Learning to trust could bring them together—keeping secrets could tear them apart
Going undercover to take down murderous gun smugglers is what Duff Watson lives for. Until he tracks the ring to a Missouri farm…and meets paramedic Melanie Fiske. Now the KCPD detective has another critical task: winning over the curvy redhead who tempts him yet whom he can't let himself trust. Something about the protective ex-soldier makes Melanie believe he can help her find out the truth about her family. And the desire Duff awakens feels like the real thing. But when Melanie's life is threatened, can she keep trusting—and loving—a man who lives a life of dangerous deception? The Precinct: Bachelors in Blue
As the prologue of the story goes from a sweet and sentimental moment to a full blown deadly action the hero Tom Duff Watson's different sides of personality and nature is shown to the reader in clear colors. He is a protective warrior, willing to go face to face with danger if someone is threatening his loved ones. Yet there's the charming, kind, considerate, a tender feeling sweet man inside there that had me sighing and swooning while watching him in action.
And Melanie Fiske was the perfect mate to Tom. Her life had been restricted at the compound and she had never experienced a romance or attraction yet there was the burning need inside her to get to know Tom better, to be close to him, to touch him. The passion between them was fierce and gentle at the same time, the chemistry was delightfully sizzling. They were friends who shared their secrets, sorrows, and aspirations, they were partners who had each other's back, they were lovers with a deep yearning and eagerness to please their mate. I absolutely adored them together, still smiling just thinking about them! The Fiske community is based on a dictatorial fear that keeps the followers on line. Out of that fear, they will do what they are told to do, the seemingly picturesque life in their community is based on control and scare tactics. The knowledge that something sinister is behind the closed doors is building up the edgy dangerous feelings the suspense on the story is based on. The constant feeling that someone is watching your every movement, just waiting for you to fail a direct order or step out of line. That creepy kind of fear that gives you chills on your spine and goosebumps in your arms, that chill you can feel through the story as it unfolds and more deceit is revealed. I enjoyed the author's voice and the effortless flow of the well-written tale. I could feel the enthusiasm and passion for telling the story, for the characters and their survival as well as for the HEA. That kind of energy and emotion transfers to the reader and adds to the indulgence of the tale. A perfect mix of suspense and romance where the escalating danger and adoration are seamlessly twined together, where you are sighing and swooning one moment then holding your breath in fear in a flash of the threat. ~ Five Spoons!
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A Texas Lawman will do anything to protect his son--even if it includes reuniting with the boy's on-the-run mother...
Lucas Ryland always had a way with the ladies--until Hailey Darrow dropped him after a shared night of passion. Then he discovered her unconscious body in a wrecked car, with a fake ID and enough cash to disappear. Unbeknownst to him, the one who got away was leaving town with his baby... Now Hailey is out of her coma and still in danger. But hiding her at his Silver Creek ranch ignites old passions...and introduces new dangers. Lucas must use every protective instinct in his arsenal to keep Hailey and their infant son safe. And keep his body from remembering how good it felt to hold her in his arms...
I was thrilled to get a chance to read Lucas & Hailey's story, knowing from the previous books in the series that Hailey was in a coma and Lucas was raising their newborn son alone. I have been looking forward to this tale and it didn't disappoint, what an adrenaline rush it was! So take a deep breath and jump right into the action, the fact that this is the last installment of the Ryland clan series is no hindrance to the enjoyment of the story.
The suspense is elevated, the tension is high, the action is constant, and there is more than one possible culprit who the lawmen can pin the crimes on. Every single story of the series I have read has been filled with action, battles, and suspense that had me on pins and needless, making the books impossible to put down until the end. Lucas and Hailey had a history between them, they had a baby. The circumstances around the baby's birth and Hailey's troubles had brought animosity into Lucas' mind towards her. As Hailey is able to bring light to the past events and current attacks, Lucas realizes the truth and is willing to risk his own life to keep her safe. The attraction between them was sizzling. I loved the way they were with each other, the allure pulling them closer at every chance. The difficult timing - with the constant attacks at Hailey - didn't matter that much when the feelings took over. The tender feelings they had with each other had strong roots, and it didn't take a long time for those emotions to bloom again. A fantastic thriller where every moment counts, each of them filled with unexpected twists and turns in the plot with nonstop, explosive, deadly action while the guns are blazing. Mix in a loyal family who is willing to do anything for you, plenty of babies, and a little romance with palpable passion and you have a greatly entertaining story that will leave you breathless! ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
This is the summer of Annie Sparks—at least according to her. No more supporting lazy jerks or coddling irresponsible family or taking care of anyone who doesn’t deserve her help. Instead she’s headed to an estate in a remote mountain town, to spend her summer with her boots covered in mud and her hands working the earth. Love is the last thing on her mind.
Nugget is a long way from Logan Jenkins’ old life as a Navy SEAL. But before he starts fresh in the private sector, he receives a bequest from a man he never knew: his biological father. To learn more about his background, Logan makes his way to his late father’s estate, where he is immediately knocked on his heels by an incredible woman with a heart of gold. Annie’s not looking for a fling, and Logan knows Nugget can’t be forever, so falling in love should be impossible. But when they’re together, time stops, and suddenly the impossible seems like the only thinkable option . . .
Falling Hard was a story easy to fall for. I have read some installments of the series before, and the small town Nugget has charmed me with its meddling townsfolk and fast friends who have made caring for each other and spreading information fast into an artform.
Annie Sparks is a lovely heroine. I have met her in a previous story and liked her immediately. There is just such a genuinely kind spirit in her, she likes to help others, she is unique, sweet, and fun to be around. Her family farm is struggling because of the drama around her brother, her ex took an advantage of her kind heart, yet through the story, she learns to stand up for herself, she makes compromises, and she falls hard, head over heels, for Logan Jenkins. Logan is perfect hero material. The former SEAL came to his biological father's small hometown to seek his roots, met Annie, and decided to stay for awhile. Logan is a solid character, he is generous, kind, considerate, fearless, badass who likes an adrenaline rush. With a little action and danger, he gets to show what he is made of, with Annie all his better qualities are present. It was delightful to see him falling for her, the feelings were palpable in the air, the passion and adoration were zestful and gentle. Falling Hard is a story that gives you all those warm and fuzzy feelings. It makes you smile and sigh while you live in the moment with characters, hoping for the best and cheering them on. There aren't many surprises or unexpected twists in the story, but it still kept the hold of my interest, were vastly entertaining, Nugget being one of those small towns where you want to keep returning to for a visit. A lovely and lively story for romance lovers ~ Four Spoons
Drew Sellers is drowning in broken dreams and empty beer bottles. Hockey was his world, until a bum knee reduced him from superstar to has-been. Then he learns that, thanks to a one-night-stand back in college, he’s the father of a preteen girl with major issues. Her protective aunt sees right through Drew’s BS, but “Auntie P” is no stereotypical spinster. With her slender curves, toned legs, and luscious lips, she has Drew indulging in fantasies that aren’t exactly family-friendly.
At another point in her life, Peyton Watt would have been all over a cocky alpha male who pushes all her buttons like Drew. Right now, though, she needs to focus on taking care of her niece during her sister’s health crisis, all while holding down a job and keeping her own head above water. Besides, Drew’s clearly no father of the year. He’s unemployed. He drinks too much. And he’s living in the past. But after Peyton gets a glimpse of the genuine man behind his tough-guy façade, she’s hooked—and there’s no going back.
An interesting concept in the book, with the inspirational quotes and phrases that were shared with every twist in the story. Even the name of the book is based on one of them, that you most likely have seen a million and one times in the social media - "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain". And there are plenty of these inserted into the story, enough to notice them. A cute idea, but is it original?
