COVER REVEAL: Favorite Places by Kelly Gendron

Book Title: Favorite Places (A Trouble Maker Novel)

Author: Kelly Gendron Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance

Release Date: December 10, 2013

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

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Synopsis:

A five-minute trolley ride, one troublemaking luggage, and two stolen identities. Six months later, two strangers discover they’re married. She wants an annulment. He has other plans. Being illegally hitched is about the only way Chase Lennox would ever be shackled to any woman. But when the multimillionaire playboy finds out he’s married to the woman who caused him to lose the biggest deal of his life, Chase decides before he gives his new wife an annulment, she’s going to help him close the deal he’d lost. Jessina Landi has a three-foot radius comfort zone. The last man she let into it cost her a lot more than a broken heart. And the huge debt she owes for that trust, well, it’s due. If she takes Chase Lennox's up on his offer, it’s sure to cover the bill. There’s an annulment waiting at the end of their rainbow… well, that’s if they can get through the next two weeks without consummating the marriage.

***

Meet the Author:

Kelly resides in a quiet suburb somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Her day job? Kelly works in health care representing a group of nursing facilities in the WNY area. She’s been faithfully writing for three years but did write her first book ten years ago. She put it down to raise her son as a single mom and then picked it back up when she and her son finally grew up. That's when she settled into her newly married adult life and started to seriously write again. She's dabbled with Romantic Suspense stories, but recently she's been on a contemporary kick. The recipe for the men in her stories: a dash of bad boy attitude, a cup of strong and confident and, of course, besides being packed with magnificent bodies, and doused with shameless aptitudes, they must have a tender heart you want to rip out of the pages (or your e-Reader) and take to bed with you at night.

***

Excerpt:
“Finish getting ready. We’re outta here in a few minutes,” he said, then turned his back to her.
She struggled to retort from the total body meltdown. “Are we heading back to your apartment?”
“Yes,” he said just as he disappeared from the doorway.
"Good.” She raised her voice. “You can drop me off at the bus stop then.”

Chase’s head swayed back in the doorway. “Come again?”
“I’m going home, but I’ll be back in time for Caplin’s arrival on Thursday.”
Chase stepped back into the room. “Why do you want to go home?”

The question caught her off guard. She’d assumed he’d be pleased to be rid of her. Nonetheless, telling him the truth wasn’t an option. “As you said, the only reason we needed to spend time together was so I could get to know you, so we can convince Caplin we’re married.”
His forehead wrinkled. “And you feel like you know me now?”
“Well enough to pull off a bullshit marriage, yes.”
“Hmm.” He rubbed his chin, then dropped his hand and took a step toward her. His intense regard held her captive.

She clung to those dark eyes, waiting for him to say something.
“I don’t want you to go.” His low, husky words resonated in her ears.
Her body hesitated, her heart skipped, and her nerves stammered. She was convinced that all of her senses had failed her, because she was sure she hadn’t heard him right. “What?”
“There’re a few more things you need to know about me in order to successfully pull this off, Jessina.”
Every single one of her senses came back to life as he approached her.

“Will you stay here with me just one more night?” he asked, stopping in front of her. “So I can show them to you?”
“What?” Heat flushed through her body once more. “What sort of things?”

Dark, ravishing eyes dropped to her mouth as he drew a finger down the side of her cheek. It trailed along her neck, gently grazing her shoulder and caressing the length of her arm. “The sort of things I would do with my real wife.” He looked back up at her, his hand now settled on her hip. The weight of his touch caused her stomach to clench with desire. His hand shifted to the small of her back, and her next breath got caught in her throat. “I want to show you how my wife would make me feel when I’m this close to her.” He applied light pressure with his hand to her back, and the space between them descended. Their bodies became one.

“Chase…” His name fell from her lips in a near whisper when his hardness pressed into her tight-with-desire belly.
“Jessina…” he hissed back in a throaty murmur…

***

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Book links:

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REVIEW: The Wager By: Rachel Van Dyken

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B&N
Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lose a bet, lose your heart...

What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they've been thrown together in a wedding party. It's awkward, but survivable . . . until Jake stops acting like a jerk, and starts acting like the man she'd always hoped he could be.

If watching your brother marry your best friend is weird, being attracted to your best friend's other best friend is downright bizarre. Unfortunately for Jake, Char hasn't forgotten how he once tossed her aside. Worse still, Jake's already-nutty grandma is even crazier about Char. Cue meet-cute shenanigans and all manner of meddling, and somehow, Jake's falling. For Char. Now all he has to do is make her believe it . . . 

