did she realize, it had just begun.
The heavens made her a Cupid– a supernatural with the rarest ability. One that allows her to pierce both mortals and immortals with arrows possessing everlasting love. But Evelyn soon discovers Cupids fight a battle in a long fought war.

A duty to protect the purest form of love…
As Evelyn embarks on her first mission, helping a Gargoyle find his true love, she is exposed to the blurred battle lines between light and darkness. While an unknown threat proves it’s willing to do anything to get their hands on Evelyn and her arrows, the heavens send Andel Lambros to help protect her. She finds herself at risk of being distracted by her former mentor, Andel, a stunning Cupid with dimples hard to ignore.

Missing her mark could lead to a supernatural war…
Having no idea how powerful she is, Evelyn is forced to put everything on the line as she balances the fate of the world on the tip of her arrow. But will love conquer all once she hits her mark, or will all be lost in the end?

How about a little taste?

“Don’t make this all about you.” Evelyn shoved another spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. “Don’ ge meh wrong, ihithabouoo. Buh—” Swallowing down her bite, Evelyn squinted her eyes shut and placed a hand on her temple. “Brain freeze,” she explained, standing and walking to the kitchen.

Andel’s head tilted to one side as he watched her throw the empty cardboard container away. Roscoe would be showing up for his dating lesson soon, and Evelyn needed to compartmentalize so she didn’t end up taking her frustration out on the Gargoyles.

“I’m sorry, Evelyn. Whatever I’ve done to upset you, please forgive me.”

Her spoon clanged in the sink, “How about I’ll forgive you if you tell me what you did wrong?” Evelyn made her way back to the couch, laying herself across the cushions like she needed therapy.

“I’m fairly sure you are upset I scheduled dinner with Jane and Kendrick during Roscoe’s first date.”

Keeping her composure, Evelyn looked Andel square in the eye and told him, “You’re danish right, I’m upset.”

Her pastry slip was proof enough of her anger, but she’d remained in control of her volume. Andel hadn’t asked Evelyn what she wanted to do during Roscoe and Sydney’s date. And after her surprise visit from Kalan, her nerves were fried. Evelyn wanted to be able to make the call for herself as far as where she’d be tomorrow night. She also wanted to decide for herself if she’d give the fairies her arrows. Maybe she’d keep her run-in with Kalan to herself for now.

“I’ll call Jane now and cancel the dinner.”

“You have her number?” Evelyn sat up and narrowed her eyes. She shook her head, clearing it. Why should Andel having Jane’s number matter? “No. Don’t cancel it. It was hard enough to convince her to come in the first place.”

“Are you sure?”

Knock, knock.

“Yes,” Evelyn grumbled as she went to answer the door. Roscoe’s arrival would at least keep Andel from asking any more questions. She could tell he had picked up that something else was bothering her, but luckily, she had planned Roscoe’s dating lessons for after work.

As Roscoe and Leo entered the apartment, Andel made himself scarce and took a seat in a chair at the edge of the room. Roscoe wore snappy attire, including a bowtie, while Leo had pushed the sleeves of his Henley up to his elbows. The two were complete opposites. Leo had made himself comfortable on the couch, and Roscoe stood at the window waiting for instructions.

“I’m glad you came, Leo. I may need your help tomorrow night.” Evelyn stood next to Roscoe. “You’ll be on awkward-moment patrol.” She patted Roscoe’s shoulder. “Now that I think about it, this will be perfect. You can circle overhead and stay out of sight, but if Roscoe needs help, you can run interference.” Leo’s eyes widened in excitement. “Not literally, but, you have super-hearing, right?”

Leo nodded.

“If you hear or see anything going wrong, you can come get me.”

A grin spread over Leo’s face. “Considering who we’re talking about here,” Leo waved in Roscoe’s direction. “What constitutes wrong?”

“We’ll work on identifying that as we go, so pay attention.” Evelyn faced Roscoe and reached up, tucking a piece of his curly hair behind his ear, but Roscoe flinched.

“Relax.” Evelyn stepped closer. “You’re going to have to get used to being close to Sydney. If she’s like every other girl on the planet, she’ll want you to hold her hand and put your arm around her.”

Evelyn let her arm brush against Roscoe’s. He sucked in air but didn’t budge. He froze. Evelyn couldn’t let Roscoe fail. She had started to like him. She wanted him to find love. She wanted Sydney to find love, too, and if it happened to be with Roscoe, then, bonus. She’d do everything in her power to help them have the chance they deserved.

Roscoe relaxed his fists at his sides. “Okay, I’ll work on that.”

“Good.” Evelyn ran her finger slowly down Roscoe’s arm. “How about we start with the end of the date, then?”

Leo whistled, and in the corner of Evelyn’s vision, she noticed Andel shift in his chair. She wasn’t really going to do anything, but if Roscoe had really loosened up, he wouldn’t curl up into the fetal position when they addressed a good night kiss.

My Review:
This is the first in a YA paranormal/supernatural romance series.

Evelyn is a 20 y/o woman who died saving her true love, Tate. In the afterlife she’s recruited to be a Cupid, responsible for securing true love matches by shooting through two deeply connected partners. Evelyn’s special in that her arrows can affect supernatural beings, not just mortals. Being trained by experienced Cupid Andel helps her learn a lot about Cupidry, and the long history of issues between Beings of the Lux (Light beings) and the Nox (Dark ones).

On her first big mission, she’s supposed to help a gargoyle find his true love, but it’s not quite so easy. In the process, Evelyn’s approached by a Rogue Cupid who can bend arrows and pollute them into lethal weapons. He’s there to warm Evelyn that her skills will be suborned by the Elders, and she should run while she can.

It’s a bit of a muddle really. I kind of expected this big dramatic boiling point build-up regarding Evelyn’s work with her gargoyle target, but it was undercut by Evelyn falling into a depression over her lack of a relationship with Andel… Plus, everyone’s freaking out about her and Andel getting too close, and how it could backfire and turn Evelyn from a Luz into a Nox. If that happens, it could spark a war–Evelyn is told. Thing is, I really never got the full sense of this, mostly because Evelyn is perhaps the most impatient being on Earth or in Heaven, and she continually cut off Andel, and others, when they tried to teach her.

The Rogue Cupids want her, though, and if she doesn’t cement the Cupid-Gargoyle pact the Cupids might be on their own against a new supernatural army. That’s a good part, actually, getting the true love match for a prominent gargoyle, yet it short-circuits with some giant randomness that features a missing King of the Fairies. In hindsight, I should have expected it. We do get some resolution, though mostly incidental. The book ending kicks off a whole new adventure–otherwise known as a cliffhanger–where Evelyn must confront the Rogue Cupids to save Andel.

