Where does she belong? Now that the "real" daughter of her adoptive parents has returned, Eve Lawson can't help feeling edged out. It's a familiar isolation she sees all too often in her social work caseload. And her unstoppable attraction to divorced cop Ben Kemper only complicates things further. They're on opposite sides of a murder case, but their connection is still stronger than their doubts and fears. Eve is too close to the sexy single dad to walk away without a shattered heart. It's up to Ben to take a risk of his own and show Eve a family and love that will never let her go: his. Warm and touching story about how sometimes family is made by the heart, not by blood.
I loved both Eve and Ben, they are both complex, seen and experienced more, when it comes to family, than most. They both carry their own scars, their issues, and get a crash course to some hidden ones they were not aware of. Their dating isn't the most smooth and effortless romance you ever heard of. When I was reading about all the problems and turmoil they run into, I kept thinking this is the perfect guidebook to what not to say, ask, or do when dating! Also Ben's adorable daughter, and his lingering feelings for his ex-wife, cause even more issues. But the big one comes, when they end up on the opposite sides of a murder case, and then start mirroring the suspects into their own lives, and their relationships. This is a warm hearted story of a family, and two detectives, trying to find the light and normalcy in life, after their other daughter is found years after being kidnapped as a young kid. How this tragedy affects all of them, what are the consequences of it, and how the daughters find a surprising friendship, and then sisters in each other. The family that forms at the end, some tight to each other by blood, but bound together by love and commitment to each other, filled with devotion and fondness for each other. I loved this story, it is so easy to relate to the highly likeable characters, to the story of a hard life, and to the range of emotions, Ben and Eve goes through, while trying to find their footing in the world ~ Five Spoons
0 Comments
FATAL CHRISTMAS
FBI agent Sara Vaughn believes a group of pharmaceutical businessmen are engineering drugs with deadly results. Her boss won't approve a sting operation, so she goes rogue—following the suspects on a hike in the Cascade Mountains to record evidence. But when Sara witnesses them murder one of their own, they target her. Saved by a handsome volunteer mountain rescue worker, Sara at first suspects Will Rankin is another bad guy hunting her. But when the widowed father of two risks everything to save her, she knows that Will is all that's standing between her and seeing Christmas morning. Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State
A story filled with suspense, conspiracy theories, chasing the villains in the wilderness, danger, anxiety and scares!
The story has so much action going on, every moment the plot has twists, set backs, and new villains, it was impossible to put down, the story had a hold of me from the start. A drug company is a powerful enemy to have, and without the knowledge whom they had bought or were blackmailing in the small town, they had no idea to know whom to trust, and where they would be safe. Sara is a very complex character. The childhood drama she had suffered, had left her mind scared, and in the fearful state, dehydrated, and injured, had put her mind into a spin. My heart went out for her, and the struggle she was facing. She had lost trust, and faith, she is lost and alone, with a tunnel vision of catching the culprits. In her scared, offensive, survival mode, she keeps pushing Will away, again and again, even though in his company she for the first time feels peaceful and secure. Will, the widowed single dad of two adorable little girls, is drawn to Sara, despite the danger that seems to surround her. He puts his trust into God, into His Guidance, and keeping him and his loved ones safe and secure, including Sara. The hunt for evidence of the crimes is tireless, taking them into a wild chase, while risking their lives again and again. The only possibility of future together for Sara and Will is, if the offenders are caught with evidence that will hold in a court of law, and if Sara learns to trust God in her life, and lean on Him in the storms of life. Trust is a fragile thing, so easily broken and damaged. The story is a beautiful example of building a trust again, finding kindness and goodness in people around us, making the right choices in life and accepting help when needed. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
A HAPPY REUNION?
Way back when, Hunter Boone thought he and Josie Stephens had something that would last forever. Then she got her ticket out of town and took off—alone. The hurt nearly tore him apart. By the time Josie realized she'd made a mistake, Hunter had already married. Now Josie's back in Stonewall Crossing, and while instant fire flares between them, she can't come between the now single dad and his son. As the whole town gets ready for Christmas, Josie finds it hard to avoid Hunter. No matter how much he tempts her with the promise of a future together, she has to tell herself—for her own survival—that relationships just aren't her thing…
A heartbreaking and touching story about second chances, and forgiveness.
