Murder in Montana is never simple
Every dead body in Butte is someone's kin. Detective Jeremy Lawrence has investigated so many wrongdoings, but he still never imagined how it'd feel to be standing over his own brother. Until now. Thankfully, he has the help of Deputy Blake West, a woman he's known his entire life—and wanted for as long as he can remember. It's been forever since Blake has seen Jeremy, and she has questions for the hot-as-sin lawman. But her interrogation must wait once she learns the killer has set his sights on Blake's daughter. They promise to put family first, but time is running out to uncover the Lawrence family's secrets—and rebuild what Jeremy and Blake thought they'd broken long ago…
An intriguing murder mystery in a small town Montana, where everyone knows each other, where the connections are deep, and culprits nearly impossible to find, since no one is talking against their family and friends, yet everyone is talking about the crime and investigation.
The story was easy to read, easy to get into. The suspense had a great flow in it, and the steps to discover the culprit were believable and logical. The atmosphere was very realistic and bare, like in the old cop movies. The suspense worked well for me. The culprits were not obvious, and it took some time to figure it all out. The romance between Blake and Jeremy, in my opinion, could have had more background and more depth to it. The first kiss came out of the blue, and after that, their commitment and deeper feelings were causing conflicts. Considering how long it had been since they lived in the same town, and were friends, the speed of the attraction to action and deeper feelings was too fast, for me, without any deeper communication to base it on. Blake was insecure about her position at the police force, her ability to investigate the murder, she came off defensive and prickly. Jeremy had always had a crush on Blake, but she broke his heart long ago, and now he wasn't sure about her feelings towards him - and that I understood, I wasn't sure about them either. I liked the characters, they were very realistic, with faults, insecurities, problems, and drama. They made hasty decisions and felt guilty about the outcome. I wish there would have been more communication between Blake and Jeremy, but they worked well together after they got over their insecurities. The physical attraction was palpable, yet I longed for deeper connection beyond the obvious. The author has a unique and fresh voice, her own style that draws a clear picture to the reader's mind, and makes it easy to follow the tale. A mysterious death in a small town Montana, a town filled with possible corruption, frightening connections, and suspicious leadership. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Danica Winters is an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.
When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
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The Red Lion
The Highland Warriors of Munro #1 By: Kathryn Le Veque Genre: Medieval Romance Release Date: October 3rd, 2016 Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
1288 A.D. - Sir Jamison Munro is a Highland warrior known as The Red Lion. Big and burly, with a crown of wavy red hair, as the son of the chief of Clan Munro, Jamison's path in life was more unconventional than those of his clansmen. His father is a progressive thinker, knowing that in order to survive his clan must become allied with the English. When Jamison is involved in an offense against a neighboring clan, George Munro has no choice but to send his greatest son south into England to protect him.
Jamison finds himself serving the House of de Lohr, old allies of his father. When the call goes out to defend a de Lohr garrison against a Welsh attack, Jamison rides to the siege and finds himself caught up in a nasty battle. With the gatehouse breached, he charges in to defend the occupants only to be attacked by one occupant in particular. What he first believes to be a small and slender knight, he soon finds out differently. He is met with ferocity by a skilled lady warrior. Lady Havilland de Llion is the daughter of the lord of Four Crosses Castle. Part-Welsh, her family is nonetheless loyal to the English and to de Lohr. When she sees the big Scotsman, she assumes he is siding with the Welsh and goes after him with a vengeance. Even upon discovering his loyalties, she doesn't believe him and their fight goes on long after the battle itself is finished. But soon enough, the contention between them turns to something else. Politics, battles, loyalties, and roaring passions play out in a story of high emotion and high adventure. To the big Scots knight known as The Red Lion, nearly everything in his life has come at a price, but in the battle for Havilland's affections, there is no price too high that he will not pay.
Havilland’s heart swelled at his words; to travel to London and Paris had always been her dream, but to travel with someone like Jamison Munro… he was handsome and educated, kind and well-spoken… he was everything a young woman would want. But a man like Jamison would want a fine and elegant woman for a wife, not a female who had lived as a man most of her life. There was no appeal in that. A backwoods, uneducated, scrub of a girl wouldn’t make anyone a good wife.
