PRACTICE MADE PERFECT
Suddenly finding herself a foster parent to an infant girl definitely shakes things up for Doctor Violet McCabe. Especially because her attractive and pragmatic colleague, Doctor Gavin Monroe, is little Ava's co-guardian. Gavin has doubts about the arrangement, but idealistic Violet is certain they can work together to care for Ava while they find the perfect adoptive family. Gavin secretly crushed on sexy, irrepressible Violet for years, but after losing her fiancé, Violet's heart was impenetrable. Ava changes everything. For once, Violet is ready to embrace the unpredictable…maybe even love. But Gavin fears he's not the father Ava needs or the man Violet deserves. In their search for a perfect home for Ava, will Violet and Gavin miss that the best family for her is the one they've already created?
Violet and Gavin face a serious question, and situation, that many of us never stop to think about. Upon being trusted as baby girl's guardians, they have to make a decision, what is best for the baby, putting their own feelings and budding romance on the side.
While I was reading this story, and experiencing the struggle Gavin and Violet went through with the decision, I had to stop and wonder what would I do in that situation. Would I be able to think only the best of the baby, put my own feelings aside, and make a rational decision? And for a book to make me wonder and ponder that kind of serious questions, it has already achieved something. The story is different kind of romance, it is missing the high emotions of falling in love often demonstrated. Yes, Gavin and Violet do fall in love, there's heat, hot passion, and attraction. But the main focus is on the matter of the new parenthood, and what is best for Ava. The struggle they go through, the past failures and their own doubts of their ability to parent, be a parent, and be in a lasting relationship, not hurting the other, all the things they muddle through, to come to the conclusion. I liked how the author took a look of life decisions from the two points of view, we usually make them, either based on emotions or rational thinking. It is hard to separate our feelings from matters that are so heavily based on emotions. As the story demonstrates, maybe the best conclusions come, when looking at the issues from both sides of the fence. ~ Four Spoons
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A cowboy's marriage of convenience may lead to a deadly honeymoon in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Elle James
With his ranch in financial trouble, cowboy Daniel Colton makes the perfect proposal to Megan Talbot—a marriage of convenience to save his business and ensure she receives her inheritance. But spending night after night with the strawberry blonde beauty tests all boundaries of Daniel's self-control. And when a killer targets his new bride, vying for her estate, it sets off all of his protective instincts. Daniel refuses to trade his honeymoon for a funeral. Now it's a race against the clock to track down the culprit and protect the wife who's starting to be so much more to him than just a business partner.
I enjoyed Daniel and Megan's story. It is well written, with sweet romance mixed with suspenseful twists that keeps the story going.
Daniel and Megan both have a reason to enter into the marriage of convenience, they need each others help to get to the next step in their lives. Yes, they are attracted to each other, but willing to convince themselves, that it will not be a problem. But there are odd, dangerous, things happening around Daniel and Megan, too many close calls, to be calling them accidents. But there really isn't anyone, or any reason, to want either of them dead. But that doesn't stop the incidents from happening again. I loved how Daniel and Megan just can't stay away from each other. They do try, most of the time, but the pull for each other is too strong. Family is important to both of them, and they don't like to be lying to them about their relationship, but it can't be avoided, to reach the goal. The Coltons of Oklahoma has been an interesting series to follow, I have enjoyed each book I have read, and Daniel's story didn't disappoint either! Finally, there was a chance to get to know more about Daniel, about his life, and about the years growing up. The love between him and Megan is so obvious, it was fun to watch them catch on with it. The story is filled with loyal families, humorous moments, charismatic characters, adorable yet steamy romance, danger and fearful moments, mixed all together in a captivating tale ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
A SEAL’s Temptation
Uniformly Hot SEALs #9 By: Tawny Weber Releasing August 18, 2015 (Print) and September 1st, 2015 (Digital) Harlequin Blaze
Subject: Navy SEAL Shane "Scavenger" O'Brian
Mission: Seduce and satisfy Lark Sommers! Lark Sommers's dry spell is officially a sex-starved desert. Since taking over her mom's quirky coffee shop in Nowhere, Idaho—putting her own career on permanent hold—Lark's been, well, miserable. But her friends have a plan…one that starts with a superhot guy with a rockin' hard bod. US Navy SEAL Shane O'Brian has no clue he's being set up. All he knows is that Lark does incredible things to his libido. Still, Shane can't quite bring himself to tell her what he does for a living. After all, their risqué business is temporary—no strings, no falling in love. Especially when there's no way this SEAL would ever be tempted into anything more than a sexy little fling…
Oh, my.
