They say it's about the journey, not the destination…
Charlene "Charlie" Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night, she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father—a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that's sponsoring the reenactment—is a suspect. Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard—led there by a Confederate ghost! Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors, find out who knows what, who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended ten years ago…but might die, along with them, on the Journey.
For the very last moments, this story is filled with danger, action, history, and romance. It is addictively alluring with the intriguing characters, both dead and alive, and the murder mysteries, that seem to come too close to home for the brave heroine.
I was in awe with this story. I have read several books from the series, and absolutely love them, the characters and mystique around the tales are fascinating. But this one took the eerie effect into a new dimension, giving me chills several times as I was reading it. The murder mysteries are well plotted, and the clues are a rare commodity, just a lot speculation that makes Charlie and Ethan uncomfortable. The map to the culprits was not an easy task to draw, it seemed that Ethan and his team had to fight for each and every step on the way. Charlie and Ethan had a connection that has no comparison. Their past might be a painful memory, but they don't dwell on it beyond the necessary. The development of their relationship happens on the background of the murder mysteries, yet it is evident that those two have deep feelings for each other, have had them for years, and the desire to build a future together is evident, even if it is left for an assumption. Haunting, gloomy murders, detailed accounts of the civil war, the Krewe of hunters yet on another cruise ship trying to solve the crimes in a dark and danger-filled tale, with glimpses of passionate romance between old friends ~ Four Spoons and A teaspoon on the side
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Her Renegade Rancher
Montana Men #5 By: Jennifer Ryan Releasing September 20, 2016 Avon
Colt Kendrick knows one thing about a small town, you can’t avoid anyone for long-especially a girl he crossed the line with and is best friends with his brother’s fiancé. Luna could have been the one if he hadn’t done her wrong. Colt’s intentions are nothing but honorable, but his thoughts about Luna sure aren’t. How could he ever let a sweet girl like her go? He won’t make that mistake twice.
Luna Hill thought she lost her shot with the sexy cowboy, but sometimes lightning does strike twice. While she wants to see what one scorching kiss leads to, she’s got a job offer out of state. Will she stay stuck in her less than life, or reach for her dream? An unexpected and amazing opportunity will keep her in town and give her what her heart desires most, a chance to be with Colt, but it comes with a price that may cost Colt his life. Colt will do anything to keep Luna safe, including put his life on the line, because nothing is more important than the woman who showed Colt he has a heart-and it belongs to her.
To read books from several of my favorite series within one week, I feel like I have been on an emotional roll-a-coaster, and just gushing love all over the books and reviews. But what can I say, I love the Kendrick brothers, and Granddad Sammy, the bond, the loyalty, the protectiveness, the manners, the all around hotness they radiate, yeah, what's not to love?!
Luna and Colt's story is touching, dangerous, and ardent. I love how the plot was built on their relationship, it was refreshingly original, plenty of romantic, and the danger that was constantly lurking around gave it a spicy kick, another dimension, and lots of tension. It was so easy to immerse myself into this story, lose the sense of time and enjoy the ride. Luna and Colt were so delightfully perfect together. The connection between them was palpable, the attraction is burning hot, yet their focus on staying safe, staying alive, and protecting each other, and first becoming friends. The characters are charming, both Luna and Colt are easy to like, they are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other, they compliment each other so well, and I couldn't point anything negative about them, even if I tried. The story shows them growing into the new responsibilities given to them, and taking a charge on life when it matters. The story is 'full bodied' so to say, it takes the reader for a ride, and keeps going until the very satisfying ending. Even though part of a series, no details were left hanging or questions unanswered. It was a ride I loved being on, loved every moment of it, loved visiting with Colt's brothers again and was happy to see some of Granddad's wishes to come true. At 'the end' I had such a fulfilled and content state of mind, like after a nice long visit with your dear friends, while longing for the next time... ~ Five Spoons
“You drive me crazy.”
She didn’t even hide her smile. “Why?” “Because all I want to do is kiss you.” “More things we agree on.” She placed her hand on the back of his neck, went up on tiptoe, and brushed her lips over his. Like a match swiped across the rough edge of the box, a fire lit inside of them. Colt’s arms banded around her. One big hand held her lower back. He planted the other right on her ass, his long fingers lay over the curve, inches from the tingling heat building between her legs. He pulled her closer and took the kiss deeper. His tongue glided along hers. She moaned. He growled, titled his head for a better angle, and kissed her socks off. Luna lost herself in Colt’s arms. The first kiss they shared rocked her world off center and left her wondering if what she felt that night in the parking lot was real or just her imagination. Not only was the passion and need real, something opened inside her and everything within her settled. God, the man could kiss.
Jennifer Ryan is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Crushing on Love
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #4 By: Melissa Foster Releasing September 21, 2016 World Literary Press
Steve Johnson is living his life’s passion watching over the Colorado Mountains as a ranger and wildlife consultant. But his peaceful life is upended when overzealous and insanely beautiful Shannon Braden flits back into his life after returning from a brief trip home to Maryland. He thought his attraction to her was under control—after all, she’s only in Colorado temporarily, and he doesn’t do casual affairs.
Shannon’s return to Colorado has as much to do with the game of cat and mouse she and Steve have been playing as it does the data she’s been hired to collect. But despite her efforts to explore the undeniable heat simmering between them, Steve’s intent on keeping his distance. When a ranch abutting the national park goes up for sale, Steve will do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. And when all his attempts fail, he’s left with no alternative but to follow Shannon’s guidance into the online world he abhors in order to raise the funds. The more time they spend together, the deeper their attraction becomes, and a game of cat and mouse turns into an unstoppable connection. But when Shannon’s assignment comes to an end, will it mean an end to them, too?
Steve Johnson took off his sweaty shirt and guzzled a bottle of water. Nothing beat a predawn run, especially after a shitty night’s sleep. He set the empty bottle and shirt on the steps leading to his rustic log cabin and crossed the yard to the chopping post, determined to work the remaining tension from his body. A six-mile run on the rough terrain of the Colorado mountains should have worked out all his piss and vinegar, but not this morning.
Sun beat down on his shoulders as he centered a slab of wood on the tree stump that served as his chopping post, trying to ignore the reason he’d been unable to sleep last night. He filled his lungs with the scents of nature and tranquility. He knew every sound and smell of the area, could differentiate every species of animal and plant in the forest, and anticipated inclement weather well before it hit. His body was attuned to the mountains as if he were a part of them. He hoisted the ax over his shoulder, thoughts he was trying to ignore pushing back in like adamant thieves. He swung the ax. A loudcrack echoed in the forest—and in his head—rattling the truth of his angst free. Shannon Braden was back—and she’d come home last night wrapped around Cal Hayden on the back of his horse. He ground his teeth against that reality and set another log in place. Smart, sexy-as-sin, talks-a-mile-a-minute Shannon. He’d known her for years. His sister, Jade, was married to her second cousin, Rex. Shannon had spent weeks doing research on red foxes in the mountains. She’d been staying at her uncle’s ranch in Weston, but he knew the company she was working with had made arrangements for her to stay at the vacant cabin just around the bend for the remainder of the project. He swung the ax, thinking of the weeks she’d spent flitting in and out of his peaceful life, full of energy and never-ending conversations—mostly one-sided, which she didn’t seem to mind. Truth be known, neither did he. Listening to Shannon rattle on about anything was hot. She tangled up his thoughts in ways no other woman ever had, which was just his luck. Steve wasn’t into meaningless hookups, and Shannon’s life was in Maryland, while his was there on the mountain, which rooted Shannon Braden firmly in his off-limits zone. The past couple of weeks had been quiet while she’d returned home to Maryland to attend her brother’s wedding, and the fact that Steve had noticed, and disliked it being quiet, had thrown him for a loop. His mind reeled back to last night again. He’d heard Cal riding back down the mountain about two hours after he’d arrived. As he swung the ax, he wondered if Shannon had done some hands-on research with Cowboy Cal last night. He set another log in place, telling himself it was none of his damn business if she had, and split the log so hard the two halves flew ten feet from the stump. Another log, another split. And so became his stress-relieving pattern as the sun sailed higher, taking the bite off the chilly spring morning. A mass of birds took off from the treetops. Steve paused midswing, a smile tugging at his lips. Shannon. He split another log, trying to ignore his accelerating pulse at the thought of her flitting back into his life.