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          I need to start off by saying that I absolutely love Rachel Van Dyken! I have never read a book of hers that I did not like and was anxiously awaiting for The Wager to be released. After reading The Bet, I feel in love with the characters and couldn’t wait to see what happened next!  The Wager is through the eyes of Char and Jake. Meeting in junior high, that have always had that connection but it never went any further than that. Char felt that Jake was nothing but a “Man Whore” even at that young age…. Boys will be boys…

          Char is Kacey’s best friend, we met Kacey back in The Bet when Jake convinced her to return home with him and pretend to be his fiancé to trick his grandmother that he's 'grown up' and is ready to take over the family business, until she fell in love with his brother, Travis.  Since junior high, she has ran into the infamous Jake Titus a couple of times.  After a drunken night and  a one night stand with Jake, she wakes up to a thank you note…. Yes, that is what I said! He left a 'Thank You for Last' night note on her pillow… SERIOUSLY? Makes me want to smack him!

          After finding out that they will be Maid of Honor and Best Man at Kacey and Travis’ wedding, she makes it her goal to make him miserable… except… being around him proves to be challenging in other ways.

          Jake feels that Karma is out to get him. Along with his Grandmother Nadine… Being with Kacey again and being thrown into wedding ‘chores’ by his grandmother.

The more time he spends with Char, the more he can’t deny his feelings. Knowing how she feels about him, he is determined to stay away.

          Jake is tired of having the ‘man whore’ reputation, can he truly change his ways? Will the two stop being so stubborn and denying their feelings towards each other? Can a happily ever after truly exist for Jake?

          I think the best part of this story had to have been Grandmas meddling. This is definitely one that you will laugh hysterically at. The dialog between all of the characters are amazing. If you haven't read The Bet get it today and then continue the amazing story with The Wager! You won’t be disappointed J  I can’t wait to see what else Rachel comes up with!

Enjoy! <3

Meet the Author:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

REVIEW: The Grace in Darkness by: Melissa Andrea

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Goodreads: Click Here

 

 

Every part of me yearns for Ryland and there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by that I don’t question if I made the right decision. Adjusting is something I should be used to by now but how can I do that when life has other plans?

When darkness consumes you, only true light can free you

Remembering how I existed before Araya came into my life and turned everything upside down has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I can’t stand to be round anyone and the feeling is mutual. But I’m ready to take back what’s mine. I’m ready to be whole again. But every decision has a choice and every choice has a consequence.

To find the grace in darkness, you must
Dare to be BRAVE
Dare to be STRONG
Dare to be ALIVE

 

 

 

          I have to start off by saying that if you have not read The Edge of Darkness, please stop reading this review, as it may have spoilers to the first book.

          With that said... O...M...G... I absolutely LOVE this book. This is one that I will go back and read again! I am already recommending it to everyone I know! Unbelievable! This was a fantastic sequel, I couldn't find a single negative thing about it!!! Melissa Andrea did an absolutely wonderful job portraying the love and even some heartbreak through this novel. Love, Love, Love it!!  I'm going to try very hard not to let any spoilers slip by, but I'm sending out the warning now that I may not be able to do it!! Again, if you have not read The Edge of Darkness, turn back now!

          We start off this sequel exactly where we left off. I love that! Right off the first page we feel the anguish that Ryland is feeling having to walk away from Araya. Thinking that she is finally happy and not wanting to ruin anything for her, he sacrifices everything for her.

          Araya, who was in a horrible car accident four years ago, and is now mostly blind. Finds herself through dancing again. After J.D. offered to pay for her scholarship at  a prestige dancing school for the blind, she is learning that she can survive on her own. Except her heart has been shattered into a million pieces... Thinking that Ryland is never going to come back for her, that he's moved on, she tried to find it in herself to do the same. Only problem is... she doesn't really want to loose hope.

          Ryland has started working for his father, J.D., not that he really had a chance. He takes his heartache out on everyone in his life, turning into a bitter and hateful person. He has even started joining his brother, Sebastian, at the Underground, an illegal fighting club, just to have an outlet for his anger.  Until his father forces him into a charity benefit, and is stunned to find Araya there...

          As Ryland and Araya's relationship reconnects, the love for each other is unbreakable. They are faced with the ever challenging J.D. and his refusal for them to be together, doing everything in his great power to keep them apart. But how far will he go?

