Giveaways

Happy Book Birthday to DARE–Review Excerpt & Giveaway

Dare RDL bannerHi there! Today I’m helping to get the word out for TA Foster’s newest release. DARE is the first book in the Nox series, and I just love shifter romance! Rawr!

Dare_FrontCover_LoRes (1)About Dare:
Choices should come easily to a queen.
Especially the queen of panther shifters. But Dare, leader of the Nox, faces the most difficult decisions of her life as she struggles to keep her freedom and keep the Nox safe.

Destined to marry when she turns twenty-two and give up the magic that is her birthright, Dare fights back, determined to change the course of history. Only along the way she falls for a human who forces her to face the reality that there are some things she can’t resist.

Zac Morgan has crossed the globe hoping to find comfort after a tragic loss has left him empty. He hopes Sullen’s Grove will give him peace and just a little taste of home. Even though he’s worked hard to keep his heart protected, he can’t stop the attraction he feels for the mysterious green-eyed college girl, Dare.

When Zac is thrust into the middle of a dangerous shifter war, Dare may be the only one who can save him. Sometimes the choices we make are the ones we least expect.

How about a little taste?

I can see the blood trickle faster now that the point of the knife is pressed deep against his skin. His eyes are closed. He doesn’t see me. None of them does.

They are too focused on the fire and the sacrifice they are about to make in the shadows of its flame.

I crouch, the limb supporting me as I edge closer. I am outnumbered. If I pounce now, the Tribe will surround me in seconds. But, if I wait much longer, they will kill him.

There in the center I see everything familiar to me. I know them and somehow the wildness and violence I’m witnessing has stripped away the memories of who I thought they were.

I’m forced to feel my raw emotions spilling around me, consuming my choices, my inaction. How has this happened?

My ears twitch at the low growling sounds that start in the center of the circle, then make their way around until they’re so loud it’s deafening.

My head throbs from the sounds of their celebration. I don’t have time to regret the choices that led us here. Later. Regrets are for later.

The steel blade sinks against his skin, and my eyes narrow.

Now. I need to move now or he will be lost to me forever.

The forest will hear my roar and so will the Tribe. I leap from the branch, landing in the center, scattering the fire and the knife. They growl, their sharp teeth bared at me.

I’ve spent my life fighting for humans, but tonight I will fight until I’m dead.

My Review:
Dare is an independent woman who wants the right to live her own life. She is queen of a small band of she-panther shifters that she has collected to stand against the magical Council which has decreed forced marriage for all of them. Each of these shifter women is required to get married to a preselected jaguar male, and give up her territory to him. After she bears his child, her magic and shifter power will be transferred to her infant and her hubs will take off in search of his next wife.

Not the best life, Dare thinks, and she’s found six other she-panthers who agree. Case is king of his region in Tennessee, and he’s decided that Dare will be his first wife, as he’d like to expand his domain to North Carolina. Dare wants none of lying, back-stabbing Case, and he knows it, so he kidnaps some of her she-panthers, and infects Zac, a sexy historian and newly-made acquaintance of Dare’s. Dare struggles to save her clan, Zac, and her autonomy–all before college graduation and her birthday come.

I really enjoyed the political interplay. Dare had wanted to do this on her own, but Case’s guerrilla tactics have caused Dare to enlist some local witches, and canvass far and wide for more she-panther support. She tests her boundaries, learning to build self-defense skills for her human side with Zac’s help. Though she is really attracted to Zac, she makes good decisions for her pack of she-panthers, always knowing that her end goal is to keep her own territory safe. There is much to be admired in Dare.

This is the beginning of a series, so I expect the next books will follow the love story of other she-panthers. I can only hope one of these feisty women will fall for delicious Officer Ian Grace, a powerful witch who seems down with breaking traditions and defying Council dictates….

There is good bit of action, and the schemes and maneuvers are ripe plot lines. I enjoyed that there are both heterosexual and homosexual characters–though the main romance is always Dare and Zac. We’ll have to wait for later stories to find out how those romances unfold.

Interested? You can find DARE on Goodreads, Amazon, Smashwords, and Google.

****GIVEAWAY****
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
T.A. Foster grew up catching rays and waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her husband, three children and canine kiddo.

She has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing, or planning her next beach trip.

You can catch up with Ms. Foster on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

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Matched in SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS–Review and Giveaway!

SFA_BLOGTOUR copy
Hi there! Today, I’m sharing of SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS by Jennifer Probst. This is the 4th book in the Searching For series and it is published by Gallery Books. I recently reviewed SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL and had to continue with the series. SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS features the love story of Arilynn, yoga teacher, counselor and rescuer of dogs everywhere! Can this do-gooder save the heart of alpha male Officer Stone Petty, meat-eating, stress-case, extraordinaire? Check out the teaser and giveaway below.

SearchingforAlwaysAbout the book:
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Probst sparks a blissful mind-body connection as her “sexy, satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews) new series continues!

She’s an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she’s a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right—but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty—radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude—is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there’s no halting their sizzling flirtation—a red-hot, high-speed chase that’s breaking all the limits.
SFA_Teaser2 copy
My Review:
This is the 4th book in a series, but able to be enjoyed as a standalone.
4.5 Stars.

Arilynn is a vegetarian, holistic, dog-fostering, yoga-teaching counselor who works with her college friends, Kennedy and Kate at a computer-matching service, Kinnections, in rural Verily, NY. Her only remaining family is her grandfather–her parents died via lung cancer and suicide in the past ten years. Having witnessed her parents’ illness, she has dedicated her life to living the healthiest life possible. She regularly encourages clean-living behaviors to the people she meets, and counsels, and can be a touch sanctimonious about it. Arilynn has just broken up with her secret lover of the past five years, Jacob, who is a holier-than-thou yogi with monogamy-averse ideas. (And good riddance!!!!)

Officer Stone Petty is a cop with an anger problem, sent to Arilynn’s 6-week anger management program for counseling after a brutality incident. (He beat up a domestic abuser he caught beating the heck out of his wife and child.) As it turns out, Stone is extremely sensitive to domestic abuse as an abuse survivor. He’s also a meat-loving, fast food scarfing, dog-hating recent ex-smoker, and totally wrong for Arilynn–so why are they attracted to each other?

