adult contemporary

Tough Love in CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS–Review & Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(29)Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M cozy mystery/romance from Julie Lynn Hayes. CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS is the second book in her Rose and Thorne series. It’s the sequel to BAD DOGS AND DRAG QUEENS and features the continuing misadventures of Federal Agents Vinnie Delorosa and Ethan Thorne as they protect a starlet from a dangerous stalker.

Check out the excerpt, review and get in on the gift card giveaway below!

CivilWarandBrokenHeartsFSAbout the book:
Hollywood comes to Roanoke when a major film studio announces they’re shooting part of their Civil War film at a local plantation. Vinnie is dismayed to discover that the lead actress is none other than the beautiful and popular Caroline St. Clair. Ethan and Vinnie made her acquaintance in LA the previous Halloween, while undercover, and Vinnie still hates her for hitting on his man. Ethan reassures his partner that Roanoke is big enough for all of them to co-exist without running into one another.

But Fate has it in for Vinnie and Ethan, and they find themselves assigned to a new case involving the actress. Apparently she requested Ethan specifically, to Vinnie’s dismay. But he doesn’t have a choice, he has to play nice. It’s small consolation to Vinnie that his new undercover identity involves Hollywood heartthrob Troy McGarrett, who is very handsome and openly gay. Troy isn’t shy about letting Vinnie know he finds him attractive.

Jealousy abounds in the second book of the Rose and Thorne series, and time is not on Vinnie and Ethan’s side. If they don’t solve the case before the film shoot is done, there’s a good chance they’ll be separated for the first time since they were partnered. Assuming Vinnie doesn’t kill Caroline St. Clair himself.

The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.

A tasty tidbit…

“Hey, Vin, did you see who’s in town?”
I was slumped at the kitchen table, my head cradled on top of my arms. I was grumpy and sleepy—and maybe a few of the other Seven Dwarves—and I needed my first cup of morning coffee before I could even consider being slightly civil.
We’d spent most of last night sitting in our car, in the goddamn middle of nowhere, staring at nothing, assigned to a fruitless surveillance in a small town about an hour from Roanoke. As it turned out, all the real action was in a different small town in the complete opposite direction from where we waited, because our so-called informant couldn’t spell the name of the place correctly. What a difference one letter makes. So we’d ended up completely wasting our time, got lost trying to find the rest of the task force at the end of the night, almost got hit by a deer that came out of nowhere and took a sudden shine to our car, and then suffered the indignity on our return of being asked where the hell we’d been all night—and we still needed to do the paperwork. And now Ethan wanted to play Twenty Questions?
“Don’t know and don’t care,” I mumbled.
I heard him slap something down on the table. I forced one eye open, just in time to see him sashay toward the coffeemaker. Okay, for that ass, I’d open the other one too. I watched as he poured the blessed elixir into two mugs, added the appropriate amount of creamer and sugar to each, then returned to where I still watched him and set one in front of me.
Right next to the morning paper. Real subtle, Ethan.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a sweet and fluffy buddies romance between two long-term partners, Vinnie and Ethan, who also are work partners. What you need to know about the series: They are some type of fictional federal agents that go undercover to help the police. Essentially, Vinnie will get put into a dress, and Ethan will help him out of it. And, some other plot things will happen. That’s been the case for the first two books.

In this book, starlet Caroline St. Clair is in Roanoke to film some on-location scenes for the Civil War-era epic she’s working on. She recently split from her fiance, the director of the film who’s flaunting his new younger fiance right under Caroline’s nose. Ethan helps thwart a shooting when he and Vinnie find Caroline out and about in Roanoke. She thinks it must be her stalker, but no one can trace his (now deleted) threatening emails. Caroline gets Ethan assigned to serve as her personal bodyguard, claiming he’s her fiance to cover his appearance in her life. And this about sets Vinnie’s head to explode. Vinnie’s assigned as a personal assistant to Caroline’s beautiful, out-and-proud, co-star, Troy McGarrett. Troy’s helpful, but doesn’t mind helping himself to some of Vinnie, if the opportunity arises.

I pretty much had this one figured out from the start, but I liked how it all played out. There’s a ton of cattyiness, and Vinnie’s his usual chatty narrating self. Troy was super cool, a good friend and support to Vinnie, throughout. I also liked how our homophobic foe from the first book got a bit more humanized in this one. Ethan’s about beside himself, fending off Caroline’s unwanted advances and keeping Vinnie from making many, many professional mistakes, though we still don’t get a lot of his personality on the page. The next book seems to have a lot more of Ethan, however, so I’m looking forward to that. If you like low steam romance and fluffy cozy mysteries with lots of snarky banter, I think this will hit your sweet spot.

Interested? You can find CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a gift card to Dreamspinner Press.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Julie Lynn Hayes first began publishing short stories and poetry in the 1990’s, when it was a different ballgame altogether, and Ebooks hadn’t been dreamed of yet. That changed in 2010 with the acceptance of her first romance novel. She’s come a long way since that first book appeared, and is finding the journey a very educational one.

She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and her cat Ramesses. She often writes of two men finding true love and happiness in one another’s arms, and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. Her great challenge is to be told something can’t be done—she feels compelled to do it.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch, needlepoint and knitting, and she loves to cook, spending time watching the Food Network. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian. Her family thinks she’s a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, and Wayward Ink Press.

Catch up with Julie on her blog, Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

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Out today! WAIT by AL Jackson Excerpt & Giveaway!

Wait Release bannerFrom NYT & USA Today bestselling author AL Jackson comes a new adult contemporary romance. WAIT is part of the Bleeding Stars series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Catch the excerpt, trailer and enter the giveaway below.

Wait-CoverAbout the book:
She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.
Edie Evans is gorgeous.
Sexy.
Kind.
She’s also the definition of off-limits.