          This was an absolutely great ending to the story of Ryland and Araya. The ending left me with goose bumps and watery eyes.  I couldn't have imagined a better story for these two characters. The struggles that they face as an every day occurrence and the strength that they have to move on is inspiring. Since Ryland came into her life, Araya was determined to prove that her disability would not break her.

          This story has left me with an unbelievable book hang over, and I know I will be talking about this one for weeks to come. I HIGHLY recommend this series!!! 5 STARS!!!!

Melissa started reading in high school when she found her mom's romance book collection and has been hooked on books every since. She became a complete book-a-holic, starting her own collection and improving her reading skills. Most of the time she could finish a book walking around the store, while her mom shopped.

She wrote her first short story in high school for a competition in her writing class. It was a child's book called 'Arnold' - it was about an ant who believed he could do anything. Oh by the way, she won!

She has written many stories since then, but this will be her first YA paranormal/fantasy and the first book she will have published.

She lived in Mesa, Arizona with her husband of six years, and her 3 beautiful daughters. They are her biggest fans and they inspire her everyday. She enjoys spending time with her family, weekend dates with her mom & taking vacations. Hawaii anyone??
https://www.goodreads.com/melissandrea  https://www.facebook.com/m.andrea.author  @melissa_andrea

"To Be Read" Tuesday: Withstanding Me by: Crystal Spears

Withstanding Me is now available on Amazon

While the chaos and bloodshed have slowed for a short period, life is never quiet in the world of Breakneck. The club is taking time to regroup from internal betrayal and the changing of the guard in a rival group.
Zig Zag became a father at the age of thirteen. While raising a child has never been easy, now his eighteen year old daughter Tatiana makes his life downright hard. She has caught the eye of Travis, the new President of the rival MC Gunners, but all she really wants is Shadow, the newest addition to the Breakneck family. When Shadow’s rejection sends Tatiana running from the only family, home, and safety she’s ever known, ZZ is crazy with worry. The distraction caused by Tatiana’s disappearance could prove to be Zig Zag’s downfall.

If that isn’t enough, ZZ finds himself rampantly attracted to the one and only Storm. She’s beautiful, quick and witty. Their friendship is the one thing that keeps him from growing crazy, and Storm stands by ZZ through all the turmoil. Zig Zag is not accustomed to hearing the word no, so Storm’s constant withstanding just draws him in deeper. Their friendship is one thing keeping him from going crazy, until one night…

The club is regrouping and rebuilding from the mayhem known as the Russian Mafia. A hit is ordered on Tatiana, Storm, Winter, and Piper.

Tatiana’s egg donor reveals secrets that a thirteen year old Zig Zag was too young to understand.

Braxxon is out of reach while he helps Greg Cage deal with some dirty business.

Bloodshed… Secrets… Betrayal… Trauma… Welcome back to the Breakneck world.

"To Be Read" Tuesday: All He Wants By: C.C. Gibbs

If you loved Fifty Shades of Grey, you will love All He Wants!  Now available on Amazon

Dominic Knight is a man who is always in control. A self-made billionaire by the age of twenty-three, a genius of innovation, and CEO of a global tech empire, Knight always gets what he wants. And he wants Kate Hart. . . 

A rising star of cyber forensics, Kate is well aware of Knight's reputation as a master manipulator, uncompromising leader, and demanding lover. But she's determined to stay cool and professional-no matter how hot and bothered her new boss makes her feel.

First he appears in her dreams. Then he comes to her in the night. And so begins a journey of erotic awakening and discovery as rich and powerful as Knight himself. In locales from the sultry red-light district of Amsterdam to the private sexual playgrounds of Hong Kong, Kate will shed every inhibition and surrender every part of herself-body, mind, and soul-to give her lover all he craves, all he needs, and all he demands . . .

BLOG TOUR: Fighting Fate by Linda Kage (@lindakage)

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Goodreads: Click Here

 Synopsis:

*New Adult Romance*

Forgiving your brother's murderer may be noble, but falling in love with him borders on betrayal.

When Paige Zukowski enrolls at Granton University in honor of her dead brother, she has no idea fate will land her on the same campus with the very guy who killed him. But Logan Xander isn't quite the murderer she's always believed him to be.

A day hasn't passed since the tragedy that Logan doesn't wish he could go back and undo everything. It doesn't take Paige long to realize he's suffered as much as she has. Forgiving him for ruining her life might not be so impossible after all. But when she actually starts to like him and realizes he likes her in return, their true anguish begins.