Knowing he made the offer simply to be polite and for no other reason, Havilland held disappointment in her heart for reasons she couldn’t begin to understand. For the first time in her life, she wished she was something that she was not – A lady. “You are kind,” she said, fighting off extreme melancholy. “But I am certain that I am destined to stay at Four Crosses my entire life. I have never believed I would truly ever leave. But I know that some women travel with their husbands when they marry, at least I have heard of such things, so mayhap that is the best I can hope for.” He lifted his shoulders casually. “Are ye the marrying kind, then?” She grinned, embarrassed. “I suppose I must,” she said. “All women must, at some point.” He could see a grand opportunity to push her a little, to see what, exactly, her thoughts were on marriage. With talk of Tobias’ interest in her, and even Thad’s, he didn’t want her attention to turn to them. He wanted to keep it. Was he, in fact, the marrying kind? He didn’t even know. He’d never given it much thought. But perhaps with the right woman…. “Ye dunna want tae marry, then?” he asked, sounding concerned. “Even if I promised ye a grand trip tae Paris?” Her head shot up, her eyes wide on him. “A trip to… you would promise me a trip to…?” He flashed that smile, the one he used to send women’s hearts a-flutter. “Ye must marry sometime,” he said. “Me da expects many sons and who tae be a better mother tae me sons than a lady warrior. If I have tae bribe ye with a trip tae Paris, then I’ll do it.” Havilland’s mouth popped open. “You cannot be serious!” “Why not?” She was even more astonished. “Because… because you cannot be,” she said, off-guard and fading fast. “It is most inappropriate to jest on such a serious subject. You do not know me and I do not know you, and this is not an appropriate conversation.” “But why?” “Because you jest about something quite serious!” With a heavy sigh, he stood up. As Havilland watched, he removed a very sharp dagger from his belt and put the sharp edge of the blade against his pale wrist. He looked at her, pointedly. “Are ye sure ye willna marry me? I am prepared tae show ye my sincerity but before I bleed all over this table, I must ask ye again.” She wasn’t entirely sure he was jesting, but in the same breath she couldn’t believe he was serious. She had no idea what to say, a thrill such as she had never known filling her heart. Never in her life had she had any suitors, not ever, so she had no idea how to play the flirting game with this man who was evidently quite adept at it. He was charming and persuasive. But he could very well be toying with her. She simply wasn’t sure so the best thing to do, as she struggled to reclaim her composure, was jest right along with him. Then, perhaps, if he wasn’t serious, it wouldn’t break her heart so much to pretend that she wasn’t serious, either. “Are you really going to cut your wrist?” she asked. He was firm. “I am.” She stood up and began looking around. “Very well,” she said. “But let me find something to stop the bleeding first. I want to be prepared.” His face fell. “So ye’d let me cut meself over ye?” He said it rather exaggeratedly and she fought off a grin. “Well, of course,” she said. “I have never had a man declare his undying love to me. Let me call my sisters so they can watch, also. Can you wait a moment before you do it? It should not take me long to find them.” He scowled. “Ye wicked wench,” he said. “Ye’d let me cut meself tae pieces over ye before ye’d agree tae a marriage between us? I willna cut meself over the likes of ye.” She was trying very hard not to giggle. “I am sorry,” she said, struggling to keep a straight face. “I know I am terrible. But truly, you do not want to marry someone like me. I am sure you will find a much better candidate someday.” She was pushing him to see how he would react and he fell right into her trap. Rather than him manipulating her, now she was doing the manipulating. But he didn’t catch on. Frustrated, he shoved the dirk back into its sheath. “I dunna want another candidate,” he said. Then, he pointed a finger at her. “Mark me words, Havilland de Llion. Ye’ll go tae Paris with me someday if I have tae drag ye every step o’ the way.” *** “Had the Welsh not attacked us, you would never have come to Four Crosses,” she said. “I suppose it is strange to be grateful for dangerous situations, but in this case, I... I suppose that I am also glad the Welsh attacked.” He leaned in her direction, flirting openly with her. “Are ye, lass?” he asked. “Does that mean ye’ve thought more on me marriage proposal?” She flushed red, unwilling to look at him. “Mayhap.” “And?” She kept turning her head because he was trying to look her in the face, moving closer and closer. The closer he drew, the more she turned her head away to the point where she had to turn her back on him. But Jamison wouldn’t let her. Reaching out, he grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her about, causing her to fall back against the trunk. He was right next to her, his big body against hers, his warmth scorching her tender flesh. Having never been this close to a man that she felt something for, Havilland was having difficulty breathing. He was big and fleshy, powerful and handsome... and his nearness to her... Sweet Jesú, his nearness had her entire body quivering. When a big hand came up to touch her cheek, she thought she might faint dead away. “And?” he pressed, his voice a husky whisper. Havilland’s heart was pounding against her ribs as she gazed into his eyes. A deep, dark shade of blue that looked like a sapphire she’d seen once. Had he asked her a question? She couldn’t even remember what it was. “Are ye going tae make me beg, lass?” She was breathless, her mouth dry. “Beg... beg for what?” “For an answer,” he murmured. “Will ye be me wife.” She nodded. She couldn’t manage anything more than that. With a grin on his face that nearly made her swoon, Jamison’s lips slanted over hers, gently at first, acquainting her with his touch. He wanted this kiss to be careful and sweet and special, a promise of things to come, but the moment he tasted her, he knew this kiss wouldn’t be a brief one. It was going to take all of his strength not to ravage her. Warmth. Honey. Sweetness. Those were the thoughts rolling through his mind as he touched her, his first impressions. Sweet Jesú, he could smell her and it was an intoxicating mixture he’d never smelled before – her own sweet musk mingled with leather and something that smelled fresh, like green leaves. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was but all he knew was that it excited him beyond reason. It filled him. She filled him. He had to have more. *** “Jamison, please stop,” she begged through her tears. “Please… you are destroying me.” He wouldn’t release her, his mouth still latched on to her neck. “Tell me ye love me, Havi.” “Stop… please!” “Tell me ye love me.” “I will not!” “Tell me so I may live on it the rest of me life.” She burst out in a fresh round of sobs. “I love you,” she whispered, utterly and completely miserable. “I have never loved anything in my life like I love you. And I hate you for asking me. I hate you for forcing me to tell you!” The only sound after that was her loud weeping, so painful that tears stung Jamison’s eyes. He couldn’t believe he was going to lose her. That wasn’t what he wanted; it wasn’t in his plan. His plan was to marry Havilland and return home to rule his clan, but increasingly, he kept remembering Beaux’s words… ye canna force the lass tae marry ye no matter how badly ye want tae. Was it actually possible that Havilland would stand her ground, that she wouldn’t succumb to his wishes? He couldn’t stomach the thought. He was starting to panic, just a little. “Ye dunna hate me,” he crooned, kissing any flesh his lips could come into contact with. “But I would like tae know why ye dunna believe me when I say I will marry ye against the wishes of me da. I will happily accept the consequences of me actions. For ye, I would do anything.” Havilland struggled to gain control of her weeping. “Because… because marriage is not something to be based on emotion,” she said, sniffling. “Marriages are to strengthen bonds and gain allies. If you marry me, what will happen? Your father will be disappointed and your clan will hate you. They will hate me. Do you think that is fair to either of us, Jamison? And what of our children? Will they be hated, too?”
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KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.
Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure. On October 29, 2015, Amazon launched Kathryn's Kindle Worlds Fan Fiction site WORLD OF DE WOLFE PACK. Please visit Kindle Worlds for Kathryn Le Veque's World of de Wolfe Pack and find many action-packed adventures written by some of the top authors in their genre using Kathryn's characters from the de Wolfe Pack series. As Kindle World's FIRST Historical Romance fan fiction world, Kathryn Le Veque's World of de Wolfe Pack will contain all of the great story-telling you have come to expect. Kathryn loves to hear from her readers. Connect with Kathryn: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
Stripped Bare
A Vegas Billionaire Novel #1 By: Heidi McLaughlin Releasing March 28, 2017 Loveswept
They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . .
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off. Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets. Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.
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HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. Originally from Portland, Oregon, and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, Jill and her brother, Racicot. When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.
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His to Protect
Uniformly Hot! By: Karen Rock Releasing October 1, 2016 Harlequin Blaze Subject: Lt. Commander Mark Sampson Mission: Keep his eyes on the skies…despite one sexy distraction! There are things a man can never undo. For Coast Guard search and rescue pilot Mark Sampson, it was the agonizing decision that cost him a teammate—and his faith in himself. But an unbelievably sexy blonde on a secluded beach may help him forget…if only for a night. Cassie Rowe needed a distraction—and, boy, did she get one! How was she to know the brooding stranger who rocked her world was the pilot who'd left her brother to die? And now they're on the same mission. She should hate him. But she can't fight the storm of desire threatening to pull them under…
To read this story while keeping an eye out for the real-life hurricane causing havoc and misery where ever it touched down made reading this book an unforgettable experience, the images of the tale fierce and vivid in my mind.
I admire so much those people who are willing and able to put themselves in danger to help others, no matter what the cost. The struggle Mark had with the past events that were still echoing in the present time, gave the rescue personnel a very human side, showed the price they pay, and the sacrifices they make. Those rescue scenes in the tale had my heart pounding, the fight against the force of nature incredibly intense, every moment a matter of life or death, the extreme preciseness that needed in every move they made just left me breathless. Cassie and Mark's chemistry was strong and passionate. They connected on many levels, yet the conflict between them was something they had a little control of themselves. The constant life and death situations they work with has no room for fear or second thoughts, yet Mark can't imagine losing another person dear to him after the hell he had been through in the past year with guilt and self-doubt. It was interesting to see the hero to be the one with so much vulnerability, doubt, and fear while heroine soared and excelled. It worked for me in the beginning, and I wouldn't take any moment away from Cassie, with her success in her professional life and her personal development. But Mark's decisions guided by the fear got a strong reaction from me, it was something that I struggled with. I think the development of the relationship could have benefited from an epilogue, as the ending left me needing more. Two forces of nature - love and hurricane - showing their fiery, stormy, passionate essence, touching the lives of the characters, changing them for good, and leaving them thunderstruck. A marvelously fascinating tale, that came eerily close to reality as watching Matthew make its havoc ~ Four Spoons
“Abandon ship! Abandon ship!” Dylan hollered as the boat shuddered and lifted before crashing smack down on its side.
Cassie leaped into the whirling water and kicked hard against the sucking drag, her life preserver no match for the powerful force. Coughing and spitting out salt water, she flailed, trying to keep her head above the enraged ocean intent on swallowing everything. Including her. Dylan reached her, cradled her head in his arm and began kicking them backward, hard, keeping her mouth above water. When she looked skyward, she didn’t spot the Jayhawk and her heart seized. Had they lost them? Would she and Dylan drown? “Keep kicking!” urged Dylan and she put her shaking muscles into it. The injured swimmer wasn’t giving in and neither would she. Several seconds, minutes, hours seemed to pass— she’d lost count—as she and Dylan battled the waves before, miraculously, a rescue strop dropped directly in front of them. In a flash, Dylan had them hooked. Air whistled around her as they swung toward the helicopter. Larry snatched them into the cabin the moment her toes grazed the side of the aircraft. The cabin door slammed shut. She blinked at the crying, shaking and staring survivors and her thoughts tumbled. A deep shudder started in her gut and rattled her to her toes. She pressed her hand against the Jayhawk’s side, not trusting that she really was out of the water and here. Safe. When she caught sight of her v-fib patient, she crouch-walked to his side as the helicopter wheeled then sped. What a relief to see the IV still attached to the litter. She checked his vitals and tourniquet. Stable. Critical, but stable. Hopefully enough to get to the airport then medevac to a major hospital. A life saved. One for her and how many more for these extraordinary men? She looked around the cabin, deeply impressed as Dylan shrugged off any fussing over his dangling arm and began checking passengers alongside her. “Swimmers.” Larry rolled his eyes at Dylan. “Crazy sons of bitches.” “Or looking for some shirt candy,” put in Rob with a sheepish glance behind him. “It’s an Air Medal for sure. You, too, Cassie, if you were in the Coast Guard.” Dylan’s cocky grin was firmly back in place. Her gaze swerved to the cockpit and a spark, like the shock off an electric fence, went through her as she met Mark’s eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before he turned back, but the glimpse of his anguished expression tormented her. Made her want to reassure him she was fine. Not scared after all, she suddenly realized. She’d been so intent on her job, so focused on her survival, that she hadn’t been meek at all. The change swept through her skin, whirling in the vast spaces between her atoms, reconfiguring her into someone else—or perhaps, as Jeff had pointed out, the person she was meant to be all along.
