Author: Veronica Rundell

Veronica Rundellhttps://vsreads.wordpress.comMother, Scientist, Teacher, Pre-published fiction author, Wisher-of-well to all humankind (even drivers who turn without signalling...)
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He Doesn’t Have a HEART OF STONE After All–A Review

Saving the world? That’s woman’s work!

Heart of Stone (Gargoyles, #1)I nabbed HEART OF STONE off of NetGalley just so I could see if Christine Warren could write Urban Fantasy as hot as Karen Marie Moning.

Mmm mmm mmm. Good stuff.

About the Book:

Ella Harrow is trying to carve out a normal life for herself. Well, as normal as an art geek with psychic abilities can hope for. As museum docent and gift-shop manager, Ella is able to keep her distance from people—and her powers in check—while surrounding herself with the artifacts she loves. But how on earth is she supposed to act normal when a thousand-year-old statue on the museum’s terrace suddenly comes to life?

Not your ordinary gargoyle, Kees has been asleep for eons, waiting for a portent of evil to wake him from his slumber. Kees isn’t a vision; he’s a bat-winged guardian created to protect the world from the seven demons of the Dark. Somehow, Ella triggered his reawakening. Maybe the demons have been unleashed? Maybe his heart is finally ready to be chiseled open? The fate of the world isn’t carved in stone…yet.

My Review:

This was a super fun read. Ella is spunky. She’s got a terrible amount of power that she strains to contain–particularly after the last time it escaped. Becoming an instant orphan will teach a gal control. One night she’s attacked on the terrace of the art museums where she works and the statue beside her erupts into life.  It’s enough to make a gal swoon. She did.

Kees isn’t just a delicious art-come-to-life–he’s a Guardian, and he knows the world is in big trouble when an untried, untamed magical girl can rouse him from his mystical slumber. Together they learn that the Keepers of Light are being systematically hunted down by the minions of Darkness. WIthout the Guardians Earth has no hope to prevent demonic subjugation. Kees fights against his emotional reactions–claiming to be nothing more than the stone he is–but Ella insists there’s more to him than he will accept.

Let’s just say this: End of times doesn’t normal equal romance, but the heat simmered from their first contact–long before they recognized the danger they were in. And, I am NOT a gal who’s going to get miffed about some serious friction. Bam-chicka-bow-wow.

Kees? D-Lish. Makes me want to hit the Art Institute just to see if I can find me some Guardian…

In any case, Ella and Kees do get it right and track down the last Keeper they can find. Unfortunately he’s torched soon thereafter by the Big Baddies. And they continue the hunt for both Keepers and Guardian statues–the remaining six which seem to be scattered to the four winds. All while dodging the Dark Ones. Ella’s standoff in her childhood home leaves her with far better magical skills, and a few less enemies.

It seems, instead of the usual rituals to awaken these magnificent defenders of humanity, a single woman of power can entreat the creature within to break his stony bonds–much like Ella did for Kees–if she is his true mate. And one of Ella’s art friends may have found another Guardian. As this is the beginning of a new Gargoyles series, I expect there to be six similar books where a smart sassy gal brings her personal stony savior to life all to save the world.

In total I liked the magical elements. I felt that Ella wasn’t clueless, but needed training to use the powers she always knew she had. And Kees did train her. Hard. With his teaching, and some books gleaned from essential support characters, Ella built herself from a danger into a weapon for good–and in far less time than Mac Lane. Also, did I mention the sex? Kinda like voting in Chicago it happens early and often… Nice.

Interested? You can find HEART OF STONE at your local bookstore, Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.

If you pick this one up, make sure to come back and tell me your thoughts.

In the meantime, keep reading my friends! 🙂

Now Available–WAITING ON MY REASON–Review and Giveaway

Release Event

WAITING ON MY REASON  BY DEVON ASHLEY

Waiting on my Reason Front Cover (1)

Release Date: January 21, 2014  New Adult Romantic Suspense

Barnes & Noble       Amazon       Goodreads       Kobo

Synopsis:

Things always happen for a reason. I just wish I knew the why behind mine.

Five years ago, graduation wasn’t what it was supposed to be. Publicly humiliated, Melanie was more than happy to kiss off her high school sweetheart. But in doing so, she lost more than just her boyfriend, she lost the only other guy she truly cared for – his best friend, Shane.

Shane loathed the idea of returning to his small hometown. He just wanted to get in, help his best friend manage a legal matter, and get the hell back out again. But he wasn’t expecting to run into the one girl who got away, who always held a piece of his heart despite the animosity that lingered. Melanie could’ve been the one, but after everything that happened, trust was a serious issue.

Melanie just wanted to do right by her son. Shane just wanted to do right by his best friend. And just when they think they can find the strength to forgive the sins of the past, more secrets and lies bubble to the surface, threatening to push them even farther apart.

My Review:

I received a review copy of this book from the author. And I devoured it.