***

Review: 

         I absolutely adored this book! The twists and turns of the plot hooked me immediately and I found myself reading slower so that it wouldn't end! The gut-wrenching emotion jumping off the page made me feel as if I were one of the characters.

           Paige Zukowski lost her brother three years ago and she has yet to move on. She decides to live her life  to honor his, including going to the college of his dreams with the same major in mind… even though the though of business classes made her queasy. On her first day of class, she runs into the one man she hated more than anyone, the last man she'd ever want to see again… her brothers murder…

          Logan Xander isn't the same lawyer's son, pretty boy he was three years ago.  He is broken. Carrying the guilt of killing Trace Zukowski on accident has made him think that he does not deserve happiness. He has ran from away from home, hoping to start a new fresh life, where no one knows what he is capable of. Seeing Paige only made it worse. He goes out of his way to stay away from her, not wanting to cause her any more pain. Waiting for the day she tells everyone what a disgusting person he is… but she never does…

          Finding it in herself to forgive Logan, she also finds that he is not the man she hated all these years. He is actually a great guy, who she starts to enjoy to be around. As the plot thickens, the relationship between these two grows into something more. However, they are both fighting it.. He did kill her brother after all… How could she possible want to start a relationship with the man who caused her more pain than anyone should endure?

          Can Paige really find it in her heart to full forgive Logan and move on?  Can he guy get his happy ending and get the girl or will she out him and make him run from this life too? Can she convince her father and best friend that he is not the evil, heartless, rich pretty boy they thought him to be?

          Linda Kage did a fantastic job portraying the anguish between these two. I hope that their story isn't quite over just yet! I would love to read where life takes them next!!

         Happy Reading!!

Meet the Author:


Linda is a contemporary romance author from the midwestern USA, where she lives with her wonderful husband, daughter, and nine cuckoo clocks. The eighth and final child of dairy farmers, she was forced into having a vivid imagination if she ever wanted to do something one of her siblings hadn't already tried. Feel free to visit her at her website:www.LindaKage.com

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PROMO BLITZ, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Broken Fences By: Kelly Gendron

Broken Fences

A TroubleMaker Novel

Book 1

Kelly Gendron

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Smashword ~ https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/358923

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Synopsis: 

Colden Saint James, Dusty Owens, and a single night of passion had equaled to poor old Mr. McAllister’s broken fence. Add six years, a troublemaking photo, and there’s not a fence in Texas that’s gonna be safe.

It took Dusty Owens two years to land Colden “Saint”  James, even if it was for only one night, but the very next day, he was gone. Now, years later, the “Saint” has returned, but he’s no longer the do-gooder rookie cop Dusty remembers.

Dusty Owens always had a way of making every single one of Colden’s man parts go all hard. He’d been so close to falling for the girl before he’d left Odessa. Now, due to a troublemaking photo, Colden must return to his hometown to keep her safe. Trouble is, he’s a different man—not to mention the change. Well, it’s gonna cause all kinds of problems where Dusty Owens and all of his man parts are concerned.

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Review:  When I first opened my ARC version of Broken Fences I wasn't sure what to expect.  The first thing I noticed was the length of the book.  "Hmmm, only about 47,000 words." I thought.  Normally, I shy away from shorter books.  The few times I have read books under 80,000 words I always feel let down.  As if the author rushed through or didn't spend enough time developing their story.  I pushed mu initial thoughts aside and forged ahead, knowing I had to give my honest opinion for this post.  Well let me tell you...

     ...I loved this book!!!  The author brought Dusty and Colden to life with such flare.  Right from the very first moment I met Dusty I knew I was going to enjoy watching her story unfold.  I could tell she wasn't going to be the type of heroine who rolls over and plays dead or completely loses her identity during the course of the book.  She had spunk and a fire burning deep within.  Colden also surprised me.  He had the rugged tough guy act going on, but he wasn't too over the top.  His alpha tendencies were toned down and well controlled.  I loved that there was more than met the eye with him.  When the author brought them together I could feel the sexual tension pouring off the pages.  I loved every second of it!

      Please, do not let the size of this novel deter you from reading it.  You will thank me in the end.  :)

Happy reading!!