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My favorite meal to make is chicken parmesan because it's my family's favorite and it reminds me of when I was a little girl, sitting at my nonna's kitchen table, listening to her teach me how to make it. I make my own marinara sauce and I'm excited to share my recipe with you:
4 Tablespoons olive oil 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion 4 large cloves of garlic split in half 2 cans (28oz crushed tomatoes) 3 Tablespoons minced fresh basil or 3 tsp dried basil 1 Tsp sugar 2 Tsp salt 1 Tsp ground pepper Heat olive oil over medium heat until haze forms, then add butter. Add onions and turn heat to low; cook, stirring frequently, until soft but not brown (about 5 min). Add garlic and continue cooking until soft but not brown (about 4 min). Stir in tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Increase heat to high and bring to boil stirring constantly, then turn heat down to low. Cook, partially covered, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let sauce rest an hour. Remove garlic cloves from sauce before using in a dish. For Chicken: Tenderize thin breast filets then brine overnight. An hour before frying, dip chicken breasts first in flour, then beaten eggs then Italian bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese. Lay pieces on wax-paper covered cookie sheet and put back in fridge. An hour later, heat a mixture of oil that's two part corn oil (it fries hotter) to one part olive oil (great flavor) in a skillet. Fry each piece until golden brown on both sides and remove to paper towel-covered plates to drain. Spread a thin coat of sauce on the bottom of a cookie sheet. Lay the fillets on top. Spread more sauce on top of each breast. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and cover in shredded mozzarella (whole milk mozzarella melts the most evenly). Put in a 375 degree F oven for about 20-25 minutes. Take out when the cheese turns a golden brown around the edges but the majority of the cheese should still be white. Serve chicken atop your favorite pasta and mangia :)
Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes red-hot novels for Harlequin Blaze and small-town romances for Harlequin Heartwarming. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile.
She enjoys returning to her teaching roots when speaking at regional and national writing conferences and interacting with other writers. She has a Master of Fine Arts in English and has continued to learn and grow professionally through her work with YA co-author, fellow romance author, friend and sister-in-law, Joanne Rock. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who’s typically immersed in three different books at a time, all in different genres. She also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking, Christmas (no need to specify—she loves every bit of it), and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete.. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
What’s Left of Me
By: Kimberly Lewis Releasing October 4, 2016 Self-Published
Letting go of the past is never easy…
Jenna Olsen has spent the last four years trying to move on from the heartache that tore her world apart, but when Cole Sullivan suddenly shows up back in town all of those feelings come flooding back…and even some new ones she didn’t know were possible. Leaving town all those years ago was necessary, but now that Cole finally has a handle on his life he decides to return home to his family, friends, and the woman he just can’t forget. Coming back home though comes with its costs, and Cole ultimately has to decide…will he be able to fight his inner demons to keep Jenna in his life, or will the chance of hurting her again be too much to risk?
My eyes scan across the page of my current read, and I tug on my bottom lip with my teeth. It’s a sexy book, scorching to be quite honest, to the point where I’m almost embarrassed to be reading it. But that’s not what’s got me tugging on my lip and practically squirming in my lounge chair. I may be reading about a drop-dead sexy widowed rancher and his new love interest, but all I see in my mind is Cole.
Oh my goodness. Cole. The things my subconscious came up with last night in my dreams were enough make a prostitute blush. I should be ashamed for even thinking such things about him, even though I wasn’t in a controlled state of mind, but I am so far from shameful it’s ridiculous. The feel of his hands gliding up my legs, my hips, my stomach, my breasts; the taste of his mouth; and the way my skin beaded wherever his lips landed—it was all so real that I woke up slightly disappointed. Okay, I was very disappointed. “Whatcha reading?” I jump at the sound of Cole’s deep voice, causing my floppy sun hat to fall over my eyes. “Sorry,” Cole apologizes. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Again.” He bends down next to me and grabs my book. I must’ve dropped it when he startled me. “Taken by the Rancher,” he reads aloud, and I feel my cheeks flame with heat at his knowing grin. “Sounds like a real page turner.” I take the book from his outstretched hand and adjust my red bikini before I relax back onto the lounge chair. Cole takes the seat next to me. “Is this what you’re going to do all day?” he asks me, and I turn to look at him. His head is resting against the back of the lounge chair, his face turned to the sun as he soaks up the rays. “Veg out and read your porn?” My jaw falls and I slap him with the book. “It is not porn, thank you very much.” He laughs and tilts his head toward me, his eyes bright with amusement. “Do they have sex?” I lift my chin with a very Scarlett O’Hara defiance. “Yes, they make love.” “A lot?” Cole asks with a raised brow and a grin that twists my insides. “Define a lot,” I say. He laughs and shakes his head. “You’ve got porn.”
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Bestselling author Kimberly Lewis writes sweet, sexy contemporary romances filled with heart and humor.
Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this country girl caught the creative bug at an early age, doing everything from drawing to writing short stories. After dabbling in many genres, Kimberly rediscovered her love of romance stories and soon after published her first novel. Kimberly still lives on the good old Eastern Shore of Maryland with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and spirited Doberman Pinschers. Along with writing, Kimberly enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her amazing family. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
License to Shift
Grizzlies Gone Wild #2 By: Kathy Lyons Releasing October 4, 2016 Forever Yours
BEAR MEETS GIRL...
Julie Simon returns to Saginaw, Michigan, to find her ailing father's missing research on local shapeshifter lore. Unlucky for her, the only person who can help her is the darkly sexy Mark Robertson, the guy who spent an entire summer giving her the cold shoulder-and one white-hot night of pleasure... Mark is a hair's breadth away from going feral. Soon, his grizzly side will destroy everything that makes him a man. And after years of fighting, Mark is ready to give in to the beast. Then Julie-the gorgeous, curvy book nerd who awakened his most primal desires as a young man-shows up at his door. Now, he's fighting an insatiable longing to claim her as his mate. But Julie isn't the only one after her father's research. Someone-or something-evil is tracking Julie's every move...
OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!
