Monday, November 25, 2013

Release Day Blog Blitz: HARD AS IT GETS (A Hard Ink Novel) by Laura Kaye


Welcome to the HARD AS IT GETS by Laura Kaye Release Day Blog Blitz. Hard As It Gets is the first book in the Hard Ink Series. It's a contemporary romance that's high on the heat meter. Does it sound exciting? Well, before you go watch the video and read the book summary to find out more about this exciting new series.

 

Title:  Hard As It Gets (A Hard Ink Novel)
Author:  Laura Kaye
Publisher/Publication Date: Avon Books, November 26, 2013
 
Book Summary

Five Dishonored Soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of hard ink.
Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.
With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.
Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge.
Book Trailer 



 
I hope you've enjoyed the book trailer. Click on the link to find out more about the #HardAsItGets Blog Tour and Events.  

Monday, November 18, 2013

Release Week Blitz & Giveaway: Last Chance Knit & Stitch by Hope Ramsay


Welcome to the Last Chance Knit & Stitch Release Week Blitz by Hope Ramsay. You will find the book summary, buy links, author information, and another fantastic giveaway below!
Last Chance Knit & StitchLAST CHANCE KNIT & STITCH by Hope Ramsay (November 19, 2013; Forever Mass Market; 9781455522279; $8.00)
Molly Canaday wishes she could repair her life as easily as she fixes cars. She was all set to open her own body shop in Last Chance when her mother ran off and left her to manage the family yarn shop instead. Now guided by the unsolicited-though well-intended-advice of the weekly knitting club, Molly works to untangle this mess. But her plan unravels when the new landlord turns out to be difficult-as well as tall, dark, and handsome.

Simon Wolfe returns to quickly settle his father's estate and then leave Last Chance for good. Still wounded by a broken heart, Simon is surprised when the town's charming streets and gentle spirit bring back good memories. Soon the beautiful, strong-willed Molly sparks a powerful attraction that tempts him to break his iron-clad no-commitment rule. Can Simon and Molly find a way to share work space-and build a future together in Last Chance?
Author Bio: Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.
Buy Links
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A special thank you to Hope Ramsay & Grand Central Publishing for including Reading on the Rocks as a participant in the Last Chance Knit & Stitch Release Week Blitz.

 

Release Week Blitz & Giveaway: Along Came Trouble by Erin Kern


Welcome to the Along Came Trouble by Erin Kern Release Week Blitz. You will find the summary, buy links, the author's  biography, social media links, and a fantastic giveaway below!


Along Came TroubleALONG CAME TROUBLE by Erin Kern (November 19, 2013; Forever Mass Market; 9781455573929; $8.00)
Elisa Cardoso longs for passion in her life. Though she'd much rather spend her days photographing the stunning Wyoming landscape, food photography is a lucrative, if uninspiring, way to pay her bills. But when her next assignment brings her face to face with sexy restaurant owner Brody McDermott, Elisa can't deny the delicious effect he has on her.

From the minute Brody sees Elisa, he's dying to unleash her inner bad girl. He knows there's more to the sophisticated photographer than meets the eye. Now getting the sexy shutterbug into his bed is on his menu, but when she starts making her way into his heart-big problem. Love has been tricky for Brody, and he's not too eager to try his luck again. But when a golden opportunity means Elisa may be leaving Trouble for good, can Brody find the courage to grab on to love . . . before it slips away?
Author Bio: Erin was born in Houston, TX. but spent the majority of her life in the Bay Area. She married her high school sweetheart and began her writing career while being a stay-at-home mom to her daughter. Her first book, Looking for Trouble, was on the Amazon top 100 for four months, and on the indiereads.com top ten for four weeks. The second book in the Trouble series, Here Comes Trouble, was also a top seller on Amazon. Erin currently lives in North Texas with her husband and two children.
Buy Links
Amazon     B&N      Bookish     IndieBound
Social Media
Website     Facebook     Twitter     Goodreads

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A special thank you to Erin Kern & Grand Central Publishing for including Reading on the Rocks as a participant in the Along Came Trouble Release Week Blitz.


 

Review: The Perfect Marriage by Kimberla Lawson Roby


 
The Perfect MarriageTitle: The Perfect Marriage
Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby
Publisher/Publication Date:  Grand Central Publishing, January 8, 2013
Format/Source:  Hardcover, Library
Genre:  Adult Fiction

Amazon      Barnes & Noble
 
Book Summary from Goodreads
 
ADDICTION. DECEPTION.
PRETTY PICTURES HIDE UGLY SECRETS.


Denise and Derrek Shaw are the perfect American couple. Happily married for fifteen years, they have a wonderful daughter, Mackenzie, successful careers, and a beautiful home in a posh Chicago suburb. They are attractive, respected . . . and hiding a shocking secret: a dangerous addiction to drugs.

