I Knew You Were Trouble
Oxford #4 By: Lauren Layne Releasing June 13, 2017 Loveswept
New York City’s hottest bachelors are stirring up trouble in this fun, flirty Oxford Novel, as a love triangle forces a feisty beauty to choose between winning back Mr. Right or giving in to Mr. Wrong.
Taylor Carr has it all—a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with: Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer—and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her. Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.
Bradley froze when he saw her, and she was pretty sure she saw the urge to turn and run flicker across his face.
Again she felt a stab of disappointment. In him. And in herself for apparently having misread him. She’d thought he was better than this. Bradley’s eyes moved between her and Nick, and though he didn’t look all that surprised at seeing them bickering, his gaze grew hard as he saw Nick’s hand on Taylor’s face. Nick, naturally, took his sweet time removing it, and she resisted the urge to kick his shin. “Morning, Bradley,” Taylor said, pleased that her voice sounded calm and friendly. As well it should. She’d had plenty of practice over the better part of a year pretending that she and Bradley were nothing more than colleagues. Other than a few close friends who knew they were dating, they’d done a mostly decent job of hiding their romantic relationship from coworkers. Better than she and Nick had done hiding their antagonistic one. “Hey, Taylor. Nick,” Bradley said. He entered the room and reached for a coffee mug, turning his attention toward the other man. “Didn’t realize you’d taken on another assignment. What for?” “Not sure,” Nick said, checking his watch. “Have a meeting with Cassidy in a few to find out.” “Here’s hoping it’s an offsite gig that takes you far, far away. Maybe he needs someone to cover Siberian winters,” Taylor said to Nick, even as she watched Bradley out of the corner of her eye. “Don’t need to travel to find severe winter. It doesn’t get any chillier than right here,” Nick retorted, waving his hand over her head in a storm cloud gesture. She shoved his hand aside, her attention still on Bradley, who was determinedly avoiding her gaze. Coward. It was going to be darn hard to get him to see reason when he wouldn’t even make eye contact. Nick, ever too perceptive for his own good, noticed the tension and gave a quick look between her and Bradley, his gaze turning speculative. She shot him a warning look that clearly said, Don’t. He shot an answering smile that clearly said, Watch me. “Bradley, don’t suppose you’re in the market for a roommate?” Nick asked, his voice deceptively casual. Bradley’s head snapped up, and finally, finally his blue gaze collided with Taylor’s. Dammit. Why did he have to be so beautiful? He was like a mischievous angel, all twinkling blue eyes, dimples, a sexy cleft in his chin, dark blond wavy hair . . . “What?” he asked Nick distractedly, still looking at Taylor. “Taylor here wants to share her original crown molding with someone.” Bradley winced, and Taylor felt a little surge of gratitude toward Nick. He couldn’t have known it, but it was the perfect jab. She and Bradley were both into prewar architecture—had eaten up the broker’s description of all the building’s original elements. Taylor should be sharing that crown molding with Bradley. And he damn well knew it. His eyes met hers in silent misery—an apology that she wasn’t quite ready to accept. Heck, she wasn’t even ready to acknowledge it, because she had no intention of being dumped. Not by him, not by any man. Taylor ignored the guilt written all over Bradley’s face as she held his gaze. “Yes, it seems I unexpectedly have a free bedroom and more rent than I can afford. If either of you knows anyone looking for a roommate . . .” Bradley’s handsome face twisted regretfully, and he set his coffee aside, taking a step toward her, apparently forgetting—or not caring—that Nick was still in the room. “Taylor. Damn it. I told you—” “Actually, I do,” Nick said, interrupting. Taylor forced her gaze away from Bradley’s pleading face toward Nick’s smug one. “You know someone who needs a roommate?” “Yup.” He crossed his arms and watched her. She made an impatient gesture with her hand. “Who? It can’t be one of your ex-girlfriends—I don’t want to inadvertently hear any gross details about you. And not one of your frat-boy guy friends—my living room isn’t cut out for Call of Duty.” “Yeah, because that’s all I do all day.” She rolled her eyes. “Okay, for real, who is it?” His grin was slow, sly, and the very definition of trouble. “Me.”
Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
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Allie and Bea have both lost everything. Now they have nothing to lose. Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde International bestselling author of 32 novels, including Pay It Forward, Leaving the Blythe River, and Say Goodbye For Now Published May 23, 2017
Bea is an older woman who relies on monthly Social Security checks to pay her mounting bills—and even with these, she’s just barely scraping by. Allie is a California teenager who has only ever known a life of privilege and luxury. Their lives could not be more different, but after Bea falls victim to a telephone scam (the realization of so many financially precarious people’s greatest fears) and Allie’s parents are arrested for tax fraud, they both find themselves on the run, without a penny to their names or a place to sleep at night. Their worlds collide when Allie, having escaped her state-mandated group home, hitches a ride with Bea in her van-turned-mobile home, and the unlikely pair embarks on a life-changing journey along the Pacific coast.
From New York Times bestseller Catherine Ryan Hyde, ALLIE AND BEA (Lake Union Publishing; On-sale May 23, 2017) is a cross-generational story about two women and their struggle for survival and search for a place to call home. Together, Allie and Bea must learn how to survive from dollar to dollar, gas station to gas station, sometimes paying for food and supplies through the generosity of others and sometimes through less moral methods. As they make their way to the coast, they are forced to wrestle with questions of right and wrong, their unspoken desire for family and people they can count on, and their growing attachment to each other. Throughout their unconventional road trip, Allie and Bea also discover the freedom and fearlessness that come from losing everything. It is only when their lives are stripped down to the bare essentials that they gain the courage to take risks and the wisdom to understand the intangible things that matter most in life.The author of more than 30 books, including the critically-acclaimed novel Pay It Forward, Catherine Ryan Hyde challenges readers to confront the meaning of family, to consider the role we can and should play in each other’s lives, and above all, to look for the silver lining in the darkest of moments. ALLIE AND BEA is a novel that proves you’re never too old to start over, you’re never too young to give back, and the worst thing in the world may just be the thing that saves you.
When I was offered Allie and Bea to read for a review I didn't hesitate for a minute. Pay It Forward, the author's previous book, changed my life, and how I look at life, and to have the chance to be part of this virtual tour for Allie and Bea is an honor that I humbly accepted.