Shane Matthews has returned to his small town in Texas to secure the inheritance for his childhood best friend, Brad Montgomery. Brad’s had a bad run ever since Melanie busted his heart senior year. Booze and drugs have left Brad in a bad way–emotionally and financially. What Shane can’t understand is why Brad’s grandma didn’t leave him his fortune…and who did get it!

Back on his home turf, Shane encounters Melanie–the girl who got away, and destroyed his friend. She’s as good looking as ever, and clearly the interest is mutual, but Shane can’t get past his fury over Melanie’s role in Brad’s downward spiral. He insults her–terribly.

Melanie’s been considered the town tramp since senior year. Instead of escaping to Tulane for college, she’s stuck out her life, working hard and harder to support herself, and her son. Brad’s son. Not that people believe her story of an assault while on a college visit. Brad hadn’t. Then again, Brad was a lush in high school, and Shane should have known that–if he was such a good friend. Melanie knows exactly what happened to Brad’s “inheritance” but she’s not willing to spill the beans to Shane–or Brad. Why should she have to? Brad’s been gone for years, and hasn’t looked back once. Not for Melanie, their son, or his grandmother. Now broke, he certainly doesn’t deserve anything.

What we have here is a small-town, small-minds melodrama. It’s real, and engaging and reads like 2/3 of Maury Povich episodes. Lots of accusations and false leads. Even more hurt feelings and complete misunderstandings.

The whole time I wanted shake Shane and tell him to take good hard look at Brad. See him for the miserable conniving wretch he was. The DBag didn’t deserve gas money, let alone a dime of inheritance IMHO. When Shane does finally get the straight story, he’s introduced a whole lot more problems for himself, and Melanie. But he’s a stand-up guy and one with whom Melanie is overjoyed to reconnect. It seemed as though their love story was always waiting on the fringe, just out of reach in high school because of their own decency and friendship with Brad. In any case, the lovin’ is quiet, but considerate. It’s a satisfying read, for sure.

Interested? You can find WAITING ON MY REASON at Barnes & Noble,  Amazon,  Goodreads, and Kobo

About the Author
I’m a mom, wife, a lover and a fighter, coffee addict, wicked knitster, Microbiologist, baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to death for that last bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh, and I say seriously way too much. Seriously.

You can find out more about Devon Ashley on GoodReads, Facebook, or her Blog.

***GIVEAWAY***

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win one of

(3) Signed print copies of Waiting On My Reason – US Only
or (1) $15 USD toward the Book Depository – International (countries the Book Depository delivers)
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Good luck, and as always, keep reading my friends!

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Love is…WISH FOR YOU–Review and Giveaway!

Wish-For-You-Tour-Banner

Hi there and welcome to my stop on the WISH FOR YOU blog tour sponsored by AToMR Book Tours. Forother stops on the tour click here. Today’s book is a New Adult romance by best-selling author Marquita Valentine.

Wish for You front coverBook Summary:
There’s only one place in the world Lacey Evans feels normal- the roller derby track. When she laces up her skates and fastens her helmet, she’s powerful and in charge. She knows exactly what to do and what to say. The rules are clear and penalties are enforced for those who don’t follow them. But in the read world, she’s far from powerful and in charge. She never knows exactly what to do and say. For years, she counted on one person to be exactly who he said he was–her best friend, Wyatt Tanaka. Only she changed the rules on him, without any warning, and now she’s the one being punished.

Marine veteran, Wyatt Tanaka, came home to a heroes welcome. But he’s hiding a secret, one that could potential destroy his life. He’s doing the best he can, trying to cope with the guilt and the pain of the girl he loves pushing him away by doing all the things he’d sworn not too. Women, bars, drugs and drinking are what consume him. With Lacey’s new rules, he has nothing to hold on to. Nothing to keep in from feeling dead.

Then one night, he goes too far, gets in too deep, and when the truth comes out… will Lacey keep pushing him away or help save him?

My Review:
Well. This book took me through a few really squicky turns. I have a bit of insight into PTSD–family members who suffer(ed). And I also have known quite a few vets who wallow in intoxication, trying to bury their pain. Perhaps that’s why I had such a visceral reaction–because I know how real this experience is for countless men and women who’ve returned from the front lines.

At the time we join the story wounded veteran Wyatt is in full wallow. He feels responsible for the death of his battle buddy and has returned home where everyone wants him to be ‘normal’. He couldn’t find normal with a GPS and a set of MRE’s, yet he tries to pretend. He hungers for Lacey though they’ve only ever shared a few kisses. He’s sure he’s not good enough for her–and she confirms that by pushing him away. Booze and pot have helped mellow him out, but, without Lacey, he’s hitting the hard stuff–coke and prostitutes–looking for any release from his pain. Sure, he keeps his weekly appointments with his counselor; therapy only works if you’re honest. And he can’t be honest. Not about the drugs, not about the women, and not about the death of his buddy.