When it comes to the characters, I really liked both Sara and Chloe. Sara's mature and generous spirit when facing the terrible disease and death at the young age was admirable. I was sobbing when it came time to say goodbye to her. Chloe was so brave while facing SO much turbulence in a young life. Her mother was dying, she finally had a father in her life, her aunt was living with them, and she is just starting to face the world of the teens, that in itself, is a big change in a girl's life. I loved her spirit, I loved her spunk, and her open heart and mind. I liked the male lead, Drew Sellers, as well. His life changed at one big swoop, and anyone would find it hard to cope with the adjustments he had to make. Just losing your career is a big thing, but your wife as well, especially the way that went about. Then finding out you have a twelve-year-old daughter, finding out the child's mother is dying - logical that one would be an emotional mess. The first half of the story is heartbreaking with the preparations to the death the family will be facing. The love and bond between the family members are obvious and brought out all the feelings in me as well. It was a tear-filled feast of emotional turmoil for sure. After Sara death, the story changed and that is where my opinion of it tanked. I was struggling with Peyton's decisions, some of her actions are so selfish, I nearly didn't finish the book because I was annoyed with her. The ending is a predictable love story, there wasn't anything that stood out, it felt like all the emotions were spent on Sara's death, and the rest of the story was just steps taken to the HEA. I struggled with this review because I have such a split opinion of the story. I enjoyed the first half, the second one not so much. Payton isn't my favorite character, and I could not connect with her, or understand her and her actions. Yet the story is well written, it has a natural flow, and I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy the tale as it is, just surprisingly, the second half wasn't for me. ~ Three Spoons
Kandy Laine built her wildly popular food empire the old-fashioned way—starting with the basic ingredients of her grandmother’s recipes and flavoring it all with her particular brand of sweet spice. From her cookbooks to her hit TV show, Kandy is a kitchen queen—and suddenly someone is determined to poison her cup. With odd accidents and threatening messages piling up, strong-willed Kandy can’t protest when her team hires someone to keep her safe—but she can’t deny that the man for the job looks delicious. . .
Josh Keane is a private investigator, not a bodyguard. But with one eyeful of Kandy’s ebony curls and dimpled smile, he’s signing on to uncover who’s cooking up trouble for the gorgeous chef. As the attraction between them starts to simmer, it’s not easy to keep his mind on the job, but when the strange distractions turn to true danger, he’ll stop at nothing to keep Kandy safe—and show her that a future together is on the menu. . .
The story is built from three components. There are the love and passion Kandy has for cooking and everything culinary. There is the attraction and fascination Kandy has with Josh. And then there is the suspense, the kind of creepy suspense where you know that the culprit has to be someone who is close to you, someone you trust, someone who has a possibility to hurt you deeply, even deadly. And they violate your own space, your own safe harbor, your home, and that is the kind suspense that gets to me every single time.
I liked how the harassment case was built and plotted. The escalating attacks and the tension heightening brought a different kind of energy to the story. The intensity escalated, the threats being severe, and with so many people around Kandy, the guilty was kept hidden amongst the crowd till the end. I love when food and romance are mixed together, my two favorite things! The author knew what she was talking about when it came to Kandy's actions in the kitchen. It was a joy to read about her creations and prep work. The story showed the sensual and intimate side of cooking while Kandy was in the kitchen working with Josh, I enjoyed how those details were highlighted. The details are plentiful throughout the story, and maybe the escalating tension from the suspense would have been even more intense if Kandy and Josh wouldn't have been cleaning the kitchen so often with every move listed. It was a bit distracting to know every time when they were setting or clearing the table, and when doing the dishes, and where they put the plates... The attraction between Kandy and Josh was evident to everyone around them. I enjoyed the fervor and fire that was in the air when they were in the same space. Josh was a great wounded hero. He had a past of disappointments and hurt, yet he was driven, confident, and kind. His bossiness was equal to Kandy's, and the clashes between their power struggles brought up the passion to another height. There were times I wished Josh could have communicated more clearly to save others around him from unnecessary hurt and turmoil, but his intentions were never harmful, more like honorable. Kandy was as driven as Josh, they were a lot alike, but Kandy's personal character development was noticeable in the story. She learned to see people around her in a new light, from a different point of view, and she took a note and corrected her fierce and dominant actions. Cooking With Kandy is an entertaining, fun, flirtatious story where family matters above anything else, where love hits you like a lightning and changes your life. There is danger, there are threats and a big family meddling. There is cooking, great food, passion for love and life, and to everything that really matters in life. A marvelous mix of chilling mystery, frightening threats, joie de vivre, enthusiasm for life, love, and devotion. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Emergency Delivery
Love Emergency #2 By: Samanthe Beck Released March 16, 2016 Entangled Brazen
Madison Foley is determined to stand on her own two feet, no matter how wobbly her circumstances. Fate, however, keeps throwing her off balance, and then sending heroically hot paramedic Hunter Knox to save her.
She’s put men on the back burner until she gets her life on track. But Hunter’s got other plans. Decisions. Decisions. **Can be read as a stand alone**
“Not a mark on the car.”
Shane turned and walked back to where Sinclair stood with her skirt caught in the car door. “Or you?” Her chin came up as he drew near. “That goes without saying.” “Does it?” He dropped his gaze, and took a slow tour of some territory he’d once been intimately familiar with, starting at her bare shoulders and continuing to where satiny skin disappeared beneath blue silk. “I remember finding some extremely creative places to leave marks.” He ran his finger along the neckline of her dress. “So you wouldn’t get in trouble. You didn’t need to be as cautious with me.” “I”—she broke off and swallowed—“I don’t remember…” Oh, yeah. She remembered. He took the gift bag out of her hand and set it on the roof of the Mercedes. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Sinclair.” “What?” The word barely qualified as a whisper. “I’m still extremely creative.” With that, he dropped to his knee, and peered behind her. Her hand smacked his shoulder. “What are you doing?” “Seeing if I can find a creative solution to your little predicament.” The position gave him an up-close look at the tangle of her skirt in the car door, the torn seam that rendered the dress un-wearable—he turned his head slightly--aaand the tiny, lacy, black panties that left mouthwatering portions of her ass bare to his view. Without doing any sort of motive check, he let his cheek brush the smooth flesh. Muscles quivered in response. The hand on his shoulder switched to the top of his head, but she didn’t push him away. He trailed his lips across her thigh, automatically following the line of her panties where it hugged her hip and arrowed around front. Her shuddery exhale triggered his inhale. Her scent stormed his senses, achingly familiar, and dangerously arousing. The molecules infiltrated his brain, coated the back of his throat, and left him dizzy from need. Balancing before her on both knees, taking a hip in each hand, he slowly closed in on the sheer triangle covering the prize. “Shane…” He took another hungry inhale. The tip of his nose skimmed the lace. “Yes?” Those slim fingers slid down until her palm cupped the back of his head. Her thighs parted. “Ye—” A car alarm shattered the silence and broke the spell lust and memories had woven around them. She jerked away, shoved her skirt down, and glared at him. “That’s not part of our deal.” He stood, intentionally taking up the space she’d tried to carve out for herself. “Don’t kid yourself, Sinclair. That’s always been part of our deal.”
$0,99 SALE BUY LINKS:
Introducing an upcoming release in the series, EMERGENCY ATTRACTION (4/17):
Ten years ago when Shane Maguire chose the Marines as his escape from some trouble of his own making, he only regretted one thing—leaving Sinclair Smith behind. Despite his best intentions, she ended up as the one that got away. Now he’s back, determined to reclaim everything he gave up, including Sinclair.
Sinclair is immune to Shane’s charms. She’s immune to stolen kisses behind the gym. And she’s definitely immune to that maneuver he did in the back seat of his car… Okay, maybe her hormones are susceptible, but she has absolutely no desire to risk anything on the bad boy who broke all his promises. When a little emergency lands her at his mercy, he offers her a deal she can’t refuse. And this time, she’ll show Shane what it means to be left wanting… Pre-Order Links: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | ITUNES
USA Today bestselling author Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California, with her long-suffering husband, their turbo-son, and a furry ninja named Kitty.
