Active duty is no time for romance, but when two naval officers find themselves in truly close quarters on the USS California, the temptation to fraternize is hard to resist. Can two ambitious sailors follow orders long enough to see if love is on the horizon when they’re finally above water?
Lieutenant Nic Riley is the only girl in a long-time Navy family, and she’s determined to prove she’s just as seaworthy as her brothers. When she aces training for submarine duty, it calls for a celebration—and one incredibly hot guy is happy to party with her all night long. But when Nic boards the sub and finds herself face to face with her hunky fling, the idea of spending six months underwater takes on a whole new meaning . . . Having a girl in every port was Lieutenant Kyle Hutchinson’s style—until the explosive night he spent with Nic. Dating onboard is firmly off limits, but Kyle can’t get her off his mind much less out of his vicinity—until a junior seaman’s devastating stunt puts Nic’s career in danger. Kyle won’t let her take the heat alone, even when it means risking his own reputation, but fighting for a future together will be a whole new battle . .
Love Runs Deep has an intriguing submarine military setting that pulled me in, to request the book from NetGalley. And the story starts with a fun, light, carefree way with a hot as can be one night stand between two strangers. And continues so for about a fifth of the book, until it takes a drastically different and unexpected turn, almost like the characters took over and decided to tell a different kind of tale than was planned.
And that tale is all about women in a military, the problems that might occur, the sexual harassment they face, the consequences of it to everyone involved. Was it interesting? Yes, it was. I just think it overshadowed everything else in the story: the romance, the military family bonding, the support of your peers, the family drama, support, and dynamics, power struggles etc. Mostly I missed the developing of the romance, as now Nic and Kyle have a connection and physical attraction, but it's more like they are friends with a past of something more, the romantic relationship has no time or opportunity to develop. I liked both of the main characters, Nic and Kyle. They are charismatic, loyal, family oriented, sympathetic people. I liked them together, and I wish there would have been more of that in the story. The 'danger' of reading an eARC is you never know how final of a product you have in your hands. This one obviously was a rather raw one, it still needed heavy editing, had timeline issues, and way too much of details of the submarine and navy life that didn't need to be there. But I am certain and hopeful all these issues are polished to the final copy. What I expected to be a fun and light military romance story turned out to be a sort of a statement of women in the military in general and in submarines specifically. The technical steps of handling sexual harassment cases in navy came familiar, and the psychological effect of the violation to the victim and to the whole crew was well detailed. An interesting and curious start for a new series, a good story that left me wishing for more. The secondary characters are multiple to choose from to see what direction this series will go for. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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To Covet a Lady’s Heart
Landon Sisters #2 By: Ingrid Hahn Releasing February 20, 2017 Entangled Scandalous
One good blackmail deserves another.
After a lifetime of rakish behavior, Lord Maxfeld must pretend he’s reformed and find a fake wife. And, with the perfect blend of family scandal and tenuous acceptance in Society, there is nobody more suitable than Lady Phoebe. Trouble is, Phoebe will not agree to a false engagement, forcing Max to blackmail her into his scheme. Phoebe will go to great lengths to avoid anything remotely dishonorable. Unwilling to bear the scandal of a broken engagement, she blackmails Max right back—directly to the altar. Once married, though, Phoebe wants much more than Max’s ring. She wants his heart. But he will never give it. For better or worse may just be words but Phoebe cannot stay with Max if he thinks love is the worst thing that can happen.
Phoebe was still becoming accustomed to this mad whirl of parties and finery that was her life. Her sister’s wealthy husband afforded them a number of previously unthinkable luxuries beyond beautiful gowns. Like use of his London house for the Season…and all the trappings deemed necessary therein.