He was gorgeous. Wasn’t he gorgeous? She thought so, but the room had taken a nice, slow spin so which she was sure accounted for the sudden dizziness filling her head and the odd tightness in her belly. Resting her hand on the doorframe, Lark blinked a couple of times so she could see him more clearly. And oh, boy, was she glad she did. Because she’d been right. He was gorgeous. Sara had been right, he definitely had a little Greek god in there somewhere. Tall, close to a foot over her own five-four, he a swimmer’s build. Broad shoulders, a slender waist and long, long legs. The kind of body that would look might sweet naked but for a gleaming coat of oil. His dark brown hair was cut super short, the top spiked in a way that looked like he’d ran his hands through it’s thickness while it was wet and left it at that. Unlike Sara’s round sweetness, her brother’s face was narrow, with slashing brows and a full mouth. Oh, that mouth. Those lips. Mmm. Lark wet her lips while imagining doing the same to his. She was pretty sure she could spend hours nibbling on that bottom lip of his and still not be satisfied. She’d bet if he were doing the nibbling, her satisfaction would be guaranteed. She didn’t know if it was all the talk of sex today, or if he was simply the most desirable man she’d ever seen in her life. Either or both got credit for the images flooding her mind. The two of them, naked. Oh yeah, she’d bet he was even better naked. Long, lean and luscious, he’d know what to do with his body. Better yet, he’d know what to do with hers. She’d bet he could do things she’d only read about in those sexy romance novels.
Holy hotness, what a sizzling, fun story!
It has everything in it, that you could want from a romance with a hot SEAL! Shane is sexy, cute, a bit shy, and not big on talking. But when he finally opens up about his feelings - SWOON - he does it so eloquently!! I love him, he had surprising depth in him, and his road to understanding relationships and love was so adorable. And though he has a difficult relationship with his mom, he was willing to face it to make his sister happy. Lark put her own life on hold to take care of her dying mother. And now, taking care of her mother's Cafe. The insta-lust she and Shane have, is hot and entertaining. I loved those two together, in the short time they had, they had to face all the issues that comes with loving a SEAL, but they worked on it. Lark was so level-headed about it all, I could see why Shane fell so hard for her. The talks they have, those long, meaningful conversations, where a big plus, and so revealing, putting themselves out there to be vulnerable in each others eyes. Energetic, delightful, and spicy romance, in a midst of a family drama, SEAL brotherhood, aphrodisiac pastries, and pottery make it pure lively entertainment ~ Four Spoons
New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of thirty books and counting, Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first one hit the shelves in 2007. A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrapbooking and hanging out on Facebook.
Readers can check out Tawny’s books at her website, www.tawnyweber.com, or join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, complete first chapter excerpts, recipes, insider story info and much more. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Here All Along
Kelly Brothers #7 By: Crista McHugh Releasing August 26, 2015 Self-Published
Can best friends become lovers while the cameras are rolling?