Julie Simon was not a prude. She enjoyed a finely honed male body as much as any woman. But when said finely honed man answered his door stark naked and proceeded to look at her like she was the answer to his prayers, well, then, her libido kicked into overdrive. Especially when that look turned into hunger and his already thick cock stiffened into a staff that aimed unerringly at her. She was not a prude, but hell, this was sexually at its most raw. And she apparently liked raw. Who knew? All her boyfriends up to now had been friendly, flaky men who spoke in full sentences and never, ever growled. And yet one hairy, horny grunt from this guy and her nipples tightened while everything else went liquid. Not a prude, then. Apparently, she fell more into the slut category because if he made a move on her right then, she wasn’t exactly sure what she’d do to stop him. First of all, he looked like he could overpower her in a heartbeat. Second, the moment he’d offered her his mocha latte, her knees had gone weak and her lust spiked. When the hell had she developed a caveman fetish? Insane! But she wasn’t a beast to be ruled by her hormones. And she certainly wasn’t going to jump a near stranger, no matter how ripped his abs or how much he stared at her. Good lord, she’d never been the center of such focused attention. Need rippled off those sculpted pecs, it vibrated in the air between his broad shoulders and her tight breasts, and it seemed like he wanted her so badly it was hard for him to form words. But how was that possible? All he’d done was answer the door…naked. She took a breath, startled—but not surprised—to find it thick with musk. His? Hers? Who knew? Get a grip! She momentarily flashed on what she could grip and struggled to restrain a near-hysterical laugh. She was not a woman who thought things like that. Not in the usual course of the day. So she closed her eyes and lifted her mocha to her lips. Damn, he made a great cup of coffee. The honey added just the right amount of sweet. Focus on the essentials: caffeine and sugar. That’s when he spoke. Two words: “no” and “leave.” Well, that was par for the course from the men in her life. They’d act one way, then say the opposite. Get her revved, then disappear. Give her a mocha and then order her to leave. All he needed to do now was invite her to move in then break up with her and he’d be just like her ex. But unlike what she’d done with her ex, she refused to leave. Her father needed his help, and so she would be stubborn. At least until she got a fuller explanation from him. One that included two-syllable words. “So,” she ventured when the silence stretched too long between them, “do you remember me?”
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KATHY LYONS is the wild, adventurous half of USA TODAY bestselling author Jade Lee. A lover of all things fantastical, Kathy spent much of her childhood in Narnia, Middle Earth, Amber, and Earthsea, just to name a few. There is nothing she adores more than turning an ordinary day into something magical, which is what happens all the time in her books. Winner of several industry awards including the Prism-Best of the Best, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice, and Fresh Fiction's Steamiest Read, Kathy has published over 50 romance novels, and she's just getting started. Check out her latest news at KathyLyons.com.
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Protecting her life will mean betraying her trust
Ainsley Hamilton has always been the responsible one of the family. As the oldest daughter of presidential candidate Buckmaster Hamilton, she's also a potential target. For months she's sensed someone following her. When an expedition to scout locations for a commercial takes a terrifying turn, she's rescued by a natural-born cowboy who tempts the good girl to finally let loose. Sawyer Nash knows just how reckless it is to fall for someone he's gone undercover to protect. Yet masquerading as an extra on set, he starts to see beneath Ainsley's controlled facade. And with the election—and a killer—drawing closer, Sawyer stands to lose not just his job and his life but the woman for whom he'd gladly risk both.
A terrific western filled with action, danger and drama in many different forms. This is the last installment of the series, and all the loose ends, that seemed to be several, from the previous books are wrapped up and brought to conclusion.
There are several storylines going on at the same time, the reader gets to catch up with the folks from the other titles, Ainsley's parents still had some unfinished business to clear up, ex-girlfriend's jealousy causing problems, and so on. There's a lot going on, and to keep up with everything, it might have been beneficial to read the previous books in the series, something I didn't do. The book can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the previous books first. The suspense, danger, and action are constant and intense. The culprits, that kept me guessing until the end, gave me the chills and made me check the locks in the house. The author changes scenes in the story on a fly and left me hanging, biting my nails, several times. The romance was more on the back side of the tale, nearly drown by everything else going on in the tale, yet still left me satisfied with the events and final solution. An explosive and drama filled ending to a western family saga, spiced up with political power games, menace, and threats, tension and high emotions. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.
She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn't writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis. Website | Facebook | Twitter
Safe from Harm
Protect and Serve #2 By: Kate SeRine Releasing October 4, 2016 Sourcebooks Casablanca
There’s something about prosecuting attorney Elle McCoy that Deputy Gabe Dawson just can’t get enough of.
Even with Gabe’s family legacy in law enforcement and promising career, Elle’s smart, sassy rejection of all his charm makes Gabe want her even more. But Gabe’s confidence is shaken when he’s shot on the steps of the courthouse, protecting Elle from a terrorist intent on revenge. Worse, Elle isn’t out of danger yet. But as they race to counter the terrorist’s next move, Gabe determines to prove to Elle—and himself—that he’s a man worthy of her.
A high-tension novel, filled with threats, attacks, danger, and death. I loved it, every alarming moment of it, and I admit I was scared.
The culprit is known, and I don't know if that made it even more intense, the fact that they couldn't prove it and the threats just kept coming and escalating each time with the arrogance of the menace. It was terrifying. And then when the culprit got talking, he was insane, there was no way to reason with him, and that was alarming and frightening. Elle and Gabe had amazing chemistry between them. Their history was playfully entertaining, and when they got together it was just off the charts sizzling hot. I loved them together, I loved how they interacted, how they cherished each other and the moments they had. They had their issues that had to be worked on, but even through the difficult times they pulled for each other, protected each other, and were there for the other. The bond between Gabe and his brothers was heartening and heartfelt. They really were willing to do anything for each other, even though there was a mention of difficulties in the past between them. All the characters were intriguing, the whole story was well built and easy to imagine the scenes in my mind as their unfolded. This story reminded me again how enjoyable a great romantic suspense can be, when the red-hot romance is scalding your mind and the danger around them is matter of life or death, that moment of peril keeping you as a reading on your toes - I loved it! ~ Five Spoons
Gabe started awake, throwing off the covers and bolting to his feet. Pain shot up and down his leg as soon as he made contact with the floor, making him groan through clenched teeth and follow it up with a juicy curse.