But that didn’t stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.
But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.
The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.
Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.

Austin Stone is dangerous.
Alluring.
Tempting.
He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.

It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.

Our desire is overpowering.
Our need unrelenting.
She is my hope.
He is my weakness.
We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.

How about a little taste?

“Shit,” I hissed, bracing myself against the spray of the icy shards pelting from the shower head.

I sucked in a breath, released it between clenched teeth, and forced myself fully under it.

Head dropped and chest heaving as rivers of ice-cold water slicked down my shoulders and back.

But it did nothing to lessen the need. Gave me no sanity or pacification.

Because all I could think about was the girl on the other side of the door.

My girl.

In my bed.

Wearing just her panties and my shirt.

An angel I wanted to dirty.

I always had.

Love was messy like that.

All of my restraint scattered. I gripped my cock. Squeezed the base. My mouth dropped open at the pressure of my hand against my rigid length.

A fool thinking it might be enough.

Shit.

God, I was a bastard, but there was nothing I could do before I was giving in, leaning forward and bracketing my forearm above my head to hold my weight.

Water pounded down on my head and back while I pounded my fist against my dick.

Trying to keep silent when all I wanted was to moan, teeth digging into my bottom lip as I pictured the girl spread out for me.

My breaths were coming short.

Panted and hard.

I gave into imagining the sounds she would make when I finally got to bury myself in her body.

A soft, soft gasp.

I slowed, trying to convince myself that throaty sound was all in my mind.

Just another part of this fantasy.

Until I heard the small thump against the wall.

Shit.

I mashed my eyes closed, like it might hide me.

Conceal the depravity of my actions after I’d just been comforting her hours before.

Heart thrashing, I turned and moved far enough to peek out the small section where the fabric shower curtain hadn’t been drawn fully closed.

It was just a little sliver that left me exposed.

But it was enough. When I peered out, I was looking right at my girl pressed up against the wall.

She stared right back at me.

And I wanted to be horrified, my mind scrambling to conjure every weak apology I could summon. Ready to fucking grovel to keep her from turning and running once again.

Because that’s exactly what I expected her to do.

But her expression…her expression clutched me in the center of the chest and sent what little brain function I had left stampeding south.

Red, lush lips were parted, her hand pressed to her hollow of her throat, pupils dilated so big that her hooded, cerulean eyes appeared black. Needy breaths were coming at me from that sweet mouth like a goddamned freight train.

Desire swelled in the confines of the too-tight room.

Alive.

She pressed deeper into the wall as if it might support her weakened knees. Head rocked back. Thighs squeezing together.

Motherfuck.

My hand shot to the shower wall to steady myself. “Warning you, Edie, you need to get out of here. Right now.”

Interested? You can find WAIT on Goodreads, Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Google Play.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installments, WAIT and STAY, coming in 2016.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://bit.ly/NewsFromALJackson or text “jackson” to 96000 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L. Jackson online on her website, Facebook, twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

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Reality Bites in HIS ROYAL FAVORITE-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a fabulous contemporary M/M royalty romance from Lilah Pace. HIS ROYAL FAVORITE is the sequel to HIS ROYAL SECRET, but I found it easy to enjoy despite not having read the first book.

His Royal Favorite (His Royal Secret, #2)About the book:

The conclusion of Lilah Pace’s racy, romantic male/male duology following His Royal Secret…

James, Prince of Wales, is making history. He’s decided to come out to his subjects—and the world. However, telling the truth means exposing his relationship with lone-wolf reporter Benjamin Dahan. Although Ben never wanted commitment, the unexpected depth of his feelings leads him to join James in the media’s harsh spotlight.

When the news story explodes across the globe, Ben can endure the mockery and dirty jokes. But after his tragic past is cruelly revealed, his life begins to implode. Can even his love for James be worth this?

James has it no easier. His revelation divides the country and sparks turmoil within the royal family. He must struggle to defend not only himself and Ben, but also his younger sister, who hovers on the brink of a breakdown that could endanger her life.

Is Ben strong enough to survive the onslaught and stand by James’ side? And will James have to make a choice between Ben and the crown?

My Review: 

Ben and James met in Kenya, nearly six months ago. Ben is a financial reporter who has traveled the world and seen a lot, but suffered the deaths of his parents when he was young, and also the cruel manipulations of a much elder lover when he was just a boy. James is the Prince of Wales, next in  line for the throne. They reconnect in London, and their clandestine relationship has grown to the point of love. To risk a spoiler of the first book, James is now the Price Regent, leading the monarchy as his grandfather ails. His uncle, Prince Richard, is none-too-pleased to learn of James sexuality, and certainly sees how he can use this to his own benefit.

James has decided that he can no longer live in the closet, and he’s given Ben the opportunity to walk away–but both men feel a love deeper than either expected, and Ben agrees to come out by James’ side. And it’s horrible.

Yep. The tabloids. The royal in-fighting. Ben’s personal insecurities about all the beautiful young gay men being foisted at James, men more suitable partners for their aristocratic blood and genteel manners. Plus, Ben’s job is a source of stress, as a leak seems to be spilling into the papers, there. James is heartsick for all the Ben has lost, but joyous that he can love his man openly.

There are many bumps in this road, and not all of them are relationship based. James’ sister, Princess Amelia, is unwell, and has been since their parents died. Her self-harm is at the crisis stage, and James knows that once his “reign” ends, he’ll have no power to get her the psychiatric help she needs; the rest of their family would never institutionalize her for fear of the scandal. And, Richard’s been very chatty with the Archbishop regarding the impossibility of an openly gay man becoming the Governor of the Church of England, as James will, when his grandfather dies and he continues in succession. A grand objection from the church would nullify James’ coronation, and he’d not fight for the crown, if it came to that.