Lacey’s tortured by Wyatt’s downward slide. She loves him with every breath in her lungs, but she’s not the girl Wyatt deserves–in her opinion. Oh, and his mother’s opinion, too. See, Lacey’s not-alright. She has all-consuming panic attacks when her schedule deviates. And her schedule is about to get tossed into the recycling bin–now that her family is headed to Turkey as missionaries. Except for Lacey. She’s too old to go as a dependent and now she needs a place to live. Good thing Wyatt has a spare bedroom.

Wyatt’s almost a split personality. He can’t bear being just friends with Lacey. His counselor advises that he take whatever connection she’ll offer–and they each try to set the other up with dates. Total disaster, that. Fury drives Wyatt far past his usual binges and he nearly OD’s. Lacey is called in to support Wyatt, allowing his mother the chance to explain how sorry she was for ever questioning Lacey as a mate for Wyatt.

Still they have issues to work through. Wyatt needs more counseling, and Lacey’s diagnosis doesn’t help matters. There is a point of compromise, however, and a comfortable solution. It’s not the typical HEA–because we know there will be more bumps down the road–but there is confidence that their future will be good.

For me, I had a lot of trouble with Wyatt. He’s stubborn, abrupt and erratic with little consideration for himself, or Lacey. I wished like hell that he’d let go of his (irrational) guilt and just be the kind of guy Lacey needed. As for Lacey, I was a bit stunned how quickly she let Wyatt flop into her bed. She’s a devout Christian girl, and yes, she loves Wyatt–has for years–but it was lightspeed macking action. Their inability to communicate honestly really gave me (and them) fits. I’m not a huge fan of complications based on dishonesty–not saying that everyone must be candid all the time–I just want more of a romantic hurdle than simply “I can’t tell you the real problem.” Even in his biggest crisis, Lacey had to hear the real truth by eavesdropping before Wyatt would confess. By the end they were actually being truthful, and gained a bit more of my respect. And, Wyatt getting clean helped even more. I think readers who enjoy a good redemption tale will find their wishes fulfilled with this story.

Interested? You can find WISH FOR YOU at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes and Noble

marquita valentine author pictureAbout the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.

Marquita met her husband (aka Hot Builder) at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn’t work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children. You can stalk find at her website, Facebook or Twitter.

To celebrate WISH FOR YOU’s release, you can enter one of two giveaways!!

***Giveaway 1***
Continental US residents, click this Rafflecopter link for your chance to win
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EVERYONE can click on THIS Rafflecopter link for your chance to win

(1) $100 USD Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble – International

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Good luck and, as always, keep reading my friends!

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LIAR, LIAR HEARTS ON FIRE–Review and Giveaway

zane_blog_tour_ad

Hi there and welcome to my stop on the LIAR LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE blog tour, sponsored by AToMR Book Tours. For other stops on the tour, click here. Today’s book is a “zany” contemporary romance from Jennifer Zane. It’s a hoot!

liar_liar_hearts_on_fire_72dpi_200x300 (1)Book Summary:

Violet Miller is a teacher savoring her summer break until she’s been called in as emergency reinforcements—of the dating kind. She volunteers to help an old flame by pretending to be his girlfriend. In Alaska. At a family reunion. Since the guy is a handsome, lumberjack-sized doctor she’s never quite forgotten, faking a relationship won’t be hard work.

Mike Ostranski is a desperate man on vacation. His mother wants grandchildren and sees a crazy Alaskan woman as a candidate for daughter-in-law. Mike needs Violet by his side to deflect the lady’s advances.

A week in Alaska as boyfriend and girlfriend should be easy for them. They grew up together, even had a brief fling. What could go wrong?

Everything.

My Review:

This contemporary romance has it all: crazy stalker women, scheming mothers, polyamorous Frenchmen, erotica authors, desperate bachelors, twins, antiquities thieves, Civil War era-actors, and unrequited loves. For all of the plot complications herein:  I blame it all on the sex.

See, Vi’s life would be easier if she and that strapping ginger Mike Ostranski never lost their virginity to each other on graduation night. He ruined her. Just ruined her–they had been good friends until that (highly anticipated) fateful night. But hooking up and then leaving for summer camp, then college, then medical school really left Violet with abandonment issues. Now Mike’s returned to Bozeman, Montana–and is good friends with Violet’s twin sister Veronica–but never seeks out any contact with the gal he left behind.

Until Violet is filling in for Veronica working at Bozeman, Montana’s only adult store, Goldie’s. Mike’s call is a plea for help. Aided by his mother, a stalker-neighbor has been trying to seduce him while he vacations up in Alaska. He wanted Veronica to come to his rescue and claim she was his girlfriend, but, you know, Violet will do.

Outraged, Violet refuses, but Mike’s a charmer. And, Goldie is pressing on her to get some action–or at least some closure, for goodness sake. Soon Vi’s on the red-eye to Anchorage. She’s the newest guest at the Ostranski family reunion. As, Mike’s fiance. Yeah, he had to up the game to keep his stalker at bay. Mike’s uncle, recently retired from the military, is hosting ten guests for a week before hitting the trail as a Confederate soldier in those Civil War re-enactment tours. Oh my! He’s got some quirky lines!

