Enter the world of the Military K-9 Unit A riveting new series begins! When the Red Rose Killer leaves his calling card for Staff Sergeant Felicity Monroe, she knows exactly what that means-- she's on his revenge list. Her boss, Master Sergeant Westley James, and K-9 German shepherd Dakota become her guardians, but they'll have to act fast to escape the man who wants her dead. As a huge fan of Terri Reed's writing, I have been looking forward to reading this book. And it definitely didn't disappoint. It has the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and Christian faith-based elements. The story is intense, riveting, humorous, scary, and inspiring. The K-9 stories have always had a special spot in my heart, and this story made me appreciate and respect them even more. The dogs play an important role in the story, and Dakota is a hero on his own rights. Staff Sergeant Felicity Monroe and Master Sergeant Westley James are both strong, capable characters who have deep pain and sorrow in their hearts from their past. Both of them have struggled with their relationships with their parents, both of them have overcome obstacles and made a good life for themselves, lives where they are comfortable in, where they thrive and are successful. All this could come to an end if they would act upon the attraction they feel for each other. I loved the frenemies to romance theme that was going on here. It gave the story a dash of a thrill, angst, and humor to see Felicity and Westley find a way over the walls they had built around themselves to protect their hearts, and thus their future lives in the air force. The danger surrounding the base with the serial killer on the loose is constant, the intensity is high, and the attacks and crimes keep piling up, creating confusion and distraction. The series continues with the hunt for the serial killer, thus a little cliffhanger at the end, but the crimes in this story were satisfactorily solved. A captivating and intriguing story that was easy to get lost in. The characters were alluring, their faith in God inspiring, their strength and willingness to serve was heartening, their connection to each other was true, honest and fervent. The scare and terror the killer created was a constant factor yet the military staff handled the cases with cool, calm, professionalism that was impossible not to admire. I enjoyed the story immensely, looking forward to more in the series. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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A covert agency turned him into an indefatigable operative who survives by two rules: carry out all orders as given and never leave a witness.
Wildlife photographer Hope Small has returned to the Crow Reservation in Montana to capture footage of migrating birds. Her ordinary day full of waiting in a beautiful, remote field becomes a nightmare when an armed man crosses her path and abruptly begins to hunt her. Running for her life, she does what she must to survive, only to discover the man beneath the cold-blooded killer. A man in desperate need of help that only she can provide.
My mind is fascinated and horrified with possibilities the UI and the human manipulation could reach. I am in awe of the imagination it has taken from the author to create this world of super soldiers, who are handled as lab rats, taught them to kill on command, yet when taken from the drugs and environment they all are honorable, loyal, solid people who only aim to serve and protect.
Wildlife photographer Hope Small had calm, understanding, and serenity that I admired. Her honesty and willingness to stand with the man who had ones targeted her was admirable. Owen has dignity even when manipulated and drugged. His instinct to protect is strong, and his enhanced abilities can be used for the good, to survive, as well as for the evil of the UI. I love that we get to follow John and Amelia's life so close in these new installments of the series. The bond between them is a rare connection, and I am looking forward to the day when I get a chance to read the book where their story started. Hope and Owen have a connection that is similar to John and Amelia. It is rare and tender, it is respectful and understanding beyond measures. The passion growing between them is ardent yet loving and sweet. The esteem and appreciation they hold for each other are evident in every scene. A tense and thought-provoking series of the super soldiers and the brotherhood between them continues with another tale with action and passion for life. The world created around them is mindboggling yet intriguing, the characters admirable and noble yet humble and honest. An alluring series in multiple of ways. ~ Four Spoons