Beyond the political, the love story is one that simmers and boils. There are many questions for each man to face, and it’s new to each of them. Neither has had a stable adult relationship before, and they are terrifyingly in love, but is it enough to overcome all the stumbling blocks? Ben is an intensely private man, and he’s being plastered all over the tabloids. He’s fiercely independent, and the security needs relegate him to giving up his flat and essentially moving in with James. His job? Oh man, that’s the worst part.

So, it’s an HEA, but in a very realistic way. Life does not go back to “normal” as it cannot, but there are new expectations of normal, and new paths to forge, together. Ben must adapt to life in the spotlight, at least for now, and he gets assistance from some unlikely partners. I really liked how that part worked, because I wanted to see a bridge built between Ben and James’ friends. There is so much bittersweet going on, but the undercurrent of honest love and affection is the most delicious bit. The Epilogue sweeps up nicely all the leftover bits, and helps the reader know that this is a real and true happiness that lasts, not simply the giddiness of first love. No, we can expect that James and Ben make a life together.

The whole pomp and circumstance of the Royals is not really my thing, but this book gave it more than just a fantasy role. It’s hard work, and constant pressure, and a whole lot of protocol that keeps it all in order. While I hadn’t much interest previously, I definitely gained a larger appreciation for the institution and I surely loved James for all his selflessness in executing his duties. Ben did, too, and was a giant support when James needed him. Their tenderness was so beautiful, but their sexytimes were tons of fun, too.

Interested? You can find HIS ROYAL FAVORITE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:

Lilah Pace is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author, so she can’t give away too much about herself here, but she has lived everywhere from Italy to the United Kingdom before putting down roots in the American South.

She’s addicted to Diet Coke, loves her dog, and daydreams about several British movie stars (though usually no more than two at a time).

And while it took her a long while to get up the courage to write books, now she hopes she’ll never stop.

Catch up with Lilah online on her website, twitter, and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

 

 

Figuring It Out Without BURNING TRACKS–Review and Giveaway!

BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m excited to share a review and giveaway for a contemporary lesbian love story from Lilah Suzanne. BURNING TRACKS is the second book in a series and probably best enjoyed after reading BROKEN RECORDS. This story centers on a young, married stylist, who’s not sure she’s ready for motherhood, and is tempted by a sexy client.

Catch a bonus interview, an excerpt, and enter the $25 GC and ebook giveaway, below.

Burning Tracks 900px FRONT (Tumblr)About the book:
In the sequel to Broken Records, Gwen Pasternak has it all: a job she loves as a celebrity stylist and a beautiful wife, Flora. But as her excitement in working with country music superstar Clementine Campbell grows, Gwen second-guesses her quiet domestic bliss. Meanwhile, her business partner, Nico Takahashi and his partner, reformed bad-boy musician Grady Dawson, face uncertainties of their own.

How about a taste?

“There’s a reason you two aren’t allowed to hang out alone.” Arms crossed, one impeccable eyebrow raised, lips twisted, hair artfully tousled, and dressed to the nines: Alexander Wang black-on-black tropical-printed board shorts, a slim fit black-and-white chino and matching black lapel jacket, black boots, and a black and white scarf to tie it all together. “Nico,” Gwen says.

“Nico?” Grady is up in a flash. “You came?”

Nico’s face softens into his Grady look. “Of course I came. Did you really think you were getting rid of me that easily?” Grady comes closer, and Nico brushes a spiraled lock of hair from his face. “I’m sorry it took me so long. There were storms over Dallas, and I got stuck on the tarmac with a dead phone. I barely made my connection, and the clusterfuck of morons known as the United gate at JFK could not get its shit together, and I may be banned outright from Charlotte-Douglas International, can you believe they flag you as a security risk and hold you in a room with no phone signal or Wi-Fi just for threatening one person with shoving that goddam intercom up their—” He opens his arms for Grady; his look of annoyance slips away the moment they touch. “Anyway, I’m here.”

Grady sighs, crowds into Nico’s space, and tucks himself into Nico’s body. Much better, a perfect fit. “God, I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Nico sinks one hand into his hair, strokes the nape of his neck with other, breathes him in, and closes his eyes. “I’m so sorry. About the apartment and taking off and not being here yesterday, I tried to so hard to make it because I know how difficult it is for you. You shouldn’t have been alone.”

Grady sniffs and holds him tighter. “It’s okay. We’re okay. I’m sorry, too.”

Still ensnared in the sheets and duvet and barely awake, Gwen presses her hands to her cheeks and awws. “You guys,” she coos.

Grady lifts his head from Nico’s neck to smile at Gwen. “I wasn’t alone, though.”

“Mmm” Nico says. “And how much trouble did she get you into?”

“None,” Gwen says, defensive. Here she kept Grady safe and sound, searched all over Nashville and Las Vegas while he was off burying himself in work and what thanks does she get? None.

But then Grady smirks and says, “Kind of a lot.”

“Grady.” Gwen throws a pillow at him. “You’re such a tattletale, gosh.”

He bends to whisper something in Nico’s ear, and Gwen doesn’t miss the way his lips drag and linger on the shell of it, or the way Nico’s breath catches and his eyes roll back. When Nico lifts Grady’s shirt and traces around the tattoos with reverent fingers, Gwen takes that as her cue to extricate herself from the bed, put on some pants and a bra, and go fetch her luggage.

“‘Kay you guys have fun and make sure to change the sheets when you’re finished.”

“Wait.” Nico tugs Grady’s shirt down. Then he goes to the case he always has nearby. “You have trouble of your own, Gwen. Thought you might want to know about this.”

Gwen catches the magazine and folded-up papers he tosses her way: screen grabs from a few entertainment websites printed out in black and white.

Is This Clementine Campbell’s Girlfriend? Our source says, “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Clementine and Gal Pal Definitely More Than Pals Sunning On Vegas Pool Deck.