Meanwhile, Violet’s accosted in the shower by stalker-gal, and she handles herself well. She and Mike drift into the comfortable friendship they had in high school, spending hours fishing for salmon and making up for lost time. In fact, Mike’s romantic hand is forced, not only by his stalker, and interfering mother, but by his French cousins who would like nothing better than to make Violet the filling in their man-sandwich. Oh, and who can forget Cherry Bottoms? Yeah, that’s Vi’s alter ego–a presumably bestselling author of erotica–something she has gone to great lengths to keep hidden.

It’s a fast-paced rollicking tale of soul mates who got separated too early in their lives. Mike’s never been serious about anyone since Vi, and the flip-side is true for Vi. Still, it’s not all easy. While they fit physically, and chemically, Mike’s devotion to his career above all things isn’t fair to Violet–especially when Mike’s career path seems to take a turn for New York. And Vi isn’t willing to move.

[Side note: Having a history in teaching medical school, and still working in close contact with physicians, well, some of this tale doesn’t hold realistic water, but few readers probably understand the career paths of podiatrists and for them this will not be troubling. For me, it was.] 

In the end we get an HEA–and a coming out for Cherry. Violet’s heart does get smashed in the middle and she’s almost killed by a lunatic antiquities thief, but Mike kinda gets his act together just in time.

Speaking of time, usually I complain about pace being too slow. Not the case here. Sometimes I actually wished for a teeny bit more info. The way some characters were introduced and glossed over left me hanging–as if they were part of another book and I should simply know their backstory–but I didn’t which left me floundering at times. In all, it’s a fun read with some delicious smexytimes. Ever since OUTLANDER I’m a sucker for a strapping ginger, so I adored Mike. Particularly when he got his head on straight. People who like contemporary romance, and quirky plots with interfering family casts, will be hooked by this book.

Interested? You can find LIAR LIAR HEARTS ON FIRE at Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author

Jennifer Zane has lived all over the country–from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado, including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for this book. When she’s not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado. You can find Jennifer on her blog, Facebook or Twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win

one of five eBooks of Liar, Liar Hearts on Fire
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Good luck and, as always, keep reading my friends!

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Sweet and Sassy! LOVE AND CUPCAKES–A Review

Love-and-Cupcakes-Tour-Banner

Hi there! And welcome to my stop on the LOVE AND CUPCAKES blog tour sponsored by AToMR Book Tours. For other stops on the tour click here. Today’s book is a contemporary romance with some light paranormal elements (aka magical realism) by debut novelist Susan Bishop Crispell.

http://atomrbookblogtours.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/coverfinalsm-loveandcupcakes.jpgBook Summary:

For Jaclyn “Jack” Pace, sensing what sweets people crave is as easy as breathing. But it’s not enough to keep her cupcake bakery in the black.

So, when her estranged sister Harper comes back to town with an affinity for making art out of icing—and a past full of secrets—she reluctantly gives Harper a job and a place to crash.

As their sisterly relationship begins to thaw, the one with her business partner Graham starts to heat up. Given the legend that says Hollingsworth men will recognize their soul mates at first touch, Jack’s always been resigned to the fact that she’s not his.

But when she starts sensing desires that are decidedly not dessert-related, it’ll take all of her magic to set things right with customers and make her own desires come true.

My Review:

This paranormal-ish romance is a charmer. Jack’s always had the ability to sense desire from the people around her–and this is a handy skill when working in a cupcakery. It’s cute how she smells her customer’s jonesing for a peanut butter or a red velvet cupcakes, but it’s not easy on poor Jack. If those desires are too great she gets overwhelmed with headaches.

Her partner–master baker Graham Hollingsworth–is a bit of alright. He’s been BFF to Jack’s older brother Hutton forever. And, he’s got a secret power, too. One he’s not so thrilled with. All the Hollingsworth men can know their soulmate the instant they meet. This caused considerable difficulty when his dad found his soulmate twelve years into his first marriage, and abandoned him and his mother. Graham will never do that to a woman. He’s been in love with Jack since high school, but never acted on it–mostly out of fear that he would hurt Jack, but also because Hutton threatened him. In fact, they’d come to blows over it. No way Hutton wanted to see Jack hurt if Graham later found his soulmate…

Still, Graham can’t stay away. He’s totally smitten with Jack, and her resolve to not get heartbroken over Graham, along with the crushing knowledge that she’s not his soulmate, adds to the dilemma. Then, as the bakery flounders, Jack’s younger sister–the talented, beautiful, artistic Harper–slides back into town. Only her Holly-GoLightly attitude is dimmed. Harper’s secret is a Double Whopper with Cheese, folks. And it puts the whole family on edge. While Jack and Graham work to fix Harper’s mess, the ties that bind seem to loosen. Suddenly Hutton’s opinion over Jack and Graham’s pseudo-relationship isn’t so strongly considered and the chemistry between them is…delicious.