When not dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks sexy ways to get her characters to happily-ever-after, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
PUPPY LOVE
by Kelly Moran Pub. Date: 2/28/2017 Contemporary Romance
After a passionless marriage under the scrutiny of high society, Avery Stowe is taking back her life. All she wants is a little privacy and a quiet place to raise her autistic daughter, Hailey. Redwood Ridge, Oregon, seems to offer all the right ingredients. Except for the problem of the local sexy veterinarian. The last thing she needs in her life is to fall for his irresistible allure, even if he is a nice guy who keeps doing her favors. But the well-meaning patrons of her new hometown have other ideas, and it appears playing Cupid is one of them.
Cade O’Grady has never met a woman he couldn't handle, but when Avery Stowe walks into his office late one night cradling an injured puppy, he’s struck stupid. Which might explain her total lack of interest in him. But now that she’s working for his family’s clinic, he doesn't have to lust from a distance. He might just have a chance at convincing Avery—and her too-guarded heart—that falling for the right man isn't a mistake . . .
Finished with a round of patients, he headed up front where Aunt Rosa was reading a romance book and Avery was typing away on the computer. “Whatcha doing now?”
Avery didn’t glance up from the screen. “Making a supply list in Excel.” Hell. Why was that hot? She wasn’t his usual type. Okay, to be honest, any female with too many brain cells wasn’t his type. It wasn’t out of a sense of shallowness he sought that variety, but preservation. Until he found someone who made his heart beat like Heather used to do for Drake, he’d stick with superficial. No point in getting hurt or hurting someone else. But ever since Heather died, Cade tried less and less to settle down or find that person. He was aware of it, aware he was doing it, and damn if he ever questioned his actions until now. People rarely recovered from that kind of love. Why search for it? Perhaps it was Avery’s long legs in those black leggings, or her pink sweater the same shade as her cheeks when she blushed, or her brown hair—more chestnut really in the sun—piled on top of her head and held in place with a pencil that seized his interest. He bit back a sigh. Nope. It was her brain, her humor, and her strength. Hot. Aunt Rosa glanced at him over the top of her book, a knowing smirk on her face. Busted. “A supply list?” Bully for him. His voice sounded normal. He still had no freaking clue why, but if he wasn’t bumbling like a moron around Avery, he was saying moronic things. Where the hell was his swagger? “Mmhm.” Type. “So we don’t over order things or run out. Gabby and Brent can just check off what they need and I can order from the supplier.” Type, type. “Did you know you had ten cases of cat litter? Insane.” He scratched his jaw. “Uh. No.” “Putting Zoe’s stuff on here, too. Her shampoos and whatnot for grooming.” Type. “She’s making a supply list,” Rosa beamed, waving her hand like this was an epiphany. I told you I’m all-wise. I hired her! Cade frowned at his aunt. She’d been the office manager, for Christ’s sake. She should’ve been doing this. Flynn came up to the desk and tapped Avery’s shoulder. “Have you seen my backup bag? Gabby and I need to head out to Miller’s farm.” Avery nodded. “In the supply room, stocked for you. Your new bag should be here Monday.” At Cade’s questioning glance, Flynn signed, “A goat chewed my other one when Gabby was busy chasing a barn cat.” And this was why he wasn’t the house call vet. Flynn tapped Avery’s shoulder to get her attention again. “Marry me?” She laughed. “Not today, but you’re welcome. Shoo, now.” What. The. Hell. As if sensing Cade’s thought train and derailing it, Avery said, “He asks me to marry him daily. Hourly, depending on what I’ve done.” Type, type. “Relax, Dr. Cade. He’s joking. Besides, I don’t do office romance.” Right, Flynn? she signed. Flynn grinned, the asshole, and strode into his office, only to emerge moments later with Gabby and his travel bag. Cade flipped him off behind Avery’s back as he was walking out the door. “Saw that.” Type. Of course she did. All moms had eyes in the backs of their heads. And that was the other thing. She had a kid. Not that he didn’t like kids. He did. Maybe even wanted a couple of his own someday. But it wasn’t just one person involved when dating someone like Avery. It was two. And they weren’t dating. Not even a little. He hadn’t asked her out and, aside from that first day when her gaze had shown interest, she’d seemed immune to him. That hadn’t happened in…ever. He found it oddly refreshing. With Flynn and Gabby gone, Cade glanced around. “Where’s She-rah?” The cat was usually perched on top of the printer, plotting world domination. “Avery put her on time-out. She’s in the back room.” Rosa’s grin grew to oh shit size, and he figured his aunt had read all his previous thoughts. Like a Vulcan mind meld. Which was never a good thing. Wait. A time-out? He looked at Avery. “You put a cat on time-out?” He didn’t know whether that was cute or genius. Avery never stopped typing, which was beginning to infuriate him. “Yes, she was scaring Thor.” Cade looked down, just noticing Thor’s head in Avery’s lap from the other side of her chair. The Great Dane looked at him as if to say, Neener, neener. “Dust bunnies scare that dog.” “Well, the cat needs manners. Plus, Thor and I are working on his courage. Aren’t we, boy?” Thor barked. And not in fear. Yes, my liege.
Bestselling author Kelly Moran says she gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there’s always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself, and no one is safe from becoming her next fictional character. She is a Catherine Award-Winner, Readers Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, and earned one of the 10 Best Reads by USA Today's HEA. She is also a Romance Writers of America member. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet caffeine junkie and chocoholic, but don’t tell anyone. She resides in Wisconsin with her husband, three sons, and two dogs. Most of her family lives in the Carolinas, so she spends a lot of time there as well. She loves hearing from her readers.
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by Crystal B. Bright
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pub Date: 10/17/2017
Back on top . . .
R&B singer Chantel Evans had it all, until the Princess of Love Ballads lost everything. First, a very public betrayal by her lover and the death of her mother lead to a career-ending mental breakdown. Then, at the same time, her attorney makes off with all her hard-earned fortune. The only chance she has of resurrecting her career is in the recording studio her mother left in her name . . .
When struggling country star Truman Woodley has his recording duet with a sultry young singer fall flat at Chantel’s studio, Chantel is faced with a rare second chance—until Truman’s vindictive ex-girlfriend turns the pair’s sparkling debut into grounds for a custody battle over their son. But Chantel has discovered more than sweet vocal harmony with Truman. She’s found something worth fighting for. And when Truman surprises her with a kiss after a live television performance, the whole world will find out just what it takes to be crazy in love . . .
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Crystal Bright graduated with a B.A. from Old Dominion University with a major in Creative Writing, a minor in Communications, and an emphasis on Public Relations. She earned her M.A. from Seton Hill University in Writing Popular Fiction. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Chesapeake Romance Writers.
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Veterinarian Rory Gallagher chose a different path from his brothers, both of whom became first responders in the lovely little town of Darling, Vermont. Rory's always had an affinity for animals--and the ladies. Known for his impressive track record in breaking hearts, Rory never meant to hurt anyone; he's just never been in a hurry to settle down. It's not as if he needs to pay a visit to the town's famed Kissing Bridge to magically find love. He'll know The One when he sees her. . .right?
Oaklee Ferguson is the kid sister of Rory's best friend--and, even now that she's all grown up, remains immune to the pet-doctor's charms. When she shows up at Rory's clinic late one night--devastated after hitting a stray dog with her car--Rory's so-called -bedroom eyes- are the last thing on her mind. Still, his care and kindness toward the dog, and his concern for her feelings, catches Oaklee by surprise. . .and soon the two (and rescued dog makes three!) begin to share a deep connection that neither could have ever imagined. Could it be that love has been waiting for them by the bridge all along?
What a fantastic story!! I am in awe and in tears.