And the journey Allie and Bea take, both mentally and physically, astonished me with the realistic and sober look at life, and how easy it is to shatter the frames of the life we live, rarely with a little care or thought for tomorrow. This is not one of those stories that you read through one night, write a review, and move on with your life. To fully grasp the life-changing potential of the story, I needed to let it sit for a little while, and ponder about it. The blurb sets the scene for the story in an excellent way. Both Allie and Bea end up homeless, living together in a van, depending on each other to survive. Either of them is fully responsible for their own predicament, how their lives end being what it is today. But they don't have the luxury of blaming others or share the responsibility with someone else. They are on their own and often at the mercy of the strangers that they meet during their journey. The story mesmerized my mind, it was not possible to stay as an observer looking at these two women at the opposite stages of life, trying to make it for one more day. The author dissect the human nature in a brilliant way, showing how easy it is to slip from the main flow of life, and how fast your morals, your ethics, your sense of right and wrong changes, when it comes to your own survival, when you are hungry, penniless, and in a need of place to sleep. When your basic needs have not been met the compromises can come effortlessly. The 'truths' we often take as a necessity, because that's just how things are, are put into a question in the story and shown in a new light. The way most people look at homelessness, and people living off from their cars, change because, in reality, they are just like you and me. How fragile is our lifestyle? How secure are we with our financial situation? How many hits can my own economy take before I'm living on the streets? It doesn't necessarily take a storm to blow away the house of cards we have built, the privileges we take as self-evident rights. Every person Allie and Bea meet end up making an impact on them, whether a good or bad. Sometimes it is an act of kindness that makes a change to their desired destination, sometimes just a word that makes them reflect on their own actions. I was left wondering how little it can take from me, in my interactions with others, to actually make a life-changing difference to someone else. Be careful what you say or do, you never know what kind of ripple effect it has on your environment and the world at large. Both Allie and Bea change and grow as human beings and women through their time together. They share their lives, their life stories, their hopes, and their disappointments. Allie and Bea decide to look at their trip as an adventure, something positive and exciting to look forward to, instead of an escape from the realities they left behind, to that place where home used to be. Until it comes the time to face it all again. Allie and Bea is a beautiful story of survival, friendship, and kindred hearts. It is an honest and raw look at the human mind, the fragility of the western lifestyle and the standards we have created over the years and decades. It is an adventure of a mind and an experience that can make you take a new, fresh look at your life if your heart is open to it and to the change it can generate. It is a story that upon finishing it I immediately texted my sister and said 'you need to check this book out' because I wanted to share the transformative effect it had on me. It is an epic story that I want to keep reading again, just to remind myself not to take anything for granted and to be kind to strangers. I want to keep the spirit of Allie and Bea's story alive in my heart, just like Pay It Forward still has an effect in my daily actions and decisions. ~ Five Spoons
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of 32 published books. Her bestselling 1999 novel, Pay It Forward, was adapted into a major Warner Bros. motion picture starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, made the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults list, and has been translated into more than two dozen languages in 30 countries. More than 50 of her short stories have been published in journals, and her short fiction received honorable mention in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest, a second-place win for the Tobias Wolff Award, and nominations for Best American Short Stories, the O. Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have also been cited in Best American Short Stories.
Hyde is the founder and former president of the Pay It Forward Foundation. As a professional public speaker, she has addressed the National Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with AmeriCorps members at the White House, and shared a dais with Bill Clinton.
The Heartbeat Hypothesis
by Lindsey Frydman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Audra Madison simply wanted to walk in the shoes of Emily Cavanaugh, a free-spirited teenager who died too young. After all, Audra wasn’t supposed to be here.
Thanks to Emily, Audra has a second chance at life. She’s doing all the things that seemed impossible just two years ago: Go to college. Date. Stargaze in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe get a tattoo. You know, live.
Jake Cavanaugh, a photographer with mysterious, brooding gray eyes, agrees to help chronicle her newfound experiences. She makes him laugh, one of the only people who can these days. As they delve into each other’s pasts – and secrets – the closer they become.
But she’s guarded and feels like she can’t trust anyone, including herself.
And he’s struggling with the fact that his beloved sister’s heart beats inside her.
“Audra…I’m really sorry.”
My mind was stuck on the way my name sounded coming from him in that low, rough voice. I wrapped my arms together, running my hands down them to chase away the line of goosebumps. “It’s fine. I understand.” His jaw twitched. Fingers flexed and unflexed. “I’ve still got more pictures to take,” he said, taking a step back. “If you still want a piano lesson, I’ll be in the rec center at seven on Monday, okay? Meet me there.” I nodded, offering him the best smile I could manage. But as he turned to go, I whispered, “I’m the one who’s sorry.” He flashed me a questioning look. “Sorry for what?” I lowered my arms and pressed my palms together. “About Emily.” I’m sorry she’s dead and I’m not, and that you want her to be standing here and not me. I’m sorry if this isn’t what she would’ve wanted—me living the life she couldn’t have. I’d never seen anyone stand so still and straight-faced for so long. The only movement was his chest rising and falling with increasing pace. When he spoke, agony laced every word. “There’s nothing for you to be sorry about.” My whole body trembled, a thousand tiny needles pricked at my skin, and I couldn’t keep my voice from wavering. “I think…I feel like—” “No.” He shook his head, inching toward me again. “I don’t want your pity. I don’t want you apologizing.” Peering across the street at a cluster of trees, I swallowed. The coils in my chest tightened like a winding rubber band until I thought I might snap in two. Jake said my name again, lower this time, and when I looked at him, he was only inches away. “I have a lot of shit going on. None of it has anything to do with you.” Two fingers brushed the edge of my cheek, and he gave me a half-hearted smile. “You just don’t know me that well.” My skin burned beneath his light caress. “That’s the whole point,” I whispered, still shaking. “I don’t know anything about you. But I want to.” “I’m not an easy guy to understand.” His fingers drifted down my neck, and he took another deep inhale before he pulled his hand away. I’m beginning to see that. I ran my own hand over the spot where he’d touched me, then rubbed the back of my neck. “Most people aren’t.” “I know.” His eyes grew unfocused as he lifted the camera up. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you Monday?” I nodded and he stepped past me, heading for the back of the house, his shoes crunching over the dry grass. Flattening my palms against my sides, I looked at the porch steps, wishing I didn’t have to go back inside, through the crush of people. Wishing Jake wasn’t leaving me. “Hey,” he called from yards away, his figure merely a shadow beneath the trees. “I want to know you too.”
Lindsey has been writing since she was nine years old, when she discovered the awesomeness that is Harriet the Spy. Her books always include a romance, though sometimes there’s an added sci-fi or magical realism twist. She lives in Columbus, Ohio (where the weather is never quite right). Her BFA in Photography and Graphic Design has granted her a wide assortment of creative knowledge that serves as inspiration (and not much else). When she’s not crafting YA and NA stories, you'll likely find her spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, playing a video game, singing show-tunes, or performing in a burlesque show—because she enjoys giving her introversion a worthy adversary. (Plus, it's the closest to Broadway she’ll ever get.) Lindsey was a proud 2016 Pitch Wars Mentee and thoroughly adores being a part of the wonderful writing community. THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS is her debut novel.
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Last Semester
by Corine Mekaouche
Genre: Comedy, New Adult, Romance
College. Party. Drama. Life.