Privately, Phoebe suspected her new brother to be willing to pay any price to pry them out of his estate, Corbeau Park. Anything to buy time alone with his new bride. Who could blame him? Lady Bennington gripped her arm, making no effort to speak over the noise. “Don’t look to your left, my dear.” “Why ever not?” Phoebe strained to see anything she could in her peripheral vision, but there was nothing but scads upon scads of people. “You don’t want to work to catch any man’s attention. Even his.” She paused. “Especially his.” At that moment, regret hooked itself into Phoebe’s heart. She wasn’t up to making herself pleasant to men, not when she was so undecided what she wanted her ultimate fate to be. She should have feigned illness tonight. She could be home by the fire in her chamber, feet curled under her. Her nose would be stuck so far into some lurid and entirely inappropriate novel, she’d not be able to set it free again until dawn. And she knew just from where she’d pilfer such a book, too. Her mother’s bedside table. Then again, it would have been a shame not to come tonight, for she did like her gown. But there would be other nights, other balls, other chances. “Who’s ‘him’?” Phoebe wasn’t desperate for anyone to join them, but she couldn’t say so where there was a chance at being easily overheard. “Oh!” Clutching a fist against her breast, her mother’s eyes went big. “He’s coming this way.” “Mama, you tell me not to look, and yet you make a spectacle of yourself.” “No.” Her mother’s voice flattened. “No, he’s not coming here. He’s turned away. He’s—oh! He’s coming back this way, after all.” “It’s impossible to tell whether you want him to come or to stay away.” “Truth be told…” Her mother frowned, seeming to think the better of whatever the truth might have been. “Never mind, he’s still the son of my dear friend, and we shall treat him accordingly.” Phoebe turned just in time to catch the eye of the man in question and prickled in that horrid way she did when she was aware he was close. “Oh no. Not him.” Lord Maxfeld? Here? Tonight? Of all the ballrooms in all of London, why did he have to be in this one?
Q: Name one thing you won’t leave home without.
Definitely my head. Thankfully, I’m not a screw top, so I can always remember it. Everything else is fair game. Q: If you could trade places with anyone for just one day, who would you be? I can’t decide between two choices. Either Cleopatra right after she met Mark Antony, but I won’t tell you why. Or some chick inside a perfume commercial. You get to be gorgeous, perfectly made up, and there is usually a not-too-hard-on-the-eyes guy around. (That goes for perfume lady—Cleopatra wasn’t the gorgeous siren she’s depicted as being in popular myth.) The perfume lady has the bonus of either getting to wear a big fancy dress or lazing around a private beach. Q: What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? The naughty ones. Q: Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination? I put a tiny, tiny bit of myself into each heroine in a superfluous way. My first heroine, Grace, loved chocolate and has less-than-perfect hair (far less, I’m afraid). My second, Phoebe, is a big reader and loves tea. My third, Eliza—her book is coming in June—hates cherries. However, unlike Eliza, I came by my dislike honestly. I just plain don’t like them. I won’t spoil it for you, but Eliza came by her dislike by way of an abhorrent association. Q: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? Let go of your ego, never stop learning, work hard to nail good conflict, learn to encapsulate your entire story in one pithy statement that makes strangers’ eyes bulge and beg you to write the book immediately (I’m still working on this one!). Don’t self-publish too early. Give yourself permission to turn into a seething green jealousy monster even for writer friends you love dearly when they achieve something you covet, but cap your time in The Great and Terrible Land of Envy to about ten or twenty minutes, then go back to being happy for them and focusing your energy on your own work.
Ingrid Hahn is a failed administrative assistant with a B.A. in Art History. Her love of reading has turned her mortgage payment into a book storage fee, which makes her the friend who you never want to ask you for help moving. Though originally from Seattle, she now lives in the metropolitan DC area with her ship-nerd husband, small son, and four opinionated cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves knitting, theater, nature walks, travel, history, and is a hopelessly devoted fan of Jane Austen. She loves to connect with her readers
Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Spikonos Brothers #2 By: Miranda Liasson Releasing March 7, 2017 Self-Published
SHE WANTS TO MOVE ON…WITH SOMEONE BLAND AND BORING…
Widowed psychologist Maggie McShae is ready to find someone who won’t make her heart beat fast, her knees grow weak, or make her feel hot and cold at the same time. No one she can really love, because love brings too much pain. Drew Poulos, son of a billionaire, is hiding out in Mirror Lake, working at his brothers’ brandy company. He inspires those very feelings Maggie’s determined to avoid. The hunky businessman, who left his high society bride at the altar, is the last person she’d ever seriously date…but he might just be perfect for a fling… HE NEEDS A DATE FOR HIS BROTHER’S WEDDING…WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN CALM HIS QUIRKY FAMILY… Drew’s too heartbroken to ever trust any woman again, but the sexy psychologist is the perfect person to deflect his family’s attention as his brother marries the woman Drew once thought was his. As sparks fly, two injured hearts might just find that true love can be even better the second time around….
He got in her face. And oh, those big brown intelligent eyes up close, those chiseled cheekbones, so much more defined than her own, which really were such a waste on a man. That thick, pitch-black hair, so thick a woman’s fingers could get lost in there.