Somebody's baby is a sweet and heartwarming tale, yet so lifelike, so realistic, the feelings are raw and real, and easy to relate to. The process of falling in love while it has the charm and magic of the new feelings growing and blooming it is also difficult, awkward, an uphill battle, that takes time and emotional moments of hard conversations to be able to learn to trust again, have the courage to open your heart again to be vulnerable, to have faith in a lasting relationship. And when you add the meddling townfolks and family who means well but steps on the wrong toes, it all just shows that life and love is a fragile balance of glee and grim. I adored the characters and how they grew and developed through the story. Both Rory Gallagher and Oaklee Ferguson had had a devastating heartbreak in the past that they still struggled with. As they process the past hurt and its effects on them today, I was in tears as the feelings of betrayal and devastation were tangible. Rory has a reputation of a player for the past years, but he is a good guy. He is generous, honest, steadfast, and reliable. Oaklee, the social butterfly, hides her loneliness and the humiliation of the past breakup in her constant smile and cheerfulness. Her home is a mess, so she wouldn't feel the emptiness and solitude of her life. She is kind, always willing to help others, she is smart, capable, and fun, yet she is lonely in her heart. I loved the role Buster played in the story, how Oakley's life changed, how she changed after the dog walked into the scene and to her foster care. The chemistry and connection Oaklee had with Rory were evident to all to see, the attraction is obvious. But it takes more than an attraction to built something lasting, and that is what the story shows the readers, the building of something more - hope, faith, and trust - before love is possible. I am still feeling the ripples of the tale, of the heartfelt story so well crafted and told that it found an easy road to my heart. I have never highlighted so much while reading a book, as this story resonated with me on a very deep level, the words and thoughts of the characters so beautifully put together. This is a gem of a tale, going directly to my 2017 favorites file! ~ Five Spoons!
While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer, Judith McNaught, and Nora Roberts. Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.
Donna lives on Canada’s east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids, a senior dog and two crazy cats. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict. You can visit her on the web at www.DonnaAlward.com and join her mailing list at www.DonnaAlward.com/newsletter . TWITTER FACEBOOK
Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny
Taking Shots #4 By: Cindi Madsen Releasing May 8, 2017 Entangled Embrace
Confession #1: I used to be a puck bunny, but after a hockey player broke my heart, I gave up all things hockey. Now I’m just focused on finding a way to pass my math class so I can graduate college.
Confession #2: Ryder “Ox” Maddox’s deep, sexy voice sends fuzzy tingles through my entire body, and I’m powerless to stop it. Which is a big problem since the hot, surprisingly funny hockey player is my new math tutor. Confession #3: I can’t stop thinking about how ripped Ryder is from all his hockey training, and how fun it’d be to cross lines with him. Confession #4: I kissed a hockey player and I liked it. Confession #5: If I’m not careful, I might relapse and fall for Ryder, and then I’ll be totally pucked.
Every thought turned to how strong he was. How much I’d like to see all those muscles without a shirt in the way.
Once he’d counted off twenty-five, he stood and, as if he’d been reading my mind, peeled off his shirt. I stared. Not subtly, either. Nope, totally unabashed, taking in every dip and groove of his sweat-glistened skin. “Since we’re playing dirty,” he said, shooting his wadded shirt over to his bag. He grabbed my hand. “Last machine. I’m not sure you can handle it, though.” “I’m not sure you can handle it.” As far as comebacks went, not my best, but I mentioned he was shirtless and crazy ripped, right? He sat down on the leg machine, the one where the seat reclined at a forty-five-degree angle, and then he lifted the weighted bar that rested at shin-height with his legs. He reached for my hand, and since I’d already talked trash, I took it, even though I was starting to think I wouldn’t be able to handle it. He pulled me toward him, and I had no choice but to run my shins into the weights or to straddle the machine. I chose straddling, but kept space between us like I had earlier. My heart hammered against my rib cage, beating in time with his leg lifts, the steady clink of the weights filling the air. Ryder’s eyes remained locked on mine, and energy crackled in the air between us. He sat up enough to run his hands up my thighs. A dart of heat shot through my core, and my breath lodged in my throat. Ryder’s fingertips skimmed the skin between my pants and shirt and desire danced across my nerve endings. Still our eyes remained fixed on each other, and I wasn’t sure I was taking in oxygen anymore. A distant part of me whispered that if I didn’t stop this…whatever we were doing, I’d be in trouble. But fighting my attraction to him was exhausting and the ache that’d formed between my thighs grew more persistent, drowning out silly things like common sense. I leaned over like I had before, my hands braced on either side of him. He lifted the weights again, and then he brushed his lips against mine. Just a quick slide of soft lips. My throat went completely dry. I pressed my palm flat against his stomach and slowly slid it up, feeling his firm chest and the hammering of his heart, which echoed mine. Ryder gripped my hips and pulled me down to sit on his lap, eradicating the space between us. He lifted the weights with his legs a few more times, each rep bumping me tighter to him. Friction was definitely happening, and with each lift, it became clearer and clearer how much it was affecting him as well. The tiniest whimper escaped my lips and he raised an eyebrow that added even more smugness to the curve of his tempting mouth. Two could play dirty. So I sank farther into his lap and he groaned. Of course, all it did was give me dirty thoughts and turn me on that much more. He lifted his legs two more times, the movement shaky. He slowly ran his fingertips up my arm, across my collarbone, up my neck, and then he reached back and tugged my hair free of its ponytail. He drove his hand into my hair, cupped the back of my head, and for one torturous moment, time stopped, both of us suspended right there on edge of crossing lines.
Cindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a pretty new pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.
You can visit her Website, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
FALLING HARD
by Stacy Finz
Pub date: 4/11/2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
In the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain town of Nugget, California, falling hard is all too easy . . .
This is the summer of Annie Sparks—at least according to her. No more supporting lazy jerks or coddling irresponsible family or taking care of anyone who doesn’t deserve her help. Instead she’s headed to an estate in a remote mountain town, to spend her summer with her boots covered in mud and her hands working the earth. Love is the last thing on her mind.
Nugget is a long way from Logan Jenkins’ old life as a Navy SEAL. But before he starts fresh in the private sector, he receives a bequest from a man he never knew: his biological father. To learn more about his background, Logan makes his way to his late father’s estate, where he is immediately knocked on his heels by an incredible woman with a heart of gold.
Annie’s not looking for a fling, and Logan knows Nugget can’t be forever, so falling in love should be impossible. But when they’re together, time stops, and suddenly the impossible seems like the only thinkable option . . .
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The big gate stopped Logan Jenkins in his tracks. He didn’t know what he was thinking, coming here like this. But his curiosity had gotten the better of him. A man ought to know where he came from and who his people were, he supposed.
