Wednesday, December 16, 2015

A Holiday Special & Giveaway! My Soul to Keep by Kennedy Ryan




From Kennedy:

Happy Holidays! I wanted to offer something special to those who have read MY SOUL TO KEEP. A full deleted chapter from the book. More Rhys + Kai!

If you haven't read the book, I have something for you, too. The first three chapters of the book absolutely FREE right HERE! Hopefully you'll love what you read.

And for everyone and anyone, scroll all the way down for a rafflecopter giveaway featuring:
  • $5 Amazon Gift Card
  • (5) MY SOUL TO KEEP E-Books (if you've read, pass onto a friend!)
  • Or a Signed MY SOUL TO KEEP paperback



It seems the things worth keeping are often the hardest to hold...

KAI

I had two things in life that mattered. My mother and my music.
Mama was taken from me too soon, and now music is all I have left. It’s the thing that’s pushed me right out of backwoods Georgia into Los Angeles, where the line between fantasy and reality shimmers and blurs. I’m finally making my way, making my mark. I can’t afford to fall for one of music's brightest stars. Not now. Music is all I have left, and I’m holding on tight with both hands. I won’t let go, not even for Rhyson Gray.

RHYSON

I had one thing in my life that mattered – music. The only constant, it’s taken me to heights most people only dream about; a gift dropped in my lap at birth. I thought it was enough. I thought it was everything until I met Kai. Now she’s all I think about, like a song I can't get out of my head. If I have to chase her, if I have to give up everything - I will. And once she's mine, I won't let go.


About Kennedy Ryan

I just can't write about myself in third person for one more bio! I'm a wife, a mom, a writer, an advocate for families living with autism. That's me in a nutshell. Crack the nut, and you'll find a Southern girl gone Southern California who loves pizza and Diet Coke, and wishes she got to watch a lot more television. You can usually catch me up too late, on social media too much, or FINALLY putting a dent in my ever-growing To Be Read list!

Let's Connect!


Posted 12/16/15 6:00 AM PST

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Release Day Blitz! Montana Hearts: Sweet Talkin' Cowboy by Darlene Panzera

MONTANA HEARTS:
SWEET TALKIN’ COWBOY
By Darlene Panzera

Avon Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Fiction; Western Romance
December 15, 2015
E-book ISBN: 9780062394705; $.99

About the Book

Darlene Panzera continues her heartwarming Western series with a roughed-up cowboy, the feisty girl next door, and the deal that brings them together

If it wasn't for an injury to his leg, Luke Collins would be riding rodeo broncos all day, every day. Until he heals, he's determined to help his family's guest ranch bring in money any way he can. But when a cranky neighbor gets in the way of his goal, Luke turns to the only person he knows can help: the gorgeous, rodeo-barrel-racing spitfire next door.

It's no secret: Sammy Jo's father is a pain in the neck. But if anyone can persuade him, it's her. So when Luke asks for help, Sammy Jo is more than willing to make a deal with the handsome cowboy. The cost? He's gotta get back up on that horse—with Sammy Jo's help, of course.

As teamwork reveals a deeper connection, Luke finds himself falling for the beautiful girl next door. But to win her heart? He'll just have to do whatever it takes.


Buy SWEET TALKIN’ COWBOY by Darlene Panzera

About the Author

DARLENE PANZERA writes sweet, fun-loving romance and is a member of the Romance Writers of America’s Greater Seattle chapter. Her career launched when her novella “The Bet” was picked by Avon Books and New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber to be published within Debbie’s own novel, Family Affair. Darlene says, “I love writing stories that help inspire people to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family and her two horses, and loves camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.

Join her on Facebook or at www.darlenepanzera.com.

Connect with Darlene Panzera
Website       Goodreads      Facebook     Twitter


Sunday, December 13, 2015

Diane Alberts Special Feature & Giveaway!


Whether you like your romances professional, paranormal, or panty-melting we’ve got a Diane Alberts book that’s just right for you. Take the following quiz to find out which one you should read first!