The connection between Hunter and Josie is so strong, unique, and vigorous, that even after eleven years, it is tangible in the air when they meet. But as palpable the connection is, so is the hurt and pain of their past. There's a lot of things that never were talked about, feelings and emotions that were not discussed openly, there was hurt feelings on both sides, and the consequences that were permanent. And Hunter and Jo might be able to have a better chance in love again, if Hunter's son, Eli didn't dislike Jo so deeply. Eli's mother, Amy, truly the perfect villain with her manipulative, lying, story telling, and stealing ways, has fed the young mind all his life, lies about Josie. And since Josie and Eli has something in common, very similar type of mothers, it is easy for her to understand Eli's behavior. The love, passion and desire between Hunter and Josie is real, deep, and raw. They promise not to give up without a fight this time, like they did when they were young. But they didn't take into a consideration, that not everyone was willing to tell the truth, even on Christmas. I admired that Hunter, despite everything that Amy did, and had done, didn't bad mouth her to Eli. He still respected her as his mother. The relationship between Eli and Hunter is on the first true trial, with Josie back in Hunter's life. This is an emotional story, with lots of deep feelings. Grace, compassion and forgiveness is in abundance, as true love finds its match again. Get your tissues ready, there might be some tears.. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Cowboy to the Rescue
Summoned by two little girls to help their mother in distress, Blue Lyons rushes to rescue widow Clara Weston. When the cowboy discovers the fatherless family has nowhere to go, he offers them food and shelter. But widower Blue won't get too close to the needy trio. He's lost too many people he's cared for, and he isn't about to set himself up for loss again. For Clara, any dangers she may face on the frontier are preferable to staying with her controlling father. Although she's determined to keep her independence, Blue's kindness and tenderness are hard to resist. Can two pint-size matchmakers help Clara and Blue open their guarded hearts in time for Christmas?
Such an uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring story about building trust, and leaning on God in troubled time, believing He will guide us to the future He has planned for us, and trusting in Him, when it seems the plan we have is not the same as He has...
I adore this story! The town spirit of protectiveness, and how everyone is willing to help stand up for, and help each other as needed, no questions asked. I loved Eleanor and Libby, the daughters of Clara. Those girls have such distinctive personalities, their loyalty to their mother, their trust in God, and the peculiar ways they see the world around them was refreshing. Clara and Blue are both running from their past. Blue lost his family in a fire, and had shut down emotionally and socially ever since. The mother with two daughters, while helping him to build the pews in the church, melt down his defenses, steal a piece of his heart, and make a safe, comfortable home in there. Clara was running from her father, who claimed she wasn't a fit mother, couldn't even take care of herself. Over and over Clara feels that she has to prove to everyone, she is capable, since her father had nearly broken her independent spirit. Within each other, Blue and Clara find not only kindred spirit, but acceptance, respect, equal partners in life. A delightful story, filled with love, faith, and learning to trust, and relaying on God's guidance ~ Five Spoons
Despite her job as a wedding planner, Violet Richardson doesn't believe a happy-ever-after is in her future.
And when she's kidnapped by a killer, she's surprised that rescue comes in the form of her tempting yet irritating neighbor Max Baldwin. Trying to forget his dark past, Max never meant to take on his attractive neighbor's troubles. But now the bickering pair must outrun a thug who's determined to get his hands on mysterious jewels he thinks are in Violet's possession. And as they race for their lives through Dallas's summer heat, Max and Violet may finally open their eyes to the burning passion they share
Non-stop thrill ride through the book, where every page is filled with danger, action, fear, and high emotions.
This is a book three in the series, and I wouldn't say it is a stand alone book, since the story seems to take off right from where the previous book end (and also ends with sort of a cliffhanger in the epilogue). I hadn't read the other stories, so I felt a bit lost at the beginning, but it didn't take too long to catch up what is going on. Like said, there's constant action, and it is bloody, dangerous, and fierce. The characters are tough warriors, protective and willing to guard whom they love. Violet and Max have known each other for a year. Their communication has often been just bickering and arguments, something that seems to have been just a foreplay for their passion for each other, as the sparks are flying and the attractions between them is smoldering. I loved them together, they have a connection, the way they understand each other is special and precious. They calm each other's fears, and center each other's thoughts even in the midst of all the menace and peril. Absolutely a promising series to look into, I would start from the book one, and proceed from there on. The passion is bold, the love is the forever kind, and the suspense breath taking ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
All it takes to seal the deal is one little temporary engagement…
Ethan Logan never fails. But taking over the multimillion-dollar Beaumont Brewery is proving impossible. To succeed will mean taking drastic measures. It means proposing to a red-haired Beaumont bombshell. It's the perfect plan—until Ethan realizes he wants her for more than just business… Frances Beaumont won't marry a total stranger and get nothing in return. But once Ethan agrees to the socialite's terms, she expects their charade to go off without a hitch. Frances doesn't believe in love and has never met a man she couldn't handle. And then one kiss from her fake fiancé changes everything…
I love the fake relationship turning into a real love connection type of stories.