Until a week ago, he hadn’t given a good goddamn. Then, boom, life had changed with just one phone call. He pulled his pickup to the side of the road, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and got out to have a look around. Picturesque and peaceful, nothing like the hellholes he’d come from. The gate was impressive with its curlicue ironwork, but not much for keeping anyone out. To prove it, Logan hopped the twelve-foot fence, avoiding the top’s sharp, ornamental spears, in under a minute and hiked up the long gravel road. At the peak of the hill he paused and let out a low whistle. Even from a hundred yards away, he could see that the house put the gate to shame. It looked like one of those mega–ski chalets plucked from an Alpine mountainside. Lots of large windows, tiered decks, and big log siding. It was built to appear rustic, though it was anything but. The landscape wasn’t bad either. A river snaked through miles of rolling pastures with the Sierra Nevada mountain range looming in the background. This is where he would’ve grown up if things had been different. Instead, for the last twelve years he hadn’t belonged anywhere—or everywhere, depending on how he looked at it. His last address—be- sides the apartment he shared with Gabe when he was stateside—had been Afghanistan. A far cry from Rosser Ranch. No one tried to stop him, so he continued down the driveway, to- ward the house, taking in the sights. A four-car garage with a guest house. A front lawn as big as a soccer field. And lots of flagstone pathways. Someone went to a lot of trouble to make the gardens seem native to match the surrounding countryside. By now he would’ve expected at least a dog to have barked at his presence. Crappy security. But he suspected there wasn’t much crime in Nugget, California. Just a spot on the map, really. According to a quick search on the internet, its claim to fame was the Western Pacific Railroad Museum, which offered a train ride through gold country. The blurb he’d read said Nugget was still very much a railroad town, now a crew-change site for Union Pacific. Before the railroad, there’d been the Gold Rush. But ultimately, the pioneers had made their fortunes from timber and cattle. Major cattle ranches still covered the countryside. Logan laughed to himself. Who would’ve thought his ancestors were cowboys? The closest he’d ever gotten to livestock was the Kochis’ goat and sheep herds in the Hindu Kush. Here, he could see plenty of cows dotting the hills in the foreground like a poster advertising rural life on the farm. Pretty domesticated and attractive, he had to admit. Just not for him. He maneuvered better in chaos. Thrived in it, actually. When he got close to the house, he circled around it to the back- yard. A couple of hammocks swayed under a log cabana. The large, kidney-shaped pool was tempting in the heat. The whole upscale setup was very dude-ranch spa. So far, he wasn’t feeling his roots. No cosmic connection with the land. All he was feeling was a shitload of money. The old man was supposed to be buried in the family plot on the property. Maybe Logan would check that out and see if he could summon the ghost of the man who’d given him life. Thank him for being a douche bag. Logan ambled down a well-worn path designated by a split-rail trail fence that jutted off from the pool area toward a stable. Like the house, the building was constructed of logs with two cupolas and a weather vane on top. It was probably where Rosser had kept the thoroughbreds or whatever kind of horses he’d raised. “You’re late,” a woman called to him. She leaned against the side of the barn, shielding her eyes from the sun, a cowboy hat pulled over her forehead. “Excuse me?” He walked toward her. Up close, he noticed her com- bat boots right off the bat. They looked funny with the bubblegum-pink tank top and short floral skirt that flared a few inches above her knees. When he met her eyes—big ones that reminded him of golden brown sugar—she smiled and he went to DEFCON 3 in less than a heartbeat. It was like sunshine, that smile. So damn guileless that it instantly put him on alert. Where he’d come from everyone had an agenda. “You were supposed to be here thirty minutes ago.” She pushed herself off the wall of the barn and shrugged as if she was willing to overlook his tardiness. “Come on. I’ll show you what needs to be done.” Out of curiosity he followed her as she took the same path he’d started on through a wooded area. Her gait was brisk. Her legs and arms were toned, like she got plenty of exercise, and her ass . . . well, yeah, that looked toned too. They came up on a large cabin and she stopped. “Your first task would be to clear this.” She swept her arm across the weeds and brambles strangling the building, which on closer inspection seemed more like a barrack, and eyed him up and down. “You look like you’re up to the challenge.” Even with his Gatorz on, he could see the trail of freckles running across her nose. “What’s the cabin for?” “It’s a bunkhouse and we’re going to use it for the program.” He got the sense that he was expected to know what the program was, so he just nodded. “There’s another one over there.” She pointed across a clearing at an identical building that had also seen better days. “Once the shrubs and weeds are cleared away, we’ll get to work on the insides.” He probably should’ve told her he wasn’t the job candidate. But once he did, she’d kick him off the property and he wasn’t done looking around yet. “After we finish up here, there are a few more cottages and a fore- man’s house we have to ready before the roofer and construction crew comes. If you still need work after that I could use you to help till the fields for the hay planting in the fall. You said you’re experienced operating a tractor, right?” He’d never driven a tractor in his life, but there couldn’t be much to it. Anyway, he wouldn’t be here for that. His conscience told him to come clean because she’d find out sooner or later that he wasn’t here to clear brush. If she booted him off the land, he’d find another way to explore the place . . . his origins. “Actually, no,” he said. She tilted her head in surprise. “Were you trying to win me over on the phone so you could get the job?” Her mouth turned down into a frown. “I’ll be real honest with you: Riding a tractor isn’t required. We just need someone who isn’t afraid to put his back into the work.” “No, I mean it wasn’t me on the phone.” “Oh? Did you read the help-wanted ad in the Nugget Tribune?” He felt compelled to remove a leaf that had gotten stuck in the band of her cowboy hat but kept his hands at his side. “Nope. I was checking the place out.” “Rosser Ranch? Why?” This is where it got tricky. He didn’t want to lie—liars were louses—but he wasn’t ready to advertise the truth. Hell, he’d just learned the truth seven days ago and was still trying to wrap his head around the news. The old man hadn’t even owned the ranch when he’d died. So to come here like this . . . well, it would seem strange. “I was passing through, saw the gate, and got curious.” “Passing through?” She seemed dubious. “So you’re not looking for work?” Actually he was, just not this kind of work. He’d gotten out of the navy a couple of weeks ago and had found himself at loose ends, which was strange when for the last twelve years he’d been told where to shit and when to sit. Gabe, also a former SEAL, wanted to start a private security business. Everything from risk management and cyber security to VIP protection and contract work for Uncle Sam. He wanted Logan to work for him and was trying to scrounge up investors and a few con- tract jobs to keep them busy. Any time now, Logan expected to get a call with an assignment. “Nah,” he told her, and took off his shades and stuffed them in his shirt pocket. “You having trouble finding someone?” “The only guy who called from the ad is a no-show. That’s why I thought you were him.” “Sorry. I should’ve told you from the get-go.” “That’s okay.” But her shoulders deflated in obvious frustration. “You sure you don’t want the job? It comes with living quarters . . . nothing fancy, but you get to live here.” She spread her arms wide. “Yeah, it’s quite a place. You own it?” Somehow, he didn’t think so. “Gosh, no. The owner, Gia Treadwell is great, though. She bought the place less than a year ago, after her financial-advice show got canceled.” She watched him closely, presumably to see if he recognized the name Gia Treadwell. Logan wasn’t surprised that a celebrity owned it now. It would take that kind of money to maintain a place like this. He remembered seeing Treadwell’s program once or twice and hearing that she’d been embroiled in some sort of legal problems. “She hired me to plant a Christmas-tree farm,” she continued. “I get to live on the ranch as part of the deal, which includes prepping the place for a residential program to help women down on their luck get back on their feet.” She hesitated and then said, “After . . . uh . . . Gia’s troubles, she wanted to pay it forward.” Logan swiveled around to peer at the bunkhouses again. “They going to live in these?” “Yep. And there are cottages for the women who have children.” “Nice.” He wanted to ask her if he could continue to check out the place, maybe wander over to the family cemetery plot, but thought better of it. “I’m Logan Jenkins, by the way.” She stuck out her hand. “Annie Sparks.” Annie had a good grip, even though his hands dwarfed hers. And she was so freaking pretty, with those big, soulful eyes and peaches-and-cream skin, that he couldn’t stop looking at her. Everything from her trusting demeanor to her flowered skirt and faded straw hat said sweet. Logan usually avoided the sweet girls; they always cried when he left and it broke his heart. “Why don’t you show me where I’d get to live if I took the job?” It was an excuse to see more and to throw her a bone after initially misleading her. “Sure,” Annie said, and perked up. She led him further down the path to a smaller log cabin. Unlike the others, this one had been cleared. The front porch even had a rocking chair and flower boxes underneath green trimmed windows. She climbed the stairs and opened the front door. “Feel free to check it out.” He went inside. The place was tiny, just a living room, galley kitchen, eating nook, and sleeping loft. What it lacked in