I never quite connected to this one, mostly because I had trouble getting into it, and then tracking the many points of view and huge turns in the story. It’s really a creative book, with lots of supernatural and mythological connections, but the irregular switches from one character’s thought to another was problematic for me. Also, I felt like I’d jumped into the second book of a series, based on references the characters made. It was only after I finished did I find the prequel novella at the end of the book…which would have been better to read from the start. Plus, I suppose I didn’t get the whole ‘love coach’ aspect of Cupidry; Evelyn interacts with her marks, helping them to build a bond before she strikes with an arrow, which seemed cool but way counter to my own expectations.

It’s a clean read with some nice touchstone moments, but the story isn’t as developed as it needed to be. With all the mystery and adventure, the peril was mostly mild and vague. The ticking clock was also vague, as were the ramifications of failure. The emotional moments were the only parts that made sense, and they were rather decent and easy to imagine. I guess I needed more of those to be satisfied, but still, the adventure was why I’d pick up the book. I’ve not read a book about Cupids, and this world has lots of witches, warlocks, gargoyles and fairies. There was talk of succubi, weres and vamps, though I didn’t see any on the page.

Interested? You can find UNBREAKABLE on Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win some arrow-themed jewelry!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

krossAbout the Author:
Writing unique adventures with heart. Kallie Ross has a passion for writing that has become an adventure in itself. She desires to create unique young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction.

In addition to loving her life as a writer, Kallie adores being a wife, mother, friend, and teacher. She began her creative journey with books, a blog, podcast, and lots of caffeine. Ross never imagined her own adventure would be filled with so many wonderful people or words!

Catch up with Kallie online on her website, Facebook, twitter, Tumblr, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!
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Coming Soon FIRE IN YOU–Excerpt Reveal!

fire-in-you-fb-bannerHi there! I’m so excited to share an excerpt for a new contemporary romance from best-selling author Jennifer Armentrout, writing as J. Lynn. FIRE IN YOU is a second-chance romance, and I’m told there will be tears. O.O

It comes out in a couple of weeks, but there’s an excerpt to tease you and a chance to get a little extra sumpin’ if you pre-order and follow the instructions below…

fire-in-you-coverAbout the book:
About FIRE IN YOU (Standalone Contemporary Romance Releasing November 28, 2016):
From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

How about a little taste?

Brock’s gaze flickered over my face and the line of his jaw softened. “It’s been a really long time since you and I have sat and talked to one another. I know you have every reason to hate me. I don’t blame you.”

“I don’t hate you.” That twisting motion in my chest picked up. What I had said was true. Maybe at one point I did. Okay. I’m sure I had, but I’d never been one to hate anyone. It just wasn’t in me. Well, I hated plenty of fictional characters, but some people would claim they didn’t count. I drew in a shallow breath and repeated, “I don’t hate you.”

Brock was still as he stared at me, a flicker of surprise and relief mingling across his chiseled features. “I’m…I’m glad to hear that.”

I pushed all that mess aside and focused. “Why are you even the GM? You’ve probably made enough money to live a very, very long time without having to worry about a paycheck.”

“I have. When I retired from professional fighting two years ago, I could’ve lived quite comfortably for the rest of my life.”

I wanted to ask why he’d retired so young. At his age, he still had a couple of more years left, but I resisted the urge. “So why take this job?”

A frown started to appear. “Do you really need to ask me that?” Before I could respond, he lifted a hand, thrusting his fingers through his hair as he said, “Your father saved my life. That’s not an exaggeration. You know that. If it hadn’t been for him, I would’ve died on those streets. The Academy became my life and it is a part of me. This company is important to me, and even if I’m not fighting, representing the Academy, I still need to be a part of it.”

Lowering my gaze, I squirmed in my chair. Of course I knew that. No matter what had happened, that would’ve never changed for him.

“I love scouting, looking for fresh talent,” he continued. “As the GM, I can still do that. I can give back to your father for everything he did for me. I need to do that. Especially considering how badly I let him down.”

“How in the world did you let my father down?” I asked, genuinely curious. “You’ve won championships for him. Brought so much attention to the—”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Tone serious, he held my gaze. “You never told him why you were at Mona’s that night.”

I stilled.

“If you had, he would’ve—”

My eyes snapped to his. “Brock.”

“And I would’ve deserved everything I had coming to me,” he continued, leaning forward. “And the only reason why I never told him you were there because of me was because you made me promise not to.”

Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips together. I had made him promise not to say a word. I’d begged him, because I knew what would happen if he’d been honest. Brock would’ve lost everything.

The knot was back, expanding in my throat. I couldn’t sit here and think and talk about these kinds of things if I was going to be able to make this job work. Curling my hands together, I opened my eyes. “What happened back then has nothing to do with now. It can’t.”

Brock leaned back and straightened.

“And I don’t want to talk about it,” I continued, struggling to keep my voice steady. “We don’t need to talk about any of that for us to work together.”

He was silent for a moment, his body deviously relaxed, but he was like a coiled cobra, and could strike at any moment. “I don’t agree with that, but I’ll let it go.”

Some of the tension seeped out of my shoulders even though I had a feeling there was an unspoken “for now” at the end of what he said. “That’s all, then? I would like to get my office set up and get to work.”

Brock nodded and pushed off the desk. Walking around it, he scanned the paperwork on his desk. “I do believe we have a meeting today with the sales team. Two o’clock.”

“Sounds good.” I rose on oddly shaky legs and turned to the door. Everything felt surreal.

“Jillian.”

Stopping, I faced him. “Yes?”

His shoulders rose with a deep breath as his gaze drifted over my face once more, and I wondered what he thought about how I looked now. “I really want this to work for us, Jillian,” he said, and I felt the very sharp twisting motion in my chest give one powerful stab. “It’s a second chance for us.”

It sounds SOOOO good. Expect my review in the coming weeks.

Interested? FIRE IN YOU will be available in paperback and eBook November 28th, 2016! You can preorder it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks. For readers for pre-order a digital or paperback copy of FIRE IN YOU by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J.Lynn, AND fill out THIS FORM, they’ll get an exclusive bonus scene-an Epilogue featuring POVs from all the major couples throughout the Wait For You World!

Just enter your name, age, email address, and the order number from your digital or paperback pre-order receipt HERE to receive your exclusive FIRE IN YOU bonus scene! All entrants will receive the bonus scene on December 5th, 2016 through email using the email given when the entrant filled out THIS FORM.

