Tuesday, September 30, 2014

He's So Fine, a new romance by Jill Shalvis


 
He's So Fine
A Lucky Harbor Novel
by Jill Shalvis
a Contemporary Romance
Book Summary:
For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It's the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she's rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she's ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to "save" him. In fact, he'd like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He's just not expecting that real trouble is about to com
e her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole's heart, or will it be the end of Olivia's days in little Lucky Harbor? 

 
HE'S SO FINE is available in mass market paperback, ebook and audio book formats wherever books are sold if you'd like to include retailers links in your post. 

And of course you can add it to your shelf on Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/1qbcfrn


Jill's Bio:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

You can learn more about Jill at:
www.JillShalvis.com
Twitter @jillshalvis

 

Tour Giveaway

 a print copy of HE'S SO FINE by Jill Shalvis 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prospecting for love in the Bare Bones MC

  
 
Bad to the Bones
The Bare Bones MC 3
 by Layla Wolfe
 a Motorcyle Club MC Contemporary Romance
 

 SYNOPSIS


 Knoxie Hammett has been The Bare Bones' tattoo artist for years. He's just drifted through life, living it large and performing in their Triple Exposure films, recovering from a divorce he never wanted. Suddenly Knox has a reason to live and to Prospect for the outlaw motorcycle club.

 He'll need their help to rescue the lovely Bellamy Jager from the jaws of the warped, cutthroat cult leader who has been holding her hostage for all her adult life. To the neglected, abused teenaged Bellamy, living in the desert canyons off stolen food and time, the sanctity of the ashram looked like a safe zone. But her haven turned to hell and she was drugged and abused, ignorant of any other way of life.

 Knoxie will need every one of his Bare Bones brothers and every ounce of bravery he can muster. To save Bellamy and her white slave sisters from the twisted Swami, he’ll need to pull off the most daring heist of his life to prove to the club and the world that he’s…BAD TO THE BONES


 
Review by pearls

The Bare Bones MC family is one that I have come to love. We get to see plenty of our favorite characters from previous books. This installment adds two new characters to the club.  Knoxie is a 40 year old divorced ink artist/former soldier that seems to be wondering aimlessly through life until he encounters Bellamy.  Her predicament gives him direction and purpose.  The story opens with Bellamy, who has been living in a cult.  She thought she had found her purpose, until she is exiled from the commune.  Struggling to find her way in the world again, her sanctuary becomes the safety of Knoxie's arms.  And in the middle of it all are power hungry, greedy, drug running gurus who will stop at nothing to get what they want.  Lots of action, and some steamy scenes, too.  Colorful euphemisms keep the tone light despite the dark subject matter. 
 
About the Author
Bestselling author Layla Wolfe is satisfied with a leather jacket, one bad-ass pink camo compound bow, and a vicarious outlaw lifestyle.

Layla Wolfe is the pen name of multi-published erotic romance author Karen Mercury. You can find her at:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22914552-bad-to-the-bones
http://laylawolfeauthor.blogspot.com/
Layla's Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/laylawolfe/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/layla.wolfe
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaylaWolfeAutho


The Bare Bones MC Series
The Bare Bones                                                                                             Stay Vertical

Monday, September 29, 2014

Going through hell to find your heaven


Surviving Broken
The Mathews Family Series 4
By Beverly Preston
a Contemporary Romance
Can be read as a Stand-alone

Amazon:         Amazon UK:

B & N: TBD        iTunes: TBD


RELEASE DATE: September 29th, 2014

Blurb

~ Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven ~

 
Most women have a wish list when it comes to what kind of man they want to date. JC Mathews used a strict set of guidelines as a safety net to keep herself out of trouble and out of love.

 On hiatus from the bright lights and speculative gazes of her career in the fashion industry, JC lets her guard down...only to the wrong man. After escaping Italy and the hands of her abuser, she returns to Malibu to recover. The last thing she expects to find is a large, gorgeous intruder swimming naked in her pool.