The perfect date night wouldn’t be complete without:

  1. wine and candlelight
  2. dancing and lots of eye contact
  3. foreplay, lots and lots of foreplay

Your usual bookmark is:

  1. a bookstore receipt
  2. did you mean quitter strip..?
  3. swag from an author

If you were going out on a girl’s night your ideal outfit would have:

  1. a skirt, heels, and your signature perfume
  2. your favorite pair of jeans and a leather jacket
  3. lots of cleavage and knee-high boots

When it comes to book boyfriends give you:

  1. billionaire playboys who can show you a good time
  2. protective alphas who know how to treat you right
  3. bikers, soldiers, rock stars, you want them all!

Some of your favorite authors are:

  1. Bella Andre, Sylvia Day, J.S. Scott, Robin Covington, Maya Blake, Kendall Ryan
  2. Kresley Cole, Felicity Heaton, Dannika Dark, Nina Croft, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione
  3. Tracy Wolff, Elle Kennedy, Katy Evans, Jay Crownover, Tessa Bailey, Melissa Foster

If you picked mostly A‘s you got Indulgence Diane Alberts. You're elegant, polished, and you can probably handle any situation with poise. You like your heroes suited, powerful, and with an edge to them. Seeing the heroine swept off her feet into a world of luxury has you ready to trade places with her. We think you'll love BEAUTY AND THE BOSS.
Researcher Maggie Donovan has no luck with men, and it doesn't help that she can't keep her eyes off of her sexy boss – the one everyone else in the office calls The Beast. Relationships in the office are forbidden. So no one is more surprised than Maggie when she pretends to be his fiancée to save him during a difficult situation. Not only has she put her job on the line, but the future of the company. 
Billionaire Benjamin Gale III doesn’t believe in love or romance, but the look on his mother’s face when Maggie tells her that she’s his fiancée is worth millions. Instead of firing her for her insubordination, he goes along with the ruse. In his arms–and in his bed–she’d be everything he could ever want…which is why he can’t have her. 
But if he doesn’t let her go, they’ll lose everything…

Find your copy of BEAUTY AND THE BOSS  Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

If you picked mostly B‘s you got Otherworld Diane Alberts. You're adventurous, witty, and you aren't afraid of a good challenge. You like your heroes growly, brooding, and Alpha with a capital 'A'. Diving into the world of the paranormal is your ultimate escape. We think you'll love DIVINELY RUINED.
Rebecca’s life sucked before she became an angel. Crappy apartment, awful jobs, abusive boyfriends–it was no wonder she jumped at the chance to escape it all and become a real live angel. The problem is Rebecca’s not very angelic, and she’ll have to do more to earn her wings than end her love affair with the word f–er, frick. 
Especially when she’s assigned to save single father Tony Weis, whose less-than-pure thoughts wreak hell on a telepathic angel’s nerves. It’s all Rebecca can do to keep her hands off him…but when she loses her memory injuring herself to save Tony’s daughter, now it’s Tony’s turn to be her angel and care for her. But will Tony’s devotion tempt her from her angelic path, even if it means being human again?
Find your copy of DIVINELY RUINED: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

If you picked mostly C‘s you got Brazen Diane Alberts. You might be the girl-next-door but there's more to you than meets the eye. You like your heroes ready and willing to please any time, any place. Slipping between the pages of a good read is almost as good as slipping between the sheets for you. We think you'll love SAY YOU'RE MINE.
Navy SEAL Steven Thomas has only ever been able to count on three things: waking up in the morning, going to sleep sometime during the night, and Lauren Brixton. She’s been his best friend since grade school, and what they have is the only relationship he’s managed not to ruin.
Until one drunken night puts that all in jeopardy. 
Lauren’s watched Steven flit from one-night stand to one-night stand, seemingly not interested in something more. So when the long-ignored attraction between the two of them blows up in their faces, she does the only thing she can—she pretends she doesn’t want him. But all’s fair in love and war, and Steven’s not about to lose the only person in his life who matters…
Find your copy of SAY YOU'RE MINE  


If you picked a mix of A's, B's, and/or C's you're someone who enjoys variety both in their lives and in their books. You're known for your great taste and your friends probably come to you for advice on which books to buy. When it comes to book boyfriends you know that one is never enough. We think you'll enjoy everything Diane has to offer so visit her Entangled Publishing page to find all of her great books!