About the Author:
# 1 New York Times and #1 International Bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. She spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories…which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
Catch up with Jennifer on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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Falling for the Big Sky–HOLIDAY HEAT: THE MEN OF STARLIGHT BEND–Review

holidayheat_btbannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a boxed set of 5 All-New, Never-Before-Published Holiday Romances for .99¢! Holiday Heat: The Men of Starlight Bend is now LIVE and features stories by Jennifer Ashley, Erin Quinn, Calista Fox, Mary Leo, and Jennifer Probst! I’ve dipped deep into the collection and definitely recommend it for readers that enjoy Christmas romances with a little western and mythical twist.

erinquinn_starlightbend_2d_hrAbout this boxed set:
Starlight Bend is a cozy Montana town nestled between glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. This Christmas, holiday magic is in the air and wishes can come true–all it takes is believing. Visit us in Starlight Bend and meet five sexy, heartwarming heroes and the women who steal their hearts…

Snowbound in Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Ashley
Haley McKee is furious to find herself stuck in the tiny town of Starlight Bend so near Christmas, helped out by the handsome Maddox Campbell, a cowboy who’s not impressed with her fancy job titles and parents’ money. In fact, no one has given her this much crap her entire life. But there’s a lot more to Maddox than at first seems–he’s a hard-working man who gives much of his time and patience to help those who have little. When a spark of Christmas magic promises Haley all she wants, will she make her wish with her head or her heart?

The Long Gone Girl of Starlight Bend ~ Erin Quinn
Kari has big plans that are about to pay off, and she doesn’t have time for tall, dark, and amazing Ty Timberlake. Ty knows he’s in trouble as soon as he meets smart, beautiful Kari. He understands her goals, but knows the rat race won’t make her happy. Kari is hell-bent on making her mark and moving onto the next challenge; Ty is determined to win her love and make her stay. As Christmas approaches, Kari begins to question what she wants. Should she stick to her plan and be long gone by the New Year, or choose the man who’s stolen her heart?

His Angel of Starlight Bend ~ Calista Fox
Anna Voss and Nick Hoffman are Starlight Bend’s star-crossed lovers. They were inseparable growing up, but destined for different paths. They haven’t seen each other in over a decade, but this Christmas, Nick returns home—with some startling surprises that turn Anna’s world upside down.
Love and desire have always burned bright between these two, but they’re both haunted by the past. Yet there’s a mystical entity working in their favor this time around—if they can open their hearts and minds to a destiny rewritten, with the help of family and a little holiday magic…

Ropin’ the Lone Cowboy of Starlight Bend ~ Mary Leo
Jolie Shepherd didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. So when she accepts an open invitation for a visit to Starlight Bend, Montana from her best friend, Jolie expects to pass most of the holiday season holed up inside a rustic cabin, not playing cowgirl with quite possibly the most adorable cowboy in the entire state. Red Weisman is a man who prefers to ride alone . . . that is until he meets Jolie Shepherd. Once they team up to grant a Christmas wish for a needy child, something magical happens between them. Now all they have to do is believe . . . but can they?

The Grinch of Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Probst
Noah used to be a beloved member of the Starlight Bend community, until a tragedy turns to betrayal and drives him into solitude. His face horribly scarred, he retreats to his mountain top mansion—until a stubborn social worker asks for a Christmas wish to help a sick child. He never expects to fall for the spitfire, do-gooder, but when she offers love as the solution, can he let go of the past? When Josephine convinces Noah to host a Winter Carnival, she’s intrigued by the fascinating man hiding a bruised heart. But will her love be enough for him to take a chance on a brand new future?

My Review:
This five-book set seems to have a theme regarding city slickers coming to Starlight Bend, and being enchanted by the simple, straight-talking locals. Also, there’s a sweet thread of the mystical running through each story, regarding a certain Wishing Tree for poor kids to hang their Christmas wishes upon, and a maybe-too-authentic Santa with the power to make romantic wishes come true. Those elements tie the books together, but none of them seem connected otherwise–no repeating characters, that is.

The series kicks off in Snowbound in Starlight Bend by Jennifer Ashley with a hardware store CEO, Haley McKee, who lands in a snowbank. She’s rescued, on horseback, by cowboy and horse trainer Maddox Campbell. Haley’s distraught at the idea of not making it home to Seattle for Christmas with her father. He’s been single since her mom left, twenty-ish years ago, and they have a tremendous bond. Maddox’s only family, Aunt Jane, is a town pillar, and takes Haley under her wing straight away. There’s friction between Maddox and Haley, but not enough to thwart their building passion. Both of them are rather lonely, solitary people. This unintentional break is the first “vacation” Haley’s had in years. And, Maddox isn’t about to let the feisty woman escape with out bleeding out a little passion.

This one has a sweet core, but I didn’t quite connect. I think I had problems with the pacing, and the ending, and other parts, all seemed to happen too fast, or without the right context for me to really catch on.

However, the second story, The Long Gone Girl of Starlight Bend by Erin Quinn got all up in my feels! Kari is a boutique men’s outfitter, and she’s arrivedin Starlight Bend to open her fifth store. Her brand HardWear is chic clothes for the rugged man, and it’s poised to get picked up by a department store chain, if she can just build a little bit more momentum. She meets Ty Timberlake on the eve of taking possession of his estranged father’s local hardware shop, not knowing who he is, other than the sexy history teacher currently propping up the bar beside her. Their night together is a bonfire in the darkness, and Ty wants more. Kari’s afraid to commit herself, because she only planned to pen her shop and stick around for the first couple months before looking for the next opportunity, elsewhere.

Funny thing about plans…Kari can’t stay away from Ty, and he’s doing his level best to keep her here. He’s full of good stuff, high ideals, and gentlemanly ways, but Kari’s grasped for success so long, she’s not sure what it would mean to let go, make a new plan, dream a new dream. It’s an emotional read, especially when you factor in the repair of Ty and his father’s relationship, and the Wishing Tree gifts Kari hunts out for a down-on-their-luck family. Tears, I tellz ya!

His Angel of Starlight Bend by Calista Fox is a second-chance romance for childhood sweethearts reuintied decades later when Nick returns to Starlight bend, with his son, to care for his ailing grandmother. Anna and Nick grew up in Starlight Bend, and were the best of friends and first lovers until college and careers separated them. Anna had a child who died, and takes to Nick’s son, Jake a quiet, respectful boy who really loves the animals Anna cares for at her veterinary clinic.

Now that Nick’s in town, however, Anna’s feeling less like the spinster, but wary to fully reclaim the love of her life–expecting Nick will disappear as he always has. Lots of poignant moments, and some hard truths, but a sweet tale filled with love and hope. Had a little confusiong regarding the time line of everything, honestly, because it seemed they’d been separated by at least fifteen, maybe twenty, years, in order to create such professional lives, yet the book hints that it’s roughly a decade. That’s a peeve, for me, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the read.

That’s as far as I got since the book came out on Tuesday. It’s a thick one! Definitely recommend it for the price alone.