He's a fierce protector of his land and sacred heritage—and only a strong woman can capture his wild heart... Dillon Iron Feather is dangerous and he knows it. Hardened by his championship fighting career, he returns to his remote Colorado ranch to heal, only to discover that city girl Tessa Grove is determined to stake her claim to the old mine she inherited on a corner of his land. Stubborn to the bone, Tessa soon digs up precious gems from deep within the earth to use in her custom-made jewelry business. But those stones turn out to be sacred, and sparks fly as they begin to guide her to the secret chambers of Dillon's heart. Iron Feather Brothers Series: Meet the Iron Feather Brothers—they’re tough, they’re dangerous, and family means everything to them. Whether it’s living up to their ancestor’s outlaw reputation or brandishing their own style of justice, these men have each other’s backs. And it takes very special women to get under their skin and untangle their barbed-wire hearts in order to find love in this contemporary western romance series set in the Rocky Mountains. Refreshingly original and magically unique storyline that captured my mind and heart from the very start with the most intense MMA fight scene that gave me the chills. An amazing start to the story, and that intensity held through the tale. It is memorable, sweet yet filled with passion, honest yet riddled with crooks. It breaks the mold of a typical romance novel. It jumps right into the Native American culture that I was in awe of, the supernatural that seemed so logical and acceptable. I loved and admired the whole aspect of the brothers legacy, the history of the family and how it was bonded to the past of the heroine and to her family legacy as well. The crooks trying to get what wasn't theirs, the threats and trouble they created brought another level of intensity to the tale with explosive twist and turns. It wasn't enough that they fought against nature's power, the evil of the human beings was lurking around as well. The instant connection between Dillon Iron Feather and Tessa Grove was aided by the generations relations between the families. They both had lost parents at the early age, they both had faced moments during their careers that changed their lives forever. Tessa was a strong, capable, able woman. Her art was outstanding, I could imagine the pieces in my mind. She was fearless, and the easy way she embraced the culture of Dillon's family was admirable, showing there was no need for adversity or discrimination because of the different ways of lives. Dillon is a tough man to read, yet there is a caring heart of gold inside that warrior. The family is everything to him, he embraces the family history, the pass, the culture of Native American's and their way to live. He has his obstacles to overcome, but with the help of Tessa, who seems like was sent from the heavens to his path, nothing is impossible to them. A true western story with living, loving, passion, and fear. There is the fight to survive against the force of nature. There is the fight to your own right to live and exist to be true to yourself. And there is the fight against what is right and what is wrong, and it all is wrapped up in one entertaining, intriguing, intense, and ardent package, that was a pleasure to read and experience. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Tessa has two rules for her new life. Falling for the mysterious man on the beach isn’t one of them.
Tall, dark, and brooding, Tristan has the pastry chef’s piping bags in a twist the second he appears uninvited in her kitchen. Tessa’s job on the island is supposed to be the next stage in her career. And the distraction she needs from everything she left behind. Feeding the silent man with the ice-blue eyes isn’t part of the gig. No matter how delicious his half-smiles. But when their unlikely relationship heats up, Tessa realizes how little she knows about the gorgeous man in her bed. And when Tessa and Tristan’s secrets collide it turns out they’ve found the recipe for the perfect storm.
Jumping into a book three in a series, by a new author to me, didn't dim the enjoyment of this book a bit. Yes, there were moments that I wished I had read the previous books to get more background information, but this story stands on its own and stands tall.
The writing is -- I use this word too much but honestly, even thesaurus couldn't help me here -- it is amazing. Each scene and dialogue is so packed with emotion, suspense, secrets, and this sizzling energy of something sinister lurking just around the corner that I was in awe. There are secrets and suspense, and even a bit mystery and evilness in the tale, so much so that without nearly any action I would still call it romantic suspense. One scene particular where the fight is against the power of the mother nature, it has the force of a hurricane in itself, and with its detailed, drastic narration, it took my breath away. The story itself is great and entertaining. The intensity is high, it is very physical, erotic, and the sex scenes are detailed, multiple, and H.O.T. They are also packed with emotions, so deep and so wide, demonstrating the storm of the inner turmoil, that they were an intricate part of the plot. To say that Tristan and Tessa have chemistry would be like saying torpedo is windy. What those two had in between them was tangible, fierce, and powerful, a force to be reckoned with. I read to escape, and as a chef and a pastry chef, for that reason usually, try to avoid the 'foodie romance' stories. There were a lot of references at the beginning of the story to baking and Tessa's creations but they were a relevant part of Tessa and Tristan finding a common ground and forming a connection, thus enjoyable and delicious. An intense, riveting story about family, friends, food, and love and not necessarily in that order. It has strong suspenseful elements, it has dangerous, twisted secrets, it has unexpected connections, but mostly it has two souls hungry for love, acceptance, and a home to belong to. It is beautiful, powerful, and ah, so very ardent and amorous. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai
Series Forbidden Hearts #3 Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date March 27, 2018
Being bad never felt so good, in the third novel in Alisha Rai’s sexy Forbidden Hearts series!