“Motherfu--” “I’ll just come back later.” His gaze shot up to see Elle standing inside the doorway, gorgeous eyes wide, her peaches-and-cream skin flushed an alluring shade of pink that deepened as he gaped at her. When she dropped her gaze, turning first left, then right, as if forgetting where the door was, he suddenly realized his bare ass was hanging out of the back of his hospital gown giving her quite an eyeful. “No, that’s okay,” he said in a rush. “Come on in.” He straightened quickly, wincing with the sudden movement, belatedly realizing his wound apparently hadn’t affected other areas of his anatomy and he was sporting some serious morning wood, which was pitching one helluva tent beneath the thin cotton gown. He cursed again and dropped down on the bed, throwing the blanket over his lower body in one quick motion and trying unsuccessfully to suppress another groan. He squeezed his eyes shut for a second until the wave of agony passed. When he opened them again, he was surprised to see Elle standing before him, her gaze searching his face. “Are you okay?” she asked, her hand coming up to cup his jaw. The gentle warmth of her palm sent a chill through him, making him shudder. Her hand immediately dropped away at the response, mistakenly thinking her touch was unwanted when, in fact, he desperately he craved it. “I’ll get the nurse.” When she reached for the call button hanging near the head of the bed, he gently grasped her wrist and drew her hand away. “Leave it. I’m fine.” She swallowed and dropped her gaze briefly to their hands, looking like she wanted to bolt and rid herself of his touch. He almost released her, saddened that she found the contact so unwanted. But then he felt her pulse quicken beneath his fingertips. So maybe it wasn’t revulsion she was feeling after all… When her gaze drifted back up to his, he decided to test his new theory and let his thumb slowly smooth over her skin. “How are you?” he asked softly. She gave him a tremulous smile and, God help him, he damned near dragged her into his arms and kissed her. But he managed to restrain himself as she said, “Shaken up a bit. But no lasting harm.” He narrowed his eyes at that, not believing her for a second. “You sure about that, honey?” “I’ll be okay,” she assured him, nodding a little, her lips pressed together as if she was trying to convince herself of the truth of her words. “It’s just…” She sighed. “I almost died yesterday.” There it was. The truth they both needed to face. Elle was no fool. Hell, she was brilliant as far as he was concerned. She must’ve known as certainly as he did how close they’d both come to losing their lives the previous day. So there was no denying her words, no use trying to convince her she was mistaken. “Yeah,” he said, still caressing her pulse point. “You sleep at all last night?” She shook her head, her eyes beginning to glisten with unshed tears. “No. All I could see when I closed my eyes was—” Her words broke off when her voice hitched with emotion. Ah hell. He slipped his hand into the thick waves of hair at the base of her neck and pulled her toward him. Every inch of him—especially those hidden under the blanket—longed to kiss her, but at the last moment, he pressed his lips to her forehead in a lingering kiss. He didn’t know what to say to make her feel better. It wasn’t like that time when Todd Jenkins had broken up with her a week before the homecoming dance and Gabe had hinted to Chris that maybe he should ask her. Or the time her biggest rival was made editor of the school yearbook and he’d broken into her locker before school to leave her flowers (anonymously, of course). Or the time he’d given Aaron Maguire a fat lip when that asshole had gotten a little grabby with Elle in spite of her saying no loud and clear. Or the time he’d driven two hours to the college she was attending to fix her car on the sly because her aunt Charlotte had mentioned that it wasn’t running and Elle refused to ask for the money to fix it. He’d been secretly looking out for Elle for as long as he had known her, never letting on that he was the one, never asking for anything in return. Knowing she was safe and happy was enough. But he was at a loss on how to comfort her this time, when they were very literally face to face. He’d never known how to deal with a woman when she was upset. He supposed he got that from his father, who wasn’t exactly the most nurturing guy. Normally, Gabe bailed when things got serious enough with a woman that she was actually sharing emotions. Okay, to be honest, he usually bailed way before that. But seeing Elle looking lost and afraid brought out a protective urge in him that he’d never really experienced with anyone else—not to this extent, anyway. He could lie and say she’d be fine in a few days. But the truth was, it might be something that haunted her far longer. God knew he had plenty of nightmares—some of them walked and talked and dropped by for a visit in his hospital room in the middle of the night. Elle’s hand came up to rest lightly on his chest, and he felt her breath quicken as tension began to build in the air between them. “Thank you for saving my life,” she whispered. She pulled back enough that their faces were just inches apart. And for a moment, he thought she might actually kiss him. The look in her eyes told him she was considering it, which shocked the hell out of him…
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Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it's no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after.
Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project—probably while consuming way too much coffee. Kate is also the author of the award-winning Transplanted Tales paranormal romance series and the Protect & Serve romantic suspense series. Connect with Kate at www.kateserine.com, Facebook.com/kateserine, or on Twitter @KateSeRine. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Runaway Dragonette
By Lynne Murray Genre: Paranormal Romance
Dragonette Verity signed a blood contract to accept a ring from the last man standing in the Dragon Planet Network's first reality TV dating show.
But no sparks fly with any of the 26 dragon men competing for her hand. She escapes and stumbles into the arms of Ryan, a human who sets her heart on fire. Ryan falls for Verity. When she’s dragged back to finish the show, he sets out to win her. Can a mere human defeat those hulking, jealous shapeshifters?
