Protector for Hire
Front and Center #4 By: Tawna Fenske Releasing June 30, 2015 Entangled: Lovestruck
Haunted by his time in Iraq, former soldier Schwartz Patton goes off the grid, retreating deep into Montana’s untamed wilderness. Now, ten years into his self-imposed solitude, his brother tracks him down and asks for a favor. A woman is in danger, and she needs help...and Schwartz is the only one who can protect her.
Designer-loving city girls like Janelle Keebler don't belong in the wilderness. Unless, of course, they're witnesses to a murder by their psycho drug-trafficking ex-husbands. Still, Janelle can't help the immediate physical response she has to her sexy-as-sin protector that leaves her wanting more than she could have ever imagined. Even if he does make terrible coffee... Every word, every touch, every kiss ignites a need Schwartz thought he’d lost forever. He can't stop the desperate attraction simmering between him and Janelle, even if he wanted to. Even if it means it could get them both killed.
Hilarious, humorous, fun, sexy and adorable story, that left me smiling.
The story is well written, and the dialog is brilliant, with the humor, word associations, and felicitous marks. The characters are developed, the family unit tight and a bit nuts, just over all truly enjoyable tale. Schwartz is everything you could dream of, just perfect. He is caring, protective, loyal, kind, thoughtful... So yes, he might be a bit of a grouch, grumpy, and antisocial, loving his isolated world, but his true nature overrides all that, and then some. Janelle doesn't hold back much, she tells it as she sees it, and goes for what she wants. And she wants Schwartz. That sets off the dirty talking, lust filled days at the cabin somewhere in Montana. While in hiding, they not only engage in mind blowing lovemaking, but also bright, insightful conversations where they share intimate thoughts and experiences of their lives. The possible danger for Janelle's life is constantly present, but mostly the danger they face in Montana, comes from the wildlife and lively town folk, who offer moonshine with life philosophy. Joyful, heartening, and cheerful romance, mix of danger and action, family bonding over gunfight, and wilderness living are the elements of the story, that left me grinning and craving for pop tarts ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Tawna Fenske is a romantic comedy author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Her offbeat brand of romance has been praised by Booklist as “A tame Carl Hiaasen on cupid juice,” and RT Book Reviews nominated her debut novel for contemporary romance of the year. Tawna is a fourth generation Oregonian who can peel a banana with her toes and who loses an average of 20 pairs of eyeglasses per year. She lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, step kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
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Books & Spoons with Tasty Book Tours Teaser Tuesday: RELEASE ME by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers7/7/2015
RELEASE ME
Chasing Fire #2
Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Releasing July 21st, 2015
Berkley/Intermix
Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie's heart. But whenever she's near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they're working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check... Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He's determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good...
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âI hate you,â she whispered. Her words were venom but they lacked conviction. Her hands flattened against his chest and her biceps tensed as if she were going to push him away, but instead her fingers curled around the fine fabric of his suit jacket, holding him in place.
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Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers.
Amy K. Rogers
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MAKING A COMEBACK
More Than a Game #3
Kristina Mathews
Releasing July 7th, 2015
Lyrical Press: Shine
Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now heâs a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ballâ¦
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It wasnât about the money. The income she earned from this modeling job was more about pride. Having something to offer the world, even if it was just her face. Annabelle wanted to show her daughters that a woman didnât need a man to take care of her. She could stand on her own two feet, and return to the career sheâd given up when she married Clayton Barry. She might not fly off to exotic locations or work with the worldâs most famous photographers, but she was working. She lifted her face to the sun, soaking in its warmth. It was as if the fog of the last few years had finally lifted. Nothing but blue skies ahead for her and her six-year-old twin daughters. Todayâs shoot was just the beginning. Her agent had two more jobs lined up for her before the end of the month. Heâd also scheduled her to attend the televised celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She hadnât been able to make the photo shoot last fall in New York for the magazine, but he thought making an appearance on the live show would give her plenty of exposure. Hopefully, sheâd be able to juggle it all. Part of what appealed to her about todayâs job was that it was close enough that sheâd be able to shoot for a few hours and still get home in time to meet her daughters when they got off the school bus. Annabelle glanced at the clock. If the light didnât change soon, she wasnât going to make it to the bus stop in time. The song ended and Annabelle turned down the volume. Sheâd started listening to Journey during the Goliathsâ World Series run. So the song was five years older than she was, the message still rang true. It was about hope. Starting over. Believing. The traffic light turned green, and she pulled into the intersection. A flash of yellow appeared out of the corner of her eye. She turned in time to see an SUV blow through the stoplight. Before she could react, the vehicle struck her Mercedes just behind the driverâs side door. Her head slammed into the side window. Glass shattered and she looked down at the blood on her blouse. A thousand black pixels danced before her eyes. And then nothing. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.