space it made up for in charm, though Logan’s bar was pretty low. He’d been deployed so many times, living in enough CHUs—containerized housing units—that even the moldy, shoebox of an apartment he shared with Gabe in Coronado seemed like a palace. “It’s adorable, isn’t it?” “Not bad,” he said. Through the trees he could see wide-open pastures. The view certainly didn’t suck. “Where’s your place?” “Over the garage. In the fall I’ll be commuting to finish my PhD program at UC Davis.” “PhD, huh? What in?” “Agricultural economics.” “Whoa, you must be smart.” Logan was lucky to have a high school diploma. Not that he was dumb, but he’d had trouble sitting through classes. The doctors had told his mom it was ADHD. They were wrong. He could concentrate just fine if it were something he was interested in. He loved to read, picked up languages fairly well— at least enough to be conversational—and was a quick study when it came to people. “So does that make you an economist or a farmer?” “A farmer. Third generation. I don’t see that changing. I suppose the degree gives me extra credibility and the option to teach. How about you? What brings you to Nugget?” “Uh . . . I recently got out of the navy, found myself between jobs, and have been doing a little traveling. The town looked interesting.” Most of what he’d said was true. “I thought you might be military. Were you in the Middle East?” “Afghanistan and Iraq.” “So you saw combat, huh?” Logan nodded. “So why’s the place called Rosser Ranch?” He knew damned well why; he was fishing and it was a better topic than war. “Ray Rosser used to own the ranch. It had been in his family since the Gold Rush. But he sold it to Gia last year to pay his attor- neys’ fees when he was charged with murder after killing a cattle rustler.” The lawyer had already told him the colorful story, which still seemed bizarre. It was the twenty-first century. Shooting cattle rustlers? Who did shit like that anymore? “A week ago he had a stroke in prison and died,” Annie said. “His wife and daughter live in Colorado.” Logan had met them at the attorney’s office in Sacramento for the reading of the will. That had been a hell of a party. Apparently, they’d known as much about him as he’d known about them. That would be a big zilch. The wife had been okay. He didn’t get the sense that there’d been any love lost between her and Rosser, nor that she’d been surprised he’d been stepping out on her. But the daughter, Raylene, had been a monster bitch. He could understand how finding out that you suddenly had a half-brother would make her resentful. But he’d gotten the impression that she was mostly mad about the money—that she and her husband weren’t getting all of it. Logan hadn’t asked for any- thing. Hell, he hadn’t even known about his secret family until the old man croaked and would’ve been fine moving through life with- out the knowledge that he and Ray Rosser shared the same DNA. He’d gotten along thirty-one years without it. But his mother had pleaded with him to take his due. “It’s part of your heritage,” she’d argued. And if anyone could cajole him into something he didn’t want to do, it was Maisy Jenkins. She’d raised him single-handedly, which was no easy feat. He’d been a wild boy, prone to getting into fights and hanging with the wrong crowd. Yet, Maisy had always loved and believed in him. Growing up in Vegas, it had never dawned on him that they lived a little too well for Maisy’s paycheck. She worked at a gift shop at the Bellagio and was usually home when he got off of school. Still, they’d owned a modest house in a subdivision, his mother drove a nice car, and they always had plenty of food on the table with money left over for him to buy Little League gear and new clothes. Not rich by a long shot, but comfortable. And that was because Ray Rosser had been footing the bill. In return, his mother had sworn to keep her love child’s paternity secret. Logan wasn’t angry about it. She did what she had to do. Ray wasn’t about to leave his wife, who’d been pregnant with Raylene when Logan was one. Rosser certainly wasn’t going to publicly acknowledge him. So what was the point of pressing the issue? Maisy took the money and moved to Nevada with a signed declaration that Rosser would at least make room for his illegitimate son in his will. He’d kept to the bargain. And Logan was thinking he could use the money to partner with Gabe in the security company. With the cash, they could really build something, even hire a few more operators. But first they needed a couple of assignments under their belt to build a reputation. In the meantime, Logan planned to learn more about the Rosser side of his family. The only real father figure he’d ever had was Nick, whom his mother married when Logan was a senior in high school. Nick, a former Navy SEAL in charge of security at the Bella- gio, was as good as they came. He’d been the one to make sure Logan walked the straight and narrow and had encouraged him when he enlisted to join Seaman-to-SEAL, a program that guaranteed he’d at least become a candidate because he’d already met many of the physical challenges. No one was prouder of Logan than Nick when he’d made it through six months of BUD/S—basic underwater de- molition. But Nick wasn’t his biological father, even though Logan wished otherwise. “You want to sit for a second?” Annie asked, and Logan got the distinct impression she was getting ready to do a sales job on him. “You’re pretty hard up, huh?” He took a seat at the edge of the porch and swung his legs over the side, waiting for her to join him. “It’s difficult to find reliable people out here.” Annie took the top step, smoothing the back of her skirt as she sat down. “Most of the good ones have already signed up with a ranch or the railroad for per- manent work. We don’t have enough to keep someone on past fall, but I’m on a deadline. The women are due here in September.” She smelled good, fresh like the outdoors. But it was her breasts straining against the pink tank top that was holding his attention. Those and her combat boots, which were sexy as hell. And . . . shit . . . he’d never found combat boots sexy before. “What makes you think I’m reliable?” he asked, his gaze moving to her lips. Pretty, lush pink ones. “Because you were in the military, I guess.” He grinned because it was the truth. He was damned reliable. “So just the cabins, the cottages, and the foreman’s house?” Logan could probably get them cleared in a few days. “Yep.” “And I get to live in this one?” She nodded. “Utilities included, but you have to cover your own food.” “I can park my truck here?” He figured it was as good a stopping place as any until Gabe called. Meanwhile, he could get a feel for where he came from. “Where is it now?” “I parked it near your security gate—which, by the way, sucks.” She laughed. “Why’s that?” “Because I’m in here, not out there.” “We’re a little less cautious here in the country, but I’ll pass the word on to the owner. You’ll take the job, then?” “I’ll hack out all the overgrowth. After that, you’re on your own. Is there a laundromat around here? I don’t have a lot of clothes with me.” He’d only expected to stay a day or two, just long enough to check the place out, since it was only a three-hour drive from the lawyer’s office. “There’s a washer and dryer in each of the bunkhouses, which you’re welcome to use.” “I’m guessing the place comes with the furniture, right?” All Logan really cared about was the bed. He could do with not sleeping on the cold, hard ground for a while. “It does. I’ll see if I can find you some bedding, though.” “I have a sleeping bag in my truck. That’ll do me.” “Then we’re set.” Annie stood up, and he let his eyes linger over her mile-long legs. “Let’s go back to the barn where you can sign the paperwork. After that I’ll open the gate and you can bring your truck around.” “Sounds good.” He suddenly realized he hadn’t thought to ask about the pay. This was a reconnaissance mission, he reminded himself. The job was just an excuse to keep him on the property. Now if he could just focus on the land of his ancestors instead of Annie Sparks’s smoking-hot body, he’d be okay.
Stacy Finz is an award-winning reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.
PERILOUS POETRY
by Kym Roberts
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: 10/10/2017
Charli Rae Warren doesn’t plan on striking it rich as the owner of an independent bookstore in Hazel Rock, Texas—especially one with a pink armadillo as its mascot. But when an ingenious advertising campaign puts her business on the map, it ropes in some deadly publicity . . .
Charli can’t believe writer Lucy Barton has agreed to promote her latest Midnight Poet Society novel at The Book Barn Princess—or that there’s only a week-and-a-half to prepare for the signing. It’s all because of The Book Seekers, a smartphone app created by her cousin Jamal exclusively for Charli’s bookstore, which sends fans on a virtual scavenger hunt around town for a chance to meet the bestselling author. But as soon as it goes live, people turn up dead . . .
Someone’s using The Book Seekers to track victims and copycat the fictional Midnight Poet Society homicides, and horrified locals suspect Jamal could be the mastermind behind the crimes. While Charli readies the Barn for a stampede of new customers, it’ll take true grit to shelve the culprit before her brainy cousin gets locked behind bars, Ms. Barton backs out of the visit, and she finds herself up a creek—with a serial killer holding the paddle!
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Three career paths resonated for Kym Roberts during her early childhood: detective, investigative reporter, and . . .nun. Being a nun, however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys—they were the spice of life she couldn't deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. From that point on there was no stopping Kym's pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Kym followed her dream and became a detective who fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk—a badge. Promoted to sergeant, Kym spent the majority of her career in SVU. She retired from the job reluctantly when her husband dragged her kicking and screaming to another state, but writing continued to call her name, at least in her head. Visit her on the web at kymroberts.com.