Chapter 1
The first night “WILL you accept this nose ring?” Verity repeated it over and over under her breath as she stood on the paving stones of the castle courtyard. Twenty-six dragon shapeshifter suitors would soon arrive. The Earth reality TV videos showed human bachelors and bachelorettes handing out roses to those who would continue on the journey towards finding mates. But roses would confuse the dragon bachelors. In dragon form, they might eat the flowers, thorns and all and then belch fire. However, gold in any form got all the dragons’ attention big time. Verity’s curves, prized on the Dragon Planet, were on ample display as she stood in her human form. She wore a sparkling ice-blue gown that matched her eyes. Her dress artfully molded to her in front, open nearly down to her waist and cut almost as low clinging to her backside, although her long black hair covered most of the skin revealed in back. Verity didn’t shiver from the cold, despite the thin fabric. Her dragon blood ran hot. Any trembling was completely due to nerves. “Will you accept this nose ring?” she muttered again. It was a simple enough phase but she just might mess it up. Torches burned in the courtyard in front of the quaint old castle. It was a historic site, not a working fortress, a confection of towers and spires perched on a remote mountainside. Lights from the village at the foot of the mountain twinkled in the darkness below. Verity would stay here for the next nine weeks. Modern lighting illuminated the center of the courtyard where Verity would greet each bachelor dragon in turn as he arrived. Cameramen, sound crew and assistant producers circled around the edges of the courtyard. The whole planet was watching. Her every word and move were being recorded. No pressure. Tonight, Verity was The Dragonette, a bachelorette shapeshifter on a Journey to Love. She was also the Dragon King’s daughter. She stiffened her spine. She took a deep breath of the pine scented air carried by the breeze up from the forests below. Each of the bachelor dragons would introduce himself as he arrived. The camera crew roamed around her, waiting for the men to arrive. The king had summoned Verity to his throne room when he told her she would be the planet’s first Dragonette. King Harrenholtz was a big fan of reality television shows from Earth. The ruler of the Blood Claw Clan that dominated Planet Dragon had decided that a television show would promote mating in a planet with a dwindling shapeshifter population. The king’s closest councilor, his brother Cobravelos was in charge of making it happen. “We’re gathering together the best of the best young dragons from every corner of the planet, Verity,” the king told her. “All in one place for you to choose from. It’s one-stop-shopping as they say on Earth. You’ll be able to start nesting immediately, and I hope to see those baby dragons soon.” Verity had no answer to this. No problem there, the king wasn’t expecting an answer. The king, tall and stately, his dark hair streaked with gray and his blue eyes still compelling even in middle age, was a hopeless romantic—when it suited his purposes. “You should be the bachelor dragon yourself, brother,” Verity’s Aunt Tryspidania told the king. Gray-haired and flint eyed with a spine of steel, Aunt Tryspi was a genealogy freak who had traced the family trees of all the contestants. The king didn’t mind a little flattery, but he waved the idea aside. “Your Aunt Tryspi tells me that these men all come from the best bloodlines,” he said. “Also, your uncle, who knows about these things, assures me that these men are all, as he says, ‘smoking hot.’” Verity’s uncle Cobra was just as tall, blue-eyed and handsome as the king but much more fashionable. He was gay and the king trusted his opinions on which males were hot and which were not. “We know your unusual interest in conversation and culture and—um, ideas, Verity,” The king’s tone indicated that these pursuits were useless at best, but he was willing to indulge her eccentric tastes. “So we made sure to include some men who are artistic or...well, I don’t know, clever. These dragons are the best of the best. Your hatchlings will raise the intelligence level of the whole species. So enjoy the journey and find me a son-in-law.” Like she had a choice. Her relatives would be shocked to find that Verity had a secret plan. Simple, straightforward Verity, who everyone knew was pathetically bad at the basic dragon skill of planning and executing devious strategies. She didn’t have a detailed plan. More like the ghost of a hope. This dating show had thrown everything into chaos. She needed to stay alert and look for her chance. She had tried once before to run away from her father’s castle and the fate of being chained to a nest for a life of egg laying like a prize hen. That attempt had ended in disaster. She wouldn’t let herself think about it. Her mind and body had been numb ever since. The king was convinced that she had learned her lesson and wouldn’t try again. But Verity had grimly determined never to be in any dragon’s power ever again. She trusted no one to help. She wasn’t even sure she could do it. But Verity planned to watch for an opening to escape from her gilded cage before it was too late.
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I was born in Illinois and grew up in transit. My father's work as a scientist working for the military and aerospace industry took us to Texas, Alaska, Washington state, and finally Southern California. I now live in San Francisco with a small group of formerly feral felines, who were all rescued and who daily return the favor.
I have written and directed a play, written dozens of articles for Buddhist publications and contributed humorous short pieces and interviews to both online and print magazines. My favorite, an interview of Darlene Cates, star of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," is available here. I started to write books with life-size heroines on the day I threw a book against the wall for having one fat joke too many. Since that turning point, I have published eight books featuring large, in-charge heroines, real life situations and genuine humor with no cruel jokes whatsoever. My mystery series featuring Josephine Fuller, Sleuth of Size who doesn't apologize, won the NAAFA Distinguished Achievement Award. For review copies contact Lynne at murraymade@yahoo.com WEBSITE TWITTER BLOG FACEBOOK PINTEREST AMAZON
A Fool for You
Foolproof Love #3 By: Katee Robert Releasing October 3, 2016 Entangled: Brazen
It’s been thirteen years since Hope Moore left Devil’s Falls, land of sexy cowboys and bad memories. Back for the weekend, she has no intention of seeing the man she never got over…or the two of them getting down and dirty. It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.
Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive… Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help seeing it as a chance to make up for the past. Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.
He turned to find Hope standing behind him. Again. “You sure move quiet when you want to.” Especially for a woman with a bum leg. Not that he could say as much without sounding like a jackass.