About Diane Alberts:

Diane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, andWall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin Random House. She was mentioned inForbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and four cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Connect with Diane Alberts

We're giving away an etsy giftcard so you can treat yourself to something as unique as you are no matter your taste!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Release Week Blast: Atrophy by Jess Anastasi



Book Summary

Twelve years on the prison planet Erebus makes a man long for death. The worst part for Tannin Everette is that he was framed for murder. He's innocent. When the ship Imojenna lands for emergency repairs, Tannin risks everything to escape...only to find himself face to face with the captain's undeniably gorgeous sister.
Zahli Sherron isn't planning on turning Tannin in. In fact, she actually believes him. Sure, he's sexy as every kind of sin, but he's no criminal—so she hides him. But no one escapes from Erebus and lives to tell about it. With every day that passes, Zahli further risks the lives of the entire crew...even as she falls in love with a man she can never have for herself.

Purchase your copy of ATROPHY

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled |
 Goodreads

Atrophy Excerpt

When the knife and her hands were spotless, she slipped the blade in a sheath on her belt, took a deep breath, then stepped around the body and walked out of the room. Tannin paused to shake his head before following after her.

Out in the corridor, she waited for him while he swung the door closed. He used the same program that unlocked the doors to totally screw the security protocol, so that if someone tried to get in, it should delay them for a decent amount of time.

“You’re an inmate.” The words somehow manage to hold equal amounts of surprise and suspicion.

He nodded. “Twelve years now.”

“How did you get into this building?” They started making their way back along the corridor, and he tried not to take it personally that she kept an obvious few feet between them.

When they reached the outer door, he held up his commpad to get them through.

“I hacked my way through the security system.”

“And you can do that without setting off any kind of alarm?” she asked as the door clicked open.

“Most people couldn’t. I can.” He motioned for her to wait and ducked out to make sure the coast was clear. He stepped out and held the door for her.

“So you’re some kind of hacking genius. Is that how you ended up on Erebus?”

He shook his head, though it would have been easier to claim a more minor, less brutal crime. “No, I learned all of my hacking skills after I got here.” He pointed. “The marketplace is that way. You’ll find signs to guide you back to the docking bays from there.”

For a long moment she stared at him, something going on behind those dark blue eyes. But then she simply nodded and turned away, hurrying along the building before disappearing around the far corner.

Tannin shoved a hand through his hair, took a deep breath, then walked off in the opposite direction. As if he needed any more excitement before he set out on what probably amounted to a suicide mission. About the best thing he could do now was bunk down in his apartment for a few hours until the time came and hope no one found the body he’d just helped to hide.





About the Author

Jess has been making up stories ever since she can remember. Though her messy handwriting made it hard for anyone else to read them, she wasn't deterred and now she gets to make up stories for a living. She loves loud music, a good book on a rainy day, and probably spends too much time watching too many TV shows. Jess lives in regional Victoria, Australia, with her very supportive husband, three daughters, one ball-obsessed border collie, and one cat who thinks he's one of the kids. 

Connect with Jess Anastasi

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Review: Cold Magic by Kate Elliott

Cold Magic (Spiritwalker, #1)Title: Cold Magic
Author: Kate Elliott
Publisher/Publication Date: Orbit, September 2, 2010
Genre: Fantasy 
Format/Source: Mass Market Paperback, Purchased

Goodreads     Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository



Synopsis from Goodreads...

The Wild Hunt is stirring - and the dragons are finally waking from their long sleep...

Cat Barahal was the only survivor of the flood that took her parents. Raised by her extended family, she and her cousin, Bee, are unaware of the dangers that threaten them both. Though they are in beginning of the Industrial Age, magic - and the power of the Cold Mages - still hold sway.

Now, betrayed by her family and forced to marry a powerful Cold Mage, Cat will be drawn into a labyrinth of politics. There she will learn the full ruthlessness of the rule of the Cold Mages. What do the Cold Mages want from her? And who will help Cat in her struggle against them?


My Thoughts:

The first time I read Kate Elliott’s Cold Magic was years ago, and recently, I reread it just for fun since I had some time. Let me tell you, this book is two kinds of fantastic and everything I look for in a fantasy novel.