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Excerpt

His large hand hit the edge of the bed, and he pushed himself into a standing position. With his chest rising and falling beneath his shirt, his eyes remained fixed on her. She lay naked on the bed, but it was Colden’s vulnerability that stood, unprotected, in the room.

Dusty eased herself to the edge of the bed with Colden silently watching. She got up on her feet.

His jaw flinched. “Damn, girl,” he said, taking another thorough inspection of her naked body. “You’re gorgeous.” 

The compliment infused her confidence, and she took a step toward him.

“But you’d better not come any closer.”

“Why not?” 

“Because, ever since you pranced that sweet little ass of yours into Odessa, I’ve wanted you, and the one night I took you up against old man McAllister’s fence…well, hell, that couldn’t even lick a fraction of what I need from you.”

“What you need from me?” She inched nearer, loving the sound of those words.

“Oh yeah.” He gazed down, touching her with his eyes. “There’s not one part of you that I don’t want…or need.”

She reached out and gathered the bottom of his shirt in her hands. “Good, because there’s not a part of me that I don’t want to give to you.” She pulled his shirt up over his head, then tossed it on the floor to join her pile of clothes.

Colden watched her shaky fingers as they fumbled with the button of his jeans. “I can’t make you any promises,”  he quietly admitted.

Pulling down his zipper, her hand stilled. She looked up at his strict, beautiful face. “I’m not asking for any. I just want tonight.” 

He grabbed her and pulled her against his warm, hard body, cradling her neck in his hand, a powerful taking that stole her breath away. He placed a finger on the underside of her chin and tilted her head until their eyes met. “Don’t misunderstand my meaning,”  he said, his mouth cascading over hers. “I want more than just tonight, Dusty. I’m just not in any position to make any commitments right now.” This time, his lips didn’t brush hers. Instead, they covered her with heated need—aggressive, desirous, savoring need.

“Tonight, though,” his fingers tightened on her neck, “tonight you will be all mine,” he growled.

***

Meet the author:

Kelly resides in a quiet suburb somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Her day job? Kelly works in health care representing a group of nursing facilities in the WNY area. She’s been faithfully writing for three years but did write her first book ten years ago. She put it down to raise her son as a single mom and then picked it back up when she and her son finally grew up. That's when she settled into her newly married adult life and started to seriously write again. She's dabbled with Romantic Suspense stories, but recently she's been on an Adult Contemporary Romance kick.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelGendron
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelgendron
Goodreads Author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625187.Kelly_Gendron
Goodreads Book Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18365232-broken-fences
Website: http://kellygendron.com/

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RELEASE DAY!! Game for Trouble By: Karen Erickson

It's here! Karen Erickson's GAME FOR TROUBLE is live and ready for you today! An amazing contemporary romance, GAME FOR TROUBLE is book 2 in the Game For It Series. It's steamy, sexy and a definite must-read! 

And you can get it today!!

See below for all of the information on GAME FOR TROUBLE and Karen Erickson, as well as where to find her. We also have an excerpt for you. After reading the excerpt, make sure to go and enter the amazing giveaway below! 

Amazon

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Synopsis:

He’ll play dirty to get what he wants…

Willow Cavanaugh would be happy if she never saw cocky football star Nick Hamilton again. Sure, their fling was the hottest she’d had, but he’s way too much of a playboy to settle down with one woman. Plus, she’s got her heart set on a piece of real estate for her catering business—and Nick owns that property.

Nick may be at the top of his game, but all he wants is a second chance with Willow. When he offers to sell her his commercial space if she agrees to a series of dates with him, their chemistry is so scintillating that jumping back into bed seems like an inevitability. But Willow’s decided all’s fair in sex and blackmail. Little does she know, Nick’s playing to win…and she’s the prize

 ***

Excerpt:

“Come in here.” She grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him inside, shutting the door behind her and twisting the lock into place. “Let’s stay in tonight. It’s cold out there.”

“But...wherever you wanna go, darlin’, I’m game. My treat. You could order fifty lobsters for dinner, and I won’t protest.”

She grimaced. “I hate lobster.”

“You do not,” he said, frowning. “You grew up here. You can pluck a lobster straight out of the ocean from your dad’s deck.”

“Just because I grew up here doesn’t mean I have to love seafood.” She scrunched her nose. How she hated explaining this. No one ever got it. “I’ve never been a big fan. Lobster’s sorta freaky. Crab is too much work, not enough reward. I don’t mind shrimp, though. You can just pop them in your mouth and eat them.”