It started innocently enough. Denise occasionally used prescription drugs to help her deal with the long hours and demanding nature of her job. Derrek, also under pressure at work, began using cocaine socially with some of his colleagues.

They can quit whenever they want to. At least, that's what Denise would like to believe . . . Read More
 
My Thoughts
 
After reading Secret Obsession by Kimberla Lawson Roby, I was eager to read The Perfect Marriage.  I was intrigued by Roby’s skillful depiction of real life problems, consequences, and solutions. Yeah some of the events were a little unrealistic, but I like the fact that the outcome of drug use wasn’t glamorized.
 
The story is centered on Denise and Derrick Shaw who appear to have it all. They both admitted that they used drugs, but struggled with believing that they were drug fiends. The story begins as Denise and Derrick are at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. It wasn’t Denise’s choice to be there, because she only took “Vicodin nightly for relaxation purposes” (1).Well, using Vicodin, a pain pill, for relaxation is a bit unconventional, so early on I could foresee that the story would entail their struggles with addiction.
 
As is true with Secret Obsession, The Perfect Marriage is a real page turner as Denise and Derrick Shaw deal with their drug addiction and risk losing everything. If you like engaging stories that present real life issues filled with drama and twists along the way, then this is one story you won’t want to miss!
 
Rating 5/5

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Cover Reveal: Seeking Her (A Finding it Novella) by Cora Carmack

ABOUT SEEKING HER by Cora Carmack

A few months after being honorably discharged from the military, Jackson Hunt is still struggling to adjust back to the real world. He needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he’s going to keep his own demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.

Bodyguard (and baby-sitter) to spoiled-rich-girl Kelsey Summers isn’t exactly what he’d been looking for, but it’s a chance to travel, to get away from the home that has felt stifling ever since his return. It would be a pretty sweet gig if it weren’t for the fact that Kelsey’s father doesn’t want Kelsey to know she’s being followed. Hunt feels guilty (and a little bit creepy) as he watches her from afar. She’s vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When he sees her falling into the same patterns that he suffered years ago, he decides it’s time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know her is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her,the more he wants her.
 
Thank you to Cora Carmack and HarperCollins for including Reading on the Rocks as a participant in the Seeking Her Cover Reveal.

Review: Secret Obsession by Kimberla Lawson Roby


 
Secret ObsessionTitle: Secret Obsession
Author:  Kimberla Lawson Roby
Publisher/Publication Date: Grand Central Publishing, September 6, 2011
Format/Source:  Hardcover, Library
Genre: Adult Fiction
Amazon     Barnes & Noble

Book Summary from Goodreads

Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay. Read More
 
My Thoughts
 
Many people have secret obsessions such as chocolate, but Paige is obsessed with her sister’s husband. And nothing can stop her from going after what she desires. Secret Obsession is the first book that I’ve read by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Roby has crafted a great story that depicts what can happen when a person lets envy get the best of them. For a quick read, it was a real page turner. The characters were believable and Paige caught my attention from the beginning as I sought to understand why she was so intent on being with her sister’s husband. We have all heard of sibling rivalry, but Paige takes this concept to a whole new level. Paige is a conniving snake and her actions are as scandalous as they come. Her past had a profound effect on her twisted mind-set, which was clearly evident by her schemes that were over-the-top.
 
I really enjoyed Secret Obsession and its focus on family/relationship issues.  I am looking forward to reading The Perfect Marriage and other work by Kimberla Lawson Roby.
 
Rating 4/5     

ARC Review: I'll be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott

 
 
Title:  I’ll be Home for Christmas (A Coming Home Novella)
Author:  Jessica Scott
Publisher/Publication Date:  Forever Yours, November 5, 2013
Format/Source:  E-Galley Novella, Author/Publisher/NetGalley
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Fiction
Price/ISBN-13: $0.99, 978-1-4555-5424-9
 
Book Summary
 
There's nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke . . . except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war . . . and from his own darkest fears.
 
As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband's tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic's bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.
 
Amazon     B&N     Bookish     iTunes
 
My Thoughts
 
I’ll be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott introduces us to Nicole & Sergeant Vic Carponti as Vic goes off to war. This is the first book that I’ve read by Scott, so I wasn’t familiar with her writing style. I love stories about men in uniform and was excited to read this novella. I enjoyed the book; although, I had mixed feelings along the way. My first impression was that the characters were a little sex crazed and that there were some elements that I needed a unique sense of humor to enjoy. Yet, as the story unfolded I began to enjoy Vic’s and Nicole’s emotional journeys as they dealt with the turmoil of war and separation.  I also liked how the story alternated between Nicole’s experiences on the home front and Vic’s struggles and insecurities on the battlefield during the same time frame.
 