This is low-conflict odd couple romance with lots of heart and some good heat. I really enjoyed the alternating POV, with the large swing in emotions. Stone has a lot of emotional scars, and he’s quick to judge as a result. He is a big proponent of justice, and I liked his remorse regarding the incidents that led to his discipline. I think readers will find kinship with a man having a violent response to child/spousal abuse, even if he’s a cop. Arilynn is a heroine with lofty ideals and down-to-earth solutions. She works hard to channel her frustrations with Stone, who is REALLY difficult to work with as a client. Setting her attraction aside, he’s constantly challenging her and works hard to make her angry–so their interactions are always a lesson in patience. I rejoiced every time she got the better of him, in class and out of it. I also loved that Arilynn found a man who wanted to treat her right and never considered keeping her a secret, like Jacob had. They have some excellent passionate moments, and delicious sexytimes occur after they’ve been in contact daily for a few weeks. They start out, intentionally, to only be casual partners but it quickly turns into something far more.

As this is a series read, we get some of Arilynn’s pals in the mix, but the character interactions are toned down from recent books. This allows for greater development of accessory characters, like Arilynn’s busybody neighbor and her grandpa. Those two are a hoot! Oh, and don’t forget the dogs! Stone has a bad history with dogs and is not best pleased that his anger management includes animal therapy–his experience will melt readers. Pinky is the best, BEST, medicine for his hardened heart.

I really enjoyed this one.

Interested? You can find SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

****GIVEAWAY****

SFA_RescuePet
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win! Help pet rescue shelters by posting a picture of your rescued pet, or sharing your favorite shelter, and using the hashtag #SEARCHINGFORRESCUES. 4 shelters will get a $50 prize (winners choice) and 1 a grand prize winner will also get a prize pack from Jennifer Probst.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers.

You can catch up with Jennifer online on her website for updates on new releases and her street team. Also check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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A Series HARD TO LET GO–Review & Giveaway

HTLG RWB banner
Hi there! I’m so excited to share in the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO LET GO! This is the fourth book in the Hard Ink series published by Avon Romance and wraps up the plot arcs…completely. I read HARD TO COME BY and HARD TO BE GOOD and really enjoyed those, so I jumped to get the last book!

This contemporary military romance links the taciturn Beckett Murda with his team leader’s sister—the beautiful and intelligent Kat Rixey. I really enjoyed their love story. Two people who’ve seen a lot of pain and personal loss finally find happiness. *swoon*

Don’t forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway for one of 2 $25 gift cards.

Hard to Let Go - cover
About HARD TO LET GO:
Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters his biggest complication yet—a seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo shop following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with the criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights . . . and in his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.

How about a little taste?

Beckett was a wrung-out mess. He’d just spent the past hour talking to Emilie, and it was maybe more than he’d talked at one time in his whole life. He couldn’t exactly say he felt good, and maybe not even better, but he could say that he was a little proud of himself for facing his past. Didn’t matter that dealing with that shit was as comfortable as swallowing crushed glass, because choking it down was the only way he’d have a chance at a future.

At least, a future that he really, truly wanted.

One where he wasn’t alone. One where he wasn’t angry. One where he wasn’t wasting the time he might have left on this earth—time his seven fallen teammates no longer had.

Jogging down the stairs from the third-floor apartment, Beckett headed to the gym. No matter how trashed he felt, he had one more conversation that absolutely had to happen tonight.

With Nick. About Kat.

Beckett had seen the all-knowing looks on Marz’s and Jeremy’s faces when he and Kat joined the all-hands’ meeting earlier in the evening. If he didn’t go to Nick soon, the guy was going to learn about them some other way. And then the hell was going to be even worse to pay. And Beckett didn’t want that to happen. Not just because he didn’t want the hassle. But because he owed it to Nick—as his friend and his brother—to come clean.

Didn’t mean that his gut wasn’t all twisted up about whether Nick would think him good enough for his baby sister, though.

He reached the gym door, took a deep breath, and punched in the pass code. Man up, Murda. Right.

Inside, things were hopping, despite the fact that it was pushing eleven o’clock. Some Ravens were lifting weights. Others were shooting the shit around the table. And two guys were tossing a ball back and forth, driving Eileen crazy by bouncing it over her head. Easy was pounding out a fast pace on the treadmill. And, in the back corner, Nick, Marz, and Shane were poring over something on Marz’s desk.

Beckett had faced down terrorists who wanted nothing more than to take his life with their very hands, and he’d probably never been as nervous as he was right now. For fuck’s sake.

He moved into the room. About midway across he spied Cy peeking out from behind a weight machine. “You and me are gonna have a talk soon, too,” he said, pointing at the cat. A one-eyed blink was his only answer.

And then he was standing on the far side of Marz’s desk next to Shane, peering down at what the three men were examining.

Marz gave him a smile and tapped his finger against the pages. “Just going over all these instances when Merritt noted Kaine as having changed orders regarding counternarcotics missions.”

“Marz was right,” Nick said, looking up at him. “Some of these gave me a bad feeling in my gut at the time, because they seemed out of character for Merritt. He was never a last minute kinda guy. Every damn time he’s marked those changes as having been ordered by Kaine.”

Beckett nodded. And then his mouth acted without his brain’s permission. “I’d like to date your sister.”

My Review:
This is the final book in the Hard Ink series and should be read in order.

Becket Murda is one of five survivors of an ambush of his SF squadron a year ago. Since then he’s been guilt-ridden, and less-than-honorably discharged, drifting between security gigs. Three weeks ago he was called into action by his former squad leader, Nick Rixey, to help them track down the missing children of their dead former commander, Merritt, and help solve a serious mystery regarding their ambush, missing heroin, and $12 million in Merritt’s bank accounts. This is the backdrop of the series. Each of the other men in his squad found a special person to love during this timeframe, all with sexy books detailing their romances, and this book is Beckett’s ungrateful backslide into love…. 😉

Beckett has a lot of issues with self-esteem, basically because his mother drank herself to death, and his murderously-abusive father beat him regularly as a child. He stands as an outsider, never believing that he is worthy of love. Yet, Kat Rixey, the Justice Dept attorney and younger sister of his friend and comrade Nick, won’t put up with his crap. She challenges him regularly, and he relishes the connection, even as he doesn’t believe himself worthy.