Folks, it’s a romance. Small conflicts aside, the meat of the story is the risk both Jack and Graham must take with their hearts. Knowing Jack’s super desire-sensing power, Graham has thwarted it for years it by desiring something innocuous in her presence. And when he can’t take not having Jack in his life anymore and finally confronts his father over the whole super-soulmate-finding power, Graham realizes that his perfect match had been waiting for him all along.

I liked the little magical elements. I thought Graham was D-lish, and Jack was a strong female lead. I kinda hated Hutton. He felt like such a huge, overbearing dude–and I couldn’t respect the power both Harper and Jack gave him in their love lives, but I cheered when they put him in his place and he apologized wholeheartedly. In terms of the book, I sometimes struggled with the pacing–wishing it would move just a bit faster. In all it’s a good read. Nothing too smexytimes going on; even when our new buddies get their freak on it’s a fade-to-black scenario.

Interested? You can find LOVE AND CUPCAKES at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author

Susan Bishop Crispell is not one of those writers who’s been scribbling down stories since she could hold a pencil. She didn’t read constantly growing up (blasphemy!), and she can still be found in public without a book tucked into her purse (again with the blasphemy!).

She is, however, the kind of writer who lives for the imaginative spark that introduces her to a new character or story idea that pushes her to turn everyday life into something magical.

She lives and writes near Wilmington, NC. You can catch up with Susan on her website, Facebook  or Twitter.

If you have the chance to pick up LOVE AND CUPCAKES be sure to come back and let me know what you thought of it.

And, as always, keep reading my friends!

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Living With HARD GLAMOUR–Review and Giveaway

Hard-Glamour-Tour-Banner copy

Hi there and welcome to my stop on the HARD GLAMOUR blog tour sponsored AToMR Book Tours. For other stops on the tour click here. Today’s book is a New Adult Romance by Maggie Marr.

hard glam-cover
A promise to keep….
Honoring her mother’s last wish, Lane Channing vows to follow her dreams. She takes the ‘big risk’ and leaves her small Kansas town behind and heads to LA, the city of dreams. She’s got a stellar job lined up, an old jeep, and 20 bucks to last her to her first paycheck. Her hopes shatter when she arrives to find her job’s been given to someone else.  Now she’s broke and will soon be living on the streets if she doesn’t do something fast. Welcome to cutthroat – Lane is most certainly not in Kansas anymore.

On the cusp of success…
Dillon MacAvoy has one goal–to become a star–whatever it takes. Even if it means honing his bad-boy can’t-be-tamed-and-forever-single image. Besides the image isn’t far from the truth. Dillon cares only about his younger brother and his career. He’s on the brink of superstardom if he can just decide on the next right script. But for that, he needs a script reader he can trust.

In a strange twist of fate…
Lane Channing is Dillon’s last chance. If Lane lasts the summer without becoming MacAvoy’s latest conquest, she’s guaranteed a job in entertainment. No problem, as long as she can ignore the heat that pulses through her every time Dillon is in the room. After all, love and commitment with a sweet, hometown girl would only ruin the Dillon MacAvoy brand.

My Review:
Lane is in a real mess. She’s broke in LA, with no job, and her car has just been towed. The brief encounter with a gay mailboy at the talent agency didn’t seem like a portent–but it should have. That mailboy, Choo, is about to become her personal savior. See, the delightful Choo is the younger brother of a (potential) rising star–Dillon MacAvoy.

Dillon had been recently plucked from obscurity while on UCLA’s campus–tapped for his All-American good looks, he posed for some underwear ads, and a year later he’s making movies. Not quite a household name, he’s got three movies poised for release and his publicist and agent are planning to capitalize on the “Unattainable Bad Boy” image they have cultivated to maximize his marketability. As with everything Hollywood–sex sells. So Dillon’s been having a lot of it. Dillon’s a fresh talent, but he’s a terrible script reader–and all his female readers, well…they don’t last long. If you want to get into a movie, you have to know the script, so chasing away all his readers after one-night stands means Dillon’s in professional trouble.

Choo picks Lane to be Dillon’s new reader–and it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Even if she struggles with attraction to her new boss. Dillon’s finally found a girl he won’t sleep with–because Lane is too pure for his jaded tastes. He knows she’s deep down good, not one of the countless starlets looking for a little fame pop with their action. See, Dillon’s driven to succeed. He needs these movies to go big time so he can bank enough money to support himself and Choo. Their parents have disowned them–well Choo anyway–for his ‘lifestyle’. Choo’s parents had previously subjected him to radical deprogramming therapy to “cure” his homosexuality–and it nearly killed him–something Dillon will never let happen again. So he’s All In on the image-building. The bigger his paydays the better he can protect Choo, after all.

Yet, he’s desperately drawn to Lane, and she to him. For her the security of their home: Dillon, Choo and their housekeeper, is something she hasn’t had for a bit. She has no siblings and her mom just died…so Choo’s friendship is a balm, even if Dillon’s attitude flexes between frostbite and thermonuclear. And, yeah, it does get hot.