 Reed Rider left Texas and his broken heart behind in order to settle his aunt’s affairs after her death. Seeking refuge from the California heat for a midnight swim in his neighbor’s backyard, he never expects to find the nude silhouette of a long-haired beauty standing at the water’s edge.

As their passion ignites and the pages of JC's rulebook fade to grey, she unlocks her guarded heart to begin a new chapter in her life. When hidden truths are exposed and secrets unravel, will they survive the threats from their broken pasts?

 

 



 Review by pearls:

Once again, Beverly Preston does not disappoint.  It was great to see her stretch her creative wings as she portrayed the darkness of an abusive relationship alongside the beauty of real love.  JC finds herself in the role of many women: wondering how she allowed herself to be manipulated with promised of love into breaking all of her rules.  How can she ever trust herself again, let alone a new man in another relationship.  The abuse is very present, but artistically referenced.  It is the psychology in her head that takes center stage.  In contrast, a relationship built on mutual respect and affection allows her to blossom in her personal and professional life.  He too comes into the relationship broken, showing that despite the cause, broken hearts can be mended and will love again.  A great addition to the Mathews series, and you get to see all the family again!


 

 

EXCERPT

Everything around her came to screeching halt.

Every voice, every footstep, every clink of a glass, even the music rendered silent. Overcome by fear, she stood, paralyzed, as her pulse rampaged through the veins in her neck. JC stared at the man sitting at the table with his back toward her. She’d only seen one man who measured up to Codge’s size, and he’d swam naked in her pool last night.

Fear exploded into anger and aggravation, realizing she stood shaking in her boots while he sat enjoying himself with friends. Oh, that is it! I don’t fucking think so! I am not going to be afraid of you…or any other man!

Slamming her purse on the bar, she snarled at Codge, “Watch this for me.”

JC stormed toward the group of men ordering a round of drinks from the waitress. Her eyes narrowed and jaw clamped tight and she stopped directly behind the man. Other men at the table all took notice of JC staring viciously at the back of his head as if it were a dartboard.

A man sitting directly across the table surveyed her with wide, curious eyes. Clearing his throat, he mumbled something and nodded in JC’s direction.

Everyone at the table, now fully aware of her fury, watched as the large man glanced nonchalantly over his shoulder.

Her heartbeat pounded in her chest as their eyes met and locked.

He made a grim observation of the situation, slowly returning his gaze to the table, muttering, “Oh, hell.”

JC’s hands balled into fists, ready to take aim as he scooted his chair away from the table. “Oh, hell is right!” She demanded, “Why were you in my pool?”

Rising from the chair, he straightened to his full height, towering over JC. The enormous size of him made her stagger back a step. Blood rushed from her face, draining her of color. Anger welled up inside, pissed at herself for withdrawing. 

“Change that to a shot of Jack Daniels,” he said to the waitress.

Finding her nerve, JC lifted her chest taking a bold step towards him, encroaching into his personal space. Her voice escalated three octaves higher. “Why were you naked in my pool? Were you trying to rob me? What are you? Some kind of burglar?”

“Make that two shots of Jack,” he called toward the bar, uneasily running his fingers through his dirty-blond hair. He turned back to the men sitting at the table. “’Scuse me.”

He held his hand out, politely gesturing JC toward the bar as if attempting to avoid an embarrassing scene.

“What’s the matter? You don’t want your friends to know you broke into my backyard?”

He cautiously touched his hand against the small of her back.

She flinched and swatted at his hand. “Don’t touch me!” she fumed, taking an aggressive stance, almost chest bumping him as she glared up into his eyes.

He gazed down, staring at her sympathetically with the most gorgeous ice blue eyes she’d ever seen. As he leaned in next to her ear, she recoiled when the stubble on his face briefly touched the skin near her temple. “Ma’am, I’d appreciate it if you’ll allow me to explain. I’m not a burglar. And I don’t need everybody in this bar thinking I might be one.”