Kat Rixey is a tenacious woman who is just extricating herself from a sticky relationship with a stalkery colleague. She had no idea what she was stepping into when she fled to her brothers’ compound, a now bombed warehouse that holds Jeremy’s tattoo studio and Nick’s colleagues and more than a few collateral strays. Learning that Nick’s mission is centered around a security company now under Justice Dept investigation leads Kat to make some ethically-questionable, but morally-sound, decisions.

In the midst of the unravelling of the larger “restore our honor” plot arc, Kat and Beckett find their tinderbox chemistry provides some smoking sexytimes, and brings out new vulnerabilities. They are a sweet couple who face some incredibly high challenges. As with all the previous books in the series, expect high octane situations, shoot outs, injuries, double-crosses and, finally, a resolution for these injured heroes that will have readers more than satisfied. The HEA is excellent, for all our Hard ink pals, even when it looks to be bleak. Beckett proves time and again why he is a survivor, and, enjoyably, finds something and someone to live for.

Hard Ink Series Trailer:

Link: https://youtu.be/qM45fjLJXXk

 

HTLG Reviews Tease

Praise for HARD TO LET GO:
“Kaye wraps up her bestselling series with this action-packed story, highlighting her talent for alpha military heroes, hot romance, and an ensemble cast of characters who are unique and engaging. A super sexy, high-octane romantic suspense novel that concludes the popular Hard Ink series in a completely satisfying way.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“TOP PICK! Kaye brings her Hard Ink series to a spectacular conclusion that successfully wraps up the overarching mystery and brings closure to her compelling characters. Kaye really nails it with this awesome book and series!” ~RT Book Reviews

“HARD TO LET GO will blow you away! Anyone who has been following Laura Kaye’s fantastic Hard Ink series will expect something great for the last book in the series, and to say HARD TO LET GO does not disappoint would be the understatement of the year! Ms. Kaye writes sex scenes like it’s nobody’s business, and the blistering chemistry between Kat and Becket will leave you panting and begging for more! If you expected world-class action in HARD TO LET GO, think again and multiply that by ten! HARD TO LET GO has to be the most explosive conclusion to a series ever! Do not miss it at any cost!” ~Fresh Fiction

Interested? You can find HARD TO LET GO on Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, and Kobo.

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard as It gets

HARD AS IT GETS

Hard as You Can

HARD AS YOU CAN

Hard To Hold On To

HARD TO HOLD ON TO

Hard To Come By Cover

HARD TO COME BY

Hard to Be Good - Cover

HARD TO BE GOOD

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:
“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter link for your chance to win on of two $25 gift cards to Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

You can catch up with Laura online on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Newsletter SignUp.

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Happy Book Birthday to SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS!

SFA_BLITZ
Hi there! Today, I’m celebrating the release of SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS by Jennifer Probst. This is the 4th book in the Searching For series and it is published by Gallery Books. This book features the love story of Arilynn, yoga teacher, counselor and rescuer of dogs everywhere! Check out the teaser and giveaway below.

SearchingforAlwaysAbout the book:
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Probst sparks a blissful mind-body connection as her “sexy, satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews) new series continues!

She’s an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she’s a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right—but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty—radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude—is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there’s no halting their sizzling flirtation—a red-hot, high-speed chase that’s breaking all the limits.
SFA_Teaser2 copy
I really liked this one! Look for my review next week.

Interested? You can find SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

 

****GIVEAWAY****

SFA_RescuePet
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win! Help pet rescue shelters by posting a picture of your rescued pet, or sharing your favorite shelter, and using the hashtag #SEARCHINGFORRESCUES. 4 shelters will get a $50 prize (winners choice) and 1 a grand prize winner will also get a prize pack from Jennifer Probst.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers.

You can catch up with Jennifer online on her website for updates on new releases and her street team. Also check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Happy Book Birthday THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN–Review & Giveaway

TFM RDL Banner
Hi there! Today I am sharing the love of a new release from Heather Lyons. THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN is a contemporary fantasy, which has it’s roots deep in literature. I really enjoyed THE HIDDEN LIBRARY, where I came to love Alice (from Wonderland) and Finn (from Huckleberry Finn) and how they endeavor to protect the literary worlds that exist behind books from psychopathic killers who seek to destroy them. It was such a wild and fascinating plot idea that I was hooked from the start. And the next book in the series releases today!!!

The Forgotten Mountain (The Collectors' Society, #3)About the book:
After years spent in Wonderland, Alice Reeve learned the impossible was quite possible after all. She thought she left such fantastical realities behind when she finally returned to England.

Now Alice has become a member of the clandestine Collectors’ Society, and the impossible has found her again in the form of an elusive villain set on erasing entire worlds. As she and the rest of the Society race to bring this mysterious murderer to justice, the fight becomes painfully personal.

Lives are being lost. Loved ones are shattered or irrevocably altered. Each step closer Alice gets to the shadowy man she hunts, the more secrets she unravels, only to reveal chilling truths. If she wants to win this war and save millions of lives, Alice must once more embrace the impossible and make the unimaginable, imaginable.

Sometimes, the rabbit hole leads to terrifying places.

My Review:
This is the third book in a series, and should be read in order.

At the end of the last book, Alice and Mary Lennox (of The Secret Garden) are on the hunt for their loves: Finn (of Huckleberry Finn) and Victor (son of Dr. Frankenstein), adopted brothers who may have perished when the book world in which they were chasing known killer Sweeney Todd was destroyed. Against all odds, Alice believes Finn to be alive; she has lost love before, and regained it with Finn. She will stop at nothing to find him, and, if that means breaking and entering, well, she luckily has renowned thief The Artful Dodger on her side.

Unfortunately, finding Finn doesn’t bring her much relief–because he’s been enchanted and will likely die if she cannot find the 13th Wise Woman, from Grimm’s Fairytales, to undo the curse. This entire series is an incredibly creative literary enterprise. I adore Alice, who is single-minded of purpose, and a kickass heroine. She’s all grown up from her first trip to Wonderland, now an exiled queen whose loved-and-lost story is all the more powerful because she chose political peace over personal comfort. She tells the bulk of this story, and her pain and courage is plain.