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
The O’Donnell brothers continue to cast their lines and find love at the Buoys—their magnificent Pacific Northwest fishing haven—in this alluring romance from the bestselling author of Off the Hook.
Seasick. That’s how Jessie Todd feels when her best friend and boss, Finn O’Donnell, tells her that the Buoys will be featured on a popular fishing program—which just so happens to be hosted by a guy she used to date. She’s still friendly with her ex, but her new feelings for Finn are making things . . . complicated. His life is out on the sea, and though Jessie works at the resort, her paralyzing phobia of water keeps her on land, where she’s safe. To take a shot with Finn, she’ll need to face her fears—and her innermost desires—head-on. Finn has been nursing a crush on Jess for a long time, so when she suddenly asks for swimming lessons, he dives right in. Holding her shaking hand as she steps into the ocean makes his heart swell—despite the sinking feeling that she’s just doing it to impress that smarmy TV host. Finn doesn’t trust anyone with his bruised and battered heart, but he’ll be forced to lay it all on the line to keep Jess from being the one that got away.
I did a little happy dance when I received this book for a review since I adored the book one, Off The Hook, and I have been wanting to go back and spent some time with the gang since the early indications showed that it is going to be Jessie and Finn's story.
I felt the sparks in the previous book, and I was so excited to see how these two friends would find their way to each other's hearts. And Jessie and Finn didn't disappoint. They were just as delightfully charming and sexy as I thought they would be. The bond they had had since the day they met, was strong. They trusted each other more than anyone else, and they were not afraid to show their vulnerability to each other. Both of them had issues from their childhood, that had messed with them most of their lives, and affected to their lives on a basic level. Yet, with each other's help, they were opening up, tackling these painful memories, and healing from them. I loved how their relationship was shaping and developing, how they stood up for each other and were willing to protect each other. But, and this was a surprise for me, as much as I loved Kate and Liam in Off The Hook, I couldn't stand them in Lured In. It has been a long time since a secondary character has made me as mad as Liam and Kate managed to do. Liam and Kate revealed some unattractive characteristics, that floored me. Liam did try to explain/excuse their reasons, but for me, there wasn't redemption for those two. Did that mean I didn't love the story? No, I stayed up late, because I couldn't put it down. I loved the story, and would recommend this series for anyone loving well-written romance novels. It got my emotions involved, I was rooting for Jessie and Finn, I loved that they are finally getting the business back on its feet and off the red numbers. I loved the hard work they all put in and the sacrifices they were all willing to do to make it work. I loved and supported Finn and Jessie every step of the way. A captivating story with a fitting name, since it lured me into the tale completely. The family drama, the childhood turmoils, the friends and lovers, the healing from the past and learning to trust in your heart... A fascinating and marvelous tale, filled with life, growth, healing, and love ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Red
Transplanted Tales #1 By: Kate SeRine Released Aug 2nd, 2012 Kensington
"My name is Tess Little. But everyone calls me Red."
Once upon a time, a spell went awry, stranding Make Believe characters in the ordinary world. Since then, Tess "Red" Little--a/k/a Little Red Riding Hood--has worked as an Enforcer for the Chicago branch of the Fairytale Management Authority. But, consider yourself warned--she's not just some waif with a basket of goodies. All grown up and with nothing to lose, a gun and combat boots is more her style. And Red's new assignment threatens to be short on happily ever afters. . . Someone is murdering transplanted Tales in gruesome fashion. The list of fictional characters capable of such grisly acts is short and includes more than one of Red's old flames. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's another complication, in the form of sexy, enigmatic Nate Grimm, the FMA's lead detective and part-time Reaper. Used to following her own rules and living life on the edge, Red has managed to avoid taking on a partner until now. But Nate's dark side makes him perfect for a case like this. That is, if she can trust him. Because if there's one thing Red knows for sure, it's that believing in the wrong person can have big, bad consequences. . .
Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it's no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after.
Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project—probably while consuming way too much coffee. Kate is also the author of the award-winning Transplanted Tales paranormal romance series and the Protect & Serve romantic suspense series. Connect with Kate at www.kateserine.com, Facebook.com/kateserine, or on Twitter @KateSeRine. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Title: Stone
Series: The Elite Forces #3 Authors: Hilary Storm & Kathy Coopmans Genre: Contemporary Romance
What happens to a person when they're literally brought to their knees?
Captain Beau Harris' entire world came crumbling down. His own guilt consumed him to the point he was confined to the tortures of his own mind and faced with the reality of his own fate. Until her. The one woman he should run from. The one woman who could bring light and warmth into his dark, cold world even though he's content with the reality he's destined to suffer. She should be forbidden, yet she’s not. Temptation has no boundaries. It teases you until you have nowhere to hide, nowhere to run, except straight into the arms of the one person who could claim your soul. You think you know what’s about to hit you. You have no idea. STONE - book three in The Elite Forces Series is going to bring you to your knees.
Hilary Storm lives with her high school sweetheart and three children in Oklahoma. She drives her husband crazy talking about book characters everyday like they are real people. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with an MBA in Accounting and has a full time job as an accountant. Her passions include being a mom, writing, reading, photography, music, mocha coffee, and spending time with friends and family. She is the author of the International Best Selling 'Rebel Walking' Series, Bryant Brothers Series, Inked Brothers Series, Six and co-author of The Elite Forces Series! Sign up for her newsletter
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USA Today Best Selling Author Kathy Coopmans is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband, Tony. They have two son's Aaron and Shane.
She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball, and Football. She has recently retired from her day job to become a full-time writer. She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is "I got this." Website Facebook Twitter
Mixing Temptation
Second Shot #3 By: Sara Jane Stone Releasing September 13, 2016 Avon Impulse
In the third installment in Sara Jane Stone's dazzling Second Shot series, a beautiful but broken woman must decide if true love is worth risking everything...including her freedom
After a year spent living in hiding—with no end in sight—Caroline Andrews wants to reclaim her life. But the lingering trauma from her days serving with the marines leaves her afraid to trust the tempting logger who delivers friendship and the promise of something more. Following an accident that nearly robbed him of his hopes for the future, Josh Summers believes life has given him a second chance. He wants to settle down with the woman who stole his attention and his heart. And he’s willing to wait until she’s ready to be more than “just friends.” When fear of discovery leaves Caroline pretending to be his date, Josh tempts her to try the real thing—a relationship built on trust, not lies. But then the past threatens and Caroline must risk everything—including her freedom—to bury her demons before she can take a chance on happy-ever-after.
I've loved this series since the beginning, the circle of friends, the romance, the small town atmosphere have been very alluring, with the tales mixed with love, passion, a little danger, some heartbreak, and lots of humor. I knew that if and when Caroline and Josh got their own story, it would be emotional.