Well-behaved women don’t lust after men who love to misbehave. Heiress Evangeline Chandler knows how to keep a secret . . . like her life-long crush on the tattooed hottie who just happens to be her big brother’s friend. She’s a Chandler, after all, and Chandlers don’t hook up with the help. Then again, they also don’t disobey their fathers and quit their respectable jobs, so good-girl rules may no longer apply. Gabriel Hunter hides the pain of his past behind a smile, but he can’t hide his sudden attraction to his friend’s sheltered little sister. Eve is far too sweet to accept anything less than forever and there’s no chance of a future between the son of a housekeeper and the town’s resident princess. When a wedding party forces Eve and Gabe into tight quarters, keeping their hands off each other will be as hard as keeping their clothes on. The need that draws them together is stronger than the forces that should shove them apart . . . but their sparks may not survive the explosion when long-buried secrets are finally unearthed.
“No one knows .”
His tone was bleak, the words tripping over each other. “No one will,” she whispered, though that wasn’t her place to promise. “I’ll keep it a secret.” His laugh was a harsh bark. “What am I supposed to do? Just trust you?” Yes.” The adrenaline in her blood spiked, and she leaned in closer, driven to comfort and consume him. “I’m very good at secrets.” He shook his head. “You don’t— ” She had no idea what he was going to say, because she settled her lips over his. It was a ridiculous urge, born of panic and desperation and a deep-seated drive to calm him. Their lips fit together perfectly, and she moved them over his, tasting the faint hint of mint in his mouth. Finally. Finally. Now she knew what kissing would feel like. Like perfection. He froze for a second, but then a growl came from deep in his chest. He tightened his hold on her, crushed her close, and kissed her back. Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of HURTS TO LOVE YOU, we're giving away a paperback copy of HATE TO WANT YOU by Alisha Rai! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Five winners will each receive a paperback copy of Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/9/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Alisha RaiAlisha Rai pens award-winning sexy contemporary romances and is the first author to have an indie-published book appear on The Washington Post's annual Best Books list. She spends most of her time dreaming up sexy heroes and heroines, traveling, and tweeting. To find out more about her books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit www.alisharai.com Author Links
Twice Bitten by Lynsay Sands
Series Argeneau #27 Genre Adult Paranormal Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date March 27, 2018
Thrilling, witty, and oh-so-sexy, Lynsay Sands’ Argeneau novel brings together a beautiful Immortal and the man who is her destiny…
For someone who’s been around for over a hundred and forty years, immortal Elspeth Argeneau hasn’t done a whole lot of living. Now that she’s moved away from her controlling mother, she’s tracking down rogue vampires and enjoying some overdue freedom. A fling would be fun. A life mate can wait. Yet to Elspeth’s surprise, her landlady’s hot grandson checks both boxes. Wyatt fell instantly in love with Elspeth four years ago. He’s stunned to run into her again, especially as she has no memory of him. Then again, there are a lot of things about Elspeth that don’t make sense, like the miraculous speed with which her wounds heal. And the chemistry that transforms every touch into an explosion of desire. But with mysterious “accidents” besieging Elspeth, the ex-Special Forces soldier appoints himself her bodyguard. But time is running out to uncover the truth about her enemies—and rediscover the man determined to love her for eternity. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone story. “Wyatt?” she said, surprised at how breathless her voice was. She was panting, Elspeth realized. The man hadn’t even touched her and she was panting like an overheated dog . . . or a horny one. “I’m sorry,” Wyatt growled, and turned away to quickly search the room, and then spotting the bath towel over the towel rack, he grabbed it and turned back to offer it to her. Elspeth reached for it, but froze when their hands touched. For a minute, they just remained like that, both silent and still as shockwaves rolled through them, and then Wyatt cleared his throat. His voice was husky as he said, “I know you’re not ready for a life mate, and I-“ That was as far as he got before Elspeth finished taking the towel from him, let it drop to the floor, and reached for him instead. Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of TWICE BITTEN, we’re giving away five paperback copies of A QUICK BITE, the first installment in the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Five winners will each receive a paperback copy of A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/6/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Lynsay SandsLYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at http://www.lynsaysands.net. Author Links
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What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell
Series School For Dukes (Each book is a standalone story.) Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date March 27, 2018
Wanted: Governess for duke’s unruly children
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have terrorized half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives. Lost: One heart to an arrogant duke Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won’t be quite so easy to control. And there’s something else she can’t seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time Edgar is near. Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she’s the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win . . .?