Our exclusive source and close confidant of both says: Clementine’s married girlfriend “would cheat for sure. She was always touching her. There’s been an energy between them from the very beginning.”

There are pictures: her rubbing sunscreen on Clementine’s bare back, which looks far steamier in a fuzzy long-range picture than it actually was; a picture of them from the back at the store in the Venetian with their hands clasped and Clementine curled in close and her lips on Gwen’s cheek; and most damning of all, grinding together at the VIP club at the Bellagio just last night.

“I don’t—” Frantic and confused, she flaps the magazine and printouts in the air. “What is this? This isn’t— Nico, I didn’t, I swear.”

Nico holds both hands up. “Hey, I am well aware of the slander of tabloids. I get it.” He gives her a sympathetic look. “I’m just not sure Flora is going to.”

Some thoughts on writing from Author Lilah Suzanne:

Tell us something no one else knows about your characters.
Gwen thinks that Flora’s group of teacher friends is nice, but a little boring. And that’s okay, Flora has plenty of fun with book club and wine and cheese nights no matter what Gwen thinks, but sometimes Flora and her friends will go to a burlesque show. Sometimes Flora’s teacher friends will join in. Teachers aren’t always boring.

Have you ever had writer’s block? How did you overcome it?
I do, often, but now I try to identify what’s blocking me instead of giving up and deciding the story just isn’t meant to be: Does the chapter need to go in a different direction? Do I need to let an idea sit for a while? Am I insecure about the story and letting that discourage me? Am I too worried about other’s expectations and letting that discourage me? There’s almost always a good reason for writer’s block that isn’t “I’m terrible and everything I do is terrible.” Almost always.

What book you’ve written would you like to see made into a movie?
Well, I happen to think this series would make an excellent movie. Or a television series.

Do you work on an outline or plot or just let the story takes you where it wants to go?
I do both. I outline but not in detail. I need to know where I’m going and what happens next, the basic story arcs, but otherwise I let the plot and characters flesh out as I go.

Always nice to get some insights on how authors approach their work!

My Review:
This is an interesting and complicated love story for a married couple that may be having some problems…and how it all gets back on “track.”

Gwen is a stylist living in Nashville with her wife, Flora. They’ve had some bumps in their road, but have been together for ten years. Newly settled in a nice house and neighborhood, Flora is ready for a baby. And Gwen isn’t, exactly. She wants Flora to be happy, and loves her wife, but she’s scared, and afraid to talk about it, in case it upsets Flora.

Meanwhile, her business partner, Nico and his partner country music singer Grady, are having trouble. Grady wants a big commitment, and Nico’s a little nervous. He style Grady, and Grady’s best friend, Clementine. If things go bad, then Nico and Gwen are in big financial trouble. Plus, the culture shock of staid Nashville compared to wild Hollywood is a difficult transition for both Gwen and Nico to make. As Nico and Grady struggle, Gwen has to step up her work hours, something that Flora understands, but doesn’t always accept. It’ll be way harder to be flexible once they have a child. For a woman who’s been a huge disappointment to her parents, Gwen is sure to also disappoint Flora, right?

And, it’s sure not easy for Gwen to keep her focus when gorgeous, driven, and talented Clementine seems to be making moves on her. They spend a lot of time together, as Nico steps away to clear his head, and Gwen takes on the responsibility of dressing both Grady and Clem for their events–and tracking down manic Grady to prevent him falling off the wagon. Meanwhile, Flora. The baby that may come. Their lives seemingly stalled.

Just want to say this one ended up being really emotional, without being angsty. Most of the story is told from Gwen’s POV in the present, but there are several chapters from Flora’s POV that detail periods of their lives together, in the past. How they met, fell in love, and filled one another’s lives. Instead of cutting the tension, these sweet recollections raise the stakes when we experience Gwen in the moment with both Flora and Clementine. No one wants to watch a love die, and that includes Gwen. She’s got a ton of insecurities, due to her non-relationships with her parents, and always feels that she’ll fall short at being a good wife and mother. Clem’s interest is tantalizing, and scary. It’s nothing like Flora’s patient and constant affection.

For people who hate cheaters in stories, I’ll go so far as to say: you won’t be riled. Gwen learns the real truth of her life, and makes it all work in a way that only settled, married people can. There’s a bit of heartbreak, but it’s not due to romantic difficulties. There’s a lot of sweet moments, and I was glad that Nico and Grady seemed to hash out their confusion. The end is totally HEA-swoony and give a sense of closure on the series, though I imagine we’ll see more books. And, that’s a good thing. Expect lots and lots of sexytimes for Gwen and Flora, and I liked that bunches. Even though lesbian fiction isn’t in my wheelhouse, I was fully able to connect with the characters and their passion.

Interested? You can find BURNING TRACKS on Goodreads, Interlude Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link below for your chance to win a $25 Interlude Press gift card or one of FIVE ebooks.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Lilah Suzanne has been writing actively since the sixth grade, when a literary magazine published her essay about an uncle who lost his life to AIDS. A freelance writer, she has also authored a children’s book and has a devoted following in the fan fiction community. She is also the author of Interlude Press books Spice, Pivot and Slip, and Broken Records, which was named a Top Pick by RT Book Reviews Magazine.

Find Lilah online on her website, Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

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Tough Times Finding ONE DOM TO LOVE–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary BDSM novel from the writing team of Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, and Isabella LaPearl. ONE DOM TO LOVE is the first in a four book menage series, and I’m catching up so I’m ready when the next book drops in September.