When Johanna ‘Jo’ Gold, witty college life blogger and senior at Rutan University, decides to move in with three male strangers her last semester of school, her life unexpectedly turns upside down. While dealing with her new roommates, A.J., the pompous rich kid who feels trapped in following his father’s footsteps; Rob, the prematurely engaged former womanizer who tries to force Jo out of the house at all costs; and Drew, the 21-year-old virgin genius whose encounters with women have been more than limited, Jo learns that change isn't always easy and it's up to her to learn how to survive the remainder of her time at Rutan the best that she can. Along with searching for her missing mother, figuring out a clever way to pay for school tuition on her own, and dealing with the childish pranks brought on by a certain roommate, Jo’s issues seem more complicated than the average 21-year-old. Can Jo endure the dramatic perils of college while planning for life after graduation?
Navigating through college isn’t easy especially when you don’t know what the future holds, but Jo is determined to conquer her present even if it means figuring out what being an adult is all about. With graduation around the corner, Jo and her roommates have some growing up to do and the last semester is all they have.
College is complicated.
Partying is a necessity.
Drama is guaranteed.
Life is just beginning.
“Breathe, Rob! Just breathe!” I demand in a panicky voice from the back seat as we swiftly pull up to the entrance of the hospital. Clutching his chest in pain next to me, he heaves out a few spouts of air, but it’s not enough to help him.
Shit! I watch my roommate Rob’s cheeks turn from a shade of deep pink to a dark crimson red. “A.J.! He’s getting worse!” I yell to my other roommate in the driver’s seat. He rolls his eyes then turns around. “Calm down, Jo!” he exclaims. “I can’t think when you’re yelling like this!” Drew, our other roommate, and usually the voice of reason, says nothing as he quickly jumps out of the Range Rover and runs into the hospital entrance. “Can’t. Breathe,” Rob manages to force out of his mouth, then before I know it, his body falls limp and his head somehow ends up on my lap. His eyes roll to the back of his head. “I think he’s dying!” I whine and suddenly I’m losing my breath. Releasing a loud groan, A.J. climbs out of the SUV and casually walks into the hospital as if nothing is wrong. Why is he so calm and I’m flipping the hell out? I begin to shake Rob’s shoulders but he doesn’t respond and I’m almost positive that he’s not breathing at all now. It’s official. I killed my roommate. Okay, maybe he’s not dead yet, but if death was a road, he just made a left turn for the worse then ran over a few annoying potholes and some week old roadkill...and probably drove off a cliff or something... Ugh! I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore! I feel guilty for doing this to him and I feel even more guilty because I kinda hate his arrogant, smug ass, but just because someone is an asshole doesn’t mean that they deserve to die, does it? The back door opens and I see A.J. and Drew standing outside with a wheelchair. A.J. roughly wraps his arms around Rob’s body and begins to pull him out of the car. “Fuck! He’s like the size of an ogre,” he complains as he struggles to get Rob into the wheelchair. The fact that Rob is as useless as a wet noodle right now makes it difficult for A.J. to adjust Rob’s body in the chair. I cringe just watching it. “I knew this was going to happen one day,” Drew says shaking his head. “The inevitable always happens.” Shooting Drew a snarling glare, A.J. grits his teeth. “Just roll the goddamn chair into the hospital,” he instructs. Drew turns the chair around and begins to jog into the emergency room with Rob’s body leaning to one side. A.J. looks at me in the SUV, annoyed. “Well, are you coming?” he asks and I just freeze. Do I stay? Do I go? I don’t know what to do with myself! Taking a quick yet deep breath, I climb out of the SUV, shut the door and join A.J. on the other side of the vehicle. “I’m horrible,” I blurt out and I can feel wetness welling in my eyes. “I’m a horrible person.” “Dammit, Jo! I hate it when girls cry,” he complains as he shuts the other back door and begins to walk into the hospital. He pauses in his tracks when he notices that I’m not following him. I’m frozen.
The geek and the dreamer, Corine Mekaouche has always had the vision of becoming a writer. While growing up in the New Jersey suburbs, Corine spent her childhood immersed in music, novels, and writing. To her, the arts was the best escape ever. For college, she attended Rutgers University majoring in English and minoring in Theatre Arts. Somehow, Corine survived the college experience and became somewhat of a grown-up yet still kept the vision of being a writer alive because it may be all she’s qualified for. So, she wrote and wrote until Last Semester, a new adult novel about college life and growing up, was born. Currently, she is writing other novels and plays for future release. When she’s not writing, loudly singing to songs in her car or dancing in random places for no apparent reason, Corine is being an awesome wife and a mom residing outside of the wonderfully flawed New York City.
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Take the shot…or take a chance?
FBI sniper Andre Diaz saved Juliette Lawson from a deadly hostage situation. But only hours later, he receives the surprise of his life when she takes him hostage in order to escape Quantico. Now the federal agent knows just how desperate Juliette is to stay hidden from her dangerous cop ex-husband. Putting her trust in another law enforcement officer is difficult. Yet Juliette senses Andre is definitely one of the good guys. Perhaps he truly can protect her from the secrets she's been running from—unless her deadly past catches up with them both first.
I loved this story! From the very first scene, I was giddy with excitement to find out how the plot will play out. There's a perfect balance between the riveting action and the sweetest romance, both aspects were played off in an excellent fashion, making them believable, intense, and captivating.
FBI sniper Andre Diaz and his brothers of heart, Marcos, and Cole, have a rare connection between them. The brotherly love, care, and loyalty are thick and tight, there is nothing that would ever come in between them. Those three together was enough to make me swoon, I can't wait to read the stories for Marcos and Cole. The intensity of the suspense and the mysteries behind the attacks keeps the energy high and vigorous through the story. As the suspects of the attacks are known, the tension is intensified by the culprit's close connection to Juliette Lawson, the eerie feeling of knowing they are coming after her again, and the fact that the brothers are dancing on the line of legal and illegal measures to keep Juliette safe. All the characters in the story are appealing and charismatic, people I look forward to getting to know more about. Juliette and Andre's attraction is immediate, yet the connection has a believable quality to it. They are drawn to each other both mentally and physically, the growing feelings they have for each other are nearly palpable in the air. I loved how the budding relationship balanced the deadly, callous crimes. On the other hand, the story is vicious, but the developing emotions between Juliette and Andre brought joy and wonder of falling in love to the tale. Cold-blooded, heartless acts of crime mixed with adorable and ardent romance and devoted and true bromance made Bodyguard With a Badge compelling, potent, and dynamic story that was impossible to put down before the end. Highly recommended! ~ Five Spoons
ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit (or a lot!) of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range. Her novels have been published in more than a dozen countries and eight languages; they've also been shortlisted for the National Readers' Choice, Daphne Du Maurier and Booksellers' Best awards and won the RT Reviewers' Choice award.
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. She’s a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
??EXCESS BAGGAGE RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY!??