JC blinked repeatedly, silently damning him for having such tender sweetness in his voice that dripped like honey from his tongue. An unfamiliar sensation rippled through her all the way down to her toes. Turning from his hypnotic blue eyes, she marched to the bar.

Codge’s elbows rested on the bar top, leaning his chin on his entwined fingers. A bottle of Jack Daniels and two full shot glasses sat in front of him on the thick slab of wood.

A light dampness of sweat covered her body from the adrenaline coursing through her body. Her chest heaved up and down with each breath. JC waited for her streaker to explain, but he seemed to be at a loss for words, only staring at her intently.

“Well, spit it out,” she snipped, impatiently placing her hands on her hips.

He reached for a shot of Jack and then another, extending a shot glass to her.

“You think I’m gonna have a drink with you?” she shrieked, appalled by the offer.

A hint of a smile flirted on his lip. He handed her the shot. “I thought it might settle you down.”

JC gripped the cold glass between her fingers. “Whiskey makes me louder.”

He glanced at Codge with bent brow, downed his shot and removed the shot glass from JC’s fingers, setting it on the bar. “Look ma’am, if whisky makes you feistier, you don’t need this.”

Her mouth dropped open with a huff. Defiantly, she reached over, grabbed the shot between her fingers and tossed it back in one swig. Licking the burning sweet whiskey from her lips, JC choked, “Why do you keep calling me ma’am? Do I look like a ma’am to you?”

Her irritation grew as he simply gaped at her mouth.

“I’m from Texas. We call—”

“Well you’re not in Texas! You’re in California…naked in my pool.”

Codge let out a deep throaty chuckle as he filled the shot glass again.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Clemmins. I thought you were out of town. I’m—”

“Ewww! I am not Mrs. Clemmins.” JC wrinkled her nose. “Mrs. Clemmins is my mother and Mr. Clemmins is my stepdad.”

Staring at JC, he mused over her in bewilderment before swallowing another shot of Jack.

Codge snickered for the second time.

“I’ve about heard enough out of you, old man,” the man warned with a sharp glare.

“Hey! Don’t you talk to my friend like that,” JC sassed back boldly.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

Codge crooned, smiling ear from ear. “Her name is JC Mathews.”

Her streaker’s ice blue eyes smiled teasingly. “JC, darlin’, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Codge is my friend.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Codge mouthed something to the man. She snapped her head toward the bar, snarling, “Are you enjoying this, Codge? What did you just say to him?”

Codge held out his hands blamelessly, pointing to the man with flushed cheeks. “Me? I didn’t say anything. Ask him.”

JC’s patience pushed past her limits. Throwing her hands in the air, she pointed at both men. “Bullshit! Somebody better start talking. You still haven’t told me why you were in my yard! And don’t call me darlin’!”

Codge shot the man a wary glance. “Reed, my friend, you’re on your own. I’ve known her family for too many years.” He nervously stroked his goatee. “I said—”

“I guess it can’t get any worse. He said goddess. My name is Reed. I’m your neighbor. And I was caught swimming naked in your pool because I was hot. I thought you were out of town. Hell, I’ve never seen anyone at that house and the day I decide, What the hell, Reed, no one’s home, you show up. I’m sorry for scaring the daylights out of ya’. I thought you were—”

“A goddess. He thought you were a goddess,” Codge belted out a booming laugh.

Reed glowered at Codge as if he was about to commit murder. “I thought you were Mrs. Clemmins.”

Codge chuckled. “That’s not exactly how he told the story. There was definitely a goddess mixed in there somewhere, along with—”

“Codge!” The roar of Reed’s harsh warning made JC flinch.

The old man smiled big enough to stick a nickel in his dimples. “JC, did you come here to eat one of my famous turkey burgers? Why don’t you two have a seat at a table and let your new neighbor dig himself a big hole? Dinner’s on me.”

 

 
 



First Three books in the Mathews Family Series
 

will be ON SALE throughout the tour!

ONLY $0.99

Each can be read as a stand-alone.