And it was, touching and heartbreaking. Yet the story was so brilliantly mixed with humor - that bright and sunny outlook Josh has on life that was infectious - it didn't leave much room for angst, desperation, and hopelessness that Caroline could have rightfully been feeling. Instead, Josh helped her find herself again, helped her heal, and move forward with her life. I absolutely adored Caroline and Josh together, the dry humor, play with words, the passion they had for each other, and the desserts they shared. Josh was just perfect for her, his tenderness and sensitivity towards her past, her life situation, his patience, his devotion to her, protectiveness, and willingness to fight for her, for them and their future, and against the system that had put her in the situation she was in, just left me charmed and wanting to cheer for them. The betrayal and humiliation Caroline had to suffer for her willingness to serve her country were unthinkable, the consequences of the events hard to understand, the injustice infuriating. But the sensitive matter was delicately handled in the story, with respect towards the victim and hope for the healing. I inhaled this story, avidly hanging on each moment. I wanted to savor it, enjoy every word, and at the same time, I was eager for Caroline to find peace of mind, for Josh and her to have a chance. Every emotion was involved as I read the book, there were chuckles and smiles, adoration, anger towards the system, fear of surviving, and at the lowest point, there were tears (or more like sobbing). It might have been an emotional roll-a-coaster, but it was worth each and every bump on the road, that Josh and Caroline had to suffer on their way towards their future. The story left me elated and exhilarated, eagerly waiting for more: A must-read series for me ~ Five Spoons
“May I lick the whipped cream off your face?”
Josh lowered his fork to the pie dish and waited for the Big Buck’s dishwasher to catch up with the conversation. Pie—not flowers—had offered him the perfect way to transition from the guy who found her in the woods to her friend. And he couldn’t resist the temptation to switch from small talk to damn near close to begging for a kiss. And a date, he thought. I’m going to ask her out today. Caroline raised one perfect, dark eyebrow. One hand clasped a spoon and the other rested on the stainless steel work surface that on busy nights held stacks of dirty pint glasses waiting for her attention. Right now, it was just the two of them and the pie. The bar wouldn’t open to Forever’s local logging population and the university students who outnumbered the men and woman born and bred in this section of the Willamette Valley for another hour. “No,” she said. Her tongue darted out from between her pink lips that always looked as if she was wearing a kiss-me-now lipstick. Or course, he knew the woman whose ideas of accessorizing involved a concealed weapon tucked into the waistband of her pants did not bother with makeup. She licked the whipped cream teasing the edge of her mouth. “I’ve got it under control.” He nodded, refilled his fork and lifted another bite of key lime pie to his mouth. He always asked—for a touch, a taste, a kiss—but he never pushed. Caroline would shift the parameters of their dessert-based friendship in her own time. Or she wouldn’t and he’d be forced to come to terms with the fact that the future he daydreamed about—settling down with Caroline, buying his own home, maybe a dog—would replace sleeping with Megan Fox on the top of his Never Going to Happen list. “You’re going to Noah’s wedding on Saturday night?” he asked, sliding back into friendly chitchat. He’d waited a year to kiss Caroline the first time. And he’d sit tight for another if it meant more sugarcoated kisses. To hell with his siblings’ opinions. “Just because I can take the dishwasher apart and fix it every time it tries to quit on us”—she nodded to the restaurant-grade appliance behind her—“doesn’t mean Noah wouldn’t fire me for missing his wedding. Plus, he’s closing the bar for the night. Everyone else is going.” “Everyone else is in the wedding,” Josh pointed out. Big Buck’s owner and manager was marrying Forever’s former bad girl, who’d burst into his life over a year ago, demanded a job, and quickly worked her way up to assistant manager. And the only other bartender on the payroll right now was the groom’s best friend and the bride’s big brother. “True. But I owe Noah. I can’t miss his wedding.” Fair enough, he thought. “A couple of months ago, you asked me out on a date,” Josh pointed out. “I was feeling brave at the time.” “Are you canceling?” he challenged. If she said yes, he’d kiss her again. Maybe not today, but one day soon. And he’d reminder her why she’d summoned the courage to ask in the first place. He’d caught her looking, her eyes roaming over his biceps with a flicker of something more than friendship in their green depths. And if given the chance, he would let her run her fingers over his T-shirt, mapping the muscles beneath . . . “No, I’m not canceling,” she said thoughtfully. “I’m still working out the details.” “Be my date to the wedding.” Her eyes widened, staring back at him as if he’d dropped to one knee and suggested they follow her boss down the aisle. “No,” she said firmly. “Josh, I . . . Just no.” Caroline refused to look away. She’d spent months learning to read Josh’s facial expressions, forcing herself to look past the red-gold stubble that screamed ‘I’m too sexy for this bar.’ Or his shirt. Or her . . . Right now, the corners of his mouth threatened to fall into a frown. Disappointment. But he never let his smile falter for long. He always took a moment. Looked away and then returned his gaze to her as if she hadn’t turned him down twice in ten minutes. But he knows I’m a long way from whipped cream kisses in the bar’s back room. And dates. Yes, she’d asked him out once. But then reality had come crashing down on her. Her life consisted of washing pint glasses and staying out of sight. She couldn’t hope for more—not even a single night out at one of the restaurants near the university—with a federal warrant hanging over her head. Of course, the police weren’t actively looking for her. As far as she knew. But if the local cops, or even a state trooper passing through town, found out who she was . . . If they learned why she kept to the shadows, she would be under arrest and turned over to the military. She would have to pay the price for her unauthorized absence. For refusing to deploy alongside the men who’d turned a blind eye when their commanding officer ordered her into his bed. The men who’d laughed with Dustin when he’d said he would force open her mouth and make her take him between her lips . . . And then there was the elephant in the bar’s back room that would also tag along on their date. She hadn’t had sex—oral or otherwise—because she wanted to since before she joined the marines. Josh had never treated her like a victim, but there was a first time for everything. “I’m sorry,” she added. “But I can’t go to the wedding as your date. There will be too many people. And everyone knows you. If they see me with you . . . they’ll ask questions. And I can’t give them answers. I need to stay in the background, hiding behind a plant or something. And then leave as soon as they cut the cake.” “A wedding probably isn’t the best place for a first date.” He pointed his fork at her. “Maybe once I get my own place, you can help me christen the kitchen.” She raised an eyebrow. “That assumes a lot for a first date.” He laughed. And the familiar sound threatened to lead her into his version of the future. One where they would kiss in the kitchen and then-- “I was talking about baking a pie together,” he said. “I’d invite you over to the farmhouse, but I didn’t think you’d take kindly to receiving the third degree from my siblings and their significant others.” “Probably not a good idea,” she murmured. She’d spent the past year trying to avoid his two older brothers and his sister. It wasn’t hard seeing as his family lived in Independence Falls, a solid hour’s drive from Big Buck’s Bar. Chad Summers, the middle brother, had tried to befriend her, stopping by the bar’s back room with his girlfriend, a drop-dead gorgeous woman who’d served in the army. But Caroline had shut down their attempts. Josh Summers remained the one and only person she’d let in since she’d showed up on Noah’s doorstep. There was something about the way he accepted the word ‘no’ that broke down her defenses. He never tossed the word aside, questioning whether it was a knee-jerk response. He never pushed—not once—under the pretense that he knew what was best for her. Not since that first night when he’d found her in the woods. Even Noah, who’d had her back when they were deployed together, pushed. Her fellow soldier turned boss tried over and over to talk her into visiting the local gun club with him. She said no and he asked again and again. But Josh always listened. “Have you started looking for a new apartment?” she asked, steering the conversation away from dates that might lead to compromising situations. “I’m looking, but not for an apartment. I’m still sitting on my split from when we sold the family trucking company. I want to use the cash to buy a piece of land. Someplace with a nice view of the mountains, maybe space to put those viticulture classes I’ve been taking to use and grow some grapes. Not a lot. I’ve learned enough to know that is one tough business. I’d rather keep my day job with Moore Timber and put my blood, sweat, and tears into building my own home.” “You can do that?” The question slipped out before she could mask the surprise in her voice. “I’ll need help, but I know what I want. Four bedrooms. Maybe five. Plenty of space to spread out. Timber frame. A second story that is open to a great room below. And one helluva kitchen with all the modern appliances. I’ll hire an architect, and a builder. But I can swing a hammer with the best of them.” Four bedrooms. Plenty of space . . .