The main objective of all Alice’s travels is to locate Gabe Pfeffer, or Lygari, or his much older name, The Pied Piper. Trouble is, there’s trouble every step of the way. Like most of the Brothers Grimm’s works, this is not a light-hearted fable. Nope, it’s a dark tale that includes vengeance, lies, enchantment and a teeny bit of sex. I’m kinda frustrated by the end…because I MUST know what happens next, and, alas, it’s a kicker cliffhanger, IMHO. I don’t want to spoil the book, so I’m ending this review here. If you think you’ll like creative literary fantasy with a vengeful queen who will do absolutely anything to save her prince, this book is for you.

Interested? You can find THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a cool charm bracelet and signed paperback!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Heather LyonsAbout the author:
Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

Catch Heather on her website, Goodreads, twitter and Facebook.

Inkslinger

Riding Out MY COWBOY PROMISES-Review & Giveaway

My Cowboy Promises Blog Tour BannerHi there! Today I”m sharing my review for ZA Maxfield’s MY COWBOY PROMISES, a contemporary cowboy M/M romance. This one has a less-upbeat story, featuring a severely closeted character living with the fallout of his “out”-ing. I had a bit of heartbreak for Ryder, and was glad that his life turned around for the better. Make sure to scroll down and enter the $25 Amazon GC giveaway.

My Cowboy Promises (The Cowboys, #4)About the book:
A real man needs a real love…

To become the man he’s meant to be, one cowboy will have to be the man he never wanted anyone to know he was…

Ryder Dent is a true-blue cowboy. A devoted son, husband and father, but one who is living a costly lie. When they were both young, Ryder and his closest female friend Andy thought they’d found the perfect solution to both their problems—she was single and pregnant, and he was secretly gay—so they got married and raised Jonas together.

When Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son’s new pediatrician comes to the rescue. The connection between Ryder and Dr. Declan Winters is sudden, powerful, and undeniable. Ryder loves Andy and the family they’ve created together—but they both need more. Can they pursue their hearts’ desire without destroying the life they’ve built and losing the son they love?

How about a little taste? This is the scene where Ryder is struck by a Declan lightning bolt…

The hottest guy I ever saw was playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” on the piano while fifteen cagey preschoolers circled fourteen chairs. My father-in-law’s annual Fourth of July shindig—the biggest event of the year—was a family picnic. We’d set aside a play area for the littlest kids and I’d volunteered to supervise, but the piano man blindsided me and I nearly missed an outrageous hair- pulling incident.

Like a too bright pair of headlights on a moonless night, he was all I could see.

Mayor Calder Hamilton—a cartoon bear of a man with a white handlebar mustache—snuck up on me with one of those painful backslapping man hugs.

“Ryder Dent, you son of a bitch. Which one is your boy?”

“That’s Jonas.” I pointed out my son. “Blue plaid shirt, cowboy hat. Crass determination to win?”

“I know that look, I see it every day when I look in the mirror. But how can that be him? Last time I saw him he was half that size.”

Why do people always say that? Is it some rite of passage? Am I going to be surprised kids grow someday too? “We had to buy him a new pair of cowboy boots just last week.”

“He’s a fine-looking boy. Where’s Andrea?”

“She doesn’t come to these things to hang around with me.” I glanced toward the windows. “You’ll find her wherever there’s dancing.”

“She leaves you in charge of Jonas?”

“Gosh, yeah. Andi’s the social one. She likes to kick up her heels and I don’t mind if she wants to have some fun.”

“So have you met our new doctor yet? Isn’t he something? I have never seen anyone play piano like that.”

“That’s Doctor Winters?” The doc had started playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” like a Russian folk dance, all the while yelling Hai! Hai,! Hai! Hai! The music stopped and the chaos started. Jonas ended up on another chair.

“Go, Team Jonas!” I pumped my fist like a goofball.

“Yeah. Go, boy, go!” Hamilton was already tipsy enough to be unaware he was shouting right in my ear. It didn’t matter; I was going deaf from all the kids squealing anyway. “I’d like to ask your help with something.”

“Sure thing, Mayor. Shoot.”

“I need you and your family in a campaign ad”

“My family?” Good grief. Bitterroot’s founding fathers would shit in their graves at such an idea. “I don’t think we’d make a very good ad.”

“C’mon.” He punched my arm. “You and Andrea are both attractive. Jonas is a cute kid. You had to make some tough choices in the beginning, but look where you are now.”

“Uh . . . I don’t think—”

“I need a family exactly like yours to represent my campaign to the twenty-somethings. I need them to believe they’re important to me.”

Me and Andi? My stomach did a full 360, front to back, as if I was on a Six Flags ride. Mayor Hamilton wanted some picture-frame perfect family, and we were not it. Plus, we hadn’t exactly voted for him. “I’ll ask Andi about it, but—”

“Andrea’s dad just told me he’s backing me all the way again this next election.”

“Is he?” That figures. Her dad likes politicians to owe him.


“So you just tell her you’re doing it, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll mention it, but—”

Hamilton’s wife, Sally, came up to collect him. “C’mon Cowboy. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

She grabbed his hand and, after a good-natured tug-of-war, they left together. I breathed again. Andi’s dad ran one of the most successful ranches in the area. If he wanted to see my family on a billboard, I’d have to figure a way to get out of it or learn to say “cheese.”

It was pretty hard to say no to Sterling Chandler. I’m not sure he understood the word.

Shit.

The new doc managed to make “Pop Goes the Weasel” sound like a funeral dirge and the children all lurched around like little zombies. Then he turned it into a raucous honkytonk song.

Who was this guy?

Jonas got eliminated fourth from last but he wasn’t crushed by the loss. His attention shifted right away to the buffet, where the cater-waiters had installed several trays of Texas-sized cookies, all colored with red, white, and blue sugar crystals in honor of the holiday.

Musical Chairs, the Survivor edition, came down to two particularly crafty-looking femme fatales. One wore a jeans skirt, cowboy boots, and a pretty white blouse, and the other had on a daisy-printed sundress with lacy socks and jelly shoes. Lacy socks girl won by body-checking white blouse girl out of the way and pouncing on the last chair. She gripped the seat so tight with both hands no one could get her off it.

The new doc consoled the runner-up with a box of big-block Legos and gave the winner a play set with pink and purple Ponies but it seemed she thought she was getting the chair as her prize. Eventually her mom pried her up and they all wandered off to join the party outside.