In this story both Ethan and Frances are a bit desperate in their situations, Ethan's more severely so. The interest and attraction are there from the first moment, even though Frances claims she doesn't believe in love. But she likes to be romanced by Ethan, and the game is on. The banter is non stop, and everything is a power game for them. Who will win and who will need to step up the game. But love is often waiting in an unexpected moment and place. The story is well written, and has great flow in it. The characters and their families are interesting. I just didn't like Frances' attitude of entitlement, she acted like a spoiled princess most of the time. Also from the dialog, it reminded me of a historical novel, just the way they spoke and thought. But if you love the billionaire stories, with fake relationships, that turn into a true love connection, this story is for you! ~ Three Spoons
Enter to Win a
copy of BIG GIRL PANTIES
THE SWEET SPOT
Stephanie Evanovich
Releasing Sept 29th, 2015
Mass Market Paperback
Avon Books/Harper Collins
The amazing Stephanie Evanovich returns with The Sweet Spot, the sizzling story of everyoneâs favorite couple from her New York Times bestseller Big Girl Panties: hunky professional baseball player Chase Walker and his sassy wife Amanda
When pro baseball player Chase Walker first meets Amanda at her restaurant, itâs love at first sight. While Amanda canât help noticing the superstar with the Greek-god-build, he doesnât have a chance of getting to firstâor any otherâbase with her. A successful entrepreneur whoâs built her business from scratch, Amanda doesnât need a Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet. And a curvy girl who likes to cook and eat isnât interested in being around the catty, stick-thin herd of females chasing Chase and his teammates. But Chase isnât about to strike out. A man who isnât interested in playing the field, heâs a monogamist who wants an independent woman like Amanda. His hopes rally when she discovers that squeaky-clean Chase has a few sexy and very secret pre-game rituals that turn the smart, headstrong businesswoman onâand into his number one fan. Then a tabloid discovers the truth and turns their spanking good fun into a late- night punch-line. Is Amanda ready to let loose and swing for the fences? Or will the pressure of Chaseâs stardom force them to call it quits?
BUY PAPERBACK
BUY EBOOK
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New Yorkâs School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, sheâs an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.
âCold Creek Grill. How may I help you?â She answered the phone as if her day was right as rain. She was a business woman, first and foremost.
âI need a reservation for tonight,â a gravelly voice barked into the phone. The caller was either on a cell phone with a bad connection or had a mouth full of marbles. âOf course sir, what time are you looking for?â âSeven,â he said impatiently and Amanda pictured him running to catch a subway. âLet me make sure I have that available,â she told him, trying to buy time while she booted up the computer at the podium a few feet away. She moved the phone to the other side of her head, forgetting it was a war zone and her hair crackled near her ear. âTrust me, sweetheart, you have a table available.â âSir?â She didnât know what to be more offended by, his use of the word sweetheart or the underlying threat that she better be able to seat him. And she determined he was just some arrogant blowhard who was sitting with his feet up on his desk overlooking the water and a fat stogy in his mouth. âA superstar is having dinner at your restaurant; you donât want to make him wait.â âAll of our guests at the Cold Creek are VIPs Mrâ¦?â âMaybe I should speak to the owner?â he cut her off and she thought she heard more spit squish out of the end of his cigar. âI am the owner. My name is Amanda Cole. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?â âDonât seat us someplace high traffic like near the front. Heâs not there to be an advertisement. Youâll get your photo op.â It sounded so scathing, like she was some sort of a bistro whore looking to make a buck, as if she would be interested in taking a picture with him in the first place. Supreme Court justices and past presidents dined at the Cold Creek without incident. âMr. What-ever-your-name-is, Iâm not only concerned for the comfort of our guests, but the safety of my staff. And we have had some high profile guests in the past. Several are regulars.â âYeah, yeah, I heard that. Thatâs why Iâm calling. But lady, you never had anyone this big,â he said with an air of superiority that was nothing short of skin crawling. At least he had upgraded her to lady. If he wasnât being such a total jack-ass, she might have taken him more seriously. âWould you like to tell me who he is, so that I might inform security?