She tried to back up a step, but he moved forward. “Maybe. Let’s start by being honest with each other. Do you want me, Maggie?” “We’re not talking about—that. Back off already.” She pushed on his chest a little. A mistake. Because it was hard as boulders and made her knees go weak. “Besides, you just—flinched when I touched you.” “I think we need to do what you said, talk about it. I flinched because I felt what I think you feel too. That there’s something going on between us. What are we going to do about it?” She flipped her hand dismissively. “It’s all that touchy-feely stuff we’re doing in front of your family. That has to stop.” “This has nothing to do with playacting,” he said quietly. “And I think you know that. “That kiss on the court… It was real.” “That kiss was…impulsive. Heat of the moment, fueled by our hard-won victory.” Joking now was not stopping the shivers that were running up and down her arms. Or the hot and cold coursing through her veins. Somehow, she sensed how it would be between them. Wild. No holds barred. And God help her, she wanted that. She tried to pull some common sense out of her sex-addled brain. It would be a very bad idea on both their parts to forget their troubles with a sweaty round of sex, wouldn’t it?
Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about everyday people who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story. And if there are a few laughs along the way, even better! She’s a former Golden Heart winner who writes contemporary romance for Montlake Romance, Entangled, and soon for Grand Central. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three kids, and Posey, a rescue cat with attitude.
Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
When Special Agent Nick McFarlane receives news that his partner of eight years is in trouble, he doesn’t hesitate. Throwing himself into a deep cover operation to expose and shut down The Micahs, a child trafficking ring, Nick enters, unprepared for the reality that awaits.
Special Agent Meredith Richards took the assignment fully aware of the consequences. Leaving her life behind, she knew she wouldn’t be able to get out with her life until she shut the Micahs down for good. When Meredith’s informant is murdered and her contact inside the organization starts to lose control, Meredith is forced to make choices she can’t take back. On the edge of sacrificing herself, her principles, and her life, she begins to wonder if she will survive the case, or if she even wants to.
The darkness of the world they live in is nearly suffocating, the horrendous acts of violence and senseless crimes they witness eats them inside, rarely giving them a moment of peace, or their mind and soul the opportunity to rest.
When I was offered the eARC to be read, I was apprehensive, and I considered it much longer than I normally do because I was afraid to be sucked into the gloom of the world that I possibly will meet. I get emotionally connected to the stories I read, and sometimes it's not a good thing. I am glad I read this story, the topic of human trafficking, not to mention child trafficking, should be front and center daily until it is no more. But I do admit this pulled me in deep, maybe deeper than I wanted to go. Both Special Agent Meredith Richards and Special Agent Nick McFarlane end up under cover at the beginning of the story. Meredith so deep inside, they have to send Nick to get her out. But the injustice of the criminal world, the blood already on Meredith's hands, the faces she can not forget, the little angels she has to at least to try to rescue, pull both of them even deeper in until the lines are blurring, and the possibilities of surviving seems to be none. Just barely enough information is given in any scene so that the story keeps its interest and its hook on you, yet you never know what is coming behind the next corner, you are barely aware of the big picture of the crimes planned or committed, putting the reader's mind on the edge, and giving jitters. The vile, savage acts keep coming, the crimes pile on, it seems like there's no end, no hope, no resurrection, no one will be able to save neither the victims or the agents that have seen it all. I was hoping the romance would bring a wish for better days to come, hope for peace of mind, and a little light to the utter darkness the story unfolded in. Yet there's jealousy, anger, and resentment mixed with it. The love seems to be twisted with desperation, agony, and pain. More of a release of all the hopeless desperation their feel with the case, like the last hope rope for survival. I could have used just a tiny morsel of sweetness after all the darkness, even though the connection between Nick and Meredith was palpable, the angst around it was just too much for me. The characters are solid, the story is well written, it unfolds with a rapid speed, and the events - and characters - are ghastly yet believable in a horrid way. If you go for the sinister, grim, in a criminal sense disturbing type of tales and you can handle the thought of a rape in your reading, I can recommend this for you. The author definitely did justice for the story when it came to intensity, and I understand the need for it to be told. Because we can not forget those lost little angels no matter how uncomfortable their stories might make us. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Starlight Bridge
Harmony Harbor #2 By: Debbie Mason Releasing February 28, 2017 Forever
A second chance for romance...
Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one-especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher-can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it's more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him... Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what's never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won't give her up again without a fight. He knows there's the real possibility of a future together... if the truth doesn't burn the bridge between them forever.
Griffin Gallagher gaped at his ex-wife standing fully clothed under the shower’s icy spray. Beneath a dripping wet gray sweater several sizes too big, her uniform clung to her birdlike frame, an ugly pair of shoes on her feet.