Doc Winters was left to tidy up. I figured I ought to help, being family and all. Plus, it might get me out of small talk outside.

But the doc was the best looking man I had ever seen up close. I was bound to mess up and say something super stupid, and Andi was going to hear about it, and then she was going to tease me for the rest of my life, because she was just waiting for me to lose my shit over some guy.

And Doc Winters, M.D., The Yankee Doodler?

He could be the guy.

My Review:
This is the fourth book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Ryder is a stalwart, honorable man–for 23 y/o. He’s gay, and only out to his wife, Andi. He and Andi have been friends since childhood and when she was to become an unwed mother from her pursuit of a completely unsuitable (and uninterested) man Ryder stepped in and took care of Andi and Jonas, foregoing a football scholarship that would have taken him far away from his small-town and the anti-gay prejudice. Ryder has been a faithful husband. Well, that’s not true. He’s been a monk and Andi’s been a nun. They share a bed and parental roles, but not their bodies. Ryder has always been Andi’s biggest cheerleader and encourages her to follow her dreams, even though it goes against her father’s wishes.

Meeting Dr. Declan WInters–the new town doc–is a frightening revelation for Ryder. Declan is exactly the right man to unravel Ryder’s tightly held control. Andi recognizes that Ryder is holding back and encourages him to pursue Declan–undercover.

I liked large parts of this story. I’ll be honest that the “open” marriage solution was not my fave. I know, I know, it works for some folks, but I like my romance with a heaping helping of honesty. A large part of the book was devoted to keeping Ryder’s secret, and it added to the tension, but I was a little uncomfortable with it. Yes, Ryder does come out–and it is like a nuclear bomb in his life. He’s not sure if Andi will follow her homophobic father’s advice and move out–taking his beloved Jonas away. Ryder’s father isn’t best-pleased, either, with extreme risk of both Ryder’s home and job in the balance. And there’s fallout for Dr. Winters–his small-town medical practice might be sunk.

I thought that the resolution of all this heartache was well-told. I do like to see when families heal, and deal, once the dust settles. I’d say that the exact nature of Ryder’s relationships are more honest and stable at the end of the book, and for that I was happy, but it happened more by default than design. I didn’t get the resolution I wanted between Ryder and Jonas, but only because the focus was more on Declan and Ryder, and Andi. Andi had the opportunity to really twist the knife on Ryder, especially as she was essentially destitute and with a small child without Ryder. Her financial issues could have led her to accept her father’s mandates and money. But she made good choices about that, and Ryder was clearly the best Daddy evah.

Having known teen parents quite closely, I’ve seen some of the unhealthy relationship dynamics they experience–Andi, Ryder and Jonas were some of the best emotionally adjusted characters I could have imagined. There wasn’t a lot of sexytimes, but they were good. I guess I just wish there had been more openness, that Ryder could have been open about his sexuality, which would have allowed me to experience that euphoria more. Don’t expect a lot of cowboy life–a couple trail rides is all you’ll find–though growing up and working on Andi’s family ranch, Ryder runs the ranch supply store in town.

Interested? You can find MY COWBOY PROMISES on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and All Romance.

The Cowboys series CollageBe sure to check out all the books in the Cowboys Series.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

ZA MaxfieldAbout the Author:
Z.A. Maxfield started writing in 2007 on a dare from her children and never looked back. Pathologically disorganized, and perennially optimistic, she writes as much as she can, reads as much as she dares, and enjoys her time with family and friends. If anyone asks her how a wife and mother of four manages to find time for a writing career, she’ll answer, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you give up housework.”

Her published books include Crossing Borders, Drawn Together, and the St. Nacho’s and Brothers Grime series from Loose Id, ePistols at Dawn and The Pharaoh’s Concubine from Samhain Publishing, and Notturno, Vigil, Stirring Up Trouble, and All Stirred Up from MLR Press.

Catch up with Ms. Maxfield online on her website, twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
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Enchanted by SPEEDY REWARDS–Review & Giveaway

speedy-fb copy
Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for a fantastic contemporary M/M romance from Jeff Erno. SPEEDY REWARDS is an ensemble story that captivated me from the first page. The story weaves between characters in and around the Speedy Mart, a gas station/convenience store, set in an economically depressed area of rural Michigan. What these folks get up to in such a small space! Outlandish, and yet fully believable.

Scroll down to check out the totally NSFW excerpt and enter the giveaway, too!

Speedy Rewards (Working Class #1)About the book:
Phil Mitchell pours his heart and soul into his job as manager of Speedy Mart, a local convenience store. He loves his work and he loves his fellow employees, but when it comes to his personal life, Phil is lonely and depressed and still pining for his long-departed ex.

He embarks upon the week from hell where anything that can go wrong does. It begins with a truck crashing into his outdoor sign and only goes downhill from there.

Add an asshole homophobic boss hell bent on seeing him fired and Phil realizes he needs to put into place a plan to save himself and his job.

First step in his plan… do something about his love life.

Meanwhile, Ezra, one of Phil’s team members, is dealing with his own roller coaster ride of a week.

As is Brandon, the local cop…

And Mark, the homophobic boss…

Perhaps, with a little… luck, the next week will be better.

How about a little taste?

Esdras Manuel Covington, aka Ezra, smiled as he slid behind the wheel of his 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix.

“Bitch, you better start,” he said in his most sincerely threatening voice as he slid the key into the ignition. As he turned the key, the engine chugged to life, sluggishly at first, until he depressed the gas pedal, revving the motor.

Wham!

Ezra about jumped out of his skin. His head snapped toward the passenger sideof the car where two palms pressed against the window. The smiling face of a familiar customer beamed between the outstretched hands.

He powered down the window. “Jesus Christ, Jeremy! You scared the fuck outta me.”

The twenty-something he-man grinned mischievously, the corners of his mouth curled upward as his lips peeled back to reveal a row of gleaming white teeth. “Yo motherfucka. Wassup?” With his forearms resting against the ledge, he leaned in. “You off work, man?”

“Yeah, I just got out.”

“I got something,” Jeremy said, lowering his voice. “Special fucking delivery.”
Ezra straightened his posture just a bit and raised his eyebrows. “Dude, that was fast.” He jerked his head slightly, motioning for Jeremy to get in the passenger seat.