But admitting that they want each other isn’t the hardest part. No, the hardest part is Dillon keeping up his Charade of Sexiness when Lane holds his heart. And, the hard truths of the glamour business are enough to send Lane packing back to Kansas…to save herself, and any shred of a career she might want when she graduates next spring.

It’s a satisfying read. Good smexytimes. Excellent tension. A insider’s look at the PR machine that is Hollywood. Some (rather) implausible scenarios that ultimately bring the naive Lane and the aloof Dillon into each other’s embrace, but it’s a romance so we’re all just as desperate to have them reach the HEA as they are… If you like Celebrity Romance (Think: Jasinda Wilder’s STRIPPED, Sasha Summers’  HOLLYWOOD EVER AFTER, or Beck Anderson’s FIX YOU) you will not be disappointed.

Interested? You can find HARD GLAMOUR on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Maggie Marr
About the Author
Maggie Marr grew up in the Midwest and made the move to Los Angeles to work in the movie business.  She was a motion picture literary agent for ICM before becoming a full time writer.  She’s written for film and TV and ghostwritten for celebrities.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.

You can find Maggie on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or Pinterest.

***GIVEAWAY***
Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
one of 10 Print copies of Hard Glamour – US/Canada
or one of 10 eBook copies of Hard Glamour – International

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Good luck, and as always, keep reading my friends!

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WISH FOR YOU–Release and Giveaway!

NEW RELEASE!!

Wish for You front coverA New Adult romance from best-selling author Marquita Valentine

What’s going on:  a character’s perspective…

I’m Lacey Evans. There’s only one place in the world where I feel normal—the roller derby track. When I put on my skates and fasten my helmet, I’m powerful and in charge. I know exactly what to do and what to say. The rules are clear and everyone does exactly what they’re supposed to, penalties are enforced for those who don’t.

But in the real world, I’m far from powerful and in charge. I never know exactly what to do and say. For years, I counted on one person to be exactly who he said he was—my best friend -Wyatt Tanaka.

Only he’s changed. Being a Marine and serving in a war has made him different. Now I want to help him, but I also want to kiss him. And that’s not something best friends do.

Neither of us, it seems, is content being just friends anymore. If we cross that line, change the rules of our relationship, it could be wonderful and everything I’ve ever wanted.

But it might also mean I’ll lose the one person I’ve come to rely on and I don’t think my heart can take it.

Interested? You can find WISH FOR YOU at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes and Noble

marquita valentine author pictureAbout the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.

Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn’t work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.

You can find Marquita at her website, Facebook, and twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***

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1 $100 USD Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble – International
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That will keep you reading long into the night, amiright?
Good luck, and as always, keep reading my friends!

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Happy Book Birthday COMING HOME–Release and Giveaway

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY

*Throws confetti* *Blows silly paper horn*

Coming Home CoverAvailable today a New Adult romance from Author Priscilla Glenn

Synopsis:

Leah Marino hasn’t been on a date in two years. After discovering the man she loved had manipulated and deceived her, she refuses to even entertain the idea of a relationship. Instead, she focuses her attention on taking care of her family, a role she’s assumed since the death of her mother and the one place she knows her kindness won’t be taken advantage of again.

When a nostalgic trip back to her childhood home results in a chance encounter with Danny DeLuca, a smart-mouthed mechanic who’s as attractive as he is mysterious, Leah’s carefully cultivated walls begin to crumble. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danny, despite his unreliable behavior and mixed signals.

But Danny has a secret…

One that could shake Leah’s already precarious foundation and bring her world crashing down around her. Suddenly, she’s faced with an incredibly difficult decision–is she willing to risk everything for the chance at finding the love she’s always wanted? Or are some obstacles just too big for the heart to overcome?

How about a little taste?

“Do you want to be alone?” she asked.

Danny turned to her, his eyes meeting hers before he shook his head.

“Okay,” Leah said gently, and he released her hand as she put the car in park and cut the engine.

They rode the elevator up to his apartment in silence; Danny’s eyes were trained on the floor as he chewed the inside of his lip, and Leah rested her head on his shoulder until they arrived at his floor.

He seemed distracted as he opened the door to his apartment, and Leah followed him inside, putting her purse on the entryway table.

“Do you want me to make you something to eat?” she asked.

“No,” he murmured. “Thank you.”

He was standing in the living room with his back to her, and she walked over to him, placing her hands on the sides of his waist as she rested her forehead against the back of his shoulder. After a few seconds, he turned to face her, and Leah lifted her head, looking up at him.

He stared down at her for a moment before he dropped his eyes, watching his hand as he hooked two fingers in the front pocket of her jeans. She saw him wet his lips, and then he gave a gentle tug, pulling her a step closer as his other hand came to the hem of her shirt, taking it between his thumb and forefinger.