After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream-writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Join Sara Jane’s newsletter to receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and more! Visit www.sarajanestone.com and look for her newsletter entry form.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Love From Left Field
Knights of Passion #2 By: Megan Ryder Releasing September 13, 2016 Tule Publishing
She wants to save the Knights…
When Miranda Callahan’s father, principle owner and hands-on dictator of the Georgia Knights, has a heart attack, the responsibility to make the team an independent success becomes solely hers. Though everyone expects her to fail in her new role, Miranda is determined to take her team to the top and earn her father's love and respect on the way. The only other obstacle is the League's consultant – a secret crush from her past – the man trying to take over the team, and the one person who can save them all. He wants revenge… Lucas Wainright is a turnaround consultant, hired by the League to save the Knights and so many other teams – only this time it’s personal; before being ousted by Seamus Callahan, Lucas' family had been the owners of the team. Now, he has the perfect opportunity to regain his rightful position with the Knights, if he’s willing to suppress his scruples and his attraction to Miranda Callahan. Can Miranda and Lucas let go of old grudges and hold on to their new love? "Really? So you think that I'll be here, ready to kiss you whenever you want?" The smile that crossed his face was one of pure male arrogance, confident in his own sex appeal. "Oh yeah. No obligation here." He stood and stalked around the desk. Too late she realized that she'd poked the tiger and he was deadly serious about his intentions. He swiveled her chair so she faced him, her chair bracketed between his knees. He braced his hands on the arms, trapping her neatly so she couldn't escape. Only she had no intention of trying to get away. That kiss had replayed in her mind several times in the few days since the event and she wanted to see if it was exhaustion that had made it so great, or something else. She tilted her head to the side and relaxed her body, allowing a small smile to spread across her lips. "So now you're going to prove it was a good kiss? Give it your best shot, lover boy. Let's see what you got." He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips across her, lightly, as if drawing a feather across her skin. She shivered and he chuckled, a low male sound deep in his throat. His lips skimmed her jaw line, brief, barely whispers of a touch, designed to tease, to taunt, to increase her desire. She moaned and went to reach for him. "Oh no. Stay still for this." He grabbed her hands with his, and placed them on the arms of the chair, imprisoning them with his own. He nudged her face up with his nose then rewarded her with a deep kiss, soul stirring yet innocent. After a moment, his tongue slid along the crease of her lips and she opened them, welcoming him in. The kiss quickly turned deeper, hotter, their tongues entwining and exploring. His mouth tasted of coffee and sweetness, like the butter-cream frosting of cake, and she couldn't get enough of it. Slowly, chest heaving with exertion, he pulled back, resting his forehead on hers while they both caught their breath. "Still think it was obligation?"
Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She lives in Connecticut, spending her days as a technical writer and her spare time divided between her addiction to knitting and reading.
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Laws of Seduction # 1 – 4
Captivate Her, Beguile Her, Dazzle Her and Cherish Her By: Ava Hayworth Released July 6, 2016 Self-Published
Captivate Her (Book #1)
The Laws of Seduction series featuring Lainey and James, two people who have to put their pasts behind them and learn to take risks. Readers should be warned that this story is intensely romantic, deeply seductive, and beyond addictive. If you are a fan of Fifty Shades, this scorching workplace drama is a must-read. I am not the type of girl to sleep around, so it is a shock when I come face to face with my one and only one-night stand on my first day at my new job as a junior associate at one of Manhattan’s biggest law firms. It turns out that my one-night stand has a reputation as a player and is one of the biggest commitment-phobes on the island. Not to mention the fact that he only has to snap his fingers and women fall at his feet. Can I forget about the sexiest night of my life and keep my professional mask in place? This is just the start of my problems in dealing with the complex office politics and my exploding passion for James.
Beguile Her (Book Two)
The story of Lainey and James continues in the second book in the Laws of Seduction series. Will the secrets from their pasts and forces beyond their control continue to drive them apart? Hold on to your seats, readers, as this scorching workplace drama unfolds My job as a junior associate at one of Manhattan’s largest law firms couldn’t be going better. It’s my personal life that keeps me off balance. I thought James and I were off to a fresh start, but he continues to blow hot one moment and cold the next. James works closely with a beautiful senior associate from our firm. Seeing them together every day makes my doubts grow. What is really going on between them? Is he worth it? Maybe I should give my summer fling Davis another chance, or were things really that bad with my ex-boyfriend Mark? He says he wants me back. Can I resist the seductive allure of James McAllister, or am I just kidding myself?
Dazzle Her (Book 3)
Lainey opens up to James about her past. Is keeping their relationship a secret ultimately going to tear them apart? Can they learn to trust before it is too late? James comes from wealth, a lot of wealth. I don’t know if I can fit into his world. His family hates me because I am not one of them. It is not only his family. My brother still blames James for his girlfriend’s death. The arson in my office remains unsolved, and I am beginning to receive other threats. Are they from one of the women obsessed with James or could it be someone else?
Cherish Her (Book 4)
Read the exciting conclusion to the story of James and Lainey. Contemporary romance writer, Ava Hayworth, pulls out all the stops in this breathtaking saga. I understand that James wants to protect me and keep me safe, but he goes about it the wrong way. I can’t live a life where the man I love shuts me out. I long for James to share his problems with me so that we can work together as a team. Will he ever learn that he can trust me?
Not sure how to reply, I remain silent. James gives a shake of his head. “Always full of surprises.” He extends his hand and runs the tip of his index finger down the side of my neck past my pulse point and down to the tops of my breasts. My breathing becomes shallow as he runs his finger along the top of the bustier. “I’m curious. What did you hope to gain with this… move?”
“You act as if we are playing some kind of game.” “Aren’t we?” His voice is a low purr. “Is that what a relationship is to you… a game? Do you feel like you always have to have the upper hand?” “Ah ha, so you admit it. You are vying for the upper hand.” “That isn’t what I said, and you know it.” I know I sound defensive and resolve not to let him provoke me further. I have a feeling he is doing it on purpose. “Don’t deny that you are using your sexuality to what… tame me?” “But isn’t that what you always do? As soon as I disagree with you, you distract me with sex. Maybe it’s time that you had a taste of your own medicine.” James cocks an eyebrow. “Are you saying that making love to me is like taking medicine?” “Stop twisting my words around. You know that it is not what I meant.”
Ava Hayworth is grateful to be doing what she loves best – writing full time! She has been a voracious romance reader for as long as she can remember, and nothing makes her happier than plotting the love lives of the characters she creates. After living and working in New York City, Ava moved with her family, which includes a husband, two kids and a cat, to Berlin, Germany. When she is not writing, she tries to soak up as much German language and culture as she can.