One Dom to Love (The Doms of Her Life, #1)About the book:

Raine Kendall has been in love with her boss, Macen Hammerman, for years. Determined to make the man notice that she’s a grown woman with desires and needs, she pours out her heart and offers her body to him—only to be crushingly rejected. But when his friend, very single, very sexy Liam O’Neill watches the other Dom refuse to act on his obvious feelings for Raine, he resolves to step in and do whatever it takes to help Hammer find happiness again, even rousing his friend’s possessive instincts by making the girl a proposition too tempting to refuse. But he never imagines that he’ll end up falling for her himself.

Hammer has buried his lust for Raine for years. After rescuing the budding runaway from an alley behind his exclusive BDSM Dungeon, he has come to covet the pretty submissive. But tragedy has taught him that he can never be what she needs. So he watches over her while struggling to keep his distance. Liam’s crafty plan blindsides Hammer, especially when he sees how determined his friend is to possess Raine for his own. Hammer isn’t ready to give the lovely submissive over to any other Dom, but can he heal from his past and fight for her? Or will he lose Raine if she truly gives herself—heart, body, and soul—to Liam?

My Review:

Raine was an abused child, the last to leave home when she ran away at age 17, six years ago. She was discovered by Macen Hammerman, also known as Master Hammer, lurking in the alley outside his home/Dungeon. He took her in, got her medical attention, paid for her college education and keeps her as a general purpose employee. He’s mad for her, but won’t touch her–or let anyone else do that–because he’s afraid his true desires, to have her enter a Master/slave 24/7 domination contract, break her–just like he experienced with his late wife.

Master Liam is Hammer’s best friend. They have been close since they shared Hammer’s wife in a menage, but that was before Juliet killed herself eight years ago. Now struggling with his own ex-wife’s infidelity, Liam has joined Hammer’s dungeon. He’s attracted to Raine, and confused by Hammer’s hands-off edict. Liam sees that Raine suffers with lack of direction, and lack of affection. And, also, that Raine’s fed up with Hammer ignoring her blatant admiration.

Because Hammer won’t move without a shove, Liam decides to offer to train Raine, and in the interim, her acting out causes Hammer to require her punishment. It’s a heartbreaking moment, but Liam’s the savior Raine’s long-since gave up wanting. Not that anything is simple. Nope. Hammer wants what he now can’t have. And, while Liam wanted to provoke Hammer’s jealous streak, he’s finding himself quite smitten with Raine. Raine’s torn, between the man she’s loved for six years, and the man who seems to want to build a future with her.

While there’s lots of sexy in this one, not all of it is sexy. I wanted to smash Hammer’s nose, at least three times, and felt myself nearly submitting to Liam’s deft charms. Oh, that thick Irish brogue was delicious, too, if only in my mind. The scene is set for a love triangle to best all others, and path that clearly leads to healing via menage for Liam and Hammer. I liked Raine, and Liam lots, and I’m excited to see how their training goes, especially as Hammer’s got plans to thwart it.

Interested? You can find ONE DOM TO LOVE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

About the Authors:

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

You can find Shayla on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her Alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls and heal their scars to find their happily-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, Jenna’s books will surely leave you breathless and craving more.

A mom of four grown children, Jenna and her Alpha-Hunk husband live in Kansas. Jenna loves books, Harleys, music, and camping. Jenna’s zany sense of humor and lack of filter exemplify her motto: Live. Laugh. Love.

Meet the wild and wicked family in her sultry series: The Doms of Genesis. Or become spellbound by the searing love connection between Raine, Hammer, and Liam in her continuing saga: The Doms of Her Life (co-written with the amazing Shayla Black and Isabella La Pearl). Journey with couples struggling to resolve their pasts to discover unbridled love and devotion in Jenna’s new contemporary series: Passionate Hearts.

Find Jenna online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Find Isabella on Facebook, and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Happy Book Birthday to SHOWING HIM THE ROPES–Excerpt and Giveaway!

Showing Him The Ropes Blitz BannerHi there! Today I’m sharing an excerpt an giveaway in support of a new contemporary M/M sports romance for Christa Tomlinson. SHOWING HIM THE ROPES sounds like a fun and sexy read.

SHtR-Cover ResizedAbout the book:

Chance “The Chancellor” Gerhardt is a mainstay for Frontier Professional Wrestling. He’s won multiple championships and has the respect of the locker room. But after ten years at the top, Chance is looking for a new challenge. The one he gets, mentoring FPW’s young rookie, is both unexpected and unwanted.

Devin Jacobs is a hot new talent signed by Frontier Professional Wrestling. He’s always been a fan of The Chancellor, and not just because of the older man’s skill in the ring. He has it bad for the steely eyed veteran wrestler. Unfortunately for Devin, The Chancellor doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, and isn’t looking to get involved with anyone. Or is he? During long nights traveling and working together, Devin catches more than one secretly admiring glance from The Chancellor…

Devin is determined to earn victories and championships in the ring. But he’d also love the opportunity to win Chance’s heart. Can the two of them navigate their way through the hyper masculinity and backstage politics of professional wrestling to the most important victory of all? Or will their shot at love be defeated 1-2-3?

Christa Tomlinson is a lifelong fan of professional wrestling. When she’s not writing, Christa can be found watching her favorite classic matches or traveling to live wrestling events.

How about a little taste?

Devin changed the subject again. “So are you married?

“Hell no.”

“Are you seeing anybody?”

“No.”

“Mess around with the ring rats then?”

Chance laughed. “Not even close.”

Devin thought that was an interesting answer. “So do you not hook up with any chicks? Should your gimmick be The Monk instead of The Chancellor?”

“I’m not a damn monk.”

“So then who-.”

Chance cut him off. “This conversation is done.”

Devin sat there quiet for a moment. Chance sounded just like him when he’d been trying to squirm out of admitting he was gay. And it made him wonder. Could The Chancellor be gay as well? “I don’t hook up with any of the groupies either.”

“So?”