While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books.
Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a âBall Dudetteâ for the San Francisco Giants.
Making a Comeback
More than a Game # 3 By: Kristina Mathews Releasing July 7th, 2015 Lyrical Press
With a divorce in the works, Annabelle Jones heads out to Southern California, the land of sun and starting over. She wants to prove to herself and her young daughters that she still has what it takes to turn heads as a swimsuit model—that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her. Until an accident forces her to rely on the hunky, yet mysterious man next door…
Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now he’s a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ball…
Sometimes when life throws us a curve ball, we need to get our game back on and make a comeback. This was a truly heartwarming story, not only of second chances, but how to take a responsibility of our actions, make a new start in life, and see all the possibilities out there for us.
Cooper made a mistake, with good intentions, but he broke the rules of the engagement. But he owned up to it, admitted it, and cleaned up his life. He is a solid person, goodhearted, kind, and caring. It is so easy to like him, admire him, and cheer for him. His connection with Annabelle's twins is adorable and cute. Scenes with those three just melted my heart. Cooper fell for the image of Annabelle when he first time saw her picture. For ten years, Annabelle has been his dream and fantasy. Now life brought the real deal into his life, and he is falling fast while helping her with the recovery from an accident. Annabelle is reconstructing her life after divorce, trying to rebuild her modeling career and built a solid foundation for her daughters. Until an accident changes everything again. She is drawn to Cooper, the chemistry is hot, the attraction sizzling between them, but can she risk her heart again, not to mention the twin's heart? The story is well written and flows out from the pages. The characters are charismatic and highly likable, honest and well developed, the turmoil of their growth is palpable. With a perfect mix of romance, life, and baseball, Making A Comeback is an entertaining story ~ Four Spoons
Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.
While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books. Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants. Author Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Y'all, it has been a year since I started this blog!! Wow, what an amazing year I have had!
There are so many people I want to say a big thanks to, first to all the readers coming back daily to read the reviews, excerpts, recipes and more. There has been over 260 000 views on the blog, since I started it, and I am so pleased and happy that you all have found it. Thank you for all the Facebook likes and follows, and Pinterest follows, twitter followers and RTs, that has helped me to spread the word about the blog. Also, thank you to all the authors, marketing managers, and publishing houses who have sent review copies for me to read, and trusted me with their work for a review. I consider it an honor every single time, and don't take it for granted. I could not be posting as many reviews and blogging as often as I do without them. Thank you to Lisa at Tasty Book Tours and Lisa at TLC book tours for letting me be part of the virtual book tours through their companies. Big thank you to my friends and family members who encouraged me to start the blog, when life took an unexpected turn, and suddenly I had more time on my hands that I knew what to do with. The blog has kept me busy, that is for sure, and I love it. It has been a learning experience, this past year, and I appreciate all the support I have gotten from my friends. Yes, it has been an amazing year indeed, but for me it is just the beginning. I hope y'all stay with the blog in a future as well, cause there's much more to come. So my friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the first year. Now, I gotta go, I have a book to read... ~ Cheers!
Where is Lara Mayhew?
Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment. Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer? Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? And who—besides each other—can they trust?
A serial killer at loose, one woman is missing, and the agency is on the hunt, using all their abilities to solve the murders, and find Lara, if she is still alive.
Lots of interesting elements in the story. The paranormal gifts of the team, and how they use them to benefit the hunt for the killers. It is not overly focused on, it is not made out to be a big issue, more like a normal happening to some people. It is fascinating and intriguing all at the same time. Another element that was there, but not in front and center, is the attraction and romance developing between Matt and Meg. As the investigation goes forward, and they get to know each other, they are drawn to each other. The chemistry is there, they have heat between them (even though the heat level is low in the story), and obvious connection. The story is riddled with civil war era history in many ways, with the locations, the people they meet, the ghosts they meet, and in their stories to each other. In my opinion, some of it took away from the possible intensity of the suspense and murder mystery. And the suspense was interesting, the clues were not many, but still they seemed to find a way to proceed in the cases. I had a suspect as soon as they were introduced into the storyline. The story is told from several points of view, also by the villains. There's a lot of inner reflections, not that much of the dialog, but a surprising amount of humor is fitted in into the grim storyline, that I enjoyed. Overall an interesting story, very well written, and it did hook my mind and thoughts until the end ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
When a strikingly handsome paramedic finds Kara Larsen‘s lost toddler, only to lecture her for failing to mind her child, Kara is embarrassed and relieved she’ll never have to deal with him again… no matter how good looking he is. Doesn’t he know being a single mom is a lot harder than it seems?! But when baby Nadia has trouble breathing one night, Kara’s frantic 911 call brings that same intense first responder right to her door…
Summer in New York series seems to continue where the winter in New York ended, where we were introduced Kara, and her friends. His Touch can be read as a stand alone novel, the previous history is well shared and explained in this story. Kara is struggling with her single mom life. She is doing the balancing act with a baby and job and life. She feels insecure as a mother, she misses her own mother who dies at 9/11 attacks, she is tired, overwhelmed, and weary. And then she starts to run into Reid constantly. Reid is still in recovery from the loss of his daughter. He is not ready for a relationship, and even seeing a baby gives him a panic. But there's a connection between Reid and Kara, an attraction they can't deny. Nor can't they deny the signs they keep seeing, that makes them to believe they are meant to be together. I loved how they were always there for each other, reading each others needs. The way Reid run into them every time Kara needed it, like serendipity. All the signs they are seeing and experiencing are endearing, who hasn't looked for a sign at an important moment in their lives. The raw pain and mourning both Reid and Kara feel for the lost family members is palpable. The mourning, they are going through, so painful, yearning for their loved ones constantly. The story goes deep, it touches emotions, the insecurity and faulty all parents must feel at times, is real and evident. The romance and feelings built slowly between Reid and Kara, they are so perfect together, for each other. The connection this little family makes within each other is genuine and true, the connection to 9/11 is gripping, the support and love from their friends and family admirable. A poignant story, also filled with hope, joy, faith in the future, and love ~ Five Spoons!
New York artist Cassie Reynolds moves to Wishing, Texas to raise her orphaned niece, and discovers she’s in way over her head. Then she meets Ella’s financial guardian, Ty Barnett, a handsome hardworking rancher, with his own ideas on child rearing.
Ty and Cassie clash over almost everything, especially Ella, but when two people have the welfare of one child at heart, suddenly they find themselves looking at each other in a whole new light… Will Ty make room for another lady in his life? And will Cassie allow herself to love a Texas cowboy?
Cassie and Ty are in a difficult situation, taking care of a little traumatized Ella, while mourning for Ella's parents. They tackle the situation and responsibility in an admirable way, despite the doubts Cassie have about her ability to be a parent.