Overall, I liked I'll be Home for Christmas and I plan to read Back to You, the next book in the series. Back to You is the story of "Captain Trent Davila and his wife, Laura...." It was evident that their relationship was strained in I'll be home for Christmas, and from the preview of Back to You, the novella was off to a great start. As such, I am definitely looking forward to reading Scott's future work.
 
Rating: 3.5/5
 
Click here for author links and to read an excerpt.
 
I received an E-ARC of I’ll be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott from the Author/Publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Thank You.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: All She Wants for Christmas by Sara Olds


About ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS George Clauson is Santa's daughter, but she can't stand Christmas. All that ho-ho-hoing, caroling and people's greedy wants? No, thank you. She's left the family business and struck off on her own in the human world finding her niche as a humble second-grade teacher.
 
Ebenezer Herod is a descendent of King Herod. His family has never stopped trying to destroy Christmas. This year they may actually get their wish, but not if Ben can help it.
 
George wants nothing to do with restoring balance to the Christmas season, and she certainly isn't interested in the shockingly handsome and devilishly rich Ben. A determined do-gooder, Ben's used to saving the day, but he can't rescue Christmas alone. Can George and Ben find a way to work together despite their opposing heritages to make the Season bright?
 
About Sara Olds Sara V. Olds has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. One of her favorite memories is of unfolding a tale for friends while they were all bundled in sleeping bags watching a comet shower in the Uintah Mountains.
Mother of three: Large, Medium and Small, she welcomes her newest role, that of mother-in-law.
 
Life has taken her from thither to yon and back again—she's moved 22 times during her marriage. She breathes to travel. Longs to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a horse. Is an addictive reader. Enjoys swimming, skiing, violin and movies. Wonders if she'll ever get to SCUBA dive again. And has found a calling that fulfills her in ways she never could have imagined—teaching history to—wait for it—8th Graders.
 
Her stories consume her. There's nothing she'd rather do than spend all day, all night and the next day conversing with her latest set of characters. History, adventure, action, romance, humor. Adults, YA and kids. Yep, she does it all. Looking for something to enjoy on a quiet rainy afternoon? Or wanting a pulse-pounding, stay up all night turning pages adventure? Or a you've-GOT-to-be-kidding romp? You'll find them in her pages.
 
Sara’s social media links
 
 
 
 
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Help spread the word about All She Wants for Christmas via Twitter and/or Facebook and enter for a chance to win a $25 Pay Pal Gift Card!
 
 
 Posted 7 AM PST/ 8 AM MST on 11/5/2013

 

Monday, November 4, 2013

Jagged by Kristen Ashley Launch Day Blitz & Giveaway


 
 

Buy links
 
November 5, 2013; Forever/E-Book; $3.99; 978-1-4555-9914-1
Amazon     B&N     Bookish     iTunes
 
Book Summary
 
Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.
 
Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.
 
Excerpt
 


When I saw who was outside, my mouth dropped open.
Luckily, the doorbell buzzing stopped.
Unluckily, the last person on earth I wanted to see was standing outside my door.
“Jesus, you don’t have a peephole?” Ham growled, looking incensed and Graham Reece looking, or worse, being incensed was a very bad thing. I’d learned that five months ago.
I didn’t have it in me to concern myself with Ham being incensed. I was more concerned with him being there at all.
To express this, I asked, “What the hell?”
“Open the fuckin’ door, Zara.”
I stared a beat, then pulled myself together.
This was not happening.
We were done.
I pushed the door closed.
The problem with this was it didn’t work, seeing as the toe of Ham’s boot was wedged between it and the jamb.
“Open the door, Zara,” he repeated.
“We’re done,” I told him through the gap in the door. “Move your foot.”
“Open the door.”
“We’re done, Ham,” I snapped.
“Right, then move back.”
“What?”
He didn’t repeat his order. He moved his foot but only so he could rear back and plant his shoulder in the door.
The chain popped right open, as did the door, and I went flying.
I righted myself as Ham, now in my apartment, slammed the door.
“You’re payin’ for that!” I yelled.
His eyes were beyond me, examining my new space as his mouth moved.
“Not a problem. I’ll reimburse what they take out of your security deposit when we move you out of this dump.”
I didn’t know what he meant and I also didn’t care.
I switched subjects.
“How did you get here so fast?” I asked, and his eyes finally came to me.
“I hope to Christ you didn’t miss local gossip because you’re spendin’ your days at Deluxe Home Store and your nights at some titty bar.”
“I’m not working at a titty bar, Ham, so you can stop concerning yourself with me and move on”—I paused—“again.” I bit off the last word then what he said penetrated and I asked, “What gossip?”
“Managing The Dog, Zara, have been for a week. I live in Gnaw Bone.”
I felt my eyes get huge as my stomach clenched.
“You’re managing The Dog?” I whispered, aghast.
“Yeah. And you just got a new job. You start after you work out your notice at Deluxe,” he returned.
“What?” This also came out quiet and horrified.
“You’re waitressin’ for me. Shit hours but, if I remember correctly and since the view hasn’t changed except to get better, with your face, tits, and ass, great tips. In the meantime, we’re movin’ you out of this shithole and, you don’t got a girl who can take you on, you’re bunkin’ with me.”
Bunking with him?
Was he high?
“I am not moving in with you,” I declared.