Grab your copy now - myBook.to/ExcessBaggageLBWin a SIGNED PAPERBACK & Amazon voucher (Details of giveaway below). 'An absolute must read this Summer!' Lady Living in Bookland 'Quintessential British humour, I felt like I was on a girls holiday with my own chicks.' Persuing Princesses Book Blog 'Almost made me pee myself I laughed so hard!' Shelly's Book Corner Synopsis Stuck in a dead-end relationship, Erica Bennett finds herself daydreaming of her first holiday romance. She was fifteen, it was exciting, new and full of possibilities…and Jack Lawson was hot as hell. That kind of thing leaves a mark. So when her friends suggest a girls holiday to Luna Island, it’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off things. What she doesn’t expect is to spot Jack – a much older, hotter version of him – across the hotel lobby. Their attraction is still there and it isn’t long before sparks fly, but fifteen years is a long time. They aren’t the same people they were back then and besides, it’s only a week, right? Is it a second chance at something real or will their excess baggage ruin their shot at love after they leave Luna Island? myBook.to/ExcessBaggageLB Check out the reviews on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34994195-excess-baggage?from_search=true GIVEAWAY! Head on over to Laura's facebook page to enter her release day giveaway to be in with a chance of winning a signed paperback of EXCESS BAGGAGE and a £5/$5 Amazon gift card. Connect with Laura
Without Words
by: Delancey Stewart Releasing May 22, 2017 Entangled Select
Sometimes love speaks for itself…
After an accident in the line of duty, firefighter Roberto DeRosa’s life is turned upside down. His career fighting fires is over, and he’s left with an uncertain future and an injury that makes communicating difficult for him. The only time words flow easily is when they’re lyrics and he has a guitar in his hands. Talking to women is definitely out, especially if they have bright blue eyes that seem to see right into his soul. Dani Hodge is on the brink of realizing her dream of opening a small combination wine and book store in San Diego’s funky Ocean Beach neighborhood. But before she can open the doors, there’s work to be done, more work than she can do herself. When the tattooed guy who completely ignored her at a bar walks by and offers her a hand wrangling a tile saw, Dani can’t afford to say no—and why would she say no to Mr. Strong and Silent when his stare conveys more than words could?
Every now and then you read a story that is so beautiful it leaves you in the state of awe for a long while after. Without Words is one of those stories. It is heart-shattering with its pain, torment, and agony, it is raw with life-like emotions and deep feelings, yet it heals all the wounds with the devotion and tenderness, the pure joy of life shining through.
Roberto DeRosa and Dani Hodge have a nearly magical connection, the energy around them sizzling in the air with heat and yearning. It is like their broken souls recognize the need for comfort in each other - like they are the two half's of a whole finally coming together. Both Rob and Dani had issues from the past, from their childhood, that comes to the surface mudding the waters and churning the emotions. With Dani's trust issues and fear of abandonment Rob's problems to communicate might seem like the worst match, but they have to learn to connect on a deeper lever to get over the hurdles and interact in a way that is suitable for both. The process of healing, learning and growing as a human being is a delicate and fragile development for both Dani and Rob, however with the support of their loved ones, and with each other, they find the safe haven, the place of trust, faith, and hope where this kind of flourishing is possible. Without Words amazed me with its beauty and depth. The dual first person point of view gave the insights to Rob's mind that was needed with his challenge to communicate and brought alive the intensity of those two bruised souls seeking for each other. It made me want to believe in love at the first sight and in soulmates, in the one true match. It captivated my mind and charmed my heart, it filled me with joy, left my smiling and believing in serendipity. What an alluring story of love and life! ~ Five Spoons
“Are you going to go back?”
I couldn’t help it. The words flew out of my mouth of their own accord, giving voice to the fear that had been swirling in me since Mateo left. He dropped his arms to his sides and looked down at me from the top of the ladder. “I haven’t decided.” He gave me a sad smile, and there was some unidentified weight behind his words, as if they were infused with a meaning I didn’t quite understand. “But, I mean, how could you not go?” I asked, unable to help myself. “Your home, your family. It sounds like your dad’s finally come around.” Rob climbed down and set the screwdriver on the ladder rung, his eyes narrowed as they found mine. “Haven’t thought that far,” he said. I nodded, though it didn’t make sense to me. “Kinda seems like you have to go. Find out.” Rob picked up the water bottle he’d set in the corner and nodded to some folding chairs we’d brought over from Trent’s garage. I sat, unable to keep myself from feeling a jolt of pure desire when he straddled the back of the chair and rested his arms, folded, across the top, the water bottle in one hand. “I might,” he said finally. “Mateo’s right, my life here has changed.” I watched him, my heart beginning to sink slightly at his words. Had I just talked him into going? I really was a moron when it came to men. “But I left because I hoped for more.” He shook his head, took a drink from the bottle and then wiped his chin along the shoulder of his faded navy T-shirt. “I wanted to find something myself. Not just take what was given.” “Things have changed, though.” He sat back, taking his arms from the top of the chair, a mirthless laugh rolling from him. “Yeah.” He fixed his gaze on the floor. He thought I meant his injury. “I mean with your dad,” I corrected quickly. “He’s changed his mind, wants to change his will. It sounds like there’s an opportunity there beyond building shelves.” I looked around at the work that had been finished in just one day. Rob was good at building shelves. But I had no doubt he would be good at other things, too. His eyes caught mine again, and a shy smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Maybe,” he said. He held my gaze and the tension that danced between us began to buzz in my ears again. It was like the air shifted, taking on the electricity I felt whenever Rob had touched my skin. “Part of me wants to see what might happen here,” he said, his voice exquisitely low and rough. Something deep inside me tightened, coiled and hot.
Delancey Stewart writes contemporary romance from her home outside Washington D.C. In a house populated by two tiny pirates and one full-sized Marine aviator, inspiration for her heroes is never hard to find—though quiet time to write often is!
Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Passion and Plunder
Highland Heather: Romancing a Scot #5 By: Collette Cameron Releasing May 24, 2017 Soul Mate Publishing
Would you sacrifice everything for the person you love, knowing you can never be together?
A desperate Scottish lady Lydia Ferguson—the sole surviving heir to the Laird of Tornbury Fortress—has lost nearly everyone she loves. Now her father lies on his deathbed. And as if this isn't dire enough, he's invited men from the surrounding area to a warrior’s contest—the winner to claim Lydia as his bride. A Scotsman dueling with his past Alasdair McTavish, son of Craiglocky Keep's war chief, is a seasoned warrior in his own right. So when he's sent to Tornbury to train the Ferguson soldiers, he's more than equal to the task. A danger unseen When a dangerous adversary makes a move against Lydia, a dastardly scheme comes to light, and Alasdair realizes only he can protect Lydia.
A few feet inside the room, Lydia spun around and planted her hands on her hips. “Pray tell me, what you’re doing? Why are you so upset and acting like a savage? I but spoke the truth. I’m not your responsibility.”