Her long, jet-black hair plastered to her head, Ava stared at him through the water streaming down her pale, gaunt face. Despite the changes to the woman he’d once loved more than life itself, he felt a familiar stirring, a familiar heat low in his belly. He was reacting to her as though nothing had changed. With her gaze riveted on the evidence of his body’s betrayal, embarrassment and anger coursed through him. “What the hell are you doing in here, Ava?” He shut off the water with such force that he nearly ripped the lever off the wall. Her impossibly green eyes jerked to his face, reminding him where they’d lingered only seconds before. Swearing under his breath, he covered himself with the shower curtain and then leaned to his right to grab two towels off the rack. He threw her one. She blinked and caught it before it hit her in the face. Reeling from the realization that he still wanted her, still felt something for her after all this time, he said through clenched teeth, “Get out. Now,” and wrapped the towel around his waist. “I...I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you so soon. I was…I was just cleaning the tiles.” Everything about her was foreign to him—the meek, stammering voice; the way she stood with her shoulders bowed; the raw, chapped hands that trembled as she brought the towel to her face. She looked exhausted, and she was lying. He opened his mouth to ask her what was going on. Then quickly closed it before he uttered the questions that had been eating at him since he saw her at his great-grandmother’s funeral. Are you okay? What happened to you? What can I do to take the shadows from under your eyes? It was no longer his job, no longer his right. He’d been there before, a long time ago. And all it had gotten him was a broken heart. It’d taken him years to recover. There’d been a time when he didn’t think he ever would. With Ava, he’d never again allow his heart to overrule his head.
Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and the Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews).
When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their three wonderful children and son-in-law, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Nova
The Renegades #2 By: Rebecca Yarros Releasing February 20, 2017 Entangled
The only heart he wants is the one he already broke...
He's Landon Rhodes. The Renegade they call Nova. Sinfully gorgeous, broody, tatted-up, professional snowboarder. Four-time X Games medalist-- Full-time heartbreaker. They say a girl broke him once-- That's why he's so reckless, so driven, so careless with his conquests. But I'm that girl. They can call me his curse all they want. He and I both know the truth-- He's the one who destroyed me, And I'm not the sucker who will let that happen again. ***NOVA can be read as a standalone***
“Right. I’ll be quick—you’ve got to be getting cold. My point is that what happened back then...what I did to you.
It was wrong. I was wrong. I did the wrong goddamned thing for what I thought was the right reason, and I’m so damn sorry—” The door opened, and I stepped back in shock. Maybe I should have led with the sorry in the first place. Rachel stood there, gloriously nude, water dripping down her petal-soft skin, and it took every ounce of willpower from every man in the world to keep my eyes on her face. She openly glared at me then lifted a single eyebrow, bent to grab her clothes off the floor--holy shit, her ass could stop traffic—and walked right past me, her head held high. My mouth actually watered with every step she took, and I snapped my lips closed to avoid drooling. I barely contained my groan, unsure of what was sexier—Rachel’s perfect body that I knew fit mine like a damn puzzle piece, or her I-don’t-give-a-fuck confidence as her hips swayed down the hall. I should have known that a bathroom door was no match for her tenacity. Point made. My heart sank when I looked closer at her lower back. There was a vague, silvery mark, but no tattoo. She’d had it removed. Erased it. Erased us. She slammed her bedroom door, and I followed until my head rested against the wood. “Fuck, you are so stubborn,” I whispered, but it came out as more of a compliment than a measure of my frustration.
Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and Paleo. She is the author of the Flight & Glory series, which includes Full Measures, the award-winning Eyes Turned Skyward, Beyond What Is Given, and Hallowed Ground. She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for fifteen years.
When she’s not writing, she’s tying hockey skates for her four sons, sneaking in some guitar time, or watching Brat Pack movies with her two daughters. She lives in Colorado with the hottest Apache pilot ever, their rambunctious gaggle of kids, and an English bulldog who is more stubborn than sweet. They recently adopted their youngest daughter from the foster system, and Rebecca is passionate about helping others do the same. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
It only took one kiss…
Willa Holmes has one rule: don't fall in love! Love brings ties and ties bring pain, and she's had enough of that. That's why the pastry chef fled to Thunder Ridge in the first place—to live privately and bake anonymously. But then she makes a big mistake: she kisses the local sheriff. The tall, dark, incredibly sexy sheriff… No high-speed chase. That's Derek Neel's dating rule…till Willa. But the cowboy sheriff's hot pursuit hits a roadblock when he takes in an at-risk boy and Willa bucks like a frightened filly. Why is she so scared of the very things he wants most—love, family, forever? Derek isn't sure, but he knows this: not even Willa can escape the loving arms of the law!