“I’ll take you out for all you can eat shrimp, then. You can stuff your face until you wanna burst,” he suggested eagerly.

Laughing, she shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d rather stay in tonight with you.” She sobered up quick. The more they stayed in the better. This so- called relationship needed to stay quiet. One mention of it to the media, local or bigger, and all hell was going to break loose. As in, her father would have an epic freak-out.

“We always do that, though. Stay in.” He scowled. “Aren’t you getting bored?”

Oh, no. “Are you?” God, he was already tired of her. Really, she shouldn’t care. She should be glad. The faster she got rid of him, the better.

Right?

“No. Hell, no. Anytime I’m with you is good, Will.”

He reached for her, settling those big hands on her hips. Dipping his head, he bent his knees a little so he could peer directly into her eyes. “Are you getting sick of me yet?”

She pressed her lips together to keep from saying what she really wanted. I could never get sick of you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“No. Well. Your constant sweet talk is getting sort of old.” She rolled her eyes, putting on an act. Nothing Nick did when they were together was getting old.

His mouth curved upward. “What are you talking about?”

“All the darlin’s and the sugars and the princess remarks. I think you say that sort of thing so you never have to worry about the name of the girl you’re with,” she teased.

His face turned frightfully solemn. “You really think that?”

Uh oh. She shrugged. “I’ve wondered.”

“Really.” His fingers bit into her flesh, he held her so tight.

“Maybe?” He had her doubting herself. How did he do that?

Dope. He constantly keeps you on edge.

“Trust me, I always know who I’m with when I’m with you.” He kissed her—the softest, sweetest kiss ever. So soft, so sweet, she immediately wanted to weep when he pulled away to murmur against her lips, “Willow.”

Meet the author:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read - sexy contemporary romance. Digitally published since 2006, she's a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Website: http://karenerickson.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karenerickson

Facebook: http://facebook.com/karenericksonwritesromance

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3198951.Karen_Erickson

GAME FOR TROUBLE Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18282682-game-for-trouble?ac=1

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Erickson/e/B002BLNABC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1382308173&sr=8-2-ent

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REVIEW: Back Up by: A.M. Madden (@ammadden1)

 

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Synopsis:

Leila Marino’s biggest dream is to become a rock star. A lucky opportunity has her auditioning with an up & coming rock band named Devil’s Lair. The band hires Leila as their back-up singer, signing her up for months in the studio and touring on the road with the sexy bunch.

Jack is the quintessential rock star…gorgeous…sexy…a walking orgasm. Jack Lair is the lead singer of Devil’s Lair and his dreams are becoming reality as his band climbs the ladder of success. He’s living the perfect life, and enjoying every minute of it. With a steady stream of sexual conquests that satisfies his raging libido, he thinks he has all he needs in life…until Leila enters it.

Jack is not prepared for the sudden pull he feels towards Leila, and struggles daily to deny his attraction is anything more. Leila finds falling for her new boss is constant torment. Both convince themselves friendship is their only option.

An intimate moment causes their willpower to collapse, and their erotic love affair to begin. Finding love was a bonus that neither Jack nor Leila anticipated. As they begin their tour together professionally and personally, life couldn’t be any better for the couple. Until a mistake from Jack’s past threatens their new relationship, and their perfect future together.



***

Review:

          I received this book as an ARC for an honest review and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. Rocker romances hold a special place in my heart so when this one came across to us, I had to beat my sister away from it :) A.M. Madden has left me wanting more!! The fact that this is her debut novel blows me away!!  Back Up does leave you with a cliff hanger and I am hoping that she doesn't leave us hanging for long!!

 

          Leila Marino is a back up singer for The Cliffhangers, but she wants more.. She wants it all! After trying out for the Devil's Lair, a hot up and coming band, she is a bit star struck. Meeting Jack Lair has left her with her tongue glued to the top of her mouth and a tingling feeling down below. H.O.T.  Only problem... he is her new boss...

  

          When Jack lays eyes on Leila, the over bearing feeling of making her his is a bit unsettling. Knowing that he needs to stay away from her for the sake of the band, he begins to go a little crazy. Until one night with a little too much alcohol and finding himself alone with Leila, he just can't help himself.

 

          The two are constantly fighting their inner thoughts, both knowing that for the sake of the band, they need to stay away. Leaving for tour in a few weeks, being forced to be alone.. on a tour bus...for 6 months... how in the world are they going to do that.