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In the chaos of New York, true love can be hard to find, even when it's been right under your nose all along…
Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. After witnessing the fallout of her parents' divorce, she's seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that's strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race… Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years but, sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, has always played it cool. But then he uncovers new depths to the girl he's known forever and doesn't want to wait a moment longer. He knows Frankie has secrets and has buried them deep, but can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset?
In a Facebook post, someone asked just recently what is the most romantic place for a couple to take a mini vacation - I answered New York City. And Frankie and Matt proved me right ten fold.
This story is filled with love, adoration, devotion, passion, loyalty, humor, and joy. Yes, it also has some serious issues, problems that require help from the police, real life matters, but it certainly made me smile and sigh and think all kinds of happy thoughts. The story is filled with joyful, loving banter, drizzled with positive humor, and written so well, I was hanging on to every single word, not wanting to put the book down. Frankie is such a mess with her issues and phobias. At first, I was little frustrated with her since I am a firm believer that part of maturity is that you stop blaming your childhood for your problems and take responsibility for your own actions. Surely Frankie could have used a few sessions with a licensed therapist, but as her story unfolds, and the actions of her parents come to light, it is easier to understand why Frankie is so afraid of relationships, commitment, and love. Matt, he is just perfect. Even as I tried to find a fault in him, I couldn't, and not because he didn't have any, but because those made him just even more perfect for Frankie. He is the understanding, listening, passionate, compassionate, caring, loving, protective, sensitive man most women dream of, and if there was one book hero from 2016 I should pick, that would be him. I loved how their story is progressing. They have known each other over twenty years, so I thought the advanced speed of the things was appropriate. Their circle of friends is the family of heart they have made over the years, and the loyalty to them runs deep and wide. The writing style reminded me a little of Jill Mansell, a Britt author who's work I adore, and Matt and Frankie's story is one of those you want to return to again and again, a paperback keepsake for sure. A delightful, luscious, and captivating tale, that pulled me into the story. The events unfold like a big screen movie in front of you, while you are cheering, sighing and swooning with and for the characters. This delectable tale, a little bit on the lighter side, was just what I needed right now. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated 4 times for the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
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Her Renegade Rancher
Montana Men #5 By: Jennifer Ryan Releasing September 20, 2016 Avon
Colt Kendrick knows one thing about a small town, you can’t avoid anyone for long-especially a girl he crossed the line with and is best friends with his brother’s fiancé. Luna could have been the one if he hadn’t done her wrong. Colt’s intentions are nothing but honorable, but his thoughts about Luna sure aren’t. How could he ever let a sweet girl like her go? He won’t make that mistake twice.
Luna Hill thought she lost her shot with the sexy cowboy, but sometimes lightning does strike twice. While she wants to see what one scorching kiss leads to, she’s got a job offer out of state. Will she stay stuck in her less than life, or reach for her dream? An unexpected and amazing opportunity will keep her in town and give her what her heart desires most, a chance to be with Colt, but it comes with a price that may cost Colt his life. Colt will do anything to keep Luna safe, including put his life on the line, because nothing is more important than the woman who showed Colt he has a heart-and it belongs to her. “You drive me crazy.” She didn’t even hide her smile. “Why?” “Because all I want to do is kiss you.” “More things we agree on.” She placed her hand on the back of his neck, went up on tiptoe, and brushed her lips over his. Like a match swiped across the rough edge of the box, a fire lit inside of them. Colt’s arms banded around her. One big hand held her lower back. He planted the other right on her ass, his long fingers lay over the curve, inches from the tingling heat building between her legs. He pulled her closer and took the kiss deeper. His tongue glided along hers. She moaned. He growled, titled his head for a better angle, and kissed her socks off. Luna lost herself in Colt’s arms. The first kiss they shared rocked her world off center and left her wondering if what she felt that night in the parking lot was real or just her imagination. Not only was the passion and need real, something opened inside her and everything within her settled. God, the man could kiss.
BOOKS & SPOONS REVIEW COMING ON FRIDAY
Q: Where do you get most of your storyline's from? News? Imagination? Built from prior titles?
I have a very active imagination. I get honked at for missing the red light turning green a lot. When I’m doing mundane things like taking a shower, washing dishes, or working in the garden, my mind just wanders and I start weaving stories in my head. I keep a notebook where I jot them down for later because I’m so busy writing the books. When I’m writing, I love to set up characters for their own books. I like to introduce characters and leave readers wondering what will come of them. The Hunted series is tied to the Montana Men series in that way. From the Montana Men series, I’ve got two other series I’d like to spin off. One will be my upcoming Montana Heat series in 2017. Q: Which title or couple has been the easiest to write and which gave you the most trouble? At Wolf Ranch was the hardest book to work on. My amazing editor and I probably did about five rounds of edits before we had the plot just right. All the threads had to come together at the end and every time we changed something in the beginning, we had to work our way to the end again to be sure it all worked out. Such a labor of love because I really loved the relationship between Gabe and Ella and tackling a complicated, dysfunctional family. Q: Which heroine do you feel most closely relates to your personality? They all have a little bit of me in them. I connect the most with Bell from Her Lucky Cowboy. I know what it’s like to feel like nothing you do will ever be good enough. That no matter how smart you are or how much you achieve in your life, you’re still not good enough for the people you think should love you no matter what…but they don’t. So you hide your disappointment and hurt and do it for yourself. Bell just wants to be loved and be a part of a loving family. She finds that with Dane and discovers that kindness is worth more than anything. I get that. It’s become very important in my life to be around people who are kind and do things that come from the heart. Q: You're known for adding a little "suspense" to your romances. Do you have a fun piece of research that you needed for one of your books? I’m pretty sure I’m on the FBI and Homeland Security watch lists for the research I do online. My stalker research turned very dark, learning the psychology behind someone with that kind of deep, dark obsession. I find I’m drawn to that type of thing, the why behind the things people do. Whether it’s based on the way they were treated in the past or a psychological flaw in their moral compass, I want to know how they came to this place where hurting others seems the only way to get what they want - or they just like it. For Stone Cold Cowboy, I did a lot of research on meth addicts and making meth. I was surprised to learn the life expectancy of a meth addict is only five years from the time they start. That’s sad and devastating for those hoping to help their loved ones in that terrible circumstance. I also learned how to make meth, so if the whole writing thing doesn’t work out…Just kidding. It’s a terrible epidemic and destroys lives, not just for those who become addicted to the drugs but their families and friends. As I tried to depict with Sadie and her brother Connor in Stone Cold Cowboy. Q: What is your favorite part of writing romances? The happy ending! I love writing the romance from first kiss to happy-ever-after and everything that happens in between. I put my characters through a lot to earn that happy ending and I want my readers to know that after all that, they’re going to be okay. They have a partner who supports them. They have love. That’s all any of us wants. Q: What are you currently working on? A brand new series! Montana Heat. Fans of the Montana Men series met Caden and Beck “Trigger” Cooke, two sexy DEA agents, in Stone Cold Cowboy. They lead off the new series in 2017. But first, don’t miss Colt’s big brother Ford, who will finally get a second chance at love when Jamie returns from the military to claim His Cowboy Heart.
Jennifer Ryan is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Intercepting Daisy
Love and Football #6 By: Julie Brannagh Released September 6, 2016 Avon Impulse
From USA Today bestselling author Julie Brannagh comes the next fun and incredibly sexy novel in her beloved Seattle Sharks series.