What a sweet and adorable story that touches all the right spots to get the feelings flowing. I was not expecting the emotional impact the story had on me. While the fun parts brought a big smile on my face, the delightful 'family dates' had me swooning, there are some serious issues that the characters deal with, and those brought tears to my eyes.
Derek Neel is the ultimate hero. The bad boy turned into a good, by-the-book sheriff with the looks of an angel. He loves animals, children, and his sense of protecting his own is beyond any measure. He is not afraid of feelings, commitment, or waiting for Willa to get to the same page as he is when it comes to the romantic feelings he has for her. Willa Holmes is a hardworking baker, she is loyal, kind, and shielding away from people. She would prefer to keep the emotional distance to everyone, especially to the town sheriff, who awakens all the feels inside her, that she wished would have never surfaced again. I loved Derek and Willa together. The chemistry between them was just so warm, captivating, sexy, and right. With Willa's past, the road they have ahead of them isn't easy or without roadblocks, but the patience Derek has when it comes to her, and the determination Willa have when it comes to their possibilities of the future gives them hope for it all working out. Lots of small town feelings, delightful pastry moments, friends for life who will stand up for each other, and town folks who loves to meddle in everyone's business. When you add the sparks flying around the handsome sheriff and intriguing baker, a little boy who needs solid guidance and a safe home, a grieving mother, and a hungry black bear you start to get the picture of the deliciously tender tale. ~ Four Spoons
Life’s not like the movies . . . or is it?
An avid knitter and manager of a yarn store in New York City, Caitlyn finds herself at loose ends after getting dumped by her long-time, live-in boyfriend. What better way to move on then to find a man like the old-school movie stars that she dreams about? But her first attempt at online dating is a disaster. Especially when the date turns out to be the new renter of a room in her apartment. Wall Street powerhouse Ben needs a place to crash while his condo is being renovated. Love is the last thing on his mind since he’s just getting over a breakup. But he can’t resist a challenge, especially one like his prim and proper new roommate. A do-gooder with a heart of gold, Caitlyn is spearheading a fight to save an old theater, while Ben is working for the developer trying to tear it down. Sparks will fly, but they may not be enough to ignite big-screen romance . . .
As a lover of old movies, Cary Grant, and knitting picking this book up at NetGalley was no brainer to me. And it turned out to be a fun read, a story filled with good friends and an intriguing romance storyline from a disastrous date to roommates to friends with benefits to... Yes, it takes a wild and windy road for Caitlyn and Ben to find their HEA.
Caitlyn's self-esteem was a bit fragile after her ex took an ax to it as they broke up. Now she is finally ready to try dating again and in walks Ben, drunk, crude and insulting. Oh, Ben... I liked Caitlyn, she is a knitting, old movie loving person. She is loyal to her friends, she has the no business sense, but she does what she loves, she has made a life she enjoys for herself, and now all she needed was her Cary Grant. Ben was also devastated after he found out his girlfriend and business partner were having an affair. Ben had some issues from his childhood when it came to his parent's relationship and his father's way of being a bully. Ben could be fun, caring, considerate, and sweet one moment, yet he could be complete opposite at times especially when alcohol was part of the picture. And it was a lot, I haven't noticed or paid attention to alcohol consumption in romance novels before, but here I noticed it, it stood out, as the main characters over indulge several times with consequences to their lives. The author really did an amazing job with Ben's character development in this story. With so many scenes against him, she managed to turn the boat around so that I grew to like him and care for him, despite all his imperfections and rude behavior. I liked the story, it was lively, light and amusing at times. It was well written and had a good rhythm to it. It had a real life vibes to it from the evenings at the couch knitting and watching movies to the nights at the bar, and fun with the friends. The cast of characters has a wide variation of personalities, and I believe this series will be filled with upbeat, festive and fun people and events. A perfect read for a weekend evening, very much of a feeling of the eighties romantic comedy movies. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Ready to Run, Runaway Groom & Just Run With It
I Do, I Don’t Series Books 1-3 By: Lauren Layne Coming Summer 2017 Loveswept
Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Life is meant to be lived
Surprising her family for Christmas seems like a good ideauntil Carrie Foster loses control of her car in a freak blizzard. Now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with a fractured leg, the unplanned-for guest of the man who saved her life. Keegan Breen lives in a secluded cabin on his family's neglected campgrounds, which nature-lover Carrie sees as a potential paradise. The haunted war correspondent is a world away from the boy he was once. But together, can they prove the cynics wrong and show that opposites can not only attract, but be soul mates?