The fireworks between Ty and Cassie are amazing. Though they drive each other insane, they have a spark between them, if you would call a bomb a spark... The chemistry is palpable, but as they get to know each other, they find many things in common, and find a peace within each other's company. There are any funny moments as they try to adjust to the new life, moments that make you sigh, and times that break your heart a bit. Both Cassie and Ty are stubborn, prideful, independent, and used to take care of things themselves, not to ask help from anyone, and that is the biggest problem between them. I enjoyed this story, it is one that left a smile on my face. It has charismatic characters, interesting concepts and events, good friends, and life on a Texas B&B and ranch, making it all an entertaining combination ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
There's no backing down this time.
Lucy Everhart expected her opposing counsel to be a slick, soulless corporate lawyer. Who else would represent developers intent on turning Chicago's Safe Haven women's shelter into condos? But she never imagined it would be Dylan Hunt. Clearly, he's no longer the idealistic young man she fell for in law school. This is Dylan 2.0. The man who let her go without a fight five years ago—along with his passion for social justice, apparently. He may have compromised what he believed in, but Lucy hasn't. Dylan has no idea what kind of fight he's in for. But then again, neither does she.
Very well written story, that flowed nicely, keeping the interest through the book.
Two very important, serious issues were presented in the story, both domestic abuse and breast cancer. The fear of the unknown future, possible steps that need to be taken, and the uncertainty of everything, is palpable. Dylan fast came one of my favorite heroes. He is truly loyal, solid, trustworthy, and kind person. His beliefs and motivations are good, and if the worst fault he has, is feeling too deeply, I let him have it. I loved how he got a totally new insight to his parents, whom he hadn't had a great relationship. Lucy was not easy to like. Some of here reasoning and actions were off the chart. She was stubborn to the fault, often spoke in a rude manner without having all the facts presented. Her anger towards Dylan was unreasonable, you can't be mad at someone cause you left them, and asked them to leave you alone, and they do. The patience and forgiveness Dylan has in his heart is nothing short of amazing. After all the secrets come out, and they have a chance to work on the relationship, it takes an emotional road to get there. That part of the story was a kind of redemption to Lucy, I found some understanding towards her and her behavior. Very important issues mixed with a second chance romance, and couple crazy families, are the makings of this emotionally charged, heartwarming tale ~ Four Spoons
How to Marry a Royal Highlander
The Renegade Royals # 4 By: Vanessa Kelly Releasing June 30, 2015 Zebra
Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…
At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met… After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…
When Edie hesitated for a fraction of a second, Alec’s heart stuttered with dismay. But then her hands slipped up to his shoulders and she slowly parted her lips. He surged in, taking too much too fast, but she didn’t retreat. Instead, she tangled her tongue with his, going up on her tiptoes to meet him.
He was finally getting her measure. Edie had enough charm and confidence to launch a thousand ships. But innocence lurked behind that bold façade, as did an entirely unexpected vulnerability. Her kiss was eager, open, and without artifice. It was all Edie, wild and sweet, giving as good as she got with a heady promise of more to come. He had every intention of taking her all the way down that road. She let out an engaging little moan and snuggled closer, brushing her full breasts against his waistcoat. Sensation bolted through him, driving what felt like every ounce of blood down to his cock. Instinctively, he slipped his hand to her delightfully round bottom—good God, the woman was a lovely handful—and nudged her into him, flush against his erection. Then he picked her up and took a step forward, trapping her between his body and the passage wall. Edie froze in his arms. Alec went still as well, suddenly all too aware that he was preparing to make love to a virginal spinster—in a corridor, against a wall, in broad daylight. Jesus. Then she came to life in his arms, and not in a good way. She jerked her head away and a funny little growl issued from her lips. “Get off of me,” she hissed, trying to struggle her way out of his embrace. “Are you deliberately trying to destroy my reputation?” Alec mentally sighed. He almost wished someone would catch them, since it would make things a damn sight easier for both of them, although she had yet to realize it. But now that a small portion of his blood was finally heading back to his brain, he