â she said with overt sarcasm. He could either take being spoken to in kind, or he would start to ream her out and she would hang up on him and he could dine elsewhere, bad business or not. There was a pause and she thought he may have hung up on her first. But then he said, âNo. Better you donât know till he gets there. Someone tips off TMZ and the nightâs a bust. And he brings his own securityâ âWill they be joining you for dinner?â His laugh was particularly smarmy. âTheyâre not paid to eat.â So he wasnât only rude, he was also a tyrant. âThatâs fine, sir, they can stand guard with mine.â Only hers were imaginary. She no longer cared if the computer was ready. It was a Weds, they were rarely fully booked, and this man and his famous guest seemed intent on dining there. He was probably going to be more aggravation than anything else, even if he was only half as self-important as his representative. âYouâre all set, dinner for two at seven. Would you like to leave me a name or is there a code word or what?â There was another pause, and once again Amanda was given the false hope that he may have hung up and saved her from a night of inconvenient distractions at the very least. But then she heard him on the other end, it sounded like a snort. âYouâre spunky, kid,â he told her. âName under Alan Shaw. Iâll be there at 6:50. I donât like to wait either. And make sure there are good steaks on hand, heâs a meat-eater.â
Enter to Win a
$100.00 VISA eGift Card
(US/INT)
LAST CHANCE
DELOS #0.5
Lindsay McKenna
Released July 11th, 2015
Blue Turtle Publishing
Lia Cassidy lived through a brutal attack at the hands of two fellow soldiers, but was left with scars inside and out. This is her last chance to rebuild her life. Lia discovers a new calling working at the Delos Home School Charities in Costa Rica. With the help of her new friends and the children she helps at the school, she starts to finally heal. But soon her world is shattered when she unwittingly thwarts the plans of feared drug lord âLa Arañaâ and his thugs. And no one challenges âLa Arañaâ without paying the price. Will she survive?
GET FREE
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lindsay McKenna lives her life as a risk taker, and it shines through the books she loves to write: romance, adventure and suspense. She started writing at age thirteen and continues to hone her writing skills to this day. She sold her first romance novel in 1981. The rest is history.
Because she went into the military, this experience became the backbone of her writingâshe is credited with writing the first military romance novel (Captive of Fate, 1983, Silhouette Special Edition) and has created a thriving sub-genre within the romance field! As a New York Times Best Selling author, she has sold 23 million books and in 32 foreign languages in her career thus far. Her many experiences in the U.S. Navy are backdrop for her understanding of the military in general, and also her very successful Morganâs Mercenaries, which is an ongoing series in Silhouette to this day! Forty-five books strong!
Lindsay has gone Indie in 2015 and has created a new family saga on par with Morganâs Mercenaries It is known as the DELOS SERIES. There will be paperback and eBooks created under Blue Turtle Publishing, her company for her fans. Readers who love Morgan and his family are bound to fall in love with the Culver family. Delos is romantic suspense, which Lindsay is well known for. It took her five years to create and bring DELOS to her readers. It was worth the wait, but weâll let you decide that.
Lindsay loves to hear from her readers and loves to know what theyâd like to see her write next. Stay up with the latest on the Delos Series here. Please visit her Web site at www.lindsaymckenna.com. And be sure to sign up for her free quarterly newsletter. It contains exclusive content found nowhere else on the Net. Plus, giveaways and other surprises, to her loyal and faithful subscribers!
Pre-Order Now
NOWHERE TO HIDE
Releasing Oct 13th, 2015
The tortured hero's happily-ever-after
Former navy SEAL Connor Benson is in beautiful Tuscany, but he can't forget his time on the frontline. Meeting beautiful Isabella Rossi reminds him of everything he once fought for…and everything he can't have. Isabella understands what it's like to be stuck in the past—since becoming a widow she's been sleepwalking through life. But handsome Connor's delicious kisses are waking her up, and his courage inspires her: she must fight for the love they both deserve! The Vineyards of Calanetti Saying "I do" under the Tuscan sun…
Beautiful, poetic love story, that is filled with light, joy, healing of heart, and love.