When Daisy Spencer wrote an erotic novella about the Seattle Sharks' backup quarterback and her #1 crush, Grant Parker, she never expected it to become a runaway bestseller. If anyone discovers she wrote the sexy story, her days as a flight attendant for the Sharks would be over. But once she gets to know the real man behind the fantasy, her heart may be in more danger than her job. Having Seattle fans think squeaky clean Grant is wild in bed is the last thing he needs-even if it might be closer to the truth than he will ever say. As he spends his days, and nights, with the gorgeous Daisy, he's not interested in going back to the lonely life he once led. But when the real author of the novella is finally outed, Grant and Daisy must both reveal the secrets they've hidden away or risk losing a love that's better than any fantasy.
I have always enjoyed American football, I like to watch the games, and have my favorite teams, yet rarely have I stopped to think about what kind of life they live outside the field, about the pressure from peers, the team, the media, the fans, family, and friends. In Intercepting Daisy one journalist with a personal vendetta changes lives for many, and makes life rather uncomfortable for Daisy and Grant, both with their careers and with their personal lives.
I liked that the story had a balanced mix of the game and life outside of it. And that the life of a football player wasn't painted as dancing on the roses, but at least to me sounded rather realistic, stressful, and tense, trying to live up to everyone's expectations of themselves. Many of the ballplayers do charity work on their off time, and I was glad to see that given attention in the book. Daisy and Grant are rather adorable in an awkward sort of way. They have an obvious connection, they enjoy each other's company, and they seem to understand and accept each other as they are. And when the conflict comes, the sadness each of them feels because of it was evident. What I never was able to grasp was why would Daisy write and publish the erotica story with Grant's name and his picture on the cover, if she didn't want to get caught as an author and the book to get so much publicity. I struggled a bit at the beginning of the book with Grant's attitude towards his parents and their faith, and the level of maturity both Daisy and Grant were proclaiming. But if you take the story as a young adult tale, maybe Grant and Daisy fits better to the expectations. But as the story unfolded I got more and more into it, the characters grew on me, and I found myself rooting for them. It turned out to be a great football romance, mixing the game with conflicts on and off the field, as well as moments of joy, cheer, and accomplishments. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Grant Parker heard a loud crack as he rolled over in his date’s bed and onto something buried in the sheets. He looked at the sleeping form next to him and sighed in relief when she didn’t stir.
He extracted an e-reader from under one of his hips as he sat up and stared at a large horizontal fracture in the screen in the dim light from her bathroom. Crap. Grant couldn’t remember her name, but he was willing to bet she remembered his. Even more, she was probably going to be pissed about the broken e-reader. Shaking his head to clear out some of the cobwebs, he knew he needed to get his ass out of here. He had a hundred bucks in his wallet. He’d leave the money to replace the e-reader (along with a note) ten seconds before he walked out the front door of her apartment. Still too drunk to drive, he would call Uber as soon as he got outside. He’d met her at a bar last night. She was exactly what he’d wanted: a woman who wanted one night with him. They’d had a lot of drinks, and they’d taken a cab to her place. Minutes later, they were naked. He’d had her twice before they both fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. He wondered what the biggest aphrodisiac was for the women who fucked his brains out on a regular basis: that he played pro football or that they were delighted to discover he was an excellent lay. She’d have several orgasms to remember him by. The Sharks’ PR department worked overtime to craft his squeaky-clean image. Grant had arrived in Seattle as a result of being drafted out of his small, conservative Christian college’s football team. The Sharks had cut their former backup QB after a DUI and a sexual assault arrest. Grant was in the right place at the right time. Grant’s parents were also the nationally known pastors of a megachurch in Texas, which seemed to seal the deal for the Sharks. It was clear in Grant’s combine interview with the team’s head coach and the general manager that any hint of bad behavior in his personal life would not be tolerated. The team believed Grant’s background and football skills would go a long way to smoothing things over with angry fans. Grant wanted to play for Seattle. It was the perfect situation. The Sharks’ PR department circulated pictures of him to the local media with approved dates—girls from the local Christian college, for instance. He’d take them to dinner and a movie or a game. He’d walk them to their front door by ten pm, kiss them on the cheek, and make sure they were safely inside before he got in his car and went looking for what he really wanted: raw, anonymous sex with someone he knew he had no intention of seeing again. He didn’t lie to anyone he was with. He had told each woman before they went to her place that he was in for one night and one night only. He told them he didn’t have sex without protection, which he provided. They nodded, smiled, and tried every sexual enticement in their arsenal to change his mind. It seemed that the women he dated always wanted what they could not have. If he met someone who boinked his brains out and told him to leave as soon as he got dressed, he’d be back for more. So far, it hadn’t happened. He knew he was playing with fire for being so public. He knew he should find a woman who was interested in a mutually beneficial (and highly confidential) arrangement. He wasn’t callous or cavalier toward anyone else’s feelings. He just wasn’t interested in getting tied down to anyone, at least in the short term. If he got caught having multiple one-night stands, his carefully constructed image would blow up in his face, and any chance he had of succeeding Tom Reed, the Sharks’ starting QB, would be gone. He understood his behavior could be chalked up to doing the forbidden, to the idea he was getting away with something he shouldn’t do. What kind of idiot would jeopardize eight million dollars a season for standing on the sidelines with a clipboard sixteen Sundays a year by taking such a risk? The Sharks organization wanted their fans to believe Grant spent his evenings with his playbook and turned in early. Alone. Preferably after reading a few pages of the Bible and saying his prayers. He was a normal, healthy guy with a normal, healthy sex drive. Was this a crime? Grant wanted to watch the Sharks’ starting QB Tom Reed on the sidelines holding a clipboard as Grant threw TD after TD. He wanted to be the guy in the hundred-foot-tall mural screen painted on the side of Sharks Stadium. He also wanted to be the guy who’d get his pick of twice as many women who all wanted to do him. After all, the ladies wanted the real thing: a starter. He clicked on the small button that activated the e-reader. It still worked, despite the cracked screen. He saw the title of the last book she was reading, Overtime Parking; a picture of him crossing the tarmac at an airport to get on the Sharks’ team plane was on the cover. He’d been the subject of a lot of press, but someone had written a book about him? He hadn’t seen this yet. He was surprised his agent or the team publicist hadn’t told him about it. He’d have to call them both tomorrow. Maybe he should take a look at a page or two to figure out if this was an unauthorized biography. He touched the unbroken part of the screen with his fingertip, and the text appeared. And I shoved Parker’s football pants down with both hands. He was naked beneath and sporting a gigantic erection. “Want it?” he said. “Yes.” I unzipped my jeans and wriggled until both jeans and underwear slipped to my knees. I unhooked my bra and pushed my sweater up around my neck. I lay back on the hood of his car in the team’s parking lot, spreading my legs, entirely exposed to him. In full view of anyone walking past. The parking lot was full of cars; it was a matter of time before we were discovered. I reached down to touch myself, to move my fingers in the wetness I felt dripping out of me. I wanted to show him I could come from staring at him and stroking my clit. I wanted him to see it all and to want me as badly as I wanted him. “Fuck me,” I said. He yanked my jeans and my panties off and pushed my legs up over his shoulders. I couldn’t concentrate on anything besides his arms caging me, his mouth on mine, his hard, massive dick entering me seconds later. I arched into him, my nipples scraping against his rock-hard chest. He grabbed my ass to pull me into his pistoning hips. Somehow, it was even more thrilling to know we might have an audience, and I ground into him as a result. “Oh, God. Fuck me! I have to have you!” I told him as I moved against him. He pounded into me, over and over. I heard flesh slapping against flesh and the muffled groans of satisfaction deep in his throat. I wrenched my mouth from his, raked my nails down his back, and let out a loud cry. “More!” I cried out. “Harder!” “Oh, I’ll give it to you harder,” he growled as he thrust again. I wrapped my legs around his hips as tightly as I could. My clit rubbed against his pelvis as I moved against him. The hood of his car was cold but slippery against my back. It was going to be covered with our juices by the time we were done. There was nothing like the smell of sex; it surrounded us in the cold night air. I reached down to grab his ass with both hands, pulling him closer. “Faster,” I cried. “More!” “I’ll give you more,” he said roughly. “I’m going to fuck you, and then I’m going to fuck you again. Right here. Where everyone can see us. They’ll know how dirty you are, how badly you want it. How you’d fuck them too.” He was breathing hard. He thrust faster, and I could feel myself coming, lust and adrenaline coursing through my bloodstream as I reached between us to rub my clit. “That’s it,” he said. “You want it. You want everyone to see you coming all over me, don’t you? Come for me. Come now.” I let out a scream as my entire body convulsed around him. The waves of pleasure and release went on and on. I must have blacked out for a few seconds; I could hear applause and whistles as I came to. I saw a knot of guys a few feet from us; I was beyond caring that I was laid out like a naked, panting feast in front of them. I was limp in his arms, and he grinned down at me. He turned, made a slight bow to the onlookers, and turned back to me. His dick was already getting hard again as I watched. “Ready for round two?” he said. “I’m going to do every nasty thing to you you’ve ever dreamed of. In front of them. And you’re going to love every minute of it.” Grant stared in shock at the broken e-reader’s screen. What the hell was this?