 

          I absolutely loved the chemistry that these two had! Will they be able to stay away from each other? Will a relationship ruin the bands success? Can this possibly make the band stronger, if their feelings are shown through their performances? I cannot wait to see where the story heads next while they are on tour!!

 

Enjoy <3

 

Meet the Author:

 

A.M. Madden's debut novel Back-up is the first in a series of three. Book two, Front & Center and book three, Encore are both scheduled for release in early 2014.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally.

A self proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. Using every free moment of her time while working a full time job as well as raising teenage boys, A.M. Madden plans to continue writing and hopes for it to become a second career.

A.M. Madden can be contacted on Facebook ,  Twitter, or at am.madden@aol.com

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Chasing Serenity by: Eden Butler

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Synopsis:  Graduate student Autumn McShane has had her share of heartbreak. She's been abandoned and betrayed and she lost her beloved mother in a tragic car accident five months ago. That loss damaged her body and fractured her spirit but she's learning to recover, until her ex-boyfriend returns to town, intent on making her life miserable.

Declan Fraser hates her ex as much as Autumn does, but the last thing she needs is to put her trust in the hands of another man, especially one like Declan: his hard body and lulling Irish accent makes more than a few girls weak-kneed. The talented rugby player is rude and sarcastic, with tattooed, muscular arms and a cocky attitude, but he's the only one who can help Autumn win an ill-advised bet that, if lost, could cost her more than she's willing to pay. The reluctant alliance between Declan and Autumn stirs up cravings she doesn't want to admit, but Declan is a hard man to resist.

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Review:  When tragedy strikes Autumn's life is sent spiraling into the abyss.  The things she once loved to do she must now struggled with.  The ones she loved the most are no longer by her side.  Somehow she finds the strength to soldier on.  I am not sure if it is courage that fuels her or good ol' fashion stubbornness.  Regardless, Autumn tries to pull herself up by her bootstraps, dusts off the mud and tries to move on.

     What Autumn never expected was for Declan to come stumbling into her life.  Holy Hell.  Thank you Eden Butler for Declan.  This was my first rugby experience.  Let's just say you may find me hanging around the pitch if there is a possibility of finding a man like Declan (sshhh don't tell my husband.)  I am not sure what I loved more about him.  His tattoos?  Maybe.  His outrageously gorgeous body?  Sure.  His lavishly sexy Irish accent?  Someone catch me I am falling.  But wrap all of this together with a bit of twine and his sweet caring, compassionate heart... dear Lord save me.

     Alright, now that I have had a moment to compose myself I will continue.  Declan and Autumn make an amazing duo.  Whenever you put together two strong minded individuals it makes for an amazing story.  I found their tale heartbreaking, but triumphant at the same time.  The author did a great job developing not only Autumn and Declan's characters, but also the plot. 

     I strongly suggest you snuggle up with Declan today!

Happy reading!!

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Excerpt 

I run the tap and splash water on my nape not really paying attention as the door swings open. When I return to the mirror, Declan stands behind me.

“I really don’t have time for this.” 

“No, you don’t. Uppity bollocks is waiting for you.” The heat from his chest warms me, settles into a hum that shoots straight to my stomach. He watches my reflection, eyes down cast, cool. I don’t like that expression or how his indifference seems to be forced.

“What happened to not reliving the past, McShane?”

I wad up the paper towel and toss it in the trash, glaring when Declan traps me against the wall. “Please leave me alone.” He doesn’t speak. When I move to the right, he follows, arm stretching out to stop me. His fingers trace the high arch of my cheekbone, down my chin to rest at my bottom lip.

“You can’t go with him.” 

“Why the hell not?” 

Declan’s forehead rests against mine. He’s so close that I can see his throat working, the pulse speeding on his neck. When he doesn’t answer, I push him away, intend to leave, but his hand slams the door closed. The lock clicking sounds against the cold tile floor.

The wall against my back is cold, uncomfortable, and I grope for the lock, eager to escape the imposing way Declan watches me, absorbs my features. When I touch the door, he reaches out, one arm on each side of my head. “He’s not the one, love. You know that. Deep in your gut, you know it isn’t Tucker.” 

“Then who is it?” I can’t help saying. “It’s not you. You’ve told me that a thousand times. This…thing, this whatever we had, is over.” He starts to argue, but I stop him with a quick shake of my head. “No, Declan. It was your choice.” I want to know, God how I want a plausible excuse for his rejection. Was everything I felt between us a lie? Was I misguided in thinking every touch, every kiss was forced, not at all real? His collar is stiff with starch when I curl it in my hands. I inch my fingers up to rub against his bottom lip and notice his chin shake, the quick blink of his eyelids.