Both Connor and Isabella have wounds they try to hide from the rest of the world. Isabella has buried her dreams and hopes with her young husband, the love they had was always troubled and timed, since his illness was known from his childhood. Connor had faced the unthinkable several times over during his service. He was weary, just wanted to leave love and romance for the rest. That is until Isabella comes into his life. Under the beautiful Tuscan sun, a Texan and Tuscan temperament and passion matches up, and takes it into a battle. The story is filled with romantic scenes, from swimming lessons, to picnic, and dancing under the stars. There's humor and laughter, there's pain and sorrow, but most of all, there's a love that heals the broken hearts, and brings these two lonely souls together. This might be one of the most beautiful love stories I have read for a while, the cinematic scenery, the romance, the poetry of it all, put together in a lovely, adorable story ~ Five Spoons
Scandal leads to death on the Colton ranch in the latest from USA TODAY bestselling author Marie Ferrarella
When murder strikes his family's ranch, Detective Ryan Colton follows the evidence...straight to his sister. Instinct tells him she's innocent. But once her DNA is found at the scene, Ryan goes head-to-head with the forensics expert he'd hoped to avoid. Susie Howard--the beautiful woman he once loved...and left. Seeing Ryan again has Susie doubting everything, especially her resolution to forget the sexy, rugged cowboy cop. If her intuition is wrong, then the real killer is still at large and has the Coltons in his sights. Teaming up with Ryan is the only way for him to save his family--and his second chance with her.
I have enjoyed this series since the beginning, but I have to say, I think it is getting better with each installment, as the plot thickens.
Some very odd events have been happening at the ranch, everyone has been mentioning them, but no one thought twice about them, until actual crimes were committed. Ryan can't believe what the crime scene investigators are telling him, that the evidence leads them to his sister, Greta. It just doesn't make sense. The suspense is high, the evidence is clear, and as it seems that Greta has no alibi for the time of the crimes, the only thing Ryan can do, is to arrest his own sister. The investigator working on the case, Susie, is the one Ryan has a history with, an old history, but somehow it seems very fresh even now. As the secrets of the family are unfolding, the evidence saying one thing, and the heart and mind another, Ryan is in a whirlwind of his life. When you add to that the girl he never forgot, the one he still loves, and the secret from their past relationship coming to light, Ryan don't know anymore what to think or do. I inhaled this story in one sitting. It just pulled me in and took over. I loved the intensity of the investigation, the tension between the old lovers, and as all the secrets are revealed, it suddenly starts to make more sense, all around. This series has had a strong allure from the start, and the attack on the mother has been going investigation through the series, that now finally starts to have more insights into it. I can hardly wait for the next installment, to see how it all will come to end! A series filled with charismatic characters, intense suspense, crimes that baffle the police as well as the family, and the happily ever after kind of romance, that melts your heart ~ Five Spoons
THE WRONG TARGET
While investigating a murder at Rikki Allen's house, detective Blain Kent realizes the victim looks a lot like Rikki. Could the secretive widow have been the target? He wants answers, but Rikki is unusually cagey. When the killer comes after Rikki at a safe location, Blain finally gets the truth out of her: she's the daughter of Franco Alvanetti—the notorious crime kingpin. A by-the-book former marine, Blain has made it his life mission to put the Alvanetti family out of business. Yet he has to trust Rikki to protect her from a killer who wants her dead by Christmas.
A murder to investigate, a crime family in turmoil, will there be peace by the holidays?
The story starts off with an intensity that I loved. The murder investigation is a complex one, since the lack of evidence. The attempts towards Rikki continue through the story, but mainly because she keeps putting herself into the danger zone, by not listening to the law enforcement, to stay put, to stay safe. And she does it several times, not learning anything from her past mistakes. Frustrating! The murder mystery had some twists in it, and I have to admit, the ending was surprising, that rarely happens. The Alvanetti family had gone through a change, that was hard to believe or accept by all. Even harder was the acceptance of the fact, that a detective was romantically involved with a famous crime family princess, but Rikki and Blain are determined to make it work. I love the Love Inspired Suspense stories, because the suspense is often very intense, the crime not easily solved, the romance is sweet and 'clean', not so much on the center stage of the story, and the characters base their life of faith in God. Even though this story is not as intense as most, but more focused on collecting evidence and the dysfunctions of the Alvanetti family, it is a great story, with shocking revelations at the end ~ Three Spoons
Love Somebody Like You
Caribou Crossing #6 By: Susan Fox Releasing September 29, 2015 Zebra
“Fox knows how to strike just enough sway between sweet and bitter, homespun and steamy.” --Publishers Weekly
With its breathtaking terrain and welcoming people, the Western town of Caribou Crossing is the perfect place for a heart to heal, and for love to blossom once more… Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she’s still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he’s a reminder of the feisty woman she once was—and maybe still could be… Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn’t move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores—and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she’ll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love…
This is a beautifully written story, that touched my heart.