The story focuses on Cat (Catherine) Barahal after she is married to a cold mage. It took some time for the reasoning to come into full focus, but that slow buildup made the story interesting. When the reasons were finally revealed, well I liked it the first time I read the book and it was just as expertly placed as I remember it to be. Bee (Beatrice), Cat’s cousin, was present in the beginning but wasn’t as involved in the middle of the book. As I said, the story was mainly about Cat. But for the parts that she was present, well, they were fantastic. Bee is one of my favorite characters in Cold Magic, she remains interesting, and I loved the conversations that happened between the two—those parts were basically some of my favorites and one of the reasons why I picked this book up again.

The magic in Cold Magic fits seamlessly with the world, from the Cold Mages themselves to the abilities that Cat and Bee possessed, though vastly different from one another. The world itself was done well and served as a fitting backdrop for Cat’s story. I liked how all of the little details were handled and incorporated into the story—the development was clear from early on, and the information was spread out and placed in a way that avoided info dumps.

The characters Cat and Bee are still some of the best I’ve read about. So, I’m glad that I had the time to reread Cold Magic, and it remains one of my favorite fantasy novels.



Rating 5/5
   
Kate Elliott CropAbout the Author...

Kate Elliott has been writing stories since she was nine years old, which has led her to believe that writing, like breathing, keeps her alive. She is the author of over twenty science fiction and fantasy novels, including her YA debut Court of Fives, as well as Cold Magic, Spirit Gate, King’s Dragon, Jaran, and her short fiction collection, The Very Best of Kate Elliott. Her new epic fantasy, Black Wolves, is now available. She lives in Hawaii with her spouse, paddles with outrigger canoe club Ka Māmalahoe, and nurses along an aging schnauzer.

(Photo copyright April Quintanilla)

Friday, November 20, 2015

Cover Reveal: Lust is the Thorn by Jen Mclaughlin

LITT_Cover
Today we are revealing the cover for LUST IS THE THORN by Jen McLaughlin. This book is being released by Random House on April 19th, 2016. Check out the fantastic blurb below.

Lust is the Thorn_McLaughlin

BLURB

From the bestselling author of Bad Romance (“A sexy, emotional, steamy read.”—Addison Moore) comes an edgy novel about a reformed bad boy training to be a priest and the fallen angel who makes him think twice about giving up earthly pleasures.

Growing up hard and fast on the mean streets of Chicago, Thorn McKinney didn’t have a prayer—until tragedy inspired him to join the seminary. Now the time has come to take his vows, and yet he’s haunted by the woman he can’t leave behind: his best friend’s little sister. Despite Thorn’s promises that he’d keep her safe, she’s going through hell. And now he finds himself torn between duty and desire, entranced by the seductive pull of her trusting eyes, innocent heart, and sinfully sweet curves.

Trying to let Thorn pursue his calling, Rose Gallagher has been hiding some things: namely her abusive boyfriend and her job as a stripper. But when she hits rock bottom, Thorn is there for her—and now there’s no denying the raw temptation that draws them together in their darkest moments. Rose may have found salvation in his strong arms, but she knows that Thorn must choose his own path: in the church, or in the warm embrace of a woman’s love.
                                    
Praise for the novels of Jen McLaughlin

“Addicting from start to finish!”New York Times bestselling author Addison Moore “With hot, sexy chemistry and heroes to die for, Jen McLaughlin’s books always deliver!”New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye “Jen McLaughlin’s books are sexy and satisfying reads!”New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst




PRE-ORDER NOW

Jen 1 smallAUTHOR INFORMATION

Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy books with Penguin Random House. Under her pen name, Diane Alberts, she is also a USA TODAY bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, hit the New York TimesUSA TODAY and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and four cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.




Sunday, November 8, 2015

Review: The Sweetest Kiss (Chasing Love, 3) by Candace Shaw

Title: The Sweetest Kiss (Chasing Love, 3)
Author: Candace Shaw
Publisher/Publication Date: Harlequin Kimani Romance; October 20, 2015
Format/Source: Paperback; Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book Summary from Goodreads


Too tempting to resist

Luscious, tantalizing, delectable…and that's just Tiffani Chase-Lake's cupcakes. The moment Broderick Hollingsworth sets eyes on the sexy baker herself, he's truly intrigued. For the first time, the wary real estate developer is ready to open up to someone. Then he realizes that his next business deal is going to leave Tiffani and her cozy bakery high and dry…

Just as hardworking single mom Tiffani is falling for Broderick's easy charm, she learns about the property deal that will destroy her business. Even her most decadent dessert can't eclipse the bitter taste of betrayal. Tiffani's livelihood and her independence are on the line. Walking away from their sensual chemistry won't be easy—but is trusting him a recipe for heartache? 