Danny’s eyes were trained on his fingers as he toyed with the soft fabric, and then his knuckle grazed her belly button as he started pulling it up slowly. When her stomach quivered in response, he glanced up, his eyes meeting hers before they dropped again.

And then he slid it up a bit higher.

She lifted her arms out of reflex, and suddenly, her shirt was off. He tossed it somewhere behind her before he hooked his fingers in the front of her jeans and gave her another tug.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, pressing his lips to the top of her shoulder as his fingers came to the button of her jeans. She felt it pop open as he exhaled against her skin. “I’m sorry. I just…”

Leah closed her eyes as she brought her hand to the back of his head. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Take what you need.”

He made a small sound in the back of his throat as he dropped his forehead to her shoulder. “God, how do you do that?” he asked, easing her zipper down.

“Do what?” she asked softly, running her fingers through the back of his hair.

“You make it stop hurting,” he said against her skin. “Every time.”

Leah exhaled as she brought her hand to his chin, lifting his head before she brought her mouth to his.

Wow! That’s a steamer, fo sho!

Interested? You can find COMING HOME on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

about the author priscilla glenn lives in new york with her husband ...About the author:
Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English at the middle and high school levels for the past twelve years while moonlighting as a writer, mom, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.

If you catch her when she’s feeling sophisticated, she’ll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she’ll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry’s, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.

Glenn is the author of the contemporary romance novels Back to You, Emancipating Andie, and Coming Home. You can catch up with Priscilla on Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***
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one of 2 Signed bundles (includes signed copies of Back to You, Emancipating Andie and Coming Home), plus bookmarks and swag – International
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Good luck, and, as always, keep reading my friends!

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Going Over THE NAKED EDGE–Review and Giveaway

Naked-Edge-Tour-Banner

Hi there! And, welcome to my stop on the blog tour for THE NAKED EDGE sponsored by AToMR Book Tours. For other stops on the tour, click here. Today’s book is a New Adult Romance from Charlie Webb–and man does it have it’s highs, and lows…

NakedEdge_coverNew copyBook Summary:

The first time Skylar and Rowdy give themselves to each other completely–heart, mind, body and soul–is also the night Skylar disappears without a trace. Rowdy promised to love her forever. But forever is a long time when you’re only seventeen.

After years of waiting, Rowdy gives up on Skylar and tries to purge her from his memory with cheap tequila and one night stands.

When Skylar finally returns, Rowdy is no longer the shy, sweet boy she fell in love with. He’s bitter, angry and determined to protect what remains of his shattered heart. She’s determined to reclaim it, but first she has to put it back together.

Set in the eclectic town of Eldorado Springs, Colorado and Eldorado Canyon State Park, a rock climber’s paradise, “Naked Edge” is a new adult contemporary romance about perseverance, second chances and the healing power of love.

My Review:

I love Colorado. One of my uncles moved there decades ago, and since then I’ve visited many times. It’s  lush beautiful place (once you get past the Front Range into the mountainous terrain!) I’ve read a few books settled there for that reason alone. In fact the opening scene reminded me of Simone Elkeles’ Chain Reaction–what with the rock climbing and the injury–but that’s where the similarity ended.

Skylar is hoping for a second chance. At sixteen she was whisked away from the love of her life due to unforeseen, uncontrollable events. Her step-father enrolled into the witness protection program and took Skylar and her mother underground with him. But that was four years ago and much has happened. Mom’s dead, and Sky has no allegiance to her philandering step-daddy. She’s going to fight for her love, Rowdy, and win back the life she lost when she disappeared without a trace.

Rowdy had been head over heels for Sky–throughout their childhood they were smitten. She was his first, and he promised to love her, only her, for all time. Then, she was gone.

His own personal tragedies delayed his search, but he soon discovered that Sky was lost forever. Until the rescue call brought him to the cliff face where Sky and her cousin Boone dangled due to a poorly planned climb.

Now Rowdy’s love-’em-and-leave-’em-to-hide-his-pain activity is brought to light, and he’s unwilling to invest his heart to Sky again. Or, is he…

So, as far as this book went, it’s a super quick read. I had thought we’d face more of a battle between Sky and Rowdy, but they both come to terms with each other eagerly. A big conflict to be resolved, however, is the entry of Rowdy’s step-sister, Anna, into the mix. She’s obsessed with Rowdy, though no one noticed it before Sky returned. Her psychopathic activity leaves Skylar fighting for her life and turns their mutual friends into a cloak-and-dagger society. This seemed a bit extreme, for me, but Rowdy’s one of those loyal sort–doesn’t want to hurt anyone openly–which I can admire. Had I been Sky, however, I’da wrung that dude’s neck!

The story’s got a decent pace and I learned a whole lot of fancy lingo to flash about the next time I encounter a rock climber. There’s something to be said for getting close to the setting, and I could almost taste the cliff as close as we got. If you’re looking for a quick read, one where the MC’s actually loved each other deeply once and reconnect with ease, you’ll like THE NAKED EDGE. It’s not too steamy and has some interesting–or crazy, in the Fatal Attraction-lunatic sense–plot twists.