Interested? You can find HOLIDAY HEAT: THE MEN OF STARLIGHT BEND for a mere $.99 on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo,

Catch up with the many authors online…
JENNIFER PROBST: website | Facebook | Twitter

JENNIFER ASHLEY: Website | Facebook | Twitter

MARY LEO: Website | Facebook | Twitter

CALISTA FOX: Website | Facebook | Twitter

ERIN QUINN: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!
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Big Choices, Big Love in FALLING DOWN–Release Day Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a release day review for a New Adult contemporary M/M romance form Eli Easton. FALLING DOWN is a heart-wrenching tale of an aimless war vet and the homeless teen he brings back from the brink.

fallingdownelieastonAbout the book:
Josh finds himself homeless at eighteen, but he has a plan. He’ll head north on the bus to New England and spend October there for his mother’s sake. She always talked about going to see the fall leaves someday. And when the leaves were done and the harsh winter came, Josh would find a place to curl up and let go. It would be a relief to finally stop fighting.

Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now an ex-Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody’s hero.

Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark’s cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger’s eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expected that he’d be the one to fall.

The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries fall?

My Review:
Homeless and grieving his dead mother, eighteen year old Josh Rivers decides to use his last bit of cash to travel from Alabama to New Hampshire to experience autumn. It was an unrealized dream of his mom’s, to watch the fall color erupt in all it’s glory, and Josh believes finding a beautiful vista where he can release his mother’s ashes, will put her to rest. Sticking around for the bitter winter snows in which to bury himself and his heartache under their peaceful white flakes sounds like a second great plan.

At 24, Mark Sullivan is the youngest of five sons, and a newly discharged Marine. Scarred by seeing friends die while on his active duty tours, he’s heartsick and drifting, performing odd jobs and living in a rented cabin two hours from his close-knit family so he can keep his homosexuality private. He’s sure his family will reject him, so he maintains the distance. Seeing Josh in his quiet area of New Hampshire, he recognizes that dead-eye stare, and it sparks Mark’s protective side. Needing some help on a big painting job he’s landed, Mark reaches out to withdrawn and skittish Josh.

As it’s only early October, Josh knows he needs some time to put his plan into action. The snow isn’t coming for at least a month and he’s not keen on starving to death under a bridge, so he accepts Mark’s offer of a safe space to sleep, a job, and food. As these guys work and live in close quarters, they develop a friendship. While Mark is definitely attracted to Josh, he won’t make a move, believing Josh to be too young and vulnerable for anything more than friendship. Josh’s depression had killed his libido, but his budding friendship with Mark has quelled his emotional tailspin enough to recognize his growing attraction and affection. It doesn’t hurt that Mark is generous and kind; they forge a tight bond in a short time.

Still, Josh is stifled by Mark’s seeming lack of interest, and when he challenges Mark’s resolve both men find a deeper connection than either’s had before. There’s so much emotion in these pages. Josh’s depression is palpable, and I was terrified regarding his end-of-life plans. It’s always hard for me to read a depressed character, because I identify with them so closely. The joy of watching Josh connect to Mark, and his climb out from that mortal abyss, was worth the anguish at the outset. Further, Mark’s a great guy, despite wishing to stay closeted. When it comes to maintaining his charade, and being the man Josh needs, however, Mark makes the absolute right choice. He’s rewarded by understanding, and love greater than he ever dreamed.

There are some extremely tense moments, and I freely admit I started to cry in the climax. That’s a good sign for me, it shows how deeply I connected with the story–which I felt was fantastic. For readers like me who are sensitive to stories with depression/suicide story lines, just know that there is a brilliant dawn waiting on the far side of the darkest night. The happy ending was realistic, and filled with joy. Highly recommend.

Interested? You can find FALLING DOWN on Goodreads and Amazon (US and UK).

Eli EastonAbout the Author:
Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

Eli currently publishes with Dreamspinner Press and has a few self-pubbed titles as well. She also publishes thrillers under the pen name: Jane Jensen.

Catch up with Eli on her website, Facebook, and twitter.
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Growing Into A BETTER LOVE–A Review and get a FREE book!

betterlovebtHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary romance from Daisy Prescott. BETTER LOVE is a second-chance romance and is the fourth book in the Wingmen series. I really enjoyed READY TO FALL, CONFESSIONS OF A REFORMED TOM CAT, and ANYTHING BUT LOVE, so couldn’t wait to discover another idyllic Whidbey Island love story.

BL-Prescott-e-cover-RGBAbout the book:
Maybe that old song got it right.
Maybe love can be better the second time around.

When one of my wingmen needs help, I’ll do anything for him, including calling in a favor with the one person I swore I’d never speak to again. Not after I walked away from that life five years ago and ditched the trappings of my success. The keyword being trap.

I left it all behind.
Including her.

Now the ambitious, brilliant, talented, and undeniably beautiful Roslyn Porter is back in my life. I’m not the same person she knew. I’m trying to be a better man.

No man is an island, but Dan Ashland comes close. He’s content with his quiet life on Whidbey, a world away from the rat race on the other side of the ferry. Dan has three great loves in his life: solitude, pizza, and Roslyn Porter.

Better Love is a standalone second chance romance featuring Dan Ashland and the fourth book in the Wingmen series.

My Review:
Dan Ashland is a man haunted by his younger self. He’s in his early forties and living his new dream of owning a well-respected pizza joint on quiet Whidbey Island. In a previous book Eric Kelso, a friend of Dan, became an unfortunate social media sensation, and Dan reached out to his former publicist, Roslyn Porter, to help guide Eric through the maelstrom. Roslyn is the woman who got away–or who Dan left behind in truth–when he eschewed the nuovo riche life he’d fallen into after a lucrative business deal left him inordinately wealthy and spiritually broken.

Reuniting with Roslyn, even incidentally, after several years is a shock to Dan’s hermit-like existence. He’s got a few close friends, and had some casual lovers in the interim, but no one like Roslyn. Not that he expects he can truly court her; she’s still the same driven, workaholic who didn’t accept his ultimatum to quit work and run off with him five years before. However, she’s just as smart, snarky and beautiful as he remembered, and Dan’s driven to catch her eye. Sure, he’s gone silver fox now, but he’s still fit, and interested. Could he convince her to step out of the rat race this time?

I liked how Dan leaped out of his comfort zone again and again, and used his own vulnerability as a guide for Roslyn. She’s a once-bitten, twice-shy kinda gal, not sure about trusting Dan with her heart again. Still, she’s seeing how solitary her own life is, and meeting Dan’s friends on the island allows her to see the new Dan, a man committed to keeping his island an unspoiled haven. Dan’s a patient man, willing to put in the elbow grease in order to re-discover Roslyn, as well. But, he’s not so patient that he doesn’t commit some serious tomfoolery at Tom Cat’s nuptials… Oh baby!