Jeremy stood about six foot three inches with broad shoulders and the build of a bouncer. Actually, he did work as a bouncer on the weekends at some nearby club. Of course, that wasn’t his main gig. He also worked security at the Fashion Warehouse, a women’s clothing outlet in one of the nearby strip malls. He definitely put the “body” in “bodyguard”, with his rippling, muscular pecs and abs, and bulging biceps.

“Gonna pull around back,” Ezra said as Jeremy adjusted the seat, sliding it back to accommodate his long legs. “Dude, I didn’t expect you to deliver so quick.” He shifted into gear and backed out of his parking space then pulled around to the rear of the building.

“I told ya, man. I’m hooked up.” He slid his hand into the pocket of his leather jacket and pulled out a baggie.

Ezra parked where he could clearly see if any other vehicles were approaching, but made sure he was not in plain sight of the Speedy Mart patrons. “I… uh….” He turned to face his friend.

“Man, I don’t get paid till tomorrow. I had the cash, but….”

Jeremy’s smile never faded, and with a shrug he tossed the bag of weed into Ezra’s lap. “I know you’re good for it, man. You won’t be playin’ me.”

“Dude, this is like… man, you don’t gotta trust me.”

“Oh, I don’t trust nobody.” He reached into the inner chest pocket of his jacket and removed a pack of Marlboro Reds, flicked one out, and seized it with his lips. He fired it up with a Bic then released a stream of smoke out the open window. “Never said I trusted you. I said I know you’re good for it.”

“Oh. Well, thanks.”

Again, he shrugged. “That’s what friends are for, right? You scratch my back, I scratch yours.”

“Right.” Ezra nodded then stared down at the dope. “This ain’t no eighth,” he said.

“Quarter,” Jeremy said. “Consider it a blue-light special. Since you’re a first-time customer, ya know.”

Ezra grinned. “Really? So, it’s like, same price?”

“Pretty much.” He turned in his seat, not just tilting his head, but shifting his entire upper body, and placed his fingertips against Ezra’s cheek. “Of course, it’d be cool if you—ya know—expressed your gratitude.” He patted, then gently slapped, the cheek a couple times, staring into Ezra’s eyes.

Ezra’s heartbeat quickened as his gaze locked onto Jeremy’s. Though he wanted to speak, to reply in the affirmative, he suddenly couldn’t find his voice. So he simply nodded.

Jeremy slid back, reaching down to locate the control to recline the seat. Ezra stared at his long legs, now spread, and the sight triggered a ripple of fluttering in his own lower abdomen. A familiar tingling, undoubtedly operant conditioning. Jeremy didn’t have to be more specific or cajole him in any way. Ezra already knew. He sensed what Jeremy was after. He could feel it in his gut.

He slid a slightly trembling hand onto Jeremy’s thigh.

Jeremy’s laugh alone could have seduced Ezra, low and sultry. Evil? Well, at least tempting. He took a long drag from his cigarette and then flicked it out the window before settling back in the seat and unbuttoning his fly.

It felt like a dream or a movie, certainly not real. Ezra had chatted with Jeremy numerous times in the store. They’d established a rapport, which in turn had facilitated the transaction that just transpired. Though Ezra at times allowed himself to get overly flirty, he’d never deliberately come onto Jeremy. To Ezra’s knowledge, he’d offered Jeremy no clue of his orientation.

“I knew a joint wasn’t the only thing you liked to smoke,” Jeremy teased.
Ezra slid his hand farther up Jeremy’s inner thigh. “No. I like a nice fat blunt occasionally.”
Another bout of rumbly laughter escaped Jeremy’s throat as he looked into Ezra’s eyes. “I definitely got a fat one for ya, boy. You have such soft, pouty lips.” He extended his arm, pressing against Ezra’s mouth with his index finger. Ezra parted his lips and sucked in the digit, barely an inch then slowly retracted.

“Aw, fuck yeah,” Jeremy moaned.

Ezra felt the throb of a growing bulge beneath the fabric of Jeremy’s cargos. His pulse pounded, throbbing in conjunction with his own hard-on. He shifted in his seat, maneuvering his position to work around the gearshift, and carefully unzipped Jeremy’s fly.

Whew! Well, I guess you figured out that this is NOT a kiddo book… I loved every minute of it. I got chills, actually, reading that piece because Ezra’s about to get a real eye-opener in that scene.

My Review:
This is an ensemble cast book, with intersecting points of view centered around the Speedy Mart, a small-town convenience store/gas station in rural Michigan. If you are a fan of LOVE ACTUALLY, the cult-classic CLERKS, or PULP FICTION (sans the murders) you will love this story.

The main character of the entire story is Phil, manager of the Speedy Mart. He is a 35 y/o, out gay man who has worked in retail his whole life. His tenacity and compassion as a boss helps his eclectic team of workers thrive. Among the employees at the Speedy Mart is an aging drag queen, a secret-drinker Wiccan BDSM Domme, a glam boy, and a gruff–former-alcoholic-former-homeless assistant manager. The Monday morning rush at the Speedy Mart is no joke, and it’s further complicated when Ezra (the glam boy) is nearly hit by a Coke delivery truck. The driver, Vince, makes a heroic save resulting in minimal property damage, which brings Phil’s overbearing and homophobic manager Mark to the scene.

It is now that Phil’s professional life begins to unravel. And it isn’t helped when Ezra is held up at gunpoint the following day. Mark has an ax to grind with Phil, and it’s of a deeply personal nature. His solutions for Phil’s store: fire everyone, including Phil, but Mark can’t make that happen without some HR documentation, so he turns the screws tight waiting for the Speedy Mart to topple. With the turmoil at work, Phil is unlikely to find respite, but he does–with Humberto, a young, suave Mexican-American handyman.

Meanwhile, having two near-death experiences turns Ezra into a mess. His best friend, Jeremy, is not much help–going through some intense relationship issues with his “open relationship” live-in boyfriend, Vince–the Coke deliveryman.

There are further and deeper connections between the many characters in this story, but they all flow seamlessly via the multiple points of view. I developed such love for this quirky cast, and wanted everyone (excepting Vince) to have an HEA. I was really, really close to getting that wish-come-true. Even Mark was redeemed, and in the sexiest way possible.