My Thoughts

In The Sweetest Kiss, Candace Shaw skillfully created dynamic characters and an intriguing storyline. Tiffani was depicted as a strong, independent heroine. She was a single mom and business owner. Even though there was a strong chemistry between Tiffani and Broderick, she hesitated to get into a committed relationship and struggled with maintaining her stance on relationships while being fearful of losing control. As for Broderick, he’s that hero that you love to love. Although Tiffani placed him in the friend zone early on and he was misunderstood at times, I loved his persistence as he attempted to prove his feelings for her. Overall, it was a sweet and steamy romance novel that you that you won’t want to miss.

Rating 5/5 

Her Perfect Candidate
Title: Her Perfect Candidate
(Chasing Love, 1)
Author: Candace Shaw
Publisher/Publication Date:
Harlequin Kimani Romance;
May 20, 2014
Amazon    Barnes & Noble  
Goodreads
Journey to Seduction

Title:  Journey to Seduction
(Chasing Love, 2)
Author: Candace Shaw
Publisher/Publication Date:
Harlequin Kimani Romance;
January 20, 2015
Amazon   Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Review: 2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino

2 A.M. at The Cat's PajamasTitle: 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas
Author: Marie-Helene Bertino
Publisher/Publication Date: Broadway Books, August 5, 2014
Genre: Contemporary
Format/Source: Paperback, Blogging for Books

Goodreads     Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Book Depository


Synopsis from Goodreads...

Madeleine Altimari is a smart-mouthed, rebellious nine-year-old who also happens to be an aspiring jazz singer. Still mourning the recent death of her mother, and caring for her grief-stricken father, she doesn’t realize that on the eve of Christmas Eve she is about to have the most extraordinary day—and night—of her life. After bravely facing down mean-spirited classmates and rejection at school, Madeleine doggedly searches for Philadelphia's legendary jazz club The Cat's Pajamas, where she’s determined to make her on-stage debut. On the same day, her fifth grade teacher Sarina Greene, who’s just moved back to Philly after a divorce, is nervously looking forward to a dinner party that will reunite her with an old high school crush, afraid to hope that sparks might fly again. And across town at The Cat's Pajamas, club owner Lorca discovers that his beloved haunt may have to close forever, unless someone can find a way to quickly raise the $30,000 that would save it.

As these three lost souls search for love, music and hope on the snow-covered streets of Philadelphia, together they will discover life’s endless possibilities over the course of one magical night. A vivacious, charming and moving debut, 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas will capture your heart and have you laughing out loud...


My Thoughts:

Like all books I gave 2 A.M. at the Cat’s Pajama the first hundred pages to impress me, but as it turns out this story just wasn’t for me. The cover is cute and charming, but I was extremely bored. There was little about the book that kept my interest and eventually I decided to call it quits. Madeleine is described as “smart-mouthed”, “precarious nine-year-old” and “an aspiring jazz singer”—and she does sing, but she was also incredibly rude. After all, she describes herself as being a “jerk” and is consistently mean to those who would have liked to be her friends. However, the people around her—namely at the school she attended—were two kinds of terrible as well. There were a lot of characters, and plenty of perspectives all crammed into the 99 pages that I read, but despite this I couldn’t get into the story.

This book will have an audience—people who will enjoy it—but sadly, in the end, I was incredibly disappointed.

Rating DNF

I received this book from Blogging for Books (Publisher) for this review, thank you!

About the Author...

Marie-Helene Bertino's debut novel 2 AM AT THE CAT'S PAJAMAS will be published by Crown in August, 2014. Her collection of short stories SAFE AS HOUSES received The 2012 Iowa Short Fiction Award and the Pushcart Prize and was long-listed for the Frank O'Connor Short Story Award and The Story Prize. She hails from Philadelphia and lives in Brooklyn. She was an Emerging Writer Fellow at NYC's Center for Fiction and teaches at NYU, Sackett Street Writers' Workshop, The Center for Fiction, and One Story's Emerging Writer's Workshop, where she was the Associate Editor for 6 years. She has received fellowships from The MacDowell Colony and Hedgebrook and currently works as a biographer of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
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