The pacing here was really well-dome, giving Roslyn and Dan time to ensure their feelings were secure, and they were set on building a life together. I liked how it all turned out. There’s a good mix of slow burn, and sexytimes, with a heavy emphasis on wooing with a dash of silliness.

Interested? You can find BETTER LOVE on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and Kobo.

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

READYTOFALL_FREE

Get READY TO FALL (Wingmen #1) for FREE!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

24327646

CONFESSIONS OF A REFORMED TOM CAT (Wingmen, #2)

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

AnythingbutLoveANYTHING BUT LOVE (Wingmen #3)

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

————–

new daisy prescott full sizeAbout the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author Daisy Prescott lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with her husband and an indeterminate number of imaginary housegoats. When not writing about people falling in love, she can be found traveling, gardening, baking, and reading a good book. Her novels include the Modern Love Stories series, the Wingmen series, and several short stories. She’s also working on expanding the world of Bewitched this fall.

Catch up with Daisy on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, or sign up for her Newsletter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

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The Heights Of Deception: ROMANCING THE WRONG TWIN–Review and Giveaway

wrong-twin-release-bannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M romance from Clare London. ROMANCING THE WRONG TWIN sounds like a steamy comedy-of-errors.

Be sure to scroll down to read the excerpt and get in on the gift card and book giveaway!

perf4.250x7.000.inddAbout the book:
How tangled can a romantic web get?
When gruff mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more media-friendly profile—like dating celebrity supermodel Zeb Z.

Zeb can’t make the date, so he asks his identical twin, Aidan, to stand in for just one evening. Aidan, a struggling playwright, shuns the limelight to the extent people don’t even know Zeb has a sibling, but he reluctantly agrees.

When the deception has to continue beyond the first date, Aidan fights to keep up the pretense. Dominic likes his sassy, intelligent companion, and Aidan starts falling for the forthright explorer. But how long can Aidan’s conscience cope as confusion abounds? Will coming clean as “the other twin” destroy the trust they’ve built?

How about a yummy taste?

The pretty young woman who met Aidan at the door smiled warmly. “I’m Tanya, Mr. Hartington-George’s personal assistant. I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Z. I’m quite a fan.”
“Zeb,” Aidan said, hoping he hadn’t hesitated for too long. “Please just call me Zeb. And… yes. Thanks.”
“Come on through.” She gestured him into the hallway. “You’re on time.”
Aidan wondered why she sounded surprised at that. He repitched his natural voice a little higher to Zeb’s teasing tone and smiled brightly in return. “Of course.”
A sneaked look in the hallway mirror had him rolling his eyes. Mission accomplished, Zeb! He barely recognized himself. Usually he was most comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans, but now he was dressed in what Zeb Z would wear on a daily basis: a pair of skintight, distressed-denim jeans with inexplicable splits across the knees; high-top boots in soft purple leather that screamed expensive yet were surprisingly comfortable; and two lightweight T-shirts under an off-the-shoulder, electric blue sweater. Admittedly the blue brought out the color of his eyes—no one ever said Zeb didn’t have a well-developed sense of personal style—but the rest of it made him look like an overaged member of a boy band.
A younger man darted out from what must have been the living room, clutching a leather jacket to his chest as if in protection. He saw Aidan, glanced at Tanya with widening eyes, then back at Aidan. Then he thrust out his hand and said perfectly cheerily, “I’m Eric. He threatens to kill me on a daily basis.”
Aidan just shook hands and nodded. He had no idea what to say to that, or even what it meant.
Tanya frowned at Eric. “Whatever. We’re just going. The car will come for you at seven. In the meantime, if you’d like a drink?”
But Eric took her arm and guided her toward the front door. “They can cope with that themselves, Tanya. Come on.”
And Aidan was left on his own in the hallway.
He took a deep breath to center himself. The house wasn’t huge, but it was in a very fashionable area of Ladbroke Grove and far more luxurious than his own small flat. That said, there wasn’t much furniture and the decoration wasn’t modern. The hallway walls were painted in plain, cool colors. No pictures hung on the walls, and there was only a single bureau and hat stand, albeit in quality wood. Eric had left the living room door ajar behind him, and Aidan took a quick peek inside before announcing himself. From what he could see, again the walls were plain and the furniture sparse. It was as if the owner was in the process of moving out—or had never really settled in.
A male figure paused in front of the half-open door. He was distracted by something on the other side of the room, so Aidan got a first secret glimpse of the man he’d been told so much about.
H-G.
He was much more handsome in real life than on TV, though in most of the documentaries, H-G was wrapped up in furry parkas or oilskins with his face more than half-hidden with a scarf and balaclava. Today he was wearing a very smart pair of dark trousers, a startlingly white dress shirt—which had to be brand-new to still have that sheen—and a well-cut suit jacket that settled comfortably across an impressive set of shoulders. H-G’s hair was a fabulous thatch of dark curls, and he had a dark beard and mustache to match. Guiltily Aidan recalled Zeb’s mischievous nickname: Hairy Guy. But that conjured up a Wild Man of Borneo kind of image, and H-G was far from that. The hair was naturally unruly but had been styled to a level just off his shoulders, and the beard was well trimmed.
Aidan had never been attracted to hairy bears, not that he’d ever had much of a choice. As Zeb had gleefully pointed out more than once, Aidan seemed to attract needy and spiteful wankers who got off on bleeding him dry of any compassion and care. Oh, and his money too.
Okay. Self-pity over, right now. I’m not Loser Aidan now. I’m the charismatic and disgustingly fascinating Zeb Z.
For the first time in this bizarre performance, Aidan felt the tickle of mischief. This just might be fun after all. He pushed the door fully open, walked into the room, and cleared his throat.
H-G turned slowly around to face Aidan fully. His gaze ranged over Aidan’s body, and his eyes widened. “Well. They didn’t lie.”
“Who didn’t? What about?”
H-G raised his eyebrows. “Well, firstly, they said you were a bit feisty.”
Feisty? Aidan hadn’t heard that word outside of romance-novel blurbs.
“And you wouldn’t be fazed by… you know.”
“No, I don’t know. By what?” Aidan bit his lip to stop a laugh escaping.
“My celebrity.”
Jesus. Zeb was right. The man was one big blob of arrogance. “No,” Aidan said coolly. “I’m not.”
“That’s from working in the business, I suppose.”
“Business?” Oh, right, he was meant to be Zeb. “Yes, of course. When you’ve seen so many guys without the spray tan and makeup,” he gabbled without thinking first, “you soon realize they’ve got the same equipment under it all.”
H-G blinked twice, hard. And then he laughed—a loud, bold sound, echoing warmly in the bleak room.
Aidan wanted to laugh with him, but maintained his cool stare. “What’s so funny?” Had he blown it already? He hadn’t even left the house with the man yet.
“They didn’t tell me you were witty, Zeb. I may call you Zeb?”
Why? “Oh yes, right. Of course.”
Dom’s language was quaintly old-fashioned, but Aidan found it rather charming, especially after the theatrical bickering of the Dreamweavers and his brother’s exuberant and affected chatter.
“And secondly?” Aidan prompted.
“I’m sorry?” H-G frowned at him.
God, what a scowl he has. “You said they didn’t lie, and then you gave the first reason.”
H-G raised his eyebrows. “You have a good memory.”
Yes, he does have lovely eyes. “Yes, I do. Especially when I’m listening.”
H-G’s mouth twisted as if he were trying not to smirk. “Secondly, they didn’t lie about your looks, and that you were even better-looking in real life. I concur. You’re bloody gorgeous.”