realized what an idiot he was. If he had any hope of winning Edie over, this certainly wasn’t the way to go about it. She was worse than a nest full of French spies when it came to playing havoc with his plans. It was time to get the situation—and her—under control. “Do I have to kick you in the shins to make you let me go?” Her cheeks were pink and her eyes shot daggers at him. But her full mouth was rosy and damp from his kisses, and her breasts heaved against her trim bodice. She looked so damn tempting that it took every ounce of his discipline not to carry her off to the nearest empty bedroom and have his way with her. That was the most enticing image to come into his brain in a very, very long time. No, ever. “Stop wriggling about like a worm on the end of a hook,” he growled. “I cannot believe you just called me a worm,” she snapped, wriggling harder as she tried to escape. “Oh, for Christ’s sake.” He wrapped his hands around her waist and picked her straight up off her feet. She squeaked out a startled protest, but he simply plopped her back on the padded window bench and braced himself in front of her to prevent her from bolting. Her eyes flashed from behind her spectacles, promising all sorts of retribution, but her lenses had gone partly foggy. “Can you even see?” he asked. “Confound it.” She whipped off her spectacles and rubbed them on her sleeve before jamming them back on her nose. Her gaze said quite clearly that she would like to rend him, limb from limb. “You needn’t look at me like I’m some sort of ogre,” Alec said, “or like I’m going to ravish you right here in the hallway. I promise you, I’m not.” She stared at him a moment longer, then looked down pointedly at the fall of his breeches. “Really? You could have fooled me,” she said.
Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her current series, The Renegade Royals is a national bestseller. Vanessa also writes USA Today bestselling contemporary romance with her husband, under the pen name of VK Sykes.
Author Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
CEO Callum Malone has it all: power, Italian suits, a house on one of Sydney’s stunning beaches and a new life without a woman in it. Just the way he likes it, ever since his nasty divorce.
Landscaper Ava Gibson is in no position to turn down a job, even if it is for her despised ex-brother-in-law. But when resentment gives way to underlying attraction, Ava is finally forced to confront her truth… she’s falling for him. Will Ava be able to keep her growing desire in check? Because the irresistible Cal doesn’t want her to…
This story is just lovely, it left me smiling and feeling all warm inside, there wasn't an element in the story that I didn't enjoy.
The brothers mourning and sorrow at the loss of their father were real, the conflicted feelings they were having, mixed with tender childhood memories, authentic and touching. The look into Chris and Ellie's life, from the previous book, was a joy, to see them so happy together, starting a family. The connection between Callum and Ava before hadn't been the best, but as they now get to know each other as individuals, their feelings grow. Callum is charming, solid, loyal, and trustworthy. I loved how, despite the divorce, he was showing respect towards his ex, Lulu. Ava's loyalty to her sister was admirable. I liked how the development of the relationship played out, it was natural, beautiful, and passionate. The epilogue was absolutely perfect, giving the book a wonderful ending. This really was a perfect summer read, feel good, cheerful, tender, and touching story, that flows well, has enough depth to be moving, the conflict wasn't too overwhelming, and the lovers were adorable ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Stanton Rourke lives life on the edge. The steely mercenary is dangerous in every way…especially to Clarisse Carrington’s heart. She and Rourke were playmates as children, but she’s not the innocent girl he once knew. When tragedy robbed Clarisse of her entire family, her life was changed forever. Besides, she’s a grown woman now, and there are secrets that hold her back from succumbing to her pursuer. As she struggles to keep her distance, sparks as hot as a Texas summer fly between them. But danger is following Clarisse, leaving her no choice but to rely on Rourke, even as the old wounds lying dormant between them flare up again…
“Palmer…is the queen of desperado quests for justice and true love.” -Publishers Weekly “The popular Palmer has penned another winning novel, a perfect blend of romance and suspense.”–Booklist on Lawman “Diana Palmer is a mesmerizing storyteller who captures the essence of what a romance should be.”–Affaire de Coeur Excerpt:
He closed his eyes and drew in a long breath. Tat would never forgive him. He didn’t even know how to approach her. He imagined Tat’s mouth under his, her soft body pressed to his hardness, her hands in his thick hair as he loved her on crisp, white sheets. He groaned aloud at the arousal the images produced.