The difficult subject of spousal abuse, domestic violence is dealt with respect and dignity to the victim. The mental and physical manipulation her husband did to her, is shown clearly, the steps he took to isolate them is evident in the memories and flashbacks. With help and support from Ben, Sally finds her voice, the process of true healing starts, and she finds her place in the community. It doesn't happen overnight, the mending from the past takes time, the steps for that are clear, requiring more than just help and love from friends and family, but also some professional counseling. Ben's patience, care, and help to Sally is priceless. Together they built on to the business Sally has tried to handle on her own for so long. They make a good team, working side by side gives them equal setting in the relationship, and Sally's business start to thrive. Through the heartbreak and pain, that Sally had gone through, something beautiful and radiate grow, blossom, and flourish with Ben. The relationship they built together is an equal, healthy, and loving. They adore, care, and help each other, like true partners should. The process of healing that Sally goes through in the story is inspiring and heartening. The rough life of a rancher, and uncertainty of the rodeo lifestyle is tangible. But the story is not just about the darker sides of the life, there are moments of pure beauty, softly uplifting. Because life is not only about fear of survival or mucking the stalls, sometimes it is watching the sunset together, dancing in the kitchen, or picking wildflowers on the pasture, cause love and being truly alive wins... ~ Five Spoons
Moving awkwardly and painfully, Ben got to work bringing the horses in, removing tack, and giving them a light grooming. He enjoyed being with the animals even though his shoulder ached something fierce.
He was finishing up when a middle-aged couple in casual Western clothing entered the barn. “Can I help you?” he asked them. The pair gazed at him curiously. The man said, “We board our horses here and we’re going out for a ride.” “Need help with anything?” “No, we’re good,” he said. “You’re Sally’s new assistant?” the woman asked. Ah, that explained Sally’s air of tiredness and strain. She’d had an employee who’d quit on her. Ben shook his head. “Just an old friend, passing through.” The couple gathered halters and left the barn. Ben gave the horses a little water. Unsure whether Sally wanted them turned out to pasture, he left them in stalls and went out to watch her lesson. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth at the sight that met his eyes. She’d set up three barrels in the cloverleaf pattern of a barrel racing course and she was urging a compact buckskin around the first barrel and on to the second. She looked intensely focused, yet vibrant and joyful— and years younger, like the old Sally. The horse wasn’t a patch on that striking silvery quarter horse she used to own, but Sally herself looked mighty fine. When she finished, the sound of clapping drew Ben’s attention to the petite, ponytailed girl atop a black-and-white horse just outside the gate to the ring, and to the woman in the bleachers. “You still got it, Pantages,” Ben called. Sally swung the horse around, her gaze finding him where he stood near the barn. She shook her head, took off her hat, and ran a hand through tousled redgold curls. “It’s been a long time since I was in shape to compete.” She glanced away from him to the girl. “But Jude here is a rising star. Come on into the ring, Jude, and you and Puffin give it a run.” For the next ten minutes, Ben sat with the mom and enjoyed watching Sally work with her student, who did indeed show promise. Following the doc’s instructions, he let his left arm hang free in the sling rather than supporting it with his other arm, which could push the broken bones into the wrong position. And he kept the fingers and wrist on his left side moving, to help prevent stiffness and swelling. By the time the lesson ended, two more riders, a middle-aged woman and a teenaged girl, had arrived in separate vehicles. Ben caught Sally for a moment, asking, “Anything I can do to help?” Sitting atop the buckskin, she gazed down at him. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m good. I’m using the same horses for my lesson with Margaret, and it’s the last one of the day. The other rider, Chrissie, boards her horse here and she’s going to work her in the small ring. She’ll look after her own needs.” She rolled her shoulders, loosening them. “Once I’m finished, you can tell me about Penny, okay?” “How about I take you for dinner in town? It’ll give us a chance to catch up.” Her eyebrows pulled together. “I don’t go into town.” “Huh? Why not?” A quick, dismissive flick of her head. “Takes too long. I’m too busy.” Wasn’t the town of Caribou Crossing only fifteen or twenty minutes away? Before he could ask, she had ridden away to join her new student, who was getting mounted. As the lesson started in the ring, Ben watched for a few minutes. The teenaged student wasn’t a barrel racer, just working to improve her riding skills. Sally had her trot and lope the horse in a variety of patterns around the barrels. She lacked natural talent, but had a great attitude. His stomach growled, reminding him that lunch had been too long ago. He went to the trailer to get a handful of cherries from the fridge. Sally hadn’t accepted his invitation. Nor had she invited him to stay for dinner, but it was getting late and they both needed to eat. Easy fix: he’d drive into town and pick something up. Takeout, some beer, and a bunch of flowers. Easy, friendly stuff. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be offended.