My Review:
Dom is a burly, strapping, quietly gay mountaineer following his father’s expeditionary exploits. Unfortunately, despite his blue-blood pedigree, he’s rather out of funds for the final leg of his newest climbing plan. His publicist suggests a celebrity date with out-gay model Zeb Z.

Aidan and Zeb are identical twins. Aidan stays so out of the limelight that few people even know he has a sibling. Zeb’s got an engagement that he can’t miss, however, not even for the fees he’s make to go out on the town with Dom. So, he begs Aidan to cover for him. And, Aidan has a great time with Dom, as he pretends to be Zeb.

Dom is super attracted to sexy “Zeb” but not just because he’s gorgeous. No, “Zeb” is intriguing and articulate, even knowing about the climbs Dom’s made and sharing his own experience on some smaller mountains. The first date has a rough ending, but Dom really wants to meet with “Zeb” again, and Aidan only agrees to stand-in after Zeb reveals that he’s out of the country caring for an ill, beloved friend, a man Zeb’s loved a while on the down-low.

The more Dom and Aidan interact, the more they really connect. Aidan’s so mystified to find such a compatible man, he’s loathe to reveal his subterfuge. Plus, using Zeb’s persona gives Aidan the freedom to be bold in a way he never indulged in before.

This is a sweet romance with the right amount of angst, for Aidan. Dom’s a blustery, gruff man who’s rough edges are softened by his good behavior around “Zeb.” The hard truth of Aidan’s identity becomes an issue at the very end–but not for the reasons I expected, which was fun. Dom and Aidan are really sweet guys. I wanted to spend even longer with them, to just roll around in the glow of their budding romance. They have a nice bit of sexytimes, and they are two stalwart British blokes, which, yeah. #Swoon

Expect a sweet and sexy romance and a happy ending to rival the highest peaks.

Interested? You can find ROMANCING THE WRONG TWIN on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon (US and UK) Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Clink on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $15 GC and a backlist book from Clare London.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

copy-of-clarelondonheadshotAbout the Author:
Clare London took her pen name from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant.

She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic, and sexy characters.

Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter three stage and plenty of other projects in mind… she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.

Catch up to Clare on her website, blog, Facebook, twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, and Google+.

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Happy Book Birthday to HOLIDAY HEAT!

holidayheat_rdbannerHi there! Getting the word out on 5 All-New, Never-Before-Published Holiday Romances for .99¢! Holiday Heat: The Men of Starlight Bend is now LIVE and features stories by Jennifer Ashley, Erin Quinn, Calista Fox, Mary Leo, and Jennifer Probst!

erinquinn_starlightbend_2d_hrAbout this boxed set:
Starlight Bend is a cozy Montana town nestled between glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. This Christmas, holiday magic is in the air and wishes can come true–all it takes is believing. Visit us in Starlight Bend and meet five sexy, heartwarming heroes and the women who steal their hearts…

Snowbound in Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Ashley
Haley McKee is furious to find herself stuck in the tiny town of Starlight Bend so near Christmas, helped out by the handsome Maddox Campbell, a cowboy who’s not impressed with her fancy job titles and parents’ money. In fact, no one has given her this much crap her entire life. But there’s a lot more to Maddox than at first seems–he’s a hard-working man who gives much of his time and patience to help those who have little. When a spark of Christmas magic promises Haley all she wants, will she make her wish with her head or her heart?

The Long Gone Girl of Starlight Bend ~ Erin Quinn
Kari has big plans that are about to pay off, and she doesn’t have time for tall, dark, and amazing Ty Timberlake. Ty knows he’s in trouble as soon as he meets smart, beautiful Kari. He understands her goals, but knows the rat race won’t make her happy. Kari is hell-bent on making her mark and moving onto the next challenge; Ty is determined to win her love and make her stay. As Christmas approaches, Kari begins to question what she wants. Should she stick to her plan and be long gone by the New Year, or choose the man who’s stolen her heart?

His Angel of Starlight Bend ~ Calista Fox
Anna Voss and Nick Hoffman are Starlight Bend’s star-crossed lovers. They were inseparable growing up, but destined for different paths. They haven’t seen each other in over a decade, but this Christmas, Nick returns home—with some startling surprises that turn Anna’s world upside down.
Love and desire have always burned bright between these two, but they’re both haunted by the past. Yet there’s a mystical entity working in their favor this time around—if they can open their hearts and minds to a destiny rewritten, with the help of family and a little holiday magic…

Ropin’ the Lone Cowboy of Starlight Bend ~ Mary Leo
Jolie Shepherd didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. So when she accepts an open invitation for a visit to Starlight Bend, Montana from her best friend, Jolie expects to pass most of the holiday season holed up inside a rustic cabin, not playing cowgirl with quite possibly the most adorable cowboy in the entire state. Red Weisman is a man who prefers to ride alone . . . that is until he meets Jolie Shepherd. Once they team up to grant a Christmas wish for a needy child, something magical happens between them. Now all they have to do is believe . . . but can they?

The Grinch of Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Probst
Noah used to be a beloved member of the Starlight Bend community, until a tragedy turns to betrayal and drives him into solitude. His face horribly scarred, he retreats to his mountain top mansion—until a stubborn social worker asks for a Christmas wish to help a sick child. He never expects to fall for the spitfire, do-gooder, but when she offers love as the solution, can he let go of the past? When Josephine convinces Noah to host a Winter Carnival, she’s intrigued by the fascinating man hiding a bruised heart. But will her love be enough for him to take a chance on a brand new future?

I plan to make a review of some of these books int eh coming week.