Food and the Author
I’d love to tell my readers that I eat nothing but healthy foods when I am on deadline. No pizza, chocolate, or anything else that makes me feel better about the impending doom – oops, turning in a book. I love my job but sometimes it’s stressful. Mostly, I’m eating whatever tastes good, and all of it is fairly caloric. In the good old days, writers used alcohol to numb their anxiety and insecurity. Actually, many writers still have a fondness for a glass of wine (or four) but I’m not much of a drinker. I cope with carbs instead. Ahh, carbs. Any form of potato will do. I haven’t met one yet I didn’t like. I’m also quite enamored of macaroni and cheese. We eat the following dish on winter holidays. It’s the only time I allow myself to make it. I realize it should come with the phone number of a good cardiologist, but it’s possible to make this with light sour cream and light cream cheese. Use the butter, though. Life is short, and these potatoes are worth it. Without further ado, I bring you potatoes so delicious your sister-in-law will show up at your front door hours after Thanksgiving dinner is over and ask, “Are there any more of those potatoes left?” Mashed Potato Casserole 4 pounds of peeled and chunked-up potatoes 1/3 to ½ cup sour cream (I typically don’t measure and just add tablespoons) 1 garlic clove, diced (I use at least two, but you can make your own choices on this one.) 2 teaspoons of butter 1 brick of cream cheese Diced green onion to taste Salt and pepper to taste Paprika Peel and cut up potatoes, put them in a saucepan. Cover potatoes with water and cook until fork-tender, drain. Dump potatoes into a sufficiently-sized mixing bowl (or the mixing bowl of one’s Kitchen Aid) and add all ingredients but paprika to the bowl. Mix until smooth. Preheat oven to 350 degrees while mixing the potatoes. Grease a 9”x13” baking dish. (More butter. YAY.) When the potatoes are smooth, spoon into the baking dish and smooth the top of your casserole. Place three pats of butter (1 teaspoon apiece or so, I just plunk some on there) evenly atop the casserole and sprinkle the entire thing lightly with paprika. Bake for ½ hour or so. It can also be pre-made, refrigerated and reheated at 1 hour in a 350 degree oven. Enjoy! What’s your favorite food when you’re stressed out? Tell me in the comments!
USA Today Bestselling Author, Julie Brannagh has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of contemporary sports romances. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
The Secret Next Door
Nurse Gena Satterfield knew raising her rebellious nephew, Derrick, would be tough, but moving to Gabriel's Crossing was supposed to help ease the transition into their new reality. That was before she realized her new neighbor was Quinn Buchanon—her teenage crush, the town's onetime star quarterback…and Derrick's father. Her sister's dying wish was that Gena keep this secret. Yet watching Quinn connect with the boy and penetrate his angry walls, Gena begins to see him in a whole new light. Now, torn between the truth and the promise she made, Gena has to follow her heart. And hope they can all heal together…as a family.
Compassionate, grace-filled, a tender tale of acceptance, forgiveness, finding the blessing in un-answered prayers, and about family, with all it entails, in fun and struggles.
This story dealt with some real and difficult issues that come close to home to many, yet often are rather not talked about. Quinn’s drug addiction started innocently enough, yet it escalated into something that started to change him and his life. Chronic pain management is a careful tightrope action that needs dedicated professionals help, control, guidance and advises. I understand the limits of the in-depth material and space the author could have gone here, yet she managed to bring out the pain, intensity and effort, even danger, it takes to detox from the pills if the control has been lost. I appreciated how their faith played a big role in this recovery, as well finding their way to each other. Quinn relied on God’s providence and guidance during his struggles. Gena praying and relying on God while navigating in the deep waters with her nephew and Quinn. The family support was amazing. I love how they wanted to spend time with the family, even though they worked together, and cherished the time they had on Sundays. Gena and Quinn were hot together. I don’t usually say this about the couples on Love Inspired stories because for some reason the passionate love between the couples is hidden, being more sweet and adorable in nature. But there was tangible attraction between Quinn and Gena, and even though the story and their love and attraction were kept clean and sweet, there was no denying that there was something real, natural, and passionate in between them, and I loved it. Derrick and the kittens brought a serious cuteness and adorability to the tale. I struggled a bit with the way Gena and her family dealt with Derrick and the paternity. I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Of course, it all was explained why, and well put into a frame of mind why they did what they did, but my struggle is still with the secrets, and her parent's attitude. There're a lot of elements and events in this sincere and poignant story that made me smile, think about sunny Sunday autumn afternoons with the family, true feel-good moments of cheer. Yet the story had a clear, serious message, not only about the drug abuse and the difficulty to come back from it but of faith, God’s guidance in our lives when asked and accepted, the blessings of unanswered prayers, and the importance of a family and its support. The Buchanons have stolen my heart with their warmth and accepting hearts and minds, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better and find out about the harassment and vandalism on their construction sites. ~ Four Spoons
A Rancher's Mission
As a volunteer at the Lone Star Cowboy League Boys Ranch, Tanner Barstow helps the troubled young residents turn their lives around. When a local rancher dies and leaves his large property to the boys ranch, Tanner finds himself spending a lot of time with Macy Swanson, whose orphaned nephew, Colby, lives at the ranch. Tanner's attracted to the newcomer, but she doesn't fit his plans. Macy longs to have Colby come home with her, but the former city girl worries she won't be the mother he deserves. Can Tanner help her see that the future she and Colby need is right here—with him?
A heartwarming and heartbreaking story, that really got to me good. The ranch is doing such an important labor of love, taking care of all the boys in need of guidance and a safe place to be. I loved how the community was behind the place, mostly, and how everyone was willing to help when needed.