“You mean since I had my knee replaced.” Of course she knew what he meant anyway. Apparently damn near reading his mind was one annoying habit she hadn’t outgrown. “I didn’t say that.” “You didn’t have to.” She leveraged herself down next to him, the move not quiet as smooth as it’d been when she was eighteen. Daniel almost cursed. He had to stop doing that. Comparing her now to how she was then wasn’t fair to either of them. It was another lifetime completely, and thinking about it was just fucking depressing. “Hope—” “Are you seeing anyone?” “No.” “Why not?” He was so surprised by the question that he answered honestly, “Why the fuck would I bother?” “Oh, I don’t know, because you don’t want to be a creepy old man who lives in the middle of nowhere and has to run off silly high school kids with his shotgun because they tell ghost stories about him?” He looked at her, half sure that she was the one who’d lost her damn mind. “That’s not a thing.” “It is most definitely a thing.” She leaned back on her hands and stared at the sky. The most move arched her back and pressed her breasts against the fancy tank top she wore. It was made of some kind of drapey fabric that looked soft and shiny, and it highlighted the fact that he seriously doubted she was wearing a bra. “You’re too young to just give up.” “It’s not about giving up.” Though he didn’t expect Hope to understand that. He’d checked up on her a few times since the accident, and every single time he was amazed at the things she’d accomplished. Life had kicked her in the teeth and she’d come back swinging. She’d taken two years off and then attended the University of Texas and graduated with honors. She ran her own successful consulting business to work with companies that wanted to set up scholarships and nonprofits. She shifted to look at him. “It looks like giving up from where I’m sitting.”
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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and they changed her life.
When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Holiday Baby Blessings
Convinced that Allison Ashworth deserves better, Sheriff Shane Timmons has always tried to remain aloof around his childhood companion. But with Allison in Gatlinburg for the holidays, insisting on caring for two motherless babies, Shane feels obliged to help her. How can he keep his distance when she and the children are quickly becoming the family he never dared to wish for? As a girl, Allison was drawn to the wary yet handsome Shane, who never seemed to look her way. But in spending time with him and two sweet babies, she might yet find a chink in the confirmed bachelor's armor. Every shared moment gives Allison hope that this Christmas, her dreams of motherhood—and a life with Shane—may finally be coming true.
A heartening and uplifting novel that is sure to touch a heart of a reader with its captivating characters and their destinies.
Shane is a complex man, who's parents have left a mark in his soul that is hard to erase. He was blessed by the Ashworth family when at the young age the father found him and decide to father him like his own child. Shane has made a life in Gatlinburg, he is liked and respected, yet he has always stood a bit on the outside looking in. He has faith in God, he believes in Him as the Lord of the creation yet his faith is lacking when it comes to himself, thinking he is not worthy of any kind of love, not to mention God's. His struggles and inner battles in his lost soul are filled with angst when it comes to Allison, the one girl his heart could love if it was worthy for such emotions. Allison's heart is pure gold. As soon as she arrives, she is part of the town, making friends and forming a family of a sort, taking care of those in need. Her patience with Shane was remarkable. His mixed signals, self-doubt, and constant angst weren't easy to take after awhile. I felt like he went back and forth too many times while struggling with his own issues. But everyone in the story was tolerant towards him, very forgiving with his tantrums. I liked how the story was built, with the small town living, Shane's job as the sheriff, the children, and the developing feelings between Allison and Shane, and Shane's struggles with his faith, all these different elements well twined together, making a compelling tale. There's so much love, acceptance, hope, and caring about others in this tale, it warmed my heart and made me smile. A great kick off to the Christmas story season ~ Four Spoons
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Karen Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Danger and desire collide when New York Times bestselling author Carla Cassidy takes us back to Holiday Ranch…
When a baby is abandoned on his doorstep, cowboy Tony Nakni is blindsided. He never wanted to be a father, but his ex-girlfriend is on the run and tells Tony he's the only person she trusts to keep little Joey safe. Struggling with the infant, Tony turns to caring Mary Redwing for help. Lovely Mary agrees to help care for the child, but a shared desire simmering between her and Tony soon intensifies the arrangement. As the search for Joey's mom brings grave danger to their doorstep, his protective instincts emerge, unearthing the depth of his feelings. But can the rugged rancher save the family he's falling for…before it's too late?
Be still my beating heart, I love the cover of the book, and in the story, Tony was just as hot as in the picture of the cover.
There were so many different elements in the story going on simultaneously. There are the ranch and the fifteen-year-old murders that have been unsolved through the series, there's Tony's childhood drama that still comes to his nightmares, there the brief relationship he had with Amy that brought Joye to his doorsteps, Mary and her grandmother and Mary's past, and the drug lord trying to get Joye back, thinking Joye is his child - each of these different factors gave more to the tale, and I was hooked. I have enjoyed the series from the start, the brotherhood at the ranch, the romances, and danger well mixed together have been truly entertaining. Joye steals everyone's hearts in the story, and to see Tony fall for him just melted my heart. What Tony went through in his own childhood in the unofficial foster family was heartbreaking. As much as we wish there wasn't any racism anymore in the world, it still raises its ugly head in our society. I am thankful that the author brought up this serious and concerning subject matter, and dealt with it respectfully. There should be more light shined upon this, so there wouldn't be any dark corners to hide in. Tony and Mary had had a previous connection via Amy, Joye's mom. I am not a fan of love triangles, but here was made very clear, several times, that what feelings Tony had for Amy were long gone, and just a concern for her wellbeing was left in his mind. I loved how their shared inheritance brought them closer together, how the attraction grew into more, deeper feelings, and how they took their time to get to know each other, shared their secrets and helped each other heal from the wounds of the past. As the danger, that was lurking around them, came increasingly more abrasive, and their survival came to question, everything in life had to be evaluated again, and priorities set in new order. This story with its many layers and interesting character development mixed with danger and fear got me so absorbed into the tale, I lost the track of time. This series has, in a brilliant way, mixed important social issues, like foster care, single parenthood, and racism, with romance and jeopardy, making the stories so much more, giving them some spice of life, making the readers think and evaluate their own values, if so inclined. There's a lot going on in the story, murder, mayhem, trouble, and drama. Yet all the stress leaves some space for a tender romance, learning about cultural inheritance, and falling in love with one smiling baby boy. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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