There is a moist gleam in his green irises that I know comes from more than just the beer he drank. “I wanted you so badly. I still—” when my eyes slam shut, Declan inches forward, his fingers fanning down my neck. I stretch, pull back from his touch, but he’s so close, his breath a warm hint over my collar. “You rejected me. I’m not going to play games with you anymore.” “I  can’t…if you knew—” There it is again. The long withheld mystery that he can’t talk about. His “not a wife, not a family, not dying” secret that isn’t his to tell. I won’t let him keep doing this to me. “Help me understand then.” An inhale against my shoulder as he rests there and the tremors in his hands, his shoulders move me back into the wall. “You don’t know how hard this is for me.” His hair brushes my cheek when he raises back up. “I want you. God, do I want you.”'

“Declan. Please. You have a girlfriend. You shouldn’t say things like that when you have Heather.” 

“How do you know about her?” he asks, refusing to budge when I push on his chest.

“Was I not supposed to find out? She threatened me to stay away from you.” 

Declan rubs his shoulder and I instantly miss the heat from his chest. The break is momentary. He adjusts his stance, returns his hand to the side of my face. “We’re not together. I don’t want her, Autumn.” 

I try to leave again, but his grip is unyielding and my efforts to walk away are weak at best. I could leave. I could easily slip from him and he’d likely let me go. But his eyes have me locked, frozen to my spot. His gaze goes everywhere; on my mouth, staring, as if he wants whatever mad things he’s thinking to break free from his mind. But I’m not a mind reader and I can’t do this. Not anymore.

“Tucker’s waiting for me.” 

“No.” He slaps his palm against the wall next to my head and leaves his hand there. “Don’t leave.” 

I stare at the sharp point of his nose, the small frown that parts his mouth, anywhere but in those brilliant green eyes. When he doesn’t budge, the anger bubbles again. I am frustrated and eager for him to understand how much he has hurt me. Tucker hasn’t tried touching me, not since that first date weeks ago, but Declan doesn’t know that. To his eyes, we are together. That unsettles him. I won’t tell him the truth; it’s a commodity that we both use in this push and pull game. I’m not stupid. I know whatever Tucker is holding over Declan is the reason he walked away from me. Still, I want Declan to hurt, to suffer like I have, to understand what it feels like when I think of him with Heather. It’s a small lie, but cruel enough to make Declan’s heart quake, an echo of the pain he’s caused me.

“I’m going with him, Declan. I’m going out with Tucker. I’m going to have dinner with him. I’m going to dance with him. I’m going to let him hold me.” His eyes flash and he pulls his hand away from me. “And when the night is over, I’m going to let him kiss me, let him touch me if he wants. I’m going to do all of that because he wants me and he isn’t afraid to show me how much he wants me. Because he isn’t a coward.”
Declan slams his fist against the wall and I don’t even flinch. I knew it was coming. I take a step away from him and he reacts instantly. His hand on my arm, pulling, my shoulders back against the wall, his voice angry, deep. “Does he touch you like I do?”  He presses against me hard and I close my eyes, inhaling to settle my pounding heart, to ignore the way my body aches, how everything in me tells me to hold tight to him. “Does he kiss you like I do?”  Declan doesn’t wait for an answer. He takes my face again and kisses me. His tongue slips into my mouth, and I let myself enjoy the feel of him against me, the sound of his moans vibrating in his throat. He won’t give me space, even as I angle my face away from him. His body is firm over mine and in that moment, I hate him. I hate the way his arms cage me to the wall. I hate how my heart races, how my body throbs with his scent, with the taste of him. When I close my eyes again, another attempt to block out all the sensations he raises in me, Declan grabs my chin. “Look at me,” he says, his voice firm, even lower than moments ago. “Fecking look at me, Autumn,” he whispers.

***

Meet the Author:

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of New Adult Romance and SciFi and Fantasy novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. Her debut novel, a New Adult, Contemporary (no cliffie) Romance, “Chasing Serenity” will launch October 2013. 

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, thinking up impossible plots, Eden edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football. 

Author Contact Info:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eden.butler.10?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenButler_

Blog: http://edenbutlerwrites.wordpress.com/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21011324-eden-butler

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