Movie star Gideon Kelly has always harbored a secret crush for his long-time friend and assistant, Sarah. One sizzling kiss is enough to convince him she’s the only woman for him, and he’ll do anything to prove to her they have all the makings of an epic Hollywood romance. Sarah Holtz rose to stardom as a child only to crash and burn in her late teen years. Gideon was there to help put the pieces of her life back together, and she now relishes her life far away from the paparazzi flashes. Her need for privacy is the one thing holding her back from exploring something more with him. When a video of their kiss goes viral, she’s left wondering if he’s worth the risk of stepping back into the spotlight to become his leading lady. Recommended for those who enjoy: · Friends to lovers stories · Hollywood romances · Las Vegas weddings · Waking up married stories · Stories of second chances · Sidekicks who love a good practical joke
This was a fun and light story about best friends in love. I enjoy the author's style to write, it is uncomplicated and entertaining, making it easy to follow the story, and even though the book is part of the series, can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
Gideon and Sarah/Red have amazing, sizzling chemistry. They truly get each other, like only best friends can. Not only are they attracted to each other, but the care, protect and take care of each other. But Red is not ready to live with her feelings towards Gideon, doing all she can to deny her feelings. I liked Gideon and Red together, all that they shared and meant for each other. Sarah has overcome so much to be able to be where she is now, and Gideon had stood by her every step. Gideon is very charismatic, even though he had some childish impulsive moments, like getting married while Red was drunk. He was desperately in love, afraid to lose her, and that lead into some questionable actions. I'm not sure how I felt about the fact how lightly Sarah's drinking was taken. She had fought herself sober, after serious abuse, and her drunken night in Las Vegas left some concerns in my mind, or mainly that it wasn't addressed more seriously. I'm not a big fan of Gabe. I could not figure out his motives behind his behavior, and there obviously were some. Was he just a jerk, getting his kicks from messing with other people's lives, or was he really that clueless about actions having consequences? For a fun and light read, this story surely left me pondering. But overall, I liked Gideon and Sarah, the connection and affection they had together, and was glad I had the opportunity to read the final installment in the Kelly series ~ Three Spoons
Crista McHugh, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.
She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle Eastside Chapters), and Romance Divas. Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant. And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days) Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs sweeps readers away to a sun-drenched summer on the shores of Willow Lake in a stunning tale of the delicate ties that bind a family together… and the secrets that tear them apart…
When caregiver Faith McCallum arrives at the enchanted, lakeside estate of Avalon's renowned Bellamy family, she's intent on rebuilding her shattered life and giving her two daughters a chance at a better future. But she faces a formidable challenge in the form of her stubborn and difficult new employer, Alice Bellamy. While Faith proves a worthy match for her sharp-tongued client, she often finds herself at a loss for words in the presence of Mason Bellamy—Alice's charismatic son, who clearly longs to escape the family mansion and return to his fast-paced, exciting life in Manhattan…and his beautiful, jet-setting fiancée. The last place Mason wants to be is a remote town in the Catskills, far from his life in the city, and Faith McCallum is supposed to be the key to his escape. Hiring the gentle-hearted yet strong-willed caregiver as a live-in nurse gives his mother companionship and Mason the freedom to return to his no-attachments routine. For Faith, it means stability for her daughters and a much-needed new home. When Faith makes a chilling discovery about Alice's accident, Mason is forced to reconsider his desire to keep everyone, including his mother, at a distance. Now he finds himself wondering if the supercharged life he's created for himself is what he truly wants…and whether exploring his past might lead to a new life—and lasting love—on the tranquil shores of Willow Lake.
Beautifully written novel about life and family, finding yourself and your strength, and having the courage to face your fears.
This is not a romance novel, even though there's a thought, at the background, of a romantic love that develops between Faith and Mason. But that doesn't hold the center stage of the story, just a couple percent towards the end of the novel. But there is lots of love in the story, love between siblings, mother and children, between husband and wife, and friends. The characters are well developed, they all are in somewhat of a crossroads in their lives, trying to find their place, a new meaning for their lives. The road they take is not easy, the pain and hurt from the past catches up, but together they find a way to heal, built a new relationships that were broken, and find a peace within their lives. The little family that is forming on the Willow Lake, part of the blood, part of the heart, is supportive of each other, they are instruments of the healing for each other, both of their heart and body. Many of them are getting a voice in the story, tell their part with their point of view, adding more nuances and layers to the tale. It is engaging and captivating story from the start, keeping its allure to the end. This book is part of a series, but can be easily read as a stand alone novel. This story reminded me of the family saga's I read growing up. There are marriages, death, start of new, there are secrets, and drama, but under all, the main current is the love and respect for each other, and the shared paths in a lifetime. A beautiful, memorable story of life as it happens ~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists. The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com. Books & Spoons with Tasty Book Tours present: RELEASE BLAST for BOLD SEDUCTION by Karyn Gerrard1/9/2015
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BOLD SEDUCTION
The Hornsby Brothers #1
Karyn Gerrard
Releasing Sept 1st, 2015
Lyrical Press
No offer is more daring…
BOLD SEDUCTION
An Intriguing Proposition
Passion. Seduction. Pleasure. These are the qualities of any courtesan worth her salt. As owner of The Starling Club, London’s most notorious house of ill-repute, Madame Philomena McGrattan has seen it all, heard it all, done it all. There is little that surprises her anymore, and even less that excites her. So when she is presented a chance at an irresistible seduction, she can’t help but rise to the challenge.