“I’m just saying, while we’re traveling together, you won’t have to worry about me bringing any girls up to our hotel room.”

Chance snorted and flicked on the right blinker to get over and exit the freeway. “Trust me, you wouldn’t. Because I wouldn’t allow it.”

Devin laughed as they drove down the exit ramp. “Is that right? What would you do if I did, spank me?” They’d come to idle at a stop light, so Chance turned and looked at him. His face was half in shadow, but Devin saw him run his eyes over him. And his heart started to pound. He knew that look. He’d seen that look plenty of times before – from guys who were interested in him. Seeing it from The Chancellor was the last thing he’d expected. But before he could decide what to say, or if he even should say anything, the light turned green. Chance turned back around to proceed through the intersection…

What a tense scene. I’m hearing good stuff about this one!

Interested? You can find SHOWING HIM THE ROPES on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK) Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a signed paper back copy and cover art posters of Showing Him the Ropes(three lucky winners!!).
Goodluck and keep reading my friends!

Also, just for fun…

What's Your Wrestling Name_-1About the Author:
Christa Tomlinson is an exciting up and coming author in erotic romance. Her first self-published novel, The Sergeant, was an Amazon Best Seller for Gay and Lesbian Erotica for seven weeks straight.

Although Christa graduated from The University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in History, she currently prefers to write contemporary romance. She loves to create stories that are emotional and lovely with sex that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc. Her books include straight couples, curvy couples, gay, and multicultural couples. Love is love and everyone should have their story told.
Christa lives in Houston, Texas with her two dogs, and is a retired roller derby player.

You can catch up to Christa online on her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

IndiGo

FOOL ME ONCE into Sexy Times–Excerpt and Review

FOOL ME ONCE BOOK TOUR
Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary romance from Katee Robert. FOOL ME ONCE is a fun and feisty romance between an agoraphobic gamer-girl and a rich-boy-turned-cowboy. I liked it!

fool me onceAbout the book:
Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

How about a sexy taste?

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “If I say you’re right, am I ever going to live it down?”

He didn’t answer, and she opened her eyes. Their reflection was slightly distorted in the passenger window, but even she could see he had a seriously tense look on his face. She belatedly realized that they were pressed together, her back to his front, and that he was…

Oh my God. She couldn’t resist leaning back into him, just a little. Yep, that’s not a micro penis. A shiver worked its way through her, leaving goose bumps in its wake, and her nipples perked right up, showing through the thin fabric of her T-shirt. There was no way he didn’t feel her reaction, not with his arm creating a band across her ribs, his forearm against the underside of her breasts.

Even as she noticed, he started to release her, his hand sliding over her stomach, but he stopped when he hit her hip, his pinkie finger dipping below the waistband of her shorts, just a little. It wasn’t anywhere near anything vital, but that little intrusion made her moan all the same.

“Fuck.” The word was barely audible, but she felt it in the way his body tensed behind her.

She shivered again, torn between telling him to back off and getting the top button of her jeans all undone for him. If she didn’t make a decision—and fast—he was going to back off again. It was written all over the tension she could feel emanating from his body.

Aubry started to reach for his hand, still undecided on whether she wanted to encourage or threaten him, but he moved, bending down to brace one hand on the truck in front of them, the other still on her hip. The move brought his mouth against her ear, and his harsh exhale made her shake.

She arched against him. She couldn’t help it. Her body took over, a primal part of her knowing he could give her all the pleasure she could handle, and was only too happy to extend an invitation by rubbing her ass against his hard length.

His grip on her hip tightened, but he didn’t try to stop her. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

She knew. They had to stop for so many reasons, the least of which was that they were on the side of a freaking highway and it was only a matter of time before a car drove past.

But she didn’t want to stop.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed on its own.

Aubry Kaiser is a reclusive gamer woman, who’s had a hard life. She made the best of it by playing videogames, notably Deathmatch, and getting a degree in computer programming. As an adult, she struggles to connect with humans, and has one close friend, Jules. Aubry receives an exclusive invitation to play a beta-version of the newest Deathmatch, at the DeathCon conference. If only she didn’t have crippling social anxiety. Or a giant bodyguard who’d make sure she arrived safely and was approached by no one.

Quinn Baldwyn is a rich boy turned cowboy. His oil baron parents have long-eschewed his reluctance to join their blue blood world, and have attempted to make him thoroughly miserable. His little sister, Jenny, is due to be married in two weeks–and he doesn’t want to go because he knows his folks will harass him into conflict. If only he had a date specializing in salty repartee who’d keep the family claws at bay…

Okay, so Jules totally hooks prickly Aubry into taking placid Quinn to DeathCon and Quinn into taking Aubry to the wedding on an extended road trip. She doesn’t push them to make things physical. Nope. That all started on a lonely highway to San Diego with a car breakdown. It’s so steamy, you might need a towel to wipe off your e-reader screen. Aubry and Quinn aren’t soul mates, but they are attracted by their verbal sparring. Usually Aubry’s acid wit sends men on the run, but Quinn turns all her jabs into parleys. It’s rather fun and certainly entertaining.

I liked the slow reveal of their building feelings. As they spend more and more time buried within each other, both Quinn and Aubry recognize they have excellent chemistry–it’s not enough for them to risk Jules discovering their attraction once they return from their extended road trip, however…at first. Determined, Quinn–with some seriously sexy moves–is able to convince Aubry they should give it a try.  And, then his family pretty much spoils everything. For a time.

There’s an HEA here that’s really super cute. I don’t want to reveal much, because it’s so unique and I hate to spoil. Rest assured, Quinn and Aubry are on the exact same page with each other by the end, despite their initial differences. It’s a quick, fun read that really entertained.