Rescued by Mr. Wrong took from the start a road that I wasn't prepared for. Due to the blizzard, Christmas, and an accident Carrie Foster ends up as a houseguest in Keegan Breen's small cottage at the secluded campgrounds.
Carrie is a thirty-year-old woman, who's baby face makes people always underestimate her and treat her like a kid, and her asthma has kept her dad looking after her like a hawk. She has craved and embraced her independence since she was a little girl. Her relationships with men haven't been that successful because of her issues with intimacy coming from the teen years. Keegan is in hiding, to heal and find an inner peace after years of dangerous work as a reporter who got the news others were afraid to go after. His relationship with his teenage son was fragile and awkward, but his love and devotion towards Taylor were never questioned. Living across the country from each other didn't help, but they were managing. I liked the setup for the story, it really had me intrigued. Snowbound at Christmas - there not much that is more romantic than that. But like I said, this story took a different turn. I will try to explain this without spoilers, but from that moment Carrie turned into a house guest from hell. She pretty much arranged the situation so that without an awkward scene Keegan had to claim the responsibility of her at the hospital. And from there on, she interferes with and tries to manage everything in his life. I could not believe what she did, the extent of mingling into his business and life, in general, she went into. And at the beginning when Keegan told her to get someone to pick her up, she just ignored it and stayed on. I am baffled how Keegan let her do everything that she did. More power to him and his patience. And they were not romantically involved as this happened either. She was just staying at his house because of the circumstances. The feelings they had for each other did develop and grow as they got to know each other better, but it was more of caring friends than deep romantic love. So what stood out for me with this novel is the engaging way the author told the story, the natural flow of the tale, the images painted in the pages. The character development was distinct yet nicely embedded into the tale, into the events unfolding. An ending to an interesting family saga where all the three daughters of Dr. Foster find their place in the world with a little help of the family and friends. ~ Three Spoons
Tangling with the London Tycoon
Brick Square #1 By: Suzi Jennings Releasing February 13, 2017 Entangled Indulgence
London publishing tycoon Rosco Redmond closely guards his family, his business, and his privacy. When his sister’s wedding brings the paparazzi baying at his door, wedding photographer Kitty Mayfair unwittingly becomes his decoy girlfriend. But the mysterious Kitty has secrets of her own.
Despite the sexy hint of an appealing Irish brogue, Kitty’s new boss is bent on micromanaging his sister’s wedding and the crazy fake relationship she’s been dragged into. The only thing they seem to have in common, is that neither of them believes in happy-ever-afters. But the more time Kitty spends with the tycoon, the more she begins to suspect there’s a lot of fire beneath his cool facade. With the past complicating their present, and the zoom lenses of photographers everywhere they go, the commitment phobic control freak and the globe-trotting free spirit clash and ignite.
London publishing tycoon Rosco Redmond closely guards his family, his business, and his privacy. When his sister’s wedding brings the paparazzi baying at his door, wedding photographer Kitty Mayfair unwittingly becomes his decoy girlfriend. But the mysterious Kitty has secrets of her own.
Despite the sexy hint of an appealing Irish brogue, Kitty’s new boss is bent on micromanaging his sister’s wedding and the crazy fake relationship she’s been dragged into. The only thing they seem to have in common, is that neither of them believes in happy-ever-afters. But the more time Kitty spends with the tycoon, the more she begins to suspect there’s a lot of fire beneath his cool facade. With the past complicating their present, and the zoom lenses of photographers everywhere they go, the commitment phobic control freak and the globe-trotting free spirit clash and ignite.
Suzi Jennings lives in New Zealand and writes international stories of love and laughter. It all started in childhood when she discovered reading, scribbled stories about princesses in castles, and grew up to spend way too much money on books.