Alasdair leaned against the door, his eyes hooded, and an almost predatory demeanor about his large form. His lips twitched with her last fiery declaration, but he kept stoically silent. His untamed hair hanging nearly to his shoulders, golden stubble shadowing his face’s chiseled planes, and an unfathomable, wild glint in his steely azure eyes, accented his Viking ancestry. All he needed was a battle-axe and round shield to complete the image of a fierce, marauding Norseman. And she wouldn’t mind all that much if he’d laid siege to Tornbury. She feared he’d already done so with her heart. Oh, the plundering hadn’t been the overwhelming bedeviling of senses as Flynn’s had. No, Alasdair’s onslaught had been a subtle, insidious seduction, snaring her before she even realized she’d been led into a trap. He smiled then, that charming, tempting bending of his strong mouth which, despite her pique, towed at her reluctant heartstrings and sent a frisson of excitement coursing through her pores. His absurdly broad shoulders and marbled muscles appealed to her femininity. Why must he be so deliciously masculine? Still, he owed her an explanation for lugging her into the drawing room like an errant child. “Well?” Widening her eyes, she leaned forward a mite, demanding an explanation, irritated at his highhandedness and her wanton response. “What, you’ve nothing to say now? After you dragged me in here, like a crazed, uncivilized barbarian?”
An escapee from the Pacific Northwest’s rainy, gray coast, Collette Cameron believed teaching her destiny until she dared to tap out her first novel.
She’s been enthralled with writing ever since. Blessed with three spectacular children, fantastic fans, and a compulsive, over-active, and witty Muse who won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she still lives in Oregon with her mini-dachshunds, though she dreams of living in Scotland part-time. A bestselling, award-winning author, Collette pens Scottish and Regency historicals featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them. You’ll always find dogs, birds, occasionally naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances. A member of Novelist Inc., Romance Writers of America, as well as several RWA chapters including The Beau Monde, Hearts Through History, Celtic Hearts, Rose City Romance Writers, and the Greater Seattle Romance Writers, Collette admits to a quirky sense of humor, enjoys trivia and inspiring quotes, adores castles and anything cobalt blue, and is a self-confessed Cadbury chocoholic. Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, too many flowers, or too many books. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list. To learn about Collette’s career as an author, visit here, and if you are interested in Tidbits and Trivia about Collette, take a peek here. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS Are you looking for heart-pounding, edge-of -your-seat romantic suspense that is sure to leave you breathless? The you're in luck! Entangled Publishing was two brand new, sexy titles to thrill you! *** About VIABLE THREAT:Special Forces soldier and medic Walter River would give anything to snatch more than a few seconds of down time to see if he can rattle the no-nonsense and incredibly hot Dr. Lloyd he's protecting, but dodging explosions, snipers, and student radicals who've unleashed a lethal bio-engineered microorganism have made that almost impossible. Maybe he'll get a chance—if he can figure out how to keep them both alive. CDC microbiologist Ava Lloyd races to find a cure for a bio-terrorism organism sweeping El Paso. The few stolen moments with her very hunky bodyguard River have been explosive, but no matter how alluring he is, she can't afford to get distracted. The clock is ticking, people are dying by the hundreds, and once this crisis is solved, they'll both be off on their next assignment, thousands of miles apart.Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo About Julie Rowe:Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “Fiction has to be believable”. Julie writes romantic suspense and romantic military thrillers. Her most recent titles include Viable Threat, the first book in the Disease Control and Enforcement series, and Viral Justice, book three of the Biological Response Team series. You can find her at www.julieroweauthor.com , on Twitter @julieroweauthor or at her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JulieRoweAuthorWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads *** About BRAZILIAN CAPTURE:Financier turned activist Emanuel Duarte has promised he would find the one witness who can testify against real estate developer Silas Lancaster. Sick of having every attempt at exposing Silas shut down, Emanuel wants to honor a promise he made, and takes from his opponent what matters most--his beautiful daughter Erika. Only he gets more than he bargained for with the tempting--and frustrating--woman. Fundraiser and socialite Erika Lancaster can't believe she's been kidnapped. Her sexy captor is feeding her lies about her father that she refuses to swallow. Emanuel's plans will hurt her and ruin her mother's legacy--and that she can't allow. Desperate to find a way out of the lush Brazilian jungle, she decides there's only way to disarm the enemy--seduce him. But her plan backfires and soon she realizes that seducing the enemy comes with a hefty price...loving the enemy simply isn't an option.Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo About Carmen Falcone:Carmen Falcone loves to spend her time writing about hot Alpha males and the quirky, smart and sassy heroines who turn their world upside down. Brazilian by birth and traveler by nature, she moved to Central Texas after college and met her broody Swiss husband--living proof that opposites attract. She found in writing the best excuse to avoid the healthy lifestyle everyone keeps talking about. When she’s not lost in the world of romance, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, being walked by her three crazy pugs, reading, catching up with friends, and chatting with random people in the checkout line. She now has more than a dozen of books published. She writes category contemporary, erotic romance and romantic suspense. For more about Carmen, please visit her website: http://www.carmenfalcone.comWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads ***
Highland Faith
Wild Thistle Trilogy #2 Madelyn Hill Published May 17, 2017 Soul Mate Publishing
Huntress Lady Faith MacAlister seeks adventure. Her father’s dying pledge tethers her to Wild Thistle Keep, thwarting her desire to explore the world beyond the palisade. Solace is found while hunting and providing sustenance for her clan. When snatched from the safety of MacAlister lands by a rogue bent on securing a ransom, she finds the adventure of her life.
Disgraced Captain Graeme Ross travels the high seas in search of bounty to sell in order to secure family lands seized by the Crown. He longs to regain his honor in his father’s eyes and continually risks his life buying and selling goods. Lacking enough funds, Graeme and his crew follow Lady Faith MacAlister as she hunts. Out of need and desire, he kidnaps her. The lady captivates him for the moment he laid eyes upon her. Bold and spirited, she fights him. When he negotiates a ransom, deception tears the burgeoning romance apart. Now, Faith and Graeme seek to settle those differences hindering their union, despite the stretch of sea and land—and angry Highlanders standing between them.
’Twas her sister’s fault.