Interested? You can find FOOL ME ONCE on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK) Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

About the Author:
New York Times & USA TODAY Bestselling Author Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Catch up with Katee online on her website, Facebook, Twitter , Pinterest, Instagram , and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Taking Charge in Their PRIVATE CHAMBERS–Release Day Review

Private Chambers SquareHi there! Today I’m sharing a release day review and excerpt for a new BDSM menage romance from Cleo Pietsche. PRIVATE CHAMBERS is the fourth book in her Laywers Behaving Badly seris, and I had no trouble following along, even though I hadn’t read the repvious books in the series.

Privat Chambers CoverAbout the book:
Maisie’s dominant bosses won’t budge: for her protection, she must marry one of them immediately.
On paper, they’re perfect. Ethan Brennbach, Trent Banno, and Raphael Lattimore are rich, gorgeous lawyers. The powerful billionaires give Maisie exactly what she needs, from every angle imaginable. But after overhearing them arguing, she knows the devastating truth.
They don’t want her, not forever.
Unable to tell them the truth, soon she’s acting out. But her bosses have their own carefully laid plans.
They will bring Maisie under control, one way or another…

How about a little taste?

Maisie whirled through the empty conference room, gathering abandoned coffee mugs, crumpled, dirty napkins, and fallen chunks of glazed cinnamon rolls. Last night’s manicure was already chipped—not that pink fingernails did much to offset the ugliness of her janitorial uniform.

She made a second pass to collect the newspapers. As she was dumping them into the recycling bin on her cleaning cart, a word caught her eye.

Ballystock.

She glanced around, but she was still alone in the bright room. Her arm snaked out for the paper.
Fire Destroys Murdered Man’s Mansion—Norman Ballystock’s New Home Goes Up in Flames!

There was a photo, a mess of charred timber marring a meticulous stretch of landscape.

Holding her breath, Maisie skimmed the article, irrationally terrified that her name would appear. It didn’t, of course.

Maisie frowned.

She could think of three people who were capable of arson, or at least arranging it. Ethan Brennbach, Trent Banno, and Raphael Lattimore. Her former bosses. Her dominant lovers.

The men who were insisting she marry one of them—and she wouldn’t even get to choose which one.

They had promised to make the Ballystock problem go away. Was the fire their work? If so, why?

Those men never did anything without a damned good reason.

A cold feeling churned in the pit of Maisie’s stomach. She shoved the newspaper into the cart and wheeled it into the hall.

It was lunchtime, and she needed to get some air.

My Review:

This is the fourth book in an erotic BDSM series, but I was able to enjoy it, although I hadn’t read the previous books.

Maisie is a young woman who had been an administrative assistant in the law firm of L B & B. She was recently, publicly, fired–as a way to put off an investigation into her affairs. And, Maisie has many affairs, not the least of which is her menage BDSM relationship with the three partners in the law firm. Ethan Brennbach, Trent Banno, and Raphael Lattimore are rich and powerful, and delight greatly in punishing Maisie in the most erotic ways. But, more particular to this story, Maisie’s knowledge of pedophilic and horrifying Norman Ballystock has put Maisie in grave danger of arrest. Norman’s dead, and the murder investigation is creeping ever closer.

In order to protect their sub, Ethan, Trent and Raphael devise a plan to have one of them marry Maisie–and she’s not enthused. She’s only known them for a short while and she’s new to D/s; she doesn’t believe that they are really serious about her. She doesn’t want to be a burden, and she’s afraid this will bind her to men who don’t truly want her.

This was an interesting read, with sweet and sexy moments. Also, some really NSFW dialogue and one rigged trial with filthy consequences. I liked the interactions between Maisie and her Doms. Each one seems to have different objectives, when it comes to pleasure/pain, though we mostly see Maisie with Ethan or Trent. It seems that Raphael had some big scenes in the previous story.

Maisie has lots of growth to make in this book, and she does well, earning more praise than punishment, and an unexpectedly willing groom, who cannot wait to collar his sub with his best friends and partners, to boot.

Boy, that wedding night sounds like it’s going to be nuclear. Stay tuned…

Interested? You can find PRIVATE CHAMBERS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords, and AllRomance.

About the Author:
If Cleo isn’t writing (or reading!) erotica, she’s probably sitting on her balcony, watching the wind blow through the trees. She loves horses, snowstorms, and piña coladas. If she won the lottery, she would hire an assistant to take care of the technical side of e-publishing so that she could write all day.

Catch up with Cleo on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

IndiGo

Available Now HAPPILY EVER ALL-STAR!

happily ever all star now liveHi there! Today, I’m helping to get the word out on a new contemporary sports romance from Sosie Frost. HAPPILY EVER ALL-STAR is the fourth book in the Ironfield Rivets football series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

happily ever all star coverAbout the book:
Veteran running back Jude Owens is one of the best and most respected players in the league. A brutal concussion nearly ended his career, but Jude refuses to retire without earning the ultimate honor—a championship.

But first, he needs me to clear him to play. As the Ironfield Rivets’ neurologist, I usually treat bad boy quarterbacks and beastly linebackers. I can’t be impartial when my lifelong crush hops onto the exam table. Not only is Jude gorgeous and a gentleman, he’s my brother’s best friend…and the father of my unborn baby.

Or so everyone thinks.

Jude offers to pose as my boyfriend and the baby’s father to save my reputation. In return, he needs my help to stay on the field. The pretend romance keeps me close enough to take care of him, but I can’t protect my heart. Our stolen kisses and nightly indiscretions have transformed this fake relationship into something so very real.

I can’t complicate our arrangement by falling in love, especially as Jude’s obsession with football blinds him to everything but the game. When his symptoms worsen, the only way I can protect him may be to sit him on the sidelines. But ending his career will ruin our Once Upon A Time.

It’s up to me to save my prince charming…
Even if it means I lose my happily-ever-after.