She writes contemporary romance where family secrets, powerful friendships and enduring loves heal hearts and forge happily-ever-afters. Her characters are feisty, flirty, fun - and talkative! It’s a match made in keyboard heaven as Suzi is more than happy to listen. When not writing she can be found on Pinterest, sipping creamy lattes, still dreaming of castles she’d love to visit Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS
My Top Six Storyboard Images for TWTLT
https://nz.pinterest.com/suzi4354/ebook-tangling-with-the-london-tycoon/
"BRENNA NEEDS A HUSBAND,"
Jed McCal's nephew Tuck told him. Pregnant and alone, Brenna Jamison was back--trying single-handedly to run her father's touch. "WE NEED A WIFE," Tuck said. If footloose cowboy Jed McCall didn't do something drastic, he would lose custody of the boy. But marriage? "WHY NOT?" asked Tuck. There were reasons that only fed knew. And marrying Brenna--becoming a father to her child--would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. CODE OF THE WEST: Meet the hardworking, hard-loving men of the West! Proud, strong men who live--and love--by the CODE OF THE WEST.
Cowboy Pride has a dark desperation seeping from it. The intensity is deep, the edginess is fierce, the constant wait of when the dam will break and all the emotions bundled up will overflow the scene had me literally holding my breath in wait.
Jed McCall is not a happy man. He is a good man, he is kind, generous, caring, protective, hard working, and even gentle at times, but happiness left his heart eleven years ago. While the edgy darkness looming around Jed was well done, It was so overwhelming, it might have been a bit too much angst for me. It pulled me into a dark place, and I would have loved a little longer HEA towards the end to balance the doom that hangs around Jed most of the story building up and monopolizing the scenes. Brenna Jamison's life choices weren't traditional. She had done an amazing thing for her best friend, her kindness, caring, and sacrificing nature leading her on in her life. She was a sweetheart of a character, understanding, forgiving, and gentle soul. Tuck, the nephew is adorable and wise beyond his years. I have enjoyed how the kids in the series have meddled in the romances of their guardians. Tuck's dialog made me smile and his keen observations laugh out loud. I was really in a spot with this tale, and I had to sit with this review for a couple of days and think about it for a moment. I liked the story, it pulled me in and the angst around Jed really took me to the deep while my mind is trying to figure out where all the self-doubt, trouble, penance, and mistrust was coming from. What on earth did he do eleven years ago that was so devastating it was worth giving up all the hope in life and the brighter, happier future with his new family. And it was the revelation of the reasons at the end that made me take a step back and carefully dissect the story in my mind again and evaluate it before making hasty remarks while utterly frustrated with the prideful cowboy. The story unfolded in my mind in a seamless flow of rugged and raw, color bleached pictures of the somber side of the hard life of a cowboy. The moment's mistake that can change our lives, and how humbleness and forgiveness to ourselves, and open communication with others can sometimes be the only key to getting back the vivacious colors and joy into our lives. ~ Four Spoons
Playing The Game
York Bombers #1 By: Lisa B. Kamps Releasing February 14, 2017 BimHaven Press
Harland Day knows what it's like to be on rock bottom: he was there once before, years ago when his mother walked out and left him behind. But he learned how to play the game and survived, crawling his way up with the help of a friend-turned-lover. This time is different: he has nobody to blame but himself for his trip to the bottom. His mouth, his attitude, his crappy play that landed him back in the minors instead of playing pro hockey with the Baltimore Banners. And this time, he doesn't have anyone to help him out, not when his own selfishness killed the most important relationship he ever had.
Courtney Williams' life isn't glamorous or full of fame and fortune but she doesn't need those things to be happy. She of all people knows there are more important things in life. And, for the most part, she's been able to forget what could have been--until Harland gets reassigned to the York Bombers and shows back up in town, full of attitude designed to hide the man underneath. But the arrogant hockey player can't hide from her, the one person who knows him better than anyone else. They had been friends. They had been lovers. And then they had been torn apart by misunderstanding and betrayal. But some ties are hard to break. Can they look past what had been and move forward to what could be? Or will the sins of the past haunt them even now, all these years later?
Interview with Lisa B. Kamps
If you had a theme song, what would it be? Honestly, it depends on my mood. But there are two that always seem to be at the top of my list: Fight Song by Rachel Platten and… Wait for it… Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen! Name three things on your desk right now.