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Forbidden Kisses
Blushing Bay #1 By: Annie Rains Releasing April 11, 2017 Loveswept
For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.
Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.
When I read Annie Rains' books my mind and heart get so involved in the story I end up inhaling them, every word and moment held dear in my heart, and at the end, I wish I had had the sense to savor the story because I don't want to leave the characters behind. I absolutely love her style of writing and the way it captures my mind.
Forbidden Kisses is a sweet yet passionate romance story, just the way I like them. There's lots of fun, adoration, love, and desire mixed with the perfect amount of challenges, difficulties, and confusion without drowning in angst and despair. Jack Sawyer was a delightful character with strong convictions, dedication to his loved ones, and kindness to strangers. Despite the losses in his life, he was willing and able to open his heart to love and possibilities of a new direction for the future. I admired Grace Donner and her survival instincts, her spunk, and her determination. She is stubborn to the bone, but she has no ill will towards anyone, her intentions are pure. She is used to managing her life alone, and the new friends, the new family of heart, the new feelings inside her and around her amazes her constantly. As a daughter of parents who both have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, I felt her worry, pain, and concern for her mother, and could easily imagine the challenges they were facing. Grace and Jack has an uphill road ahead of them, not only because of the family feud and the resistance from his brothers but also their own hesitation to be vulnerable, to trust, to have faith in them. Together Jack and Grace were combustible, the passion and admiration are palpable. I loved how they encouraged each other, how they light up in each other's presence, you could feel the devotion and excitement they had for each other. When I started the book I was a fool to think I would just read an hour and continue later on. The story pulled me in, the characters charmed my mind, and I felt their indecisions and the turmoils in their hearts. Forbidden Kisses is a fantastic, emotional, and addictive read! ~ Five Spoons
Jack reached for a folded blanket beside the cooler and laid it down on the open floor of the boat. “I know it’s not the most comfortable surface for lying back, but I thought we could look at the stars. It’s a favorite pastime of fishermen, you know.”
“Oh yeah?” He reached for her hand to help her lower to the floor. She held on to his tightly, surprised at how off balanced she felt. Then they lay back together, close enough that they touched. The soft hair on Jack’s arm resting against hers aroused her senses. Were they really just going to look at the stars? Yes, it was all very romantic, but so was doing other things under the stars. Things she’d been thinking about since stepping aboard. Jack pointed up at the sky and started to speak. Grace was tired of talking, though. Tired of resisting what she wanted, and right now all she wanted was Jack. Unable to help herself, uninhibited by the wine and the romantic environment, she rolled on top of him and crushed her mouth over his. Judging by the stiff protrusion that met her inner thigh, he wanted her just as much. “Well, hello there,” he said, smiling against her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she said, even though she didn’t mean it. His hand slid down her back and settled on her bottom, pulling her snug against him. “I’m not. I’d decided tonight was for romance only, but I can’t think of anything more romantic than making love to you on this boat.” White-hot heat tore through her. She was so hot that maybe it was time to start stripping. As if reading her mind, Jack tugged the hem of her shirt up on her back and then over her head. The rest of her clothes fell away in the wake of his needy hands until she was tipsy and naked on the floor of his pontoon boat—on a boat ride to nowhere in particular, except his body was promising to shoot her to the low-hanging full moon.
Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author who writes small-town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina.
Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
TO SEDUCE A STRANGER
by Susanna Craig
Pub date: 4/11/2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Desire waylays the plans of a man with a mysterious past and a woman with an uncertain future, in Susanna Craig’s unforgettable series set in Georgian England.
After her much older husband dies—leaving her his fortune—Charlotte Blakemore finds herself at the mercy of her stepson, who vows to contest the will and destroy her life. With nowhere to turn and no one to help her, she embarks on an elaborate ruse—only to find herself stranded on the way to London. . .
More than twenty years in the West Indies have hardened Edward Cary, but not enough to abandon a helpless woman at a roadside inn—especially one as disarmingly beautiful as Charlotte. He takes her with him to the Gloucestershire estate he is determined to restore, though he is suspicious of every word that falls from her distractingly lush lips.
As far as Charlotte knows, Edward is nothing more than a steward, and there’s no reason to reveal his noble birth until he can right his father’s wrongs. Acting as husband and wife will keep people in the village from asking questions that neither Charlotte nor Edward are willing to answer. But the game they’re each determined to play has rules that beg to broken, when the passion between them threatens to uncover the truth—for better or worse. . .
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Ravenswood Manor, Gloucestershire June 1775
For some time now, the parlor maid had been neglecting to sweep into the nook between the bow window and the high-backed sofa in her ladyship’s receiving room. The wide beam of afternoon sun- light was thick with dust motes that settled softly on the floor, dimming the luster of the damasked furniture and coating the hems of the rose velvet draperies. The maid’s shortcomings suited the boy just fine. In the dusty, narrow crevice, he had built a world he did not wish to have disturbed. An entire battalion of soldiers stood perpetually at the ready, apparently unconcerned at their precarious field position; flanked on two sides by the wall and the sofa’s back, they could only advance or retreat, and as they were English soldiers, retreat was never an option. On this day, however, they faced a new enemy. Just yesterday, the boy had begged for a ship that he might expand into a navy, although he knew his father thought him too old for such playthings. Hardly had the request been out of his mouth before Father had erupted, insisting that no son of his would become . . . well, he wasn’t sure quite what his father had said, but it had begun with “arse,” a sure insult and one never to be spoken in front of a lady, which was probably why Mama had very nearly swooned when she heard it. A heated exchange between his parents had surely followed, but the boy had been spared from it by being sent to his lessons. He ought to be there again now, but he had played truant instead and sneaked back to his favorite hideaway as soon as he could manage it. To thwart his father’s prohibition, he had pinched his mother’s sewing basket from the table as he passed, thinking it would make a fine pi- rate’s ship. Next, he set to work scraping the painted uniforms off three soldiers whose leaden expressions made them the most likely candidates for notorious men of fortune. With a flourish, he drew a wavy line in the dust on the floor to mark out the shore and positioned the ship with its broadside facing his unsuspecting troops. As the pirate captain knelt to touch off his cannon, the boy heard his mother’s light footsteps, followed by a tread he could not immediately identify. “So kind of you to drop in, Mrs. Henderson,” Mama said . Mrs. Henderson was the vicar’s wife, a heavyset woman with a prominent nose and hair the color of a mouse’s hide. But she always smelled of gingerbread and was kind to him and the other boys tutored by Mr. Henderson’s curate, Cummings “Will you take tea?” “It’s very kind of you, I’m sure, but I can’t stay, my lady. I only called to see if young Ravenswood was unwell. He wasn’t at his Latin lesson today, and Mr. Cummings seemed to think that he wasn’t quite himself yesterday.” “Oh, that!” Mama laughed, a shade too brightly. “He was petulant because his father forbade him a new toy.” Her words made him bristle. “Boys will be boys, Mrs. Henderson. But I’ll see to it he does not miss another lesson.” A long pause. “And you, my lady—are you quite well?” It seemed Mrs. Henderson was not content to let sleeping dogs lie. “I? Why, yes, of course,” replied Mama. The boy heard the click of the door latch, and before he could wonder who had dared to close a door that Father never allowed any- one to close but him, he heard Mrs. Henderson say, “My lady, I know it’s not my place. But that’s an ugly-looking bruise.” When Mama had come in last evening to say goodnight, he had seen the bruise at her hairline near her temple, only partially hidden by her lace-edged cap. He could picture her slender hand rising now to shield her face from the other woman’s sight. “It’s nothing. I—I tripped and—” “No need to make excuse, my lady. But perhaps a poultice—?” “Oh, no, no.” She brushed the suggestion aside. She did not like anything that drew attention to her supposed clumsiness, he