Interested? You can find The Naked Edge on Goodreads and Amazon. (Currently priced at $.99!)

Charlotte AbelAbout the Author:

Charli Webb is a new to writing New Adult, but she’s not new to writing. Her alter ego–Charlotte Abel–has been active in the YA paranormal bibliosphere for years. Her Channie series “will make you believe in magic.”

You can otherwise find Charli on Goodreads, Facebook, and twitter.

***GIVEAWAY***
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one of six (six) ebook copies of THE NAKED EDGE.
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VICE, VIRTUE & VIDEO: REVEALED–A Review

When I had a chance to get my hands on the ARC of REVEALED–I jumped. With both feet. Bianca Giavanni’s erotic series has been top-rated on Smashword’s Erotic fiction list for a bit.

Now I know why!

Revealed (Vice, Virtue, & Video Book 1)The Story:

James Laird and Lola Caraway have been next door neighbors and best friends since elementary school. James was always the ultimate player, and after graduation moves to LA and finds his place as a rising star in the porn industry. Lola, three years younger, is a studious overachiever and on track for graduation and success in college.

Lola knows about and accepts James and his debauchery; it’s never been a secret between the two friends. However, a hometown visit prompts James to face his evolving feelings for her, especially after his conservative family discovers his true profession and she comes to his rescue. Not wanting to seduce the innocent Lola, he returns to California, where he sets his sights on becoming a superstar in the industry.

While Lola is visiting James from college, they dance around their attraction to each other. After Lola admits she’s never had an orgasm, James offers to be her hands-on teacher. A lifetime of friendship with a manwhore tells Lola that she should not get attached to James as a lover, as tempting as his offer may be. Can she please her body while still protecting her heart?

My review:
This fast-paced tale isn’t a love story. It’s an “I-know-this-will-end-poorly-if-we-give-in” story.

20 y/o James “Langdon” Laird is a porn actor. He’s beautiful, big, and buff, and thoroughly loves sex with women–many women. Any women. This began in junior high, and never stopped–even as a teen he happily served the cougar-wives who employed his dad’s landscaping company. Why not, right? Everybody got a happy ending. In his movies the gals adore him for his attention and respect.

17 y/o Lola Caraway is bright and shiny and fresh. She has loved James like a brother ever since they met as kids. She knows about his sex films, but it doesn’t matter to her–that’s just a job. She’s rather asexual, asctually, despite having a pubertal Swan-Transformation. Case in point: she’s going to Prom as a beard to her semi-closeted gay friend.

James has returned to their small Midwestern town to visit Lola and attend her high school graduation. Between them the relationship has always been platonic–but this visit James sees the new Lola. And he’s interested. Not enough to approach her sexually, though, so don’t call the cops.

Lola and James spend a fantastic night after she ditches out of her prom–romantic dinner on a lovely vista–and cuddling throughout the night. When he returns the next morning his parents are enraged. They were alerted to his porn career via some friends and his father kicks him out. Having no where to go, he collapses on Lola’s doorstep, shaken by their anger and abandonment. Lola’s mother takes James in–temporarily. He stays two night. Two night in Lola’s arms, though nothing happens. Well, not nothing. Lola’s open heart and soft embrace soothes James’ broken spirit. He wants to be physical with her–but he also doesn’t. He knows he’s not a relationship guy. Not the guy a Forever Girl like Lola deserves. He heads back to Cali to pursue his career with alacrity.

Meanwhile, Lola’s confused about her new attraction to James. She has the summer to stew on it, but has promised to visit him over Labor Day, and does.

This time, the chemistry between them is fierce and yet playful. Lola meets some of his co-stars and friends in the industry. Some catty-gals who enjoy their James-playtoy, and some genuinely nice gay boys who helped James learn the business. Lola and James experiment a bit sexually–though doing the deed? Well…

It’s an interesting friendship. I struggled a bit with the age disparity, the old sanctimonious gal in me got riled initially. But the compassionate way James treats Lola–and her stalwart resistance to any shenanigans–put me at ease. The book is written in clear language–no “too deep” conversation. These are still kids/new adults, after all. So, they razz each other. Playful flirting is carefully balanced by mutual respect and admiration. I felt comfortable with the story and its ending. See, usually I’m all “Where’s the beef?” when it comes to my erotic romance; not so here. I’m looking forward to Book 2 and wondering how this relationship will change, yet again. Lola’s going back to college–and the admiring boys she’ll surely encounter. James is going back to starring in his on- and off-camera sex scenes. Will they be able to connect again?

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

About the Author:

Bianca Giovanni is an indie author. Her erotic romance really took off with early versions of Vice, Virtue, and Video selling like gangbusters on Smashwords. Now working with Omnific Publishing, her five book series will reach an even bigger audience. You can find her on her website, twitter, and Facebook.

Let me know if you’ve read any of Bianca’s Smashwords submissions–and if you liked them!

And, as always, keep reading my friends!