“Not one in one thousand governesses would lecture me as you do, Miss Perkins.”
“As a governess I have a duty to point out misbehavior.” “Impudent minx.” Why was he grinning at her as if he liked impudent minxes more than anything? And why couldn’t she stop noticing how nicely shaped his lips were? Firm on top, yet sensually flared below. “Perhaps I deserve a thorough tongue-lashing,” he mused. Which sounded quite wicked when spoken in such a low, husky voice. His gaze shifted to her lips. “Are you planning to give me another?” “Only if you’re bad, Your Grace.” He must have taken a step nearer to her. Or had she been the one to move closer? So close. A reckless desire formed in her mind, blotting out her customary good sense. A desire to misbehave. Just this once. “Or . . .” She rose to her tiptoes, placing her palms against his rock-solid chest. “I could be the bad one . . .” Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES, we’re giving away a cloth bag with a paperback copies of the book and Lenora’s entire back list! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a cloth bag filled with paperback copies of What a Difference a Duke Makes and Lenora Bell’s entire back list. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/9/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Lenora BellLenora Bell is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. She blames the long, dark winters in her tiny Alaskan hometown for making her a lifelong bookworm. A teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing who has lived on five continents, Lenora currently shares an old farmhouse in the Pacific Northwest with her carpenter husband and two tiger-striped rescue kitties. She loves to hear from readers! Author Links
Jillian James has been a wanderer as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town, never staying too long in any one place. Not running to or from anything, or hiding out. Just drifting...the way she was taught as a child by her nomadic single father, a man who liked to travel and went wherever the jobs took him, never putting down roots or getting involved for too long with anyone. And Jillian is the same way—no strings anywhere, no place to call home. And no one to call family, not since she last saw her father the day he dropped her off at college—before disappearing from her life completely. But now, twelve years later, Jillian is hoping to find some trace of him in the only place she believes he ever had a special connection—the small, welcoming town of Laurel Springs, Texas. Soon after arriving, Jillian lands a temporary job courtesy of Connor Larady, a man of many hats—town mayor, land owner, newspaper publisher, unpublished novelist and, most important, devoted single dad to his rebellious teenaged daughter, Sunnie, and doting grandson to Eugenia Larady, better known to everyone as Gram. Connor hires Jillian to help out in aging Gram’s quilt shop, cataloguing and preserving each quilt’s history, just as Gram starts struggling with her own slipping memory. Despite her better judgment, Jillian soon finds herself growing closer to each of the Laradys: helping Sunnie cope with a tragic past while struggling to figure out what she wants from her future; spending time with the shy, handsome Connor while knowing that any romance between them will only end in sadness when she eventually leaves; and connecting with the lovely Gram, a woman who is the heart of the entire town, building literal and invisible threads throughout the community--and whose fading memories and occasional flashbacks, a shocked Jillian realizes, contain clues to her own family history. Jillian has spent her life avoiding attachments. According to her father’s rules, it hurts too much to care. But for the first time in her life, she’s starting to wonder if his rules are wrong, if it’s better to be part of something greater than just herself—part of a community, of a family, of loving someone. Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas April 10, 2018 • Trade paperback original • HQN • 384 pages • ISBN 978-1-335-06295-6 • $15.99 U.S./$19.99 CAN. Mornings On Main is a story of generations of loving, living, and surviving. It is filled with an intriguing history of the people in town, reflecting the times they have lived, and bringing a warm, comforting gust of past into the current, contemporary world. Jodi Thomas is a master of a storyteller. Her words are so well put together, the poetic-kind of strings of tales entwined between the covers of the book, binding the lives of generations together with a gentle yet in a real, and at times emotionally raw, strands. The vivid images pulled me into this small town Texas, where the people are kind, curious, and generous while trying to survive with the new challenges the times are throwing at them. It was so easy to relate to the people of the town, especially the newcomer, Jillian James. Her search for her father and for her roots, trying to find a place where she belongs to, her wondering ways to live and exist, her realistic way to see life, and the deep hidden need to belong and to be loved, made her a truly likable character. In her many layers, she has something each and everyone can relate to, pull from their own life and mirror it against her emotions, experiences, and characteristics. Jillian's sweetly romantic connection to the mayor Connor Larady was tangible. The chemistry was there and their minds seemed to come into the same wavelength from very different experiences in life. Connor has the patience of a saint, he is kind, he is a caretaker of everyone in town, he is smart, he is generous, and a bit of a visionary. The Connor's teenage daughter, Sunnie, and her adventures in the age-related drama, her friend Reese, and Gram and Joe with their 80 years of life and memories together brought new patches to the tale like the pieces of a quilt, altogether making a beautiful and unique piece of art. Personally, I found so many connections to the story with the quilting, loving a person with a memory illness, and living in several places and even in different continents. At times it was like reading my own story in some parallel universe with a bit different twists and turns in the plot, and I absolutely treasured every moment I got to spend in Laurel Springs, Texas. Mornings On Main is not one of those books you inhale on one sitting. Oh, don't get me wrong, it is doable and a temptation because of the well-written, alluring story. But to me, it was a book to be enjoyed slowly, taken on bites, relishing the moments and each relationship in the tale. Each twist and turn in the plot, the new emotions arising, revelations, tidbits of history and lives from the past was something I wanted to savor and ponder as I was reading. It is a story that you want to come back to, re-read, and visit the friends of Laurel Springs. It is a keepsake book that you want to escape into again and again, and get lost in the enticing lives of the people in Laurel Springs. They make you smile and sigh, even laugh. They pull you into their lives and make you feel like one them like you were right there in the middle of Main, living and observing your friends lives to happen to them. Absolutely a delight to read and experience! ~ Five Spoons
How the Cowboy Was Won by Lori Wilde
Series Cupid, Texas #6 Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date March 27, 2018
Return to New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s beloved town of Cupid, Texas, where wedding fever is in the air…and two best friends discover that sometimes the perfect match is standing right in front of you.
Ember Alzate is a fantastic matchmaker with one big problem: she can’t find the perfect mate for herself! Alzate family legend says that when she kisses “the One” she’ll hear a mysterious humming in her head. Well, Ember’s kissed a lot of guys and she’s never heard a thing. Now, instead of searching for herself, she vows to find her best friend, Ranger Lockhart, a bride. It’s clear this smart, sexy man just needs to meet the right gal. Ranger’s returned home to Cupid with marriage on his mind but he’s not interested in the parade of women Ember pushes under his nose. His thoughts keep returning to his best friend—with her combustable combination of curves and sass. No one compares to Ember, but what’s it going to take to convince her she’s the woman for him?
What we all want, after all, is to be loved and accepted just as we are. In How the Cowboy Was Won the Ember Alzate has always felt like she is too loud, too wild, too spontaneous, too much for everyone else but to her very best friend, Ranger Lockhart.