Hope had married Aidan MacKerry, leading the MacAlister Clan together, and now they were acting like lovesick cows. Aye, they’d recently had another bairn and ’twas why they were smiling like amadans. But Faith MacAlister had enough of the cooing and kissing. She had to leave the Wild Thistle Keep or go mad. Hunting was the only option. The size of the MacAlister Clan dictated hunting trips each fortnight to keep the larder full. Faith grabbed her quiver and bow, left word with the guards at the palisade to inform the lairds Aidan and Hope her direction, and left to find sustenance and peace. And now, three days later she continued stalking the elusive stag. She kenned her sister would be close to sending a group of men to look for her in a day or so. Luckily she’d managed an agreement with her sister whom was also her laird. An agreement between sisters proved hard to negotiate, but she’d won in the end. And she hunted without escort as long as she never left without telling the guards her direction. A sun filled day, just cool enough not to need too much clothing that may hinder her movement, but warm enough she didn’t need to start a fire to warm herself. She stretched in the britches she’d stolen from one of the stable hands. Aye, she’d tried the tartan her sister Hope loved to wear, but found it too revealing as she moved and climbed to find her prey. And a gown, the devil take them, ’twould make it nigh impossible to hunt and secure meat for the clan. She moved quietly through the woods. Each footfall, purposeful, silently brought her closer to her elusive prey. Aye, there he stood. In the morning mist that hovered just above the low foliage, a proud, beautiful stag who’d avoided her arrow for too long. Huge, with several points on his rack and a cocksure stance stating, I’m king of the forest. She hated to take down the magnificent animal. But he’d provide for her clan and her duty dictated securing meat for those who depended on her. She drew her bow, stretching the sinew, straining her arm muscles as she prepared to let the arrow fly. The feather fletching grazed her cheek as she held her breath waiting for the perfect moment to release. She’d traveled far for this chance, stalked her prey as her father had taught her so many years ago with her so wee she could barely hold a bow, much less draw and aim. And today, her size may well again thwart her hunting. ’Twould be problematic once the massive stag was felled. She’d have to dress him in the field and lug the meat back with her. No matter, she’d manage as always. Two more steps forward. Stared down the length of the arrow past the head, ready to release. “Well, well, well. What have we here?” “Damn,” she muttered as she turned toward the voice. The stag fled and leapt gracefully away from her. Vexed, she re-drew her bow and aimed toward the interloper. She gasped as she spied the man. He held up his hands and chuckled. “Now, darling, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Dear Lord, he was large. He leaned against a tree, one of his legs crossed arrogantly before the other. His direct gaze set her heart pounding as she tried to catch her breath. He nodded toward the woods surrounding them. “I never travel alone. My men surround you, darling.” She glanced to the right, then left, all the while keeping the arrow nocked. She didn’t see anyone, but if they were trained men, they were cloaked in the brush and pine. The man chuckled. “Aye, love. They’re here—watching you. Well trained and well hidden.” He moved forward with long, purposeful strides. The bow nearly slipped from her sweaty grasp. She swallowed. Piercing blue eyes sized her up as he lazily raked his gaze from her head to her toes. Irritation spiked at his cocksure grin. He wore a billowing liene and a tartan slung low on his hips. At his side rested a gleaming sword. If she weren’t in the wood alone with the stranger and his men, she’d ask to see the impressive weapon. And to her trained eye, expertly made. “What do you want?” she asked with more bravado then she felt. Chills shivered up her spine as she tried to see the men watching her. Where were they? And would they hurt a helpless lass? She nearly scoffed. I am no helpless lass. “Step back or I’ll release the arrow.” The man tipped his head back and laughed. The husky, throaty laugh sent shivers down her back. The chuckles of his men joined him and she cursed the day she wasn’t born a man. If she were a man, she would have had the strength to challenge him immediately. She nodded her head at him. “I am a sure shot,” she warned without a hint of pride—her prowess with a bow ’twas common knowledge. Again she drew her bow. “Damn.” She arched her back when a sharp weapon poked into it. “Release the bow, lass,” a gruff voice said from behind her, “and I’ll let ye live.”
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she'd sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a "closet" writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts to the universe and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn't be happier!
A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, going to the movies, and of course reading! WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Wilde Horses
by Jannine Gallant Genre: Romantic Suspense Pub Date: May 23, 2017
The Wilde brothers may be attracted to all things fast and furious. But their spirited sister can’t be tamed when it comes to matters of the heart . . .
The beautiful vistas and peace and quiet on her family’s Wyoming ranch are a balm for Eden Wilde’s soul—and inspire a gentle touch when it comes to breaking the wild horses she loves. Though there’s no hope on the breathtaking horizon for her love life. Until her sanctuary is invaded by a movie studio shooting their latest blockbuster starring Hollywood’s man of the moment. After a personal tragedy plays out in his real life, movie star Blake Benedict finds himself falling for the wide-open spaces and easy going pace of Wyoming—and for Eden. Around her, he feels safe shedding his public persona and letting down his guard. But then accidents begin to happen on set, mishaps that could end Blake’s career—or his life. And Eden will be forced out of her comfort zone to save the Hollywood hero from an enemy he never saw coming . . .
The fourth and final book in the Wilde sibling series is the story of the sister, Eden Wilde, the firecracker who has appeared in the previous stories where her brothers find their destiny. The story is a mixture of ranch life and Hollywood glamor supplemented by a dash of danger and spoonful of love.
Eden Wilde is a prickly character, filled with sass and toughness. She has a gentle side that she shows to the horses she train, an artistic side when she works with her leather accessories, yet her interactions with others around her are often testy. She generally sees problems instead of solutions and making, and accepting, compromises don't come easily to her. Blake Benedict, the Hollywood heartthrob, turns out to be just a regular guy from a small town farm who has made a success in the career of his choice. He is kind, considerate, generous, and attentive. His honesty, loyalty, and dignity are refreshing, his straightforward attitude just what Eden needs. While Blake's feelings and attraction towards Eden are obvious and his desire for her palpable, Eden hides her emotions behind the tough exterior and tries to keep her distance from Blake, and that push-pull started to wear me out after a while. The accidents, that keep happening every time Blake and Eden are together, were puzzling. There are several secondary characters who could have a motive for trying to harm either Blake or Eden. The mystery of the incidents gives the romance story suspenseful elements but is not focus on the tale. I had a little hard time connecting to this story or getting the feel for it. It is well-written with an intriguing plot and filled with snappy dialog, and I did stay up late just to find out what happens, yet some kind of spark or attachment to the story was missing in my mind. The ranch life with the wild horses was appealing, yet the tale was not the sweet kind of cowboy romance, the accidents happening were frightful at the moment they happen but the intensity and constant fear of a suspense story weren't there. What we had were two people who were living the opposite lifestyles, who seemingly were contrary to each other, falling in love and working out their road to happiness, finding out the compromises they needed to make without losing themselves in the process. It is an interesting journey with many roadblocks and few dangers, but as the desire and deep feelings grow the concessions are easier to make, and the understanding effortless to find. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
“You’re kidding, right?” Eden Wilde dropped her fork on her plate and glanced around the dinner table. Had her parents lost their collective minds? “I’m afraid not.” Her father’s determined blue gaze, a mirror image of her own, met hers. “We signed the agreement this afternoon.”