Interested? You can find HAPPILY EVER ALL-STAR on Goodreads, and is currently $.99 (or FREE on KU) Amazon (US & UK).

susie frost football
Haven’t read this standalone series yet?
Now is your chance!
Bad Boy’s Baby: Amazon (US & UK)

Beauty and The Blitz ONLY $0.99! Amazon (US & UK)

Once Upon a Half-Time ONLY $0.99! Amazon (US & UK)

About the Author:
Sosie Frost is no stranger to quirky, embarrassing, and wild situations, and she’s channeling all that new adult angst into fun romances!

From marching at the high school homecoming game without her trumpet (a punishment for forgetting the instrument on the band bus), to accidentally tucking her prom dress into the back of her tights before pictures, and even accidentally starting a chemical fire in the college chem lab, Sosie has the market cornered on crazy stories.

But hey, writing is a better outlet than therapy right? 😉

If you want funny, charming, and steamy romances, you’ve found the right author!

Sosie lives in Pittsburgh with her hubby, her two cats, and thrives on a near constant stream of gummy bears.

You can find Sosie online on her Facebook or Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!
TRSOR

The Big Chance to Get CLOSE TO YOU–Review and Giveaway!

CTY Tour BannerHi there! Today, I’m sharing a review and giveaway for the latest contemporary romance from Kristen Proby. CLOSE TO YOU is the second book in her Fusion series, and fully enjoyable on its own, though we still have a lot of people from LISTEN TO ME on the page.

CLOSE TO YOU releases August 9th, but you can drop down and catch the excerpt and enter the $25 GC giveaway right now!
CloseToYou_PB_FinalAbout the book:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five years old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want…or so she thinks.

After spending the last 12 years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

How about a little taste?

“Oh, sweet Jesus, don’t ever stop doing that.”

I grin and watch as I knead her feet. Upon closer inspection, I see that they’re callused, and despite being nicely painted, they’re a bit of a mess.

“I hate my feet,” she murmurs softly. “They’re rough and callused and horrible.”

“I don’t mind,” I reply honestly. “But you should spoil yourself sometimes and go get one of those froofroo pedicures.”

“I do. But I wear shoes that are bad for me, and I hate socks, so this is what I’m stuck with.” Her eyes slit open to watch me as she shrugs. “I don’t care. My shoes rock.”

.“I’ll rub your feet for you anytime you want.”

She grins softly and I want to pull her in my lap and hold on tight. I want to kiss her madly and lay her back on this couch and uncover her body, inch by inch, discovering what makes her moan and what makes her sigh.

I want to do all of the things I’ve fantasized about for longer than I can remember.

Instead, I sigh and pat her ankle, then stand. “I’d better go.”

She stands with me and follows me to the door. “Thank you for dinner. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes.” I turn to her and push her blond hair back over her ear. Scoot is winding his way through my legs, purring. “I did. Thank you for today.”

Before she can push me away, I lean in and press my lips to her forehead, breathing her in, and wanting to stay.

“Are you going to get that last house?”

“If you promise to visit.” I pull back and see her bite her lip, then firm her shoulders.

“I’ll visit.”

I nod and leave her before I do something stupid like scoop her up and take her up to her bedroom to spend the rest of the weekend with her.

She’s not ready for that. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, which shocks the fuck out of me because I’ve never had a problem with carrying a willing woman off to a bed to have my way with her.

But this is Cami, and a fun romp on a mattress isn’t the only thing I want with her. Not that I really know what I want with her.

I do know that she deserves more than a weekend in bed, and the thought of someone else giving it to her makes me crazy.

My Review:
Cami is best-friends and business partners with Mia, and totally gone for Mia’s older brother Landon–has been since she was a kid. Only, she’s not a kid anymore. She’s a grown woman, with a degree and a divorce. She’d jumped into a marriage with her college sweetheart while Landon was half the world away, running sorties as a US Navy pilot.

After a decade in the service, Landon’s home now–grounded and released from duty after a high altitude ejection that injured his neck. He’s otherwise intact, though unable to pilot, and has returned to Seattle temporarily to assist his father’s construction business while his dad prepares to retire. Meeting Cami again is like Homecoming, with a twist, she’s all grown up. As much as he can sense that she wants him, it’s nothing to the inferno he’s bottled up waiting for just the right moment.

This book doesn’t leave the reader waiting for the HEA. It all seems to happen really fast…which made me (rightfully) suspect there would be a big complication. Not giving away that part, but I did connect with the characters throughout their rough patch. They don’t separate, but the trajectory they had imagined hits a bump, and it means they need to reconfigure their landing pattern, just a bit.

This is a quick read, with a sweet couple that almost struggles to believe their good fortune. Cami holds a torch for the boy she once knew, and isn’t quite sure this adult Landon is the man for her…at first. Landon does a great job of putting Cami first, and being the stand-up man she’d idolized. Plenty of loving and swooning and dream-closets in the making, here.

Interested? You can find out more about CLOSE TO YOU on Goodreads, and preorder it in advance of its August 9th release on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Kobo.

sh4
Preorder CLOSE TO YOU, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Exclusive Short Story, GROW WITH ME, featuring Will and Meg from Kristen Proby’s PLAY WITH ME in the With Me in Seattle Series after Release Week!

ListenToMe_coverAnd don’t miss the first novel in the Fusion Series, LISTEN TO ME! I really enjoyed it. Addy is a hard-working woman who isn’t about to let another man walk all over her. Jake is a musician who’s made some bad decisions–and isn’t sure he’s atoned for them.

Together, they are and open flame near a gas can. It’s only a matter of time before they ignite.

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble! (winner’s choice)
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Author Pic_MontanaAbout the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps.

Visit Kristen online on her website, Facebook, twitter, Goodreads, or sign up for her newsletter.
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