And just as quickly as they flashed through his mind, he knew how impossible they were. He’d spent eight years pushing her away, making her hate him. He wasn’t going to be able to walk into her home and pick her up in his arms. She’d never let him close enough. She backed away now if he even approached her. He thought of her with other men, with the scores of them he’d accused her of sleeping with. His fault. It was his fault. Tat would never have let another man touch her if she’d ever really belonged to Rourke; he knew that instinctively. But he’d pushed her into affairs. Her name had been linked with several millionaires, even a congressman. He’d seen photos of her in the media, seen her laughing up into other men’s faces, her body exquisite in couture gowns. He’d pretended that she was only playacting. But she wasn’t. She was twenty-five years old. No woman remained a virgin at that age. Certainly not Tat, whom he’d baited and tormented and rejected and humiliated. But he had to get near her. He had to know if there was any slight chance that she might not hate him, that he could coax her back into his life. She’d never let him in the door in Maryland, where her home in the US was located. She had security cameras—he’d insisted on them—placed all around the house she owned there, the house that had belonged to her father. Tat’s father had worked for the US Embassy. His people had been wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice. He’d married Maria Cortes of Manaus, a woman who had Dutch and highborn Spanish heritage who was also an heiress. It had been a marriage of true love. They had houses in Africa and Manaus and Maryland. Tat had inherited the lot, and their combined fortunes. Tat had loved her mother. It had devastated her when Maria died of a fever she caught nursing a friend. He knew how Tat revered her mother. How could he tell her what the woman had done? It would shatter her illusions. But he would have to tell her something, to try and explain his behavior. How to get near her, near enough to make her listen, that was the problem. His eye fell on an invitation on top of the stack of mail one of the workers had left on the bureau for him to go through. He frowned. He picked it up and opened it. Inside was a formal invitation to a gala awards ceremony in Barrera. It was a personal invitation from General Machado himself. Now that his country was secure once more, all the loose ends tied up, it was time to reward the people who had helped him wrest control away from the usurper, Sapara. Machado hoped that Rourke could come, because he was one of several people who would be so honored. He went down the list of names on the engraved invitation listing the honorees. Just above his name was that of Clarisse Carrington. His heart jumped. Machado had promised that she would be recognized for her bravery in leading two captured college professors to safety and giving the insurgents intel that helped them recapture Barrera’s capital city and apprehend Sapara. Tat was going to be in Barrera, in Medina, the capital city. She would certainly go to the awards ceremony. It was a neutral place, where he might have the opportunity to mend fences. Certainly he was going to go. The date was a week away.
Diana Palmer has been writing with Harlequin since 1980 and has published over 180 titles, with over 61 million books sold! When not writing, Susan’s hobbies are gardening, knitting, crocheting, astronomy, archaeology and animals. She also has dogs, cats, birds and lizards.
Author's websiteI Facebook
HER HOMETOWN SEAL
When Daisy Donovan roars into town on the back of John "Squint" Mathison's motorcycle, the people of Bridesmaids Creek start buzzing like bees in mating season! The former bad girl is finally home where she belongs, ready to win over her Texas town--and the hunky former SEAL who is the father of her soon-to-be baby boys. Although he just had the most passionate time of his life with the woman he adores, John's after a prize he thought couldn't be his. He never had a real home, growing up in a family who traveled from rodeo to rodeo. But now he's determined to show Daisy that he's ready to settle down and be the new favorite son of Bridesmaids Creek—by getting Daisy to the altar before their triplets are born!
What a laugh a minute this story is! It is told in such a humorous, and witty way, with lots of bantering dialog, and events and turns in the plot, that you can't help but laugh. Through the dialog you can sense and feel the southern drawl in all its beauty, I got a huge kick out of that!