Author Bio
 
Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
 
Author Social Media links
 
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Posted 11/4/2013 @ 9:01 PM PST/ 11/5/2013 @ 12:01 AM EST

 

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott Launch Day Blitz & Giveaway


 

November 5, 2013; Forever Yours/E-Novella; $0.99; 978-1-4555-5424-9
Amazon     B&N     Bookish     iTunes

Book Summary
 
There's nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke . . . except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war . . . and from his own darkest fears.
 
As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband's tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic's bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.
 
Excerpt
 
“You’re not serious.”
 
Carponti turned around, his shoulders covered in flecks of red hair. “What?”
 
Nicole grinned as she leaned against the door. “Garrison is going to kill you.”
 
“Garrison is going to love my new hair cut. It looks just like his.”
 
Nicole arched one blond eyebrow. “Except for the bright red fuzzy patch in the center of your head.”
 
Carponti shrugged and rubbed his hands over his freshly shorn scalp. “I can’t wait to see what the sergeant major says.”
 
“Isn’t he going to be mad?”
 
Carponti brushed the hair off his neck. “We’re going to war. My hair isn’t on the list of things he’s going to worry about.”
 
Nicole looked down at the pile of hair on the floor and sighed. “Then why do it?”
 
Carponti smirked. “Because it’ll get a rise out of him and I live to make his blood pressure go up.”
 
She laughed. “You need a hobby. Other than blowing things up.”
 
He sidled across the room and hooked his thumb into the waist of her jeans and tugged her close until their hips met. “I have a hobby. Keeping you well satisfied.”
 
She sniffed but her lips curled at the edges. “You’re going to be derelict in your duties for a while.”
 
“But I’ll be home soon enough and then I’ll make up for it.”
 
“I think I’m going to need a deployment boyfriend.”
 
He grinned wickedly. “Did you already get one?” He backed her up against the wall, his body hard against hers. God but she loved this man. “Can I see it?”
 
A slow flush crept over her face and she tried to look away. He threaded his fingers with hers and lifted her arms over her head. Her back arched with the movement.
 
“Please?” he whispered against her lips. “That would be an awesome memory to take with me downrange. Just think of me, alone in the middle of the desert. One visual of you with your deployment boyfriend and it could make a lonely night go by so much faster.”
Nicole giggled until the laugh overwhelmed her and she was gasping for air. He released her hands and she threaded them around his neck. She buried her face against his throat and laughed.
 
“There’s something really wrong with you,” she said when she could breathe again. “I’ll send you a video.”
 
He brightened instantly. “Really?”
 
“Yes. And dirty letters.”
 
“Promise?” He nibbled along the edge of her jaw, guiding her slowly backward toward their bed, stacked high with his two duffle bags and all the crap he still hadn’t packed.
 
But he didn’t care.
 
“I promise. And you’re going to be late.” Her voice caught in her throat.
 
“Screw it,” he whispered. “This is the last chance to make love to my beautiful wife before I have to go traipsing across the desert like Lawrence of Arabia.” He nibbled at her earlobe while his hand slipped down her belly to the moist head between her thighs. “Tell you what. You send me a picture of yours and I’ll send you a picture of mine. Maybe I can get him a little horse and saddle and send you a picture. Maybe a Barbie camel. I can put him in a little man dress.”
 
She laughed and Carponti’s heart swelled in his chest at the sound of it.
“I’m going to hold you to that.” She traced her fingers over his scalp, her body soft and warm against his erection. “I want a picture of him in a man dress in exchange for a video of the deployment boyfriend.”
 
Her legs bumped into the back of the bed and he followed her down. Tangled between the duffle bags and his uniforms, he made love to her one last time before he got on a plane and headed to war.
 
Author Bio
 
USA Today bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer; mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs; wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well-adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.
 
 She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View: Regarding War Blog, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn and has served as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas.
 
She's pursuing a PhD in Sociology in her spare time and most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
 

Author Social Media links




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 Posted 11/4/13 @9:01 PM PST/ 11/5/13 @ 12:01 AM EST
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