A Dangerous Game
Studiousness. Practicality. Discipline. Such are the attributes of a good scholar, and such are the principles Lord Spencer Hornsby has built his life around. Alone in the Welsh countryside, with only his wolfhounds for company, Spencer has thrown himself into his work. There is little time for the pleasures of society, not even to think of the joys of the fairer sex. But when an unexpected guest arrives at his isolated hunting lodge, Spencer cannot help but be baffled by the presence of this dangerously beautiful woman. And when he discovers the reason for her arrival, and the pleasures she promises, he cannot help but find himself irresistibly intrigued . . .
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a Rafflecopter giveaway As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise she assumes everything is golden. Karyn’s been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement keeps her moving forward.
Finally, he asked, “And who are you, her replacement?”
Her? A housekeeper? Should she pretend to be a servant? Bugger that. “Hardly. I believe the old hag had plans to leave anyway as her bag was packed and at the ready. I’m here at the invitation of two of your acquaintances. Mr. Jacob Williamson and Mr. Clive Christopher.” The professor frowned. At least she thought he did. It was hard to read his expression under the wiry thatch of hair surrounding his mouth. He rifled through a pile of unopened correspondence. “Oh? I do not recall any recent note from those gentlemen.” “I believe I am to be a surprise present for your birthday tomorrow.” His owl eyes blinked rapidly as if he could not process what she said. “I do not require a maid, though you tell me Mrs. Brickell has departed. It appears I could use a housekeeper…” He had absolutely no idea why she came to him. His mind did not even consider the fact it could be for carnal reasons. What a sheltered life he must lead. “I’m no servant, though you need tidying up as much as your home does. You bear a striking resemblance to a painting of a French Canadian trapper I saw in a book once. All wild and shaggy—all that is missing is the plaid coat and the beaver pelts.” She gave him a sweet, smug smile. With his lips pressed into a straight line, he sat back and regarded her. “Oh? You read a book once?” His elegant voice dripped with self-righteous sarcasm. “Touché, Professor. Well aimed. A direct hit.” Phil pointed to the dogs who still stared at her. Their unblinking attention followed her every minute move. “Should I be afeared for my life? Your animals are intimidating.” “Justinian. Theodora. Easy.” The hounds relaxed at his command, laying their heads on their paws. “They are Irish Wolfhounds. ‘Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.’” Phil placed a hand on her hip. “Does that saying apply to you as well, Professor Hornsby?” Did he smile slightly? Again, hard to tell under the facial hair. Phil pulled a chair toward the desk and placed it a few feet away. She raised one leg to the chair. “Now, I don’t claim to be a blue-stocking, but I am able to read.” Phil grasped the hem of her green striped gown, and with a slow, deliberate movement, raised it past her ankle boots. She glanced at the beast behind the desk. His gaze remained steady as it slid down to where she continued to raise her petticoats to reveal one of her shapely legs. At least she’d been told they were shapely. No matter. Running her hand over the sheer white stocking, she lingered near her silk garter. “I do not think they are blue. You better come closer and inspect the shade of my stockings for yourself…Professor.” He coughed and looked away. She made him uncomfortable, and she would wager to guess--a little aroused. No sound could be heard in the room except a whimper from one of the dogs and the huge clock in the corner ticking away the awkward minutes. Hornsby faced her. “Who are you, madam, and why are you here?” She continued to fondle and caress her leg, and having the unkempt man watch her caused a slow roll of heat to travel through her. Again, his voice. Like molten gold or a cello played by a master that vibrated with life, power, and resonance. “My name is Philomena McGrattan. I am indeed a madam and hired to relieve you of your virginity.” There was no further reaction from the professor whatsoever. This did not bode well. |