Speaking of sexy, I did like the sexytimes. The book likely has more per-capita oral action than I’ve read before (if you recall the excerpt above…), but there are some rather tender scenes blending in there, too. I really felt emotionally engaged the whole time. Expect to laugh, swoon, shake your head, and wish to punch out a character, or two. *evil-eyes Vince*

I was captivated by the close interactions this “work family” displayed–and how they banded together to support Phil in his professional and personal life. My one complaint? I didn’t get to experience the company picnic! These people are a total hoot, and I was sad to turn the final page.

Interested? You can find SPEEDY REWARDS on Goodreads, and get 40% through 6/21 at Wayward Ink Publishing. Regular price on Amazon (US, UK, DE and AU), Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win one of several prizes including a $20 WIP Gift Card, a $10 WIP Gift Card, or an ebook copy of Speedy Rewards
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:
JEFF ERNO began writing LGBT fiction in the late 1990s. Although an avid reader and amateur writer from a very young age, Jeff pursued a career as a retail store manager in Northern Michigan. When his first gay-themed novel was published, he was shocked that anyone would even want to read it. So far, he’s published over thirty novels. Jeff lives in Southern Michigan, where he works part time at a convenience store.

Jeff’s writing credits include a variety of themes and sub-genres including male romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction, erotica, and BDSM. He is the winner of a 2012 Rainbow Award and an Honorable Mention in 2011. His style is unpretentious and focused upon emotionally-driven, character-based stories that touch the heart. Jeff is especially passionate about young adult literature and combating teen bullying and youth suicide.

You can catch up with Jeff on his website, Facebook, Twitter, or by email.

Big Secrets Between DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN–Review and Giveaway

daisy and the front man bannerHi there! Today I get to share my review for DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN a contemporary teen romance from Rebekah Purdy. This is the third story in the new Backstage Pass series coming out of Entangled Teen Publishing–one about each member of a boy band falling in love. I recently read and liked MIA AND THE BAD BOY, the second book. Though it’s a series, each book is a standalone, swoony tale. I’ve read other books by Ms. Purdy (HOW TO UNBREAK-UP and THE ROMEO CLUB) and enjoyed her breezy style, so I was anxious to get my hands on this one! Don’t forget to scroll down and enter the $50 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Daisy and the Front Man (Backstage Pass #3)About the book:
Hell hath no fury like a fangirl scorned…

When Daisy Morris finds out she’s spending the summer with her dad, bodyguard for Seconds to Juliet—the hottest boy band around—she knows it couldn’t be more perfect. But not because she’s a fan. Oh, no. Because ever since front man Trevin Jacobs completely humiliated her by standing her up for homecoming, Daisy is out for a little revenge. Yup, Trevin Jacobs is goin’ down…

When one of his bandmates bets Trevin he can’t make Daisy—the gorgeous but surprisingly ice-cold daughter of their bodyguard—fall in love with him, it’s a bet he can’t resist. Sure, Daisy won’t give him the time of day for reasons he can’t understand, and her dad’s hell-bent against his little girl spending time with a superstar. But the terms are set, and Trevin is determined to make Daisy fall…hard.

But every front man should know never to trust a girl with a pretty face…

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, sexual situations, and seriously hot boys. It may cause swoony daydreams involving a certain super-cute front man.

My Review:
Daisy is a fangirl scorned. She won a contest for the band Seconds To Juliet and her prize was a date to homecoming with S2J’s front man Trevin Jacobs–thing is, the dude stands her up–in front of half her town. Yep. She’s a pariah.

So, she’s more than toying with the idea of humiliating Trevin when she joins her father on the S2J tour. He’s the chief bodyguard for the band, and Daisy has unlimited access.

Trevin is a bit of a jackass. He’s a narc on his bandmates and charged with keeping everyone in line, even though he’s only 18. Still, meeting Daisy has him re-considering the S2J “no girlfriends” policy, and fellow songwriter, Ryder, challenges Trevin to the ultimate bet: if Trevin can get Daisy to fall for him, then he can get special songwriting privileges for the band. It’s Trevin’s dream-come-true—get a pretty girl to love him and he’s set!

Thing is, Daisy is not at all inclined to swoon for Trevin. She’s too bitter. Trevin can’t understand why his normal schtick isn’t working and actually tries to get to KNOW Daisy–he’s smitten, and feeling rather crappy regarding the bet.

For her part, Daisy sees how kind and considerate Trevin is, and thinks maybe her revenge plan is not the way to go. Plus, reconnecting with her dad after several years’ absence gives her a better perspective on life. She thought all men would leave her abandoned: Trevin, her dad, her dead Gramps. Trevin seems earnest in his pursuit of her friendship (and More!) until Daisy learns about The Bet.

So, this is a clean read with just a few make-out sessions. Daisy and Trevin are both young and foolish, making bad choices they regret and seek forgiveness for. It’s a solid YA romance with relatable, imperfect MC’s who make amends and build a real relationship. There is plenty of caustic banter and some definitely swoony moments. I enjoyed.

Interested? You can find DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN on Goodreads, Amazon, Entangled Teen and Barnes & Noble. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

rebecca purdyAbout the Author:
Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. She’s lived in Michigan most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army. At which time she got a chance to experience Missouri, Kansas, South Carolina, and California. Rebekah has a business degree from University of Phoenix and currently works full time for the court system. In her free time she writes YA stories, anything from YA Fantasy to YA Contemporary Romance. Rebekah also has a big family (6 kids) she likes to consider her family as the modern day Brady Bunch complete with crazy road trips and game nights. When not hiding at her computer, Rebekah enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games, traveling, and hanging out with her family and gazillion pets.

You can catch up with Rebekah online on her website, Facebook and twitter.   ef137-yabounktourbutton

Cover Reveal and Giveaway JACK GETS HIS MAN

Hi there! Today I get to spread the word on a soon-to-be-released contemporary M/M romantic comedy, JACK GETS HIS MAN, from DE Haggerty.


About the book:
Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle. But then his smoking hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem.

Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the gray-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.

How about a little taste?

“Hands in the air. Drop to your knees,” was shouted at them. Blinded by a flashlight, it was impossible to identify the speaker.

Martha huffed. “There is no way I’m going to my knees, young man.” She yelled at the light.

“Me either. I’ll never be able to get up again.” Ally agreed and put her hands on her hips in protest.