I love the best friend to lovers stories because they have such a solid foundation to build a relationship on. This story had so much more than just the romance developing between the two best friends. There were community affairs and events with plenty of characters to get mixed up if not paying attention, there were the match-making attempts by Ember, the filmmaking, the living and loving of small-town Texas, and it was funny, sweet, adorable, and entertaining. There were moments, like the best first kiss ever, that had me swooning, there was the ardent passion that had me fanning my face, there were the moments of true confessions, the raw truths of the hearts and souls that had me in tears, there were moments of pure vulnerability that helped the characters grow, and there were the continues moments that the best friends could not communicate what truly was in their minds and hearts that had me frustrated and even annoyed. Charming and captivating, delightful and humorous, poignant and inspiring - The story stirred the emotions, had me engaged in the tale while whisked me away to a lively and lovely visit to Cupid, Texas. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side A minute later, Ranger found Ember near the barn entrance scooping two longneck beers from a galvanized tub filled with ice. She was laughing with a younger, dark-haired man that he vaguely recognized. Her head was thrown back, exposing her creamy white throat, and a flirtatious grin lit up her face. The other man was leaning into her, practically drooling, his eyes fixed on her cleavage. Quick and sharp, a poke of jealousy stabbed Ranger’s gut, and he had an inexplicable urge to punch the leering guy in the nose. Which wasn’t him. He was the normally the mediator, not the guy starting fights. But right now? He’d roll up his sleeves for a full-on brawl if it stopped the guy from staring at Ember. What was this? He knew Ember could take care of herself. She had no need for a chivalrous knight to protect her honor, but damn if he wasn’t mentally searching for jousting armor and a white horse. Confused, he blinked and shook his head, tried to figure out why he was suddenly feeling so possessive. She was Ember. No one could contain or control her. Nor had he ever wanted to, but right now? Watching this guy touch her shoulder? He felt positively Neanderthal. Ranger knotted his fists at his sides, bit down on the inside of his cheek. She caught sight of him and her eyes danced like a kid on Christmas getting the toy she’d long prayed for, and his jealousy vanished. “There you are!” Her words were a caress, a joyous gift. Cradling the longneck bottles, dripping with cold water, between her fingers, she reached out to take Ranger’s palm with her other hand, and called, “Bye Warren,” over her shoulder to the other guy. “Come with me,” she said, guiding him out of the barn and across the dirt road to the cowboy wedding chapel. She opened the door into the empty building. At the back of the room, to the left of the altar, a wooden staircase led to an up-stairs loft. The place was quiet and dark. Music and laughter from the reception barn sounded muffled and faraway, and the only light came from the full moon shining in through the curtainless windows. The chapel smelled of hymnals and wedding flowers and Ember’s cinnamon-and-anise scent. It felt mysterious and secret, and Ranger found the place strangely erotic. What was going on with him tonight? Ember dropped his hand and hiked up the skirt of her formal gown, a sapphire blue that perfectly matched her eyes, bunching the material in her small fist. She kicked off her high-heeled shoes and climbed barefoot up the wooden ladder, somehow still managing to hang on to those beers. Part tomboy, part girly-girl, she straddled both identities with ease. Poised and self-confident, Ember was one of those accomplished people who just naturally navigated any environment without having to think about it. Agog, he stood in the darkness watching her as if seeing her for the first time, amazed at her agility and grace. He noted her delicate feet and toenails painted a pearly peach. Or at least they looked peachy in the moonlight. He admired how soft tendrils of red hair floated from her upsweep to trail against the nape of her long, swan-like neck. God, she was beautiful. It was as if a year away had spritzed his eyes with window cleaner and rubbed them clear. How could he not have noticed before the ripe lushness of her breasts, the sexy curve of her hips, the pouty fullness of her bottom lip? She’s your best friend, Lockhart. Stop this. “Earth to Professor, head out of the clouds,” she called to him from the loft. “You gonna stand there all night?” Sheepishly, Ranger scooted up the ladder behind her. Once he joined Ember upstairs, she pushed open the wide barn door and walked out onto a ledge with roof access. Without missing a beat, and still holding the beers, she hiked up her skirt again, revealing those long shapely legs, and glided up a second, spindlier ladder that led to the roof. Behind her, Ranger felt like a lumbering ape, the heels of his cowboy boots clinging