The town Bridesmaid Creek seems a bit looney or nuts at first, with all the talk about magic and matchmaking. But they are warm, kindhearted people, who truly care about each other and the happiness of their fellow townsfolk. John and Daisy's story have already started as the tale kicks off, and it took a little while for me to get into it, as it felt like the story started in an another book. But that's the danger when reading books from a series not in order, so that's completely on me. And the book is not so much about the romance of John and Daisy, since they already love each other, even though it takes a while for them to admit it. It is more about the crazy town, it's matchmaking magic, John and Daisy's attempts to get married. It is fun, hilarious, fast read, since you get so into the story and dialog that the pages just flies. It is a perfect summer read, that will put a smile on your face, and the ending will make you go 'aahhh...' ~ Four Spoons!
Finally the injured Navy SEAL brought to surgeon Erica Griffin in the dead of night has a name: Captain Thorne Wilder – her new commanding officer! Five years on he’s just as gorgeous as Erica remembers – and still totally off-limits! She might be as wary of relationships as he is, but fighting temptation will be the biggest battle of all...
The story starts with an intense and heart wrenching way, when Navy surgeon Erica gets called to duty in a middle of the night, and she has to amputate a leg from a navy SEAL, who's bullet wound is infected during the mission. They have an obvious connection, before he is swept away, before Erica even learns his name, as everything is under covert ops. Five years later Erika learns the name, Thorne, when the former patient turns out to be her new captain. The attraction is immediate, they are drawn together, but they both have their reason to avoid the relationship. Thorne doesn't do relationships because of the twin brother he lost in the battle, and because of his leg being amputated, he doesn't want anyone see him that vulnerable. Erica focuses on her career, after a mistake she made in the beginning of it, that ended up costing her dearly,putting her future in the navy in danger. They are both strong and stubborn, like a two halves of a whole, a perfect match. And even though they give up to their feelings and passion for a weak moment, the relationship between them is impossible, or so they think. I felt the back and forth went on for a little too long, they stubbornness and persistent to denial of their feelings causing too much trouble in the hospital, as it started to affect their work. But the story was interesting, the set up unique, with surprising twists in the plot ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Stanton Rourke lives life on the edge. The steely South African mercenary is dangerous in every way…especially to Clarisse Carrington's heart.
She and Rourke were playmates as children, but she's not the innocent girl he once knew. When tragedy robbed Clarisse of her entire family, her life was changed forever. Besides, she's a grown woman now, and there are secrets that hold her back from succumbing to her pursuer. As she struggles to keep her distance, sparks as hot as a Texas summer fly between them. But danger is following Clarisse, leaving her no choice but to rely on Rourke, even as the old wounds lying dormant between them flare up again…
My opinion of the story is a bit split, and I will do my best to explain why.
First of all, the book has several parts, the beginning, the truth revealed, the twist, the memory returns, and the ending. I found the beginning of the story melancholy and desperate. The tone of the tale is dark and fierce, the hero is overwhelmingly hostile towards the heroine. But it gave a good foundation to the story for what's to come, and introduced the players. The truth revealed part was joyous, and cheerful. Finally, everything is open, honest, and loving, after so many years of waiting. I found the love scenes rushed and lacking of something, yet they were passionate and romantic. After so many years of hateful behavior from the hero towards the heroine, it was amazing how fast and swiftly she forgave him. The twist. Too much drama, too much happening, it was dragging along, and the story nearly lost me here. The rest of the story happens really fast, the story picks up, and things are happening, moving along. The ending was sweet, and adorable, the hero trying to redeem himself. I admire the heroine's ability to forgive, forget, and move on, with an ease after everything she went through. The plot was cluttered, lavished with events, the lifelong affection, loyalty, and love towards each other by the hero and heroine darling, and I even came to care for the characters towards the end. ~ Three Spoons Exclusive excerpt on the book blog tomorrow with an amazing giveaway of a $100 gift card! |