A la Twitter style, please describe your book in 140 characters or less. Okay, I'm really not that great at Twitter but I'll give it a shot: #secondchanceromance #steamyread #firstlove #nevergiveup #loveconquersall #hockeyromance #alwayshopeful #friendstolovers Did I go over?? What do you do when you are not writing? Plan for the next book? Seriously, my mind is always going: thinking, dreaming, wondering, planning. Doesn't matter what I'm doing, there's always something involving writing going on in my head. Except when I go into total slug-mode, which does happen every once in a while. If that's the case, I'm either literally doing absolutely nothing (I mean I literally turn completely OFF), or I'm either reading or playing SIMS. Hey, don't judge me ☺! Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination? Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with? Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? The best piece of advice I can give (and have given) any aspiring writer is one that's been around for ages: Just do it. Don’t think about doing it, don’t talk about doing it, don't dream about doing it. Just sit your butt down and get those words on the page. Talking is easy, but if you're serious, stop talking and just write. You can fix it later, worry about it later, angst over it later. But you need to get those words on paper first. In this case, actions really do speak louder than words. Don't get so caught up in the rules that you end up hampering your creative flow. Yes, learn the rules, be aware of them, but don't let them rule your writing (or your creative process). There are so many rules out there that "they" say can't be broken. But guess what? They get broken all the time, and it works. Do what works for you, your story, your characters. Don't let the rules silence your unique voice. (Note: I'm not talking about grammar and punctuation--those are important. It's those other pesky rules, like don't write in first person, don't write about a sports hero, etc.) Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? To my current readers and fans: THANK YOU so much for taking a chance and joining me on this wonderful journey! It really wouldn't be possible without all of you! To those readers who haven't yet read my books: don't be afraid to take a chance! You might surprise yourself and find a new favorite author (if not favorite, then hopefully one you really like!). Can you tell us about your upcoming book? My next scheduled release is PLAYING TO WIN, The York Bombers Book 2. We met Jason Emory in Playing The Game and he seems like your typical jock who plays just as hard off the ice as he done on it. He's single, hot, and completely free to do what he wants. And while he's not exactly self-absorbed, he doesn't really pay attention to what's going on around him as well as he should. Yeah…poor Jason has no idea what is about to hit him after one particularly hot night with a stranger who seems oddly familiar. This one is a steamy twist on your one-night-encounter, with maybe just a hint of Cinderella thrown in! PLAYING TO WIN releases on March 21, and is available for pre-order now. You can find the link here: http://www.lisabkamps.com/playing-to-win/
Lisa B. Kamps is the author of the best-selling series The Baltimore Banners, featuring "hard-hitting, heart-melting hockey players" (USA Today), on and off the ice. Her firefighter series, Firehouse Fourteen, features hot and heroic firefighters who put more than their lives on the line. Her newest hockey series, The York Bombers, launches with PLAYING THE GAME in February, 2017.
In a previous life, she worked as a firefighter with the Baltimore County Fire Department then did a very brief (and not very successful) stint at bartending in east Baltimore, and finally served as the Director of Retail Operations for a busy Civil War non-profit. Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around! Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Tyler Carter is a healthy-eating gym owner who doesn’t bake. When his employees enter him into a bake-off contest to raise money for Harry’s House, an after school space for kids commemorating local first responder Harry Monroe, he needs to learn–fast!
Shy special needs teacher Stacey Allman loves to bake and often dreams of sharing her confections with her uber fit, gorgeous neighbor. So when Tyler sets off his smoke alarm and explains his dilemma, she can’t resist the temptation of playing pastry chef tutor. He offers boxing lessons in exchange. More time together? Yes please, But when Tyler’s ex comes back to Marietta asking for his help, will it derail Stacey and Tyler’s chance at love, or will it make them see that they’re the perfect fit?
When I first heard about this series, mix of romance and baking and Marietta Montana, I mean - hello few of my favorite things! - I decided that no matter how full my reading schedule was, I need to slip these stories in somehow. And I am delighted that A Spoonful of Sugar is worth losing your sleep over!
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, that were unique and well done. Firstly, when they are practicing baking, they actually do the steps required, and in a clever way, the author imparts information and the science behind the ingredients. Because baking is a science while cooking food is an art. Same thing as they are doing sports: I got the feeling from the story that they were actually exercising and sweating, and I knew what they did to get there and why it had that impact on them. And then secondly, there's the romance, the attraction, and dating. Yes, there's actual dating, and several meetings before it gets physical, and I liked that. Yes, the attraction was strong, and there were passion and heat, but they had few dates before they took that step. As characters, Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have both a lot to bring to the story. They have depth, they are solid characters, in their imperfections perfect for each other. I found the support and encouragement they gave to each other uplifting and energizing. The openness between them was refreshing and their willingness to work on their weaknesses and issues admirable. The whole story was filled with such a positive, joyful energy that left me smiling as I finished the tale. Yes, baking is my go-to stress relief, so that added to the glee for me, as well. Looking forward to reading the next bake-challenge story! ~ Four Spoons!
WELCOME TO THE VALENTINE'S DAY BLAST!
We joined together with many Authors to bring you a list of Romance Books available for you to read this Valentine's Day!
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