Jack shook his head but quickly dropped to his knees. Only he would get caught while snooping with two grandmas who refused to listen to the police. He hung his head and pretended he was somewhere else, anywhere else.

The cop lowered his flashlight and brought out a pair of cuffs. He started walking towards the group but stumbled when he took in Ally and Martha. He shook his head. “Are you ladies willing to go quietly into my squad car?” He asked.

Ally and Martha took one look at the cop and nodded. “Wherever you want to go officer,” Martha responded. Oh great. Now they were flirting with the arresting officer. Jack waited patiently on his knees until the cop reached him. He was cuffed and then dragged to his feet.

“Come on ladies,” the officer stated while pulling Jack to the cop car.

There were two squad cars in Damien’s driveway. Betty, Rosemary, and Rose were already sitting in the backseat of the other car. They waved as Jack passed with Ally and Martha in tow. Jack shook his head at them and looked for Izzy. She sat in her car and mouthed sorry but didn’t make a move to help them. Jack knew it wouldn’t help anything if Izzy got out of the car. She’d just get arrested as well but still he stuck his tongue out at her. The cop scanned the area to see where Jack’s tongue was pointed. Izzy immediately started up the car and, with a squeal of the tires, took off. Jack chuckled.

“Aren’t you going to turn on the siren,” Martha asked once the cop was back in the patrol car and they were headed to the police station. Ally bobbed her head in excitement. Jack hung his head.

The cop chuckled. “Normally perps don’t like the siren on.”

“Why not?” Ally leaned forward to get a better look at the officer.

“They don’t want to be seen being hauled to the police station,” was the officer’s perfectly acceptable answer.

Ally and Martha huffed. They leaned back and crossed their arms across their chests. “Well, that’s just boring,” Martha said to Ally. Ally nodded in agreement.

The quiet didn’t last long. “So, officer,” Martha began. “Are you single?” Jack tried to make himself disappear at this point but unfortunately closing his eyes and wishing he was anywhere else in the world but in the back of a cop car that smelled like piss with two elderly troublemakers turned matchmakers was a bust.

“I’m single ladies,” the officer readily answered. “But don’t get your hopes up for your granddaughters. I’m also gay.” Jack prayed for a hole in the floor of the sedan to open up and swallow him whole.

Ally and Martha clapped in glee. The officer turned around in surprise before quickly returning his attention to the road. The quick look was all Jack needed. It appeared that he’d been arrested by a man hot enough to be Mr. January in the police calendar. Although it was dark in the car, he couldn’t miss the curly brown hair and eyes the color of rich chocolate. He’d bet the man was made of muscles as well. He nearly sighed but caught himself just as he saw Ally and Martha looking at him for a response. He buried his face in his chest. Luckily, they had arrived at the police station.

Interested? You can pre-order JACK GETS HIS MAN on Amazon. Release is scheduled for 7/1/15.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between tennis, running, traveling, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.

You can catch up with DE Haggerty online on her website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

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Ending Up SIDE BY SIDE–Review and Giveaway

Side by Side Banner
Hi there! Today I’m joining the blog tour for a contemporary romance from Wendy Louise. SIDE BY SIDE is her first novel and it features a couple separated by violence in childhood only to regain each other via cage fighting in adulthood. Make sure to pop down and enter the giveaway for a prize pack that includes a $50 gift card and a bunch of swag.

Side by SideAbout the book:

What would you do if your childhood best friend, your soul mate, and the one person that means more than anyone else in the world was suddenly in front of you after disappearing from your life ten years ago?

Would you risk your stable life, to allow them back in to your heart, even after they had left you without any explanation?

Katy Lou Reynolds needs to make a choice. She can either ignore the fact that Elijah Trent is standing in the middle of the cage about to fight, or she can face him and demand answers as to why he left her.

Is it worth risking her heart for her one true love even though she knows it may get broken again, or is it better to let him walk away?

***

When Katy Lou tags along with her boyfriend to an Underground Cage fight, the last thing she expects to find in the ring is her childhood best friend, Elijah. Seeing him again brings back distant memories – a drunken mother, an absent father and relentless school bullies. Most of all, it re-awakens the feelings she had for him. Elijah has always held her heart; but after he left her when they were fourteen, without a word, can she risk everything to let him back in to her life again?

Elijah is a great fighter. He channels all the aggression he suffered at the hands of an abusive father in to every fight, every time. His success feeds his lifestyle of new cities and endless women, eager to spend time with him. His one regret has always been leaving behind his best friend, Katy Lou. There’s nothing he wouldn’t give to see her again, but if he does, would she forgive him for leaving her and risk her heart?

My Review:
This is a contemporary reconnection story about childhood friends Katy Lou and Elijah. They were the best of friends with super messed up families–Katy Lou’s mother was an alcoholic and dad was gone, while Elijah’s father was abusive. One night he and his mother disappeared, seemingly without a trace. Nearly ten years later, Katy Lou sees Elijah fighting in what seems to be an underground cage fighting ring–and she has to see him again. She is seriously involved with another man, Jacob–her date at the cage fight–but when she and Elijah reconnect, she knows her relationship with Jacob is well and truly done.

We get some connection between Elijah and Katy Lou, until his miserable father returns needing cash, and threatening Katy Lou. You can catch my full review on Goodreads.

Interested? You can find SIDE BY SIDE on Goodreads, iBooks Australia, iBooks US, Amazon Australia, Amazon US, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble (Nook).

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Wendy-Louise-Headshot-small-300x200 (1)About the Author: (in Wendy’s words…)
Hi, I’m Wendy Louise. I’m a wife and mum living in Melbourne, Australia. I love to read and write, and I somehow managed to fit writing this book in between my regular day time duties, which include a full-time job and life in general with two busy children.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After many surgeries and treatments, I learnt that life is short and you need to grab it while you can. I always wanted to write, and I realised that it was now or never.

You can usually find me with a few books on the go at once – whether that be reading them, or writing them. I love chocolate and trashy reality TV. It’s not unusual for me to combine all these and attempt to write, while watching an episode of the Kardashians or The Bachelor, and devouring a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk…..

I am so excited to bring ‘Side by Side’ to you all. It has been such a labour of love for me. I presently have four other novels nearing completion, so I am excited to follow this up with many more. I hope you enjoy reading Elijah and Katy’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

You can catch up with Wendy online on her website, Facebook, and twitter.

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