Interested? You can find HOLIDAY HEAT: THE MEN OF STARLIGHT BEND for a mere $.99 on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo,

Catch up with the many authors online…
JENNIFER PROBST: website | Facebook | Twitter

JENNIFER ASHLEY: Website | Facebook | Twitter

MARY LEO: Website | Facebook | Twitter

CALISTA FOX: Website | Facebook | Twitter

ERIN QUINN: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Out Today! HEDGING HER BETS

hedging-her-bets-blog-tourHi there! Today I’m getting the word out on a new MFM menage BDSM shifter romance from Erzabet Bishop. HEDGING HER BETS puts a timid, yet determined, hedgehog shifter between two steaming hot predator mates.

hedging-her-bets-1About the book:
There is strength in submission…and knowing who you are.
Natalie Erinaceus has a problem. Her manipulating mother won’t stay out of her dating life. One more dinner with a blind date and someone is getting a fork to the eye. Her inner hedgehog wants a mate and nothing is going to stop her. Not her nervous hedgie’s habit of balling-up and certainly not that online questionnaire. Who writes those things anyway?

When Sylvia and Paige from Shifting Hearts Dating Agency step in maybe, just maybe this curvy girl will find more than she ever dreamed in the arms of the men who are fated to be her mates.

Nothing ventured nothing gained…
Lucas Morgan runs a Scarlet Ink, a tattoo shop across from Ventures, a sexy as hell BDSM club. When his sister Scarlet sets the stage for romance, he meets Jonathan, a werebear in need of more than just some ink. Can Lucas learn to bend to the Dominant of his dreams? What happens when this cat shifter switch meets the perfect sub and his dreams of having a woman in his life become reality?

Three makes a family…
Jonathan Blevins is a bear shifter looking for love. His family murdered by poachers, he came to Cypress Canyon to rebuild. When he finds Lucas, it’s one step in the right direction. He has one mate but can he convince a stubborn hedgie she’s ready to be claimed by not just one mate, but two?

How about a little taste?

“Paige, where in the hell did you put the password log book?” Sylvia groaned as she flicked on the computer and the logo for the Shifting Hearts Dating Agency flashed across the screen. The agency had been open for six months, growing a little more every day. Their wall of successful matings and marriages increasing making Sylvia eager to check out her newest applicants and see any potential matches. But she always forgot the password. Either that, or Paige was always changing it.

She bet the latter.

Tricky damned cat shifter.

A descendent of Aphrodite, helping others find love was in Sylvia’s blood. Nothing made her happier. One day she’d find her own swoon-worthy prince charming, but at this point…well, she was content helping others. A tinge of sadness slid in and she firmly booted it away. The right person would come along at the right time, not before. This was her job, her chosen career and damned if she wasn’t going to use her power for helping people. With a push if it required it.

But if she saw that damned incubus, Carter, again, she was going to shove his ass clear out the window. Cheating fucker. He’d get his one day. She had people to help and it didn’t do her much good to think about murder before she’d at least had a cup of coffee. A really big cup too.

Everything here in Cypress Valley, Texas ran toward big and she hoped by setting up business here with the growing shifter population, her profits would start to be too. It was all great being descended from Goddess material, but if you didn’t have the dollars to go with the lifestyle, then it wasn’t so much fun anymore. Time to shake her money maker and get some romance in the air.

She got up from the desk, her new heels making her wince. She hobbled over to the kitchenette area in the back of the office and flicked on the overpriced individual cup coffee maker Paige insisted they buy. Her co-partner stood next to the counter, stuffing the better part of a jumbo blueberry muffin into her mouth.

“Now that is one big muffin.”

She held up a finger and kept on chewing.

“Nice salute there, hun. Cat get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”

Paige growled around the muffin, her cat shining in her eyes.

“Ewwww. Somebody is grumpy today.” Sylvia rolled her eyes and shook her head. Coffee. Lots of coffee. Then she’d deliberate about food. And passwords. She eyed the flavored pods with distrust, knowing Paige was watching, and selected one that read Hazelnut. She popped it into place like Paige had shown her and hit the start button. A dribble of brown liquid began to flow from the machine and too late she remembered she hadn’t placed a cup below the spigot.

“Shit!” Sylvia scrambled and reached for the nearest mug, shoving it in place. The scalding hot liquid poured over her hand and she let out a yowl.

A choked laugh from across the kitchenette met her ears.

Still munching on her muffin with an innocent smile on her face, Paige grinned and gave a pinky wave. 

Bitch. At least that was an improvement over the last finger, she supposed.

Sylvia gazed at her friend with narrowed eyes and ran her hand under the faucet. “That wasn’t nice.”

“Sorry. But you made me almost inhale that one.” Paige snorted into her hand and popped the last of the muffin into her mouth. Not afraid of sporting her brunette curves, Paige was a kitty to be reckoned with, whether it was man or muffin…or modern appliance.

“Ugh.” Sylvia snatched up her cup and marched back to her desk, irritation prickling under her skin. New machines wigged her out. So did computers and newfangled cars. If she got too excited, her goddess tendencies could have adverse side effects to the point where Paige teased her that she must be related to Harry Dresden. At her blank look, she’d sighed and flicked something up on her phone, twisting it so Sylvia could see. “You know. The Dresden Files?” A picture of a book cover covered the screen.

She’d had no earthly idea what her friend was talking about. If it didn’t have vampires or a hot scantily clad shifter, she didn’t bother.

“You need to read more than just smut, girl.”

“Yeah…yeah.”

But what was the point to that?

“Sorry, Syl. The password book’s in the drawer where I always leave it.” Paige maneuvered her way to the desk on heels so high Sylvia didn’t know how she didn’t fall on her impeccably made up face. “And unless you plan on sticking your mouth underneath the pour nozzle, I’d have a cup ready next time.”

“Ha ha.”

Her friend’s blazer and top worked well with the jeans and boots she’d selected for the day. It was raining and knowing her cat shifter partner, she’d rather be curled up in her bed with a pile of blankets than be out and about.

Paige clutched an oversize cup of coffee like it was her lifeline, pausing mid-stride to take a sip. The rest of her may have been spot on but her bleary eyes told a story. Sylvia wasn’t sure she really wanted to ask.

“You okay?”

“Yep.” Paige set the cup down, the milky brown liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim. “Tried out a new venue last night and I think I found us a whole new segment of the shifter population.”

“Really?” Sylvia grinned, “And where did you go, pray tell?”

Paige glanced around, nibbling her lip. “Is Rafe here?”

“Nope. I haven’t seen your brother yet. Why?”

“Good.” A flash of cat in Paige’s eyes revealed her excitement. “I went to Ventures.”

Sylvia wrinkled her nose. “Where?”

“The new bondage club on Fifth Street. It caters to humans, shifters, and other paranormals.” A smile lit up her eyes and she reached for the coffee again, sitting down with a wince. “They had a kind of open house event and I wanted to check it out to see if there was any potential for us to join forces.”

“And?”

Paige focused on her cup, a secret smile on her lips.

“Did you hurt yourself?”

“Not exactly.”

Sylvia blinked. Oh….So that was how it was.