Macy and Tanner's attraction grew rapidly after they first noticed each other after a year in the same circles. The built up with their feelings and interest is subtle, natural, and genuine. Them being able to lean on each other at the time of trouble and drama, was a great sign of the trust building in between them. Colby's sorrow and fear of abandonment break your heart a bit. The process this young man has to go trough is tough, the circumstances around it sad, yet his progress gives you hope of better days to come. The process of grieving on both Macy and Colby is well done with the growth, setbacks, doubts, and moving on, building a new life. I would have liked to see their faith in God to play even bigger role in this healing process, as now it was left more in the background with few quick prayers when in troubled. Of course, the church itself was a central place in the tale, but just going to church on Sundays doesn't mean you learn to trust God's guidance in your life. Even though this is a tough tale that hits into the heart, and makes you go through the process with the characters, it is not all mourning and difficult decisions. There are moments of smiles, joy, jubilee, and the sweet, adorable, touching times as Macy and Tanner try to find their way to each other's heart. Many events at the town are not resolved in this tale, obviously part of the developing series, and I believe the future books will tell us more about the process of the will, the people they have to find, and who is trying to sabotage the boy's ranch and people in town. The story doesn't end with a cliffhanger per se, just leaves all these matters open and to be continued on future installments. An inspiring and heartfelt story of love, parenting, learning to live again after a great loss, and the amazing things a community can accomplish if they so will. ~ Four Spoons
Saved By A Soldier
Love Conquers Life Series #1
Patricia Ann Fitzgerald is no man’s arm candy…
Refusing to entertain her mother’s ridiculous notion that she should become the perfect little housewife for her ex-boyfriend Ben, Patty escapes to her father’s lake house to focus on what matters most to her. She has to break through her writer’s block and start her next book.
Medically discharged from the service and suffering from PTSD, Carter Montgomery is still trying to get his life back in order…
When Carter's father Jackson suggests a week at the lake, it's not only so he can gain a little clarity about his future. Jackson has other plans for his recovering son, intending for him to watch over his best friend’s daughter while she’s on a solo writing retreat—an idea that doesn’t please Carter at all.
Patty finds it hard to get any work done when her attention keeps diverting to the handsome stranger next door…
Patty is persuaded to attend a charity event, despite knowing her ex will be in attendance. When Ben rudely interrupts Patty’s dance with her father and drags her off the floor, Carter is quick to intervene. He’s tired of admiring Patty from afar, and refuses to see her treated that way. Ready to ditch the stuffy event, Patty escapes with her savior someplace where they can finally talk.
Ben always gets what he wants, and he isn’t willing to let Patty slip away…
Patty fights to preserve her blooming relationship with Carter from the critical eyes of her mother and the scheming ways of her ex. Will Carter manage to get his life back in order in time to save Patty from the life she never wanted?
My Broken Soldier
Love Conquers Life Series #2
Patricia Fitzgerald is finally ready to bring her relationship with Carter into the limelight, despite what her mother thinks…
Patty is prepared to face the consequences and announce her relationship at her first public fundraiser with Carter. But when a strange woman makes a move on him, and she finds them in what appears to be a mutual, passionate kiss, Patty can’t believe she’s been so foolish. She should’ve known better than to trust a man.
Carter’s been set up, but he can’t get anyone to believe him…
Floundering under the stress of losing Patty, the PTSD nightmares start in again, leaving Carter no choice but to turn to the only thing that will numb the pain. Alcohol—and lots of it. His family quickly intervenes and takes him to the hospital to kick-start his road to recovery. Carter knows burying the pain isn’t the answer. He has to heal…and save his relationship with Patty.
Outside forces work to keep Patty and Carter apart…
Suspicious of her mother’s recent actions, Patty pushes her to come clean about the setup at the fundraiser. Her jealous ex, Ben, has been blackmailing her mother into helping him ruin her relationship with Carter, and it doesn’t stop at that. Ben shows up at the lake house unwilling to accept no for an answer.
Carter needs to piece his broken life back together, but he’s running out of time…
With so many who want to destroy their happiness, he has to be strong enough to save Patty from an empty, loveless future—or he’ll be nothing more than the broken soldier she used to know.
Forever My Soldier
Love Conquers Life Series #3
All Patricia Fitzgerald wants is to live happily ever after with her soldier…
With their relationship finally out in the open, and Carter on the fast track to recovery, Patty spends Black Friday helping him with his charity event. Their attempt to spread Christmas cheer is interrupted, though, when Patty’s ex-boyfriend Ben, who has been harassing her for months, shows up. Fearing for Patty’s life, one of the men on the protection detail springs into action.
Patty finally thinks her worries are over, but the media won’t leave her alone…
The press is everywhere. Patty wants to move on with her life, but they’re relentless in their badgering about the circumstances surrounding Ben. If that isn’t enough stress to endure, someone spikes Patty’s drink during a New Year’s Eve event, and it isn’t her meddling ex. Luckily, Carter is there to save her when she collapses, but this constant threat to her life isn’t going away.
Planning a wedding becomes tedious instead of fun when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder…
A cake tasting is supposed to be one of those days as a future bride when you get to sit back and take a break from the chaos of planning the ceremony. Someone new is out there, though, and they aren’t happy with how Patty handled Ben and her newfound fame in the press. Can Carter manage to keep his fiancé slong enough to put their ordeal with Ben behind them for good and finally become…
…forever her soldier?
ASoldier For Bella
Love Conquers Life Series #4
Bella Campbell has a budding modeling career, a terrific boyfriend—and a stalker…
Everything in Bella’s life seems to be working out. She’s landed the guy of her dreams in former soldier Derek Thompson, and now she’s attained the contract of a lifetime—centerfold model for a famous swimsuit magazine. The only problem is she has a stalker. He keeps leaving her notes, roses, and now he’s taken to cyberstalking.
If dealing with Bella’s unwanted admirer wasn’t trouble enough, Derek has his own problems…
One of the rehabilitation facilities Derek oversees fails inspection, while another needs new equipment for the returning troops staying at the home. But Derek isn’t about to let the constant flow of bad news interfere with protecting Bella. He decides to take matters into his own hands and lure her unwanted shadow out of hiding, so he can take care of it once and for all.
But Derek isn’t the only one with a plan to end this feud over Bella…
Derek knows Bella’s stalker believes he is simply a complication that can be removed with force, but this soldier is ready for a fight. Bella is everything Derek has ever wanted, and nothing, not even death threats, is going to keep them apart.
Can Derek use his skills to put an end to Bella’s stalker? Or will this unknown villain finally succeed in capturing Bella for his own and take Derek out of the picture?
There isn’t a price Derek won’t pay to make sure there will always be…
A Soldier for Bella.
Alison Mello is a wife and stay at home mom to a wonderful little boy. She lives with her amazing family in Massachusetts. She loves playing soccer, basketball and football with her son.
After having her son, Alison started reading again and fell in love with Contemporary Romance. Reading made her happy and gave her something to do when she had downtime. As she started to read more, she started to noticed things she really enjoyed in a book and things she didn’t. She began to have ideas for writing one of her own. One day she literally woke up and started writing. She realized that if there was ever a time for her to write, it was now. She had a part time job to give her something to do. The hours at work were slow and she was bored with what she was doing, so while her son was off enjoying his friends over summer vacation she got started.
Alison finished the first book in two weeks and decided that she really enjoyed writing, so she kept going. She already had ideas in mind for books two and three, so she kept writing. That is how the Learning to Love Series was born. Somewhere along the line, one of my Beta readers convinced me that Michael, a character from Finding Love, needed his own story. That is when Alison added the fourth and final book. Alison hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
She’s so glad she started this writing journey and hopes you will stay with her for the ride.
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