Award-winning, international best-selling author Susan Fox (who also writes as Savanna Fox and Susan Lyons) is a Pacific Northwester with homes in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. She has degrees in law and psychology, and has had a variety of careers, including perennial student, computer consultant, and legal editor. Fiction writer is by far her favorite, giving her an outlet to demonstrate her belief in the power of love, friendship, and a sense of humor.
Website | Facebook | Goodreads Books & Spoons Teaser Tuesday with Tasty Book Tours: RECLAIM ME by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K Rogers6/10/2015
RECLAIM ME
Chasing Fire #3
Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Releasing October 20th, 2015
Berkley Intermix
As the heart-pounding Chasing Fire trilogy concludes, a dangerous entanglement leaves Hudson and Allie wondering how much they're willing to risk for the love they can't live without...
There's almost nothing Alessandra Sinclair wouldn't do for Hudson Chase. He was her first love, and she's determined that he'll be her last. But when the terrible truth Hudson has been hiding comes to light, Allie finds herself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a man from her past who's determined to use what he knows to ruin Hudson. Now, the only way to save the man she loves may be to lose him forever...
Hudson has always known that the secrets he keeps could be his downfall, but he never expected them to put Allie's life in danger as well. It's time for him to come clean--before everything he's ever wanted is destroyed...
Includes previews of REMIND ME and RELEASE ME, the first two books of the Chasing Fire trilogy.
Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy
"Exceptional...Seriously sexy and sinfully steamy. Can't wait for more from this writing duo!"--New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me
"Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections..."--RT Book Review
Pre-Order Now
âMr. Chase.â Maxâs voice cut through the rhetoricals and Hudsonâs laser-sharp eyes darted to the rearview mirror. âThe plane is on standby and the crew is ready to depart as soon as we arrive. ETA, eight minutes.â Hudson checked his watch. âThank you.â He took a deep breath in an attempt to downshift his nervous energy into focused calm, but his need to find Allie overrode all logic. If she thought she was walking without hearing him out. . . . Well, news flash, she was wrong. So fucking wrong. After going through the airportâs private security entrance, the Mercedes shot down the tarmac and around the fat turn that lead to the hanger housing the Chase Industries plane. The car came to an abrupt stop inside, its tires squeaking against the highly polished concrete floor. Hudson exploded out of the vehicle. He didnât give a shit if he had to fly halfway around the world to do it; he was going after her. Winning Allie back was a necessity, and if this was the way she wanted to play it, he was all fucking in.
Don't miss the EXCLUSIVE Reveal of the Complete First Chapter at
USA Today's Happily Ever After on Oct 8th, 2015
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
Ann Marie Walker
Start the Chasing Fire Series Now
Available Now
Amazon | B&N | iTunes| Kobo | GooglePlay
Available Now
Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | GooglePlay
Hudson pored over the dossier, trying to find something, anything, that might explain what the hell was going on. Had the past few days been an act, waiting for the perfect out? Or had it been a final good-bye, fucking each other senseless just to purge it out of her system? Had Allie realized that no matter what his zip code, he still wasnât good enough? He gripped the document in his hand to avoid punching his fist through the tinted glass. He hadnât even had a fighting fucking chance to talk her out of it.
âMr. Chase.â Maxâs voice cut through the rhetoricals and Hudsonâs laser-sharp eyes darted to the rearview mirror. âThe plane is on standby and the crew is ready to depart as soon as we arrive. ETA, eight minutes.â Hudson checked his watch. âThank you.â He took a deep breath in an attempt to downshift his nervous energy into focused calm, but his need to find Allie overrode all logic. If she thought she was walking without hearing him out. . . . Well, news flash, she was wrong. So fucking wrong. After going through the airportâs private security entrance, the Mercedes shot down the tarmac and around the fat turn that lead to the hanger housing the Chase Industries plane. The car came to an abrupt stop inside, its tires squeaking against the highly polished concrete floor. Hudson exploded out of the vehicle. He didnât give a shit if he had to fly halfway around the world to do it; he was going after her. Winning Allie back was a necessity, and if this was the way she wanted to play it, he was all fucking in.
Agent Seth Harrington has been sent undercover to discover who is behind the sale of research secrets to enemies of the United States. The problem?
He's undercover as a college campus janitor, not exactly a glamorous role. But it's perfect. He's able to monitor the situation easily since everyone ignores him. Everyone except Rachel Branson. She's not a suspect, particularly since she's the cousin of Omega's most renown siblings. But Seth can't get the shy romantic literature professor out of his head. When the criminals decide to put Rachel in the center of the danger, Seth knows he'll do anything to solve the case. And risk everything to ensure the safety of the woman who has found her way into his heart.