sluggishly to each rung. “Ahh,” she said, sinking onto the shingles, her knees drawn up, her dress tucked around her legs. Ranger’s heart thumped oddly, and he lowered himself beside her. “Cowboy boots and roof shingles don’t mix well.” “At least it’s not tin like the barn.” She shrugged, twisted off the top, and passed the beer to him before opening her own. “True.” He took a long swallow, tasted the familiar yeasty flavor of Lone Star. With her knees still raised, she lay back on her spine and exhaled forcefully. “Ahh,” she murmured again. “Ahh.” He doffed his Stetson, lay on his back beside her, resting his cowboy hat on his belly. Their shoulders barely touching, they stared up at the stars, resting in comfortable silence. How many times had they climbed up on a roof to get away from the hubbub of their large families. A hundred? Two hundred? More? “Look!” She pointed at the sky. “A falling star. Make a wish.” “You know stars don’t have the ability to grant wishes. It’s just—” “Bits of dust and rocks falling into Earth’s atmosphere and burning up. I know, I know, you’ve told me a million times, but I’ll never give up trying to make a romantic of you.” “You’re doomed to fail,” he predicted. “I can’t help being born with a scientific mind.” “Spoilsport,” she teased, and dragged a toe along the roof. “You could pretend once. For me.” “Sorry,” he said. “I can’t eschew a lifetime of education.” “And that—” she tapped his right knee with her left “—is why you’re not married.” He didn’t say anything. What was there to say? He’d never much been interested in marriage. His career, and helping his family out with the ranch, took up most of his time, and what was left he spent with Ember. Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of HOW THE COWBOY WAS WON, we’re giving away a paperback copy of MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY by Lori Wilde! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Million Dollar Cowboy. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/10/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Lori WildeA fifth generation Texan, Lori Wilde is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 82 works of fiction. She’s a three-time nominee of the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award and has won numerous other awards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University, and a certificate in forensics. She is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor, and runs a yoga/creativity retreat for artists at Epiphany Orchards in Weatherford, Texas, the Cutting Horse Capital of the World. Author Links
For the woman who’s his perfect match, he’s willing to break the rules… The moment Brand Berry meets beautiful, driven Sahara Silver, the connection between them is electric. It’s also something he can’t pursue. Sahara wants him, sure—to join Body Armor, where his MMA skills, size and cocky attitude make him perfect for her elite crew of bodyguards. For Sahara, the agency always comes first, and Brand needs more. Yet when she’s kidnapped by men searching for her missing brother, he doesn’t hesitate. Somewhere along the way, flirting with Brand for the sake of business turned very personal. Despite his refusal to join Body Armor, it’s Brand who steps up when Sahara needs him most. Now there’s no more time for games, and no point denying the hunger they both feel. They’ll escape together or not at all. But if they survive, can Sahara finally surrender control to claim this blazing passion? The fourth installment of the Body Armor series by Lori Foster brings the series to an intense, explosive conclusion, where the bossy, sassy, always very opinionated Sahara Silver finally gets the limelight. Her ardent attraction towards Brand Berry has come through loud and clear in the previous books of the series, yet this title is easy to be read as a stand-alone novel - even though reading the books in order will bring you fast-paced entertainment and more enjoyment and knowledge of all the characters in the series. Lori Foster really knows how to write smoothly flowing tales of love and life with deep emotions and the hottest sex scenes. That is something I have learned to expect from her, and she delivers as Fast Burn does not disappoint on those accounts either. I loved how detailed Brand and his background was drawn with. The turmoil and drama with his biological mother, and the loving support his mom and dad showed to him, and to Sahara, brought another level of warm feels to the story. Brand is the perfect hero, he is kind, loyal, considerate, strong, smart, confident man who can show both tenderness and deadly force within few minutes. His tolerance to Sahara's bossy and embracive behavior just made me like him more. Sahara was a bit too much for me at times. Yes, she knows what she wants, she is not afraid of anything, especially going for what her heart desire, but sometimes that fearlessness comes out as foolishness, getting her trouble by running her mouth or acting out. Her loyalty to her brother was endearing, but Scott himself, not so much. The story was well balanced between the tense suspense and