Her mother reached over to pat her arm. “Think of it as an adventure.” More like a nightmare. “Grandpa, I can’t believe you agreed to this insanity?” Jasper Wilde shrugged then dug into the pile of mashed potatoes on his plate. When he glanced up, his gray eyes twinkled beneath a thatch of snow-white hair. “Your dad says the ranch needs the income, and I think filming a movie here will be quite an experience. Maybe we’ll all get to be extras. Wouldn’t that be a kick?” “Fun? Really?” Eden snorted. “From what you’ve told me, this isn’t some little documentary. It’s a major motion picture. Our lives will be in complete chaos for… How long?” Her father laid down his steak knife as a frown knit his forehead. “The producer told me they hope to finish in four weeks. A huge chunk of the action is set outdoors, and the majority of those scenes will be shot on the ranch.” She gripped the edge of the table. “A month?” The reality was worse than she’d imagined. “And you waited until now to tell me because…” Her mom let out a worried sigh. “Nothing was finalized until today since the production company was considering several different ranches here in Wyoming, as well as a couple in Montana. There was no point in upsetting you if the deal for our property fell through.” “So, you knew I wouldn’t be on board with the plan, but you still went ahead with such a major decision without discussing it with me?” Eden’s voice rose. “What am I, a child to be placated? I can’t believe this.” “Honey, we aren’t ganging up on you. We’re just doing what needs to be done.” Her grandpa cleared his throat. “Boyd, what did that producer say he’d pay us?” “Fifty grand.” Her dad took a swallow of his iced tea. “After two years of severe drought, we’ve dug into our reserves for cattle feed. The barn needs a coat of paint and there are a lot of costs associated with throwing a double wedding for your brothers. That check is going to help me sleep nights.” Eden opened her mouth then closed it. She didn’t have a reasonable counterargument that didn’t make her sound petty and selfish. She let out a slow breath. “I didn’t know the ranch was having cash flow problems. I’m sure Griff and Sawyer would be happy to chip in for wedding expenses if they knew.” “Your brothers already have.” Her mother tucked a strand of short brown hair behind one ear. “But we’d like to lay down new gravel on the driveway and put in an irrigation system for the back lawn where the ceremony will take place so the grass will be nice and green.” She waved a hand. “Generally spruce the place up so the ranch looks its best in June.” “Dahlia’s right.” Her grandpa forked up another bite of potatoes. “We want to impress the future in-laws.” “Not to mention the barn is so faded it’s closer to pink than red.” Her dad winced. “We’ll have to paint it before they start shooting the movie. Our vintage barn is one of the main reasons the producers went with our spread.” Eden let out a sigh as resignation set in. “Why’s that?” Her grandpa reached for a roll from the basket in the center of the table. “Settlers painted their barns red, and this movie is an old-fashioned Western.” His smile stretched. “You know, the type John Wayne used to star in with cowboys and Indians.” “Native Americans, Grandpa, not Indians.” When her parents exchanged a long moment of wordless communication, tension banded across Eden’s chest and squeezed. “Oh, now I get it. They want my wild horses.” “They intend to use them in background shots.” Her father leaned forward to plant his elbows on the table. “I made sure the contract stipulates you have final say over anything to do with your horses.” “Well, thank God for that.” “Within reason.” She scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Her mother let out a quick breath. “They can film the horses, but you’ll be a consultant for those scenes.” Eden’s head throbbed, and she reached up to rub the nape of her neck. “Yet, you didn’t ask me first?” “No one mentioned your horses would be part of the equation until today.” Her dad’s gaze held steady. “We tried to call, but you didn’t pick up your phone. The studio’s representative made it clear he couldn’t wait around an extra day to discuss a minor point with you. Your mother and I did our best to protect your interests.” Eden gave a short nod. She wasn’t going to flip out…at least not until she read the fine print in the contract. “They said they’d pay you for consulting services.” Her mother’s strained voice nudged aside her thoughts. “It may be a deal breaker if the horses aren’t part of the bargain, but if you really oppose this—” “I’m not going to be a total jerk. While I’m not thrilled with the whole situation, I respect your decision. I’ll work with the movie people.” “That’s our girl.” Her grandpa laid his calloused palm over the fist she’d clenched on the tabletop. “By the time they finish filming, you’ll have all those Hollywood types eating out of your hand…just like your horses do.” Eden couldn’t help responding to his smile. “Let’s hope so.” Her appetite gone, she pushed back her plate. “When will this three-ring circus start?” “Beginning of May.” Relief filled her mother’s green eyes. “They should finish filming well before your brothers’ double wedding at the end of June.” “Two weeks until all hell breaks loose. Ugh.” Eden pictured the peaceful solitude she so valued disrupted by production crews and prima donna actors and actresses. She straightened in her chair. “Who’s starring in the movie?” Her grandpa rubbed his hands together. “Blake Benedict. Can you believe a huge star like Benedict will be here on our ranch?”
Write what you know. Jannine Gallant has taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. She grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t busy writing or being a full time mom, Jannine hikes or snowshoes in the woods around her home. Whether she’s writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, Jannine brings the beauty of nature to her stories.
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Darington Knight has known a lot of loss in her twenty-six years. She can deal, so she resents it when the commander of her Montana smoke jumper unit sends her on a firefighter exchange program in Australia after her unit suffers a double tragedy. Hooking up with a sexy firefighter her first night Down Under improves Dare’s mood considerably until she realizes her hook up is now her station commander and he has a rule book as thick as her arm.
Lachlan Ryker did not make senior station officer as a Melbourne Metropolitan firefighter by the time he was thirty by acting impulsively, but when he meets the sexy, brash American in his favorite pub, his by-the-book, measured approach to life gets kicked to the curb. He and Dare ignite one night of smoldering passion he can’t forget. But before he can call for a second date, Dare strolls into his station newly assigned to him for three months. Lock knows he has to keep his hands to himself. He never breaks the rules. Dare, however, never heard a rule she didn’t want to shatter.
These Aussie firefighters are stealing my heart and melting my Kindle, quite literally, actually.
Darington Knight was an interesting mix of a sensitive woman with broken heart and loud, impulsive, daredevil who didn't care for the rules (or for the safety). She lost her teenage love at the tender age of 16, and at times it seemed that her emotional development never recovered from the loss of her best friend at such young age. She had a lot of baggage, lot of brokenness inside her, issues she had to deal with, learn from, and move on from before she could embrace the new possibilities ahead of her. Lachlan Ryker was not without his own issues, but he was a mature man, he had raised his siblings after losing their parents, and recovered from a failed marriage. His kind heart, considerate mind, tender action, and adoration and desire of Dare were a beautiful thing to witness. The patience he showed to her, the understanding he had about her issues, fears, and problems, his humbleness and compassion just made me admire him even more. He was a true hero in so many different ways, easy to admire and like, even fall for. The physical connection between Lachlan and Dare was hot, passionate, and lustful, the mental connection between them sweet and gentle. They were friends, co-workers, and lovers, and somehow managed to hold the balance well most of the time. I am assuming that the difference between American and Australian culture shows its head here with the fact that the fraternization was not that big of a deal, and accepted as long as things were working out for everyone. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the fiery world they lived and loved in. There's a lot of push and pull and emotional immaturity from Dare in the story, a bit too much angst coming to the tale from her teenage years. I understand that all this was back in her mind because she had just lost three friends in one year, and she still felt fragile from the troubles of her youth, fighting against falling down to dismay again and losing her balance. I just didn't expect such a 'Young Adult' touch in the story that otherwise was very entertaining, even thought-provoking, and fun. These Hot Aussie Knights stories are turning out to be rather addictive in nature because of intriguing characters and the ardent fire burning inside them ~ Four Spoons
Gwen Bailey has been busy taking care of everyone but herself. After a tragedy tore her family apart, she put her dreams aside to be with family. Now that her life is getting back on track, and her new Chocolaterie is open, she can concentrate on snagging the handsome, mysterious customer who has her dreaming about her own happily-ever-after...