Undercover assignment, dangerous situations, close combat, and one tempting book-girl caught in between the chaos.
Seth, whom the readers were introduced in Primal Instinct, has moved to DC, and is working for Omega Sector on an undercover assignment with the Branson siblings. Everything has been going well, if not a bit boring, for the past two months, but now the action is picking up, things are starting to happen, the only bad thing about it - Rachel Branson, the girl Seth can't take his eyes off, is in the middle of it all. I love the connection between Seth and Rachel, it is so electrified every time they come to close to each other, you can practically see the sparks. Rachel is a book-girl, planning a script how to ask Seth out, and that is just too adorable. When they finally do get together, there are some seriously swoon worthy moments between them, like a scorching scene in front of a fridge... The danger is lurking around every corner in the story. At first coming in small doses, but constantly increasing, until soon it is a matter of a life and death. There's a lot of story packed into the novella, and the plot is complete and satisfying. The way all the previous books by the author are braided together in this story is brilliant (even though the story is a stand alone novella). The characters are developed, and have deeper, even surprising, layers into them, and they are likable and easy to relate to. I enjoyed every moment of the story, and was so happy to see Seth finally getting his HEA! You really don't want to miss this book! ~ Five Spoons!
Janie Crouch is an author for Harlequin Intrigue. Her debut novel PRIMAL INSTINCT was nominated for a 2014 Reviewer's Choice Award by RT (Romantic Times) Magazine. Her Omega Sector series is available now!
Janie loves to read – almost exclusively romance – and has been doing so since middle school. She learned to love Harlequin (Mills & Boon) Romances when she lived in Wales, UK as a preteen, then moved on to a passion for romantic suspense as an adult. Her favorite authors include: Linda Howard, Nora Roberts, and Elizabeth Lowell. Janie recently relocated with her hubby and four kids to Germany (due to her husband's job for support of the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, movie-watching, knitting and adventure (obstacle) racing. Janie completed an Ironman Triathlon in 2014. Most of all she loves to laugh and joke and count her blessings. And they are many. Author links: Goodreads I Amazon I Facebook I Twitter I Webpage I Store I
Welcome to Truhart...
Welcome to Truhart, Michigan, population 1300 and dropping. Where everyone knows everyone else and garage sales are front page news. Not exactly where you’d expect to find the celebrity wedding of the year. As Maid of Honor, and the famous bride’s big sister, Annie has to plan a wedding suitable for America’s newest sweetheart reporter on The Morning Show. But what she didn’t plan on was seeing Nick Conrad again. Her older brother’s best friend who left Truhart for the big city, Nick just happens to be Annie’s embarrassing childhood crush. He’s also the Best Man. As Atlanta’s High Society descends on the tiny Midwest town, Annie has the impossible task of controlling her eccentric family and nutty neighbors, while hosting a wedding fit for a princess at her family’s rundown Amble Inn. But what she can’t control is the spark reigniting between her and Nick. Between snowstorms, an A.W.O.L. gown, and the broadcast of the wedding on The Morning Show, Annie is just hoping to survive the big day without losing her mind. And to survive being around Nick again without losing her heart.
One wedding, that will put the family loyalty to a test, that will change their lives forever, and events that will put the whole wedding into a danger of never happening.
What I really enjoyed in this story was how with everything happening around them, every detail that could go wrong doing so, several times over, the bride and groom never lost the sight of each other, questioning their love for each other. At least so I assume, the story is told from Annie's point of view, in the first tense, leaving a bit narrowly look into the story. The characters are all eccentric, or stereotypical to extreme. It makes the story great fun and entertaining reading. There were the little town odd older women, the rich, obnoxious snobs, the bride who was trying to please her future mother-in-law, and the relatives who embarrassed the bride as often as possible. I thought the story could have moved on a bit faster, the first half of the book almost lost me. But when the events move into Truhart, things move at a faster pace as well. The romance between Annie and Nick wasn't on the center stage, even though it was in Annie's thoughts constantly. The family struggles with the financial situation, trying to plan the wedding on a short notice, and fixing everything that goes wrong, clearly takes the attention. The story is good, it has some fun moments in it. The characters could have been more complex, and more developed. I felt at times too much was trying to put into the novel at once. The ending was sweet, and even the most difficult and overwhelming personalities seemed to find the joy of the wedding, love, and future possibilities towards the end. Interesting start for a new series, with lots of intriguing characters to focus on, and a wedding no one will forget anytime soon ~ Three Spoon |