“So you think we’ll get some clients?”

Paige fidgeted in her chair and fired up her own computer. “You just wait, girlfriend. I have a feeling before the day is out we’ll be seeing something new coming across our desk. Now, where did you put the file on the Jefferson twins? I think I met someone that could give them a run for their money.”

Interested? You can find HEDGING HER BETS on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author:
Erzabet Bishop is an award-winning and bestselling author who loves to write naughty stories. She is the author of Lipstick, Crave, Snow (Three Times More Lucky Box Set), Malediction (A Wicked Halloween Box Set), Map of Bones (A Wicked Affair Box Set), Sanguine Shadows (Vampire Bites Box Set), The Science of Lust, Wicked for You, Heart’s Protector, Burning for You, Taming the Beast, Bayou Shadows (Nola Naughty Nine) Hedging Her Bets (Alpha Fever Box Set), Cat’s Got Her Tongue (Alpha Heat Box Set), Arcane Imaginarium: Spirit Board, Holidays in Hell, Mallory’s Mark (upcoming),The Devil’s Due (upcoming), Charity Benshaw’s Enchanted Paddle Emporium (upcoming), Club Beam, Pomegranate, A Red Dress for Christmas, The Black Magic Café, Sweet Seductions, The Erotic Pagans Series: Beltane Fires, Samhain Shadows and Yuletide Temptation along with being a contributor to many anthologies. She lives in Texas with her husband, furry children and can often be found lurking in local bookstores. She loves to bake, make naughty crochet projects and watch monster movies.

You can catch up with Erzabet on her website, blog, Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Bookbub, Google +, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Out Today! DARK & DAZZLING–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a release day review for a new contemporary M/M romance from Elizabeth Varlet. DARK & DAZZLING is the second book in her Sassy Boyz series featuring femme gay men who perform a burlesque-type show–and all the trouble that goes down behind-the-scenes. The first was FIERCE & FABULOUS, and it was fantastic–so I couldn’t wait to read on!

dark-dazzlingAbout the book:
Z doesn’t need a hero…
Azariah “Z” Hayes is a diamond. Equal parts strength and sparkle, he’s more than capable of standing on his own stilettos. So if waiting tables and stripping at The Vibe are what it takes to keep a roof over his head, well, there are worse ways to earn a living.

Connelly is a white knight with a badge…
For NYPD detective Connelly Reid, to serve and protect is just another day at the office—even if that means protecting himself from his own true desires. He’s been curious about Z, his waiter, for months, but it’s not until he sees him in his makeup and heels that the curiosity becomes a fierce attraction. Z, despite all his over-the-top dazzle, might just be the man Connelly has been waiting for his entire life.

But when Connelly investigates underground porn and drug activity with ties to The Vibe, one thing becomes very clear—acting on what he knows is going to hurt Z, financially and emotionally. And though Connelly would love nothing more than to fix all of Z’s problems, no amount of mind-blowing sex can make Z comfortable becoming dependent on his lover. Yet if there’s one thing Connelly knows from his years on the force, it’s this: when things go bad, you need a trusted partner to have your back.

My Review:
Azariah, called “Z” by all his friends, is having a rough, rough month. His roommate disappeared, leaving him to pay the month’s rent alone. Though picking up as many shifts as he can waiting tables, but the tips from that, and his burlesque dancing gig with the Sassy Boyz, is still not enough. Fiercely independent, Z soldiers on. Z knows how to survive. He did so for years in the unwelcome embrace of relatives when his mother died, and out of the streets when he couldn’t live in their custody any longer.

Detective Connelly Reid is twenty-eight. He’s been out since he was young, but quiet about it at work–especially since he’s been the target of homophobic slurs and questionable professionalism. Connelly’s a total fixer–constantly bailing out his younger sister as she struggles to cope with single parenthood after kicking out her drunken, abusive husband. Connelly eats at Sal’s for lunch everyday, hoping to interact with his attractive waiter, Azariah, but it’s not until he catches Z in all his made-up glamour that Connelly begins to understand the trouble he is in. How can he keep his sexuality on the down-low if he dates a man with luscious long hair, who wears make-up? On the flip-side, is living his private life in fear worth letting go of someone special?

Z and Connelly meet unexpectedly at The Vibe, while Connelly’s celebrating his birthday. Before he noticed Z dancing, however, he noticed a waiter selling drugs along with the drinks. Connelly’s not supposed to investigate, but he convinces his best-friend and partner to help him follow up. Not super-cool when Connelly makes his light inquiries a part of his pillow-talk with Z, though…

Z’s life goes from bad to worse when he’s sidelined from both jobs due to injury, and his landlady’s not taking his excuses for payment. So, when his buddy Lirim needs money to get out of a big jam, too, Z makes a choice to get the money the only way he can–and it’s not pretty. He has no idea that Connelly would be all-too-happy to step in and offer to help, yet, it frankly doesn’t matter. Z is a man who’ll fall on his own, before asking for a hand up. And, he does this in spectacularly horrible fashion. It could really spell the end of whatever was building between them–but Connelly’s not That Guy. He’s a detective; he’s used to the rough parts of life, and he accepts that everyone makes choices that are not always savory. He admires Z even as he worries for him.

That said, Connelly’s on a mission to take down all the bad guys in Z’s world, and that puts them in a very serious bind. There’s a bit of separation, but not long, and thank goodness! Z shows up just in time to fix a menacing problem in Connelly’s life. This is a gritty, and dark, story of two men finding themselves as they find the love of their lives. I will admit that parts of it were upsetting to me–and dangerous in ways that didn’t NEED to happen, but felt simultaneously organic and destructive, much like life…

Connelly needs to learn to pull back, and let others try and succeed, or fail on their own. Seeing how his well-meant overstepping hurt Z, and enabled his co-dependent sister, went a long to putting his mind right. Z had to learn that he’s not the only person who can make a difference in his life. And, if he didn’t want to ask his new boyfriend, he surely has very good friends in the Sassy Boyz who’d help him out in a New York minute, too. Being that this is the second book in a series, we had some glimpses of the gang, but the book is fully-enjoyable as a standalone. Expect a realistic, if subdued, happy ending for Z and Connelly.

Looking forward to the next book!

Interested? You can find DARK & DAZZLING on Goodreads, Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, iTunes, Kobo, and AllRomance. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Elizabeth Varlet is a nerd at heart and spends way too many hours binging on episodes of her favorite television shows. If you love Doctor Who, Supernatural, Stargate, Star Trek, Sherlock, or Firefly you are already her best friend.

She started writing stories in high school and hasn’t stopped. Now, her characters like to get frisky under the covers – or the stars, they’re not picky. She’s a thirty-something, newly married, world traveler who devours books like they were candy.

You can catch up to Elizabeth online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!