knew. Neither did his father. He heard Mrs. Henderson’s footsteps cross the carpet quickly and when she spoke again, her voice was low. “I know we mightn’t have much time to speak freely, my lady. Isn’t there anything a body can do to help you? Perhaps if Mr. Henderson spoke with his lordship?” “Oh, God, no. Please, Mrs. Henderson. Say nothing more.” “I will speak, my lady. I can’t do otherwise. It’s abroad in the village what’s become of your parlor maid.” His mother gave a hiccup of surprise. “You dared to speak on her behalf, I suppose.” Someone stumbled to the sofa and sank down upon it—Mama, by the sound of it; the bulk of Mrs. Henderson soon followed. Their voices were quieter still, but now, only inches from his ear, he could not help but hear them. “I thought perhaps I could persuade him to let her stay on—in the village, of course, not here—at least until the child is born . . .” “But he wants no evidence of his crime hereabouts?” The sofa creaked as one of the women shifted. “What would you have me say, Mrs. Henderson? I cannot speak ill of my husband.” “No, of course not.” Mrs. Henderson managed to sound at once wry and sympathetic. “Isn’t there somewhere you could go?” “How could I leave my son?” “Do you fear for his safety, then?” Mama laughed again, but the sound was suddenly strange to him. “I fear for his life, Mrs. Henderson.” The boy crouched lower in his hiding spot, careful not to disturb the orderly ranks and files of soldiers at his feet. “Dear God in Heaven! Do you mean—?” “I mean that if left to his own devices, my husband will raise his son in his image. So now, while I can, I intervene. His mother’s influence may be the only stay against a violent nature.” A violent nature? Did Mama believe he was fated to turn out like Father? People seemed to delight in telling him how he took after the man. In looks, certainly—he was big for his age, and dark where his mother was fair. Mr. Cummings insisted that must be where his quickness came from, too. Neither Latin nor algebra required much effort. But what if—the boy glanced down at the soldier still clutched in his hand—what if that is not all I have inherited? “When he’s sent to school, however,” Mama continued, “I will leave. A visit to my sister’s—an extended holiday, we shall say.” He had never heard his mother use that tone of voice. It was something more than angry, more than stubborn. “Oh, my lady.” Mrs. Henderson clucked her tongue. “But in the meantime . . . ?” Mama rose to her feet and crossed to the door, opening it wide. The sudden gust of air through the room swirled the dust on the floor at his feet. A sneeze threatened, tickling deep in his nostrils, but he pinched the bridge of his nose to keep it at bay. “It was kind of you to call, Mrs. Henderson.” The sofa protested once more as the vicar’s wife stood, and he heard her shuffle into a curtsy. “I am at your service, your ladyship.” They left, and the boy was alone again in the dusty silence. He rubbed his thumb back and forth over the figure he held, as if it were some sort of talisman. When the other boys had teased little Molly Keating about her freckles, Mr. Cummings had told him it was a gentle- man’s duty to protect a lady. How he wished he were a pirate captain! What wouldn’t he do then to keep his mother safe? He would whisk her away across the seven seas, take her somewhere his father could not harm her again. Alas, he had no ship, no cannon, not even a cutlass. He shoved angrily, impotently at the sewing basket, which plowed into the soldiers lining the shore, breaking their ranks. She could leave when he did, she had said. But he would not be going away to school for more than two years. Terrible things might happen in that time. If only it were in his power to leave now. He studied the pirate’s painted face. Father was fond of saying that every Bristol merchant was a pirate at heart. And they had ships, the boy knew. He had seen them once when Mama had taken him to the harbor on an outing. If there were pirates so near as Bristol, he could run away and join them. He supposed Mama would worry about what had become of him. Mothers did worry, he knew. But she would forgive him if she were able to leave this place. Away from his mother’s gentle guidance, he risked becoming more like his father. But what choice did he have? His shoulders rounded under the weight of his decision, the boy began to pack up his soldiers. Perhaps his father had been right all along, for he suddenly felt far too old for such playthings. At the least, he would try very hard to be grown-up enough not to long for the day when he could come home.
A love affair with historical romances led Susanna Craig to a degree (okay, three degrees) in literature and a career as an English professor. When she’s not teaching or writing academic essays about Jane Austen and her contemporaries, she enjoys putting her fascination with words and knowledge of the period to better use: writing Regency-era romances she hopes readers will find both smart and sexy. She makes her home among the rolling hills of Kentucky horse country, along with her historian husband, their unstoppable little girl, and a genuinely grumpy cat
Get ready to be swept off your feet by these gorgeous new covers from historical romance author Anna Bradley!
LADY ELEANOR’S SEVENTH SUITOR
Pub Date: 9/5/2017
Two sought-after sisters, a slew of suitors—and a vow to hold out for true love. How many proposals will it take to get to “I do”—especially when the stakes are high . . .
There have been six suitors so far, all vying for the attention—and generous dowry—of the beautiful, elusive Eleanor Sutherland. What does this woman really want? Who has what it takes to melt the heart of the so-called Lady Ice? These are the questions Camden West keeps asking himself. But rather than wait for answers, Cam takes matters into his own hands . . . for he has a secret weapon.
Cam knows that Ellie’s sister, Charlotte, harbors a scandalous secret—one that could bring ruin to the Sutherland name. If Ellie marries him, Cam promises to keep mum. But is she willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her sister’s reputation?
To Ellie’s surprise, it becomes clear that Cam doesn’t need her money, nor is he interested in her status. Soon, what begins as a sham engagement transforms into something deeper, and more passionate, than Ellie could have imagined. Is it possible that all Cam truly wanted was her? And is that reason enough to say yes—or is handsome Cam hiding something else? Even for a lady in love, only the truth will do . . .
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LADY CHARLOTTE’S FIRST LOVE
Pub Date: 10/3/2017
From spirited young woman to reckless widow, the beautiful Marchioness of Hadley remains a force to be reckoned with. But beneath her antics lies a broken heart . . .
Since her husband’s tragic death, Lady Charlotte Hadley has embarked on a path of careless behavior and dangerous hijinks from which no one can divert her . . . until suddenly, her first—and only—true love reenters her world. Their fiery romance was so scandalous Charlotte had no choice but to marry another, more suitable man. Surely now they are both free to pick up where they left off . . .
Julian West has returned to London a hero after making a name for himself in battle at Waterloo. Every woman is vying for his attention—except the one who stole his heart. No matter, Julian has other obligations. But when Charlotte’s sister, Eleanor, charges him with protecting the widow from ruin, what ensues is another kind of battle—one that leads a chase from London’s bars and brothels to the finest country estate as Julian and Charlotte untangle a host of secrets, regrets, and misunderstandings. For could it be that the love they’ve forced themselves to forget is exactly what they need to remember? . . .
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TWELFTH NIGHT WITH THE EARL
Pub Date: 11/14/2017
When a headstrong beauty clashes with the man she once loved, she’s determined that the spirit of Christmas will open his mind, heal his heart, and perhaps give them a reason to celebrate—for many seasons to come . . .
As far as Ethan Fortescue is concerned, his family’s seat in Cornwall is only a source of torment, one that he’s managed to avoid for two years. Now that he’s the Earl of Devon however, he can close the door on his haunted past by locking up the cursed place for good. But upon arriving at Cleves Court, he is shocked to find the house aglow with Christmas celebrations, filled with music and laughter. And right at the center of the holiday madness is the infuriating—and eternally tempting—Theodosia Sheridan . . .
Thea has always loved the town of Cleves, especially at the holidays. As a girl, she also loved Ethan with all her heart. It’s painful to see how his brother’s tragic death has embittered him. Still, she will do anything to make sure the town thrives—even if it means going to battle with Ethan to save Cleves Court. Now she has only until Twelfth Night to make a Christmas miracle happen—by proving that his childhood home can be a source of love and wonder. But before long, she finds herself wondering if she’s trying to save the house—or its handsome master…
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Anna Bradley is the author of The Sutherland Scandals novels. A Maine native, she now lives near Portland, OR, where people are delightful and weird and love to read. She teaches writing and lives with her husband, two children, a variety of spoiled pets, and shelves full of books. Visit her website at annabradley.net.
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