Doctor Luke Thomson has spent the last five years filled with guilt. He hopes to make amends in Shadow Creek, however he doesn't count on falling for the adorable and gorgeous Gwen Bailey. He vows to not get involved with her, but she's too sweet to resist. It's only a matter of time, though, before the truth comes out. Luke knows there's no way Gwen will look at him the same way once she discovers his secret...
Victoria James sure knows how to tell a story so that all my emotions are involved and I am invested in the outcome of the story. I adore this series, and how all the stories are twined together, how that one tragic day changed the lives of so many people, yet these stories tell how hope, love, and new life can be born from a tragedy.
Gwen Bailey had been there for her family when everything fell apart. She had neglected herself while taking care of others and finally felt it was time for her to get a life, as well. Now it was her turn to be happy, loved, to have a meaningful relationship. She felt sorry for herself, unattractive, and was uncomfortable in her body. Yet her attraction to The Muffin Man gave her inspiration to do something about it, to change things, to pamper and focus on herself. She was ready for a relationship, looking actively for one, and shamelessly pursuit The Muffin Man, whose name she didn't even know. I didn't know if I should have been cheering her on for her boldness to go after what she wanted or appalled of her brazen attempts to get his attention. Doctor Luke Thomson, also known as The Muffin Man, carried a heavy guilt and pain from the past. A remorse that brought him to Shadow Creek in the first place. He is a good man, with deep emotions, good intentions, caring and kind. He also has no desire to be in a relationship, to get married, or have a family again and he is not afraid to vocalize this to Gwen. Yet there is this sweet, adorable connection between them. The pull is unavoidable, the attraction is burning hot. The draw they have to each other is stronger than the reasons they should stay apart. Until the secret Luke is holding in, hiding behind of, finally comes to light, a little too late, and has explosive consequences. There's a lot of gentle, delicious lustfulness in the story that had me smiling and sighing. Luke and Gwen are a great match, they are perfect for each other. They support each other, they share interests and are not afraid to voice an opposite opinion. I wasn't sure at the beginning if Gwen was actually attracted to Luke, or just to the feeling of falling in love, but those feelings are put to test and have to survive the fire. Love, angst, joy and regrets are all mixed in and churning in the hearts and minds of the protagonists as they are working towards healing, a better, happier tomorrow. Atonement and forgiveness take time, time to mend and accept the past mistakes and casualties, but falling in love can change everything and it can happen in the blink of an eye. A sweet, appealing, and alluring tale, a part three to the poignant and touching series that has won my heart over completely. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
How to Lose a Highlander
The MacGregor Lairds #1 By: Michelle McLean Releasing May 15, 2017 Entangled Scandalous
Forced into marriage by their king in order to stop years of inter-clan feuding, Sorcha Campbell and Malcolm MacGregor are each determined to drive the other away.
Malcolm knows he can never trust his new shrewish wife, despite the fact that everything he observes seems to prove that she’s not only trustworthy, but utterly perfect for him. Sorcha knows she can never let her guard down around the man she believes betrayed her father, yet the longer she’s with him, the more she discovers he is nothing like she was led to believe. They’ll have to fight their way through past prejudices and their own determination to destroy their union in order to gain their perfect HEA in this Taming of the Shrew meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days tale.
“Hmm, and in the meantime, ye’ve been sleeping in my bed.”
He’d backed her up against one of the four posters of the bed and she bumped against it with a little squeak. Instead of pushing him away, though, she raised her impertinent little nose in the air. “Yes. But now that you are home I shall make other arrangements. I’m certain a pallet on the floor somewhere will suffice.” “Och, no. We canna have the lady of the castle sleeping on a lowly pallet. There is more than enough room for us both in my bed.” She smiled up at him. Her sweet smile momentarily caught him off guard. Her gaze dropped to his lips and lingered before slowly traveling back to meet his own and the heat in those eyes hit him like a fist to the chest. “Oh, I have no intention of sleeping on a pallet, my lord.” She rose up on tip toe and trailed one finger along his jaw line. “Nay?” Sorcha shook her head and bit her lip and most of the blood in his body rushed south. She looked up at him through a thick fringe of lashes, her sparkling blue eyes staring deep into his. A quick, gasping breath had her breasts straining against the laces of her dress. She placed her hands on his chest…and pushed him as hard as she could, her foot lashing out to connect sharply with his leg. He stumbled backward and she escaped, storming toward the door. “The pallet is for you!” she called over her shoulder. “I’ll send up some water. I have no desire to share a bedchamber with a man who reeks of horse and sweat.” Malcolm hopped back until he collided with the bed and sat down heavily. The door to the outer chamber slammed and he started laughing. Finally, he lay back and flung his arm over his face. “What am I going to do wi’ that woman?” he said.
Michelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has a B.S. in History, a M.A. in English, loves history and romance and enjoys spending her time combining the two in her novels.
When Michelle's not editing, reading or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found in a quiet corner working on her next book. She resides in PA with her husband and two children, an insanely hyper dog, and three very spoiled cats. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS Welcome to Flynn’s Firecracker, book 5 in Heroes for Hire, reconnecting readers with the unforgettable men from SEALs of Honor in a new series of action packed, page turning romantic suspense that fans have come to expect from USA TODAY Bestselling author Dale Mayer. Some jobs are more pleasant than others… Flynn agrees to do a security job for Levi as a trial run for more work. Looking after Anna and her animal shelter is a breeze. Trouble free. Until he leaves… Having Flynn around was both good and bad. To have the help at the shelter was huge, but they drew sparks just being around each other. She tells herself she’s relieved when he’s gone but when a dead man shows up, she’d do anything to have him back. Someone is after Flynn… and he doesn’t care who he kills in the process…
Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She’s best known for her Psychic Vision Series. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in different genres.
To go with her fiction, she writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series . All her books are available in print and digital format. Connect with her at http://dalemayer.com or on social media at:
Monday, May 15
Book featured at Yah Gotta Read This Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish Tuesday May 16 Book reviewed at Babs Book Bistro Book featured at Eskiemama Reads and Dragon Lady Reads Wednesday, May 17 Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads Thursday, May 18 Guest blogging at My Life One Story at a Time Friday, May 19 Book featured at Books and Spoons Monday, May 22 Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings Tuesday, May 23 Book featured at A Title Wave Book featured at The Dark Phantom Wednesday, May 24 Book featured at The Writer's Life Book featured at Voodoo Princess Thursday, May 25 Book reviewed at Bibiophile Ramblings Book reviewed at Warrior Woman Winmill Friday, May 26 Book reviewed at A Fold in the Spine Book reviewed at Panty Dropping Book Blog |