passion filled romance between Brand and Sahara. The fact that the leader of the bad guys developed feelings towards Sahara gave me the creeps, but I believe that was meant to be so, as Brand has pretty much the same reaction, as well. Sahara is a strong woman, she is loud, she is on your face, going after Brand from the first moment she met him. But as a bodyguard to work for him, not nessaserely as a boyfriend. The whole conflict of interest that Brand felt with the career proposal was the stumbling block in their relationship, and I felt that maybe there wasn't enough of a solution on that matter, even though the conclusion of the tale was well hashed out. Action and suspense, romance and passion, laughter and deep emotions, sighs and swoons - the story delivers it all. It kept my interest keen, it is sharp, fierce, sweet, and bold. The whole series has been a pleasant reading experience to me, and I can't wait to see what's next from in line from this amazing author who never fails to entertain my mind ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Wanted: fake fiancée for a wealthy rancher Benefits: all your dreams come true #1 Rule: don’t fall in love The woman on his doorstep is brash, independent and holding a baby! His father won’t approve, which makes her perfect for Joshua Grayson’s scheme. He’ll pretend he’s marrying unsuitable Danielle Kelly to keep his father from meddling. He won’t be tempted to touch her, to claim her…or to fall in love. I adored the story of Joshua Grayson and Danielle Kelly. It was fun and entertaining, it was hot, passionate, and ardent, it had me smiling and even chuckling out loud. But it also had a raw honesty, tangible vulnerability, and that brittleness of a spirit that comes when it has withstood so many hard winds that it could break with a well-planned knock. I love Maisey Yates writing, she knows just how to balance all the elements of the story and she is not shy about going to the turbulent deep waters of emotional turmoil. Danielle is in dire straits. As a guardian of her little brother, she has to keep treading, to keep her head above the water, to be able to provide for the baby and keep the custody of the child. The choices are few, and to pretend to be Joshua's fiance for a little while the best option she has to build a better future for her baby brother. Joshua is tired of his father's meddling in his life, the ad in the newspaper was the last drop. He is not looking to falling in love again, the first disaster was enough for a lifetime. While being a sensual and desire filled story, it has heartfelt emotions, wishful and loving moments, affection and deep feelings that even in the shorter length story had time and opportunity to take root and be fruitful. Ah, I just loved Joshua and Danielle, the connection, chemistry, and possibilities in between and within them. ~ Five Spoons
No memory and orders to kill. Who has his lover become? Two years after their short, intense affair, Texas Ranger Jameson Beckett discovers Kelly Stockwell alive. Except she has amnesia…and a note demanding she kill Jameson. Where is the woman with whom he shared so much? Because Kelly remembers nothing, not even the toddler they learn is their daughter. With secrets unraveling and bullets flying, is Jameson’s trust in Kelly’s heart enough to save them all? Blue River Ranch An energetic, action-filled, intense thrill-ride that keeps the readers on the edge through the tale. Roughshod Justice finales the series and does it well. All the loose ends are tightly wrapped up, the questions are answered, and the murder mystery that has puzzled and sorrowed the minds of many is finally solved. The action, battle against the bad guys, and the struggle to find answers, to keep the good guys alive, and all the babies accounted for, is a non-stop roll-a-coaster ride where you better hold on to your hat. The romance between Texas Ranger Jameson Beckett and Kelly Stockwell started two years ago with a fiery attraction but ended up with heartache and betrayal and unanswered questions. Now the two lovers face each other again, and passion, the attraction is burning hotter than ever, yet they have few surprises, unexpected twists, and confessions to make and deal with. I loved how understanding, reasonable, and forgiving Jameson was. Yes, there were hurt feelings, there were doubts, there was even anger, yet he didn't hold on to those negative feelings but seek to understand and to accept the facts and the truth that was slowly coming to the light and the secrets that were unveiled. Kelly had made several mistakes in the past two years, but most of them not by her own choice, just reacting to the circumstances surrounding her. She is a true survivor, she is tough, she is resilient, and she has the short-cut to Jameson's heart if she wants to take it. With a breath-taking, vigorous, sharp, and fierce action the story leads the finale to the action-filled series to an entertaining, satisfying, and fervent ending with combustible suspense and burning hot romance. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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