 


No More Wasted Time (bk 1)
 
Review by pearls:

 

Shayla’s Story (bk 2)
 
Review by pearls:

 
 

The Perfect Someday (bk 3)
 
Review by pearls: 


 

About the Author:


#1 Bestselling Author, Beverly Preston has been a stay at home mom for 21 years, although she prefers the title Domestic Engineer. Along the way, Beverly worked side by side with her husband Don, the love of her life, designing, building and selling custom homes. As her children begin to venture out on their own, she’s left to shed a tear—for a minute—wonder what’s next in life, and embrace the feeling of empowerment that surely must’ve been wrapped in a present she received on her fortieth birthday.

 

If Beverly isn’t at home riding her spin bike, you’ll find her spinning richly emotional and sinfully sexy romance stories.

 




 


 


 GIVEAWAY

$50 Gift Card (1 Winner)

And one winner for each of the following:

Beverly Preston - Signed paperback of Surviving Broken

Jodi Malpas – One signed paperback of One Night Promised
AL Jackson - Signed paperback of winner's choice (U.S. Only)



Raine Miller - Signed paperback of choice from any of my books
Gretchen de la O – One ebook of Almost Eighteen and one entire ebook set of the Wilson Mooney series
Julie Richman - Signed paperback of Bad Son Rising
Julie Prestsater - Signed copy of a Without You and a swag pack
Ilsa Madden-Mills - One ebook of readers choice
Renee Carlino - One ebook of sweet thing
Michelle Valentine – One ebook of Rock the Heart

When love becomes A Desperate Wager

A Desperate Wager - Tour Banner  

 

 A Desperate Wager
by Em Taylor
a  Historical Regency Romance
 
A Desperate Wager - Book Cover
   

BOOK BLURB / SYNOPSIS

Nathaniel Spencer, the Fourteenth Duke of Kirkbourne wakes up with an almighty hangover and a wager note in his pocket stating he has agreed to marry the Earl of Brackingham’s daughter. And he can’t even remember ever meeting the chit. Clearly his drinking has got out of hand.
 
Lady Sarah Steele is horrified when her father announces that the Duke of Kirkbourne has agreed to marry her and even more horrified that her father wagered her hand in a game of cards. Not only that, but the earl has not told the duke of the riding accident that left Sarah paralysed when she was sixteen. But he’s dying and she knows he wants to see her settled before the inevitable happens.
 
Despite Nate’s drinking and Sarah’s possible complicity in the earl’s plan, they agree to marry. But when accidents start to happen, the newly-weds must deal not only with the fact they are practically strangers, but they must find out who is trying to kill one or both of them. Nate’s drink problem and Sarah’s disability are only a couple of the hurdles they must face to find lasting love.

BUY & TBR LINKS


A Desperate Wager - Teaser  

EXCERPT

Nathaniel Spencer, fourteenth Duke of Kirkbourne groaned and rolled over in bed. A tattoo beat a steady rhythm inside his skull, his stomach was bilious and the world spun at an alarming rate. Last night he had been in his cups—again. He knew he should take a more moderate attitude to alcohol but recently, staying sober had seemed somewhat pointless. Why stay sober if you were just going to end up dead at the side of the road—another silly young buck who had killed himself in a curricle race? Damn Crosby! Why had he made the damned challenge? Nathaniel, or Nate as he preferred to be called, would never forget Crosby’s lifeless eyes staring up at him, or the crack of the pistol as a bystander put his horses out of their misery. And he would never forgive himself for being the man whom Crosby was racing. Nate closed his eyes and willed his stomach to stop churning as he tried to recall the events of the night before. He had been at White’s for dinner and had moved to the card room. The brandy had been flowing, and Ormsby had suggested moving on to a less reputable gaming hell. He remembered the Earl of Brackingham tagging along for some reason that defied Nate. He had no issue with Brackingham, but the earl was at least twenty years the senior of everyone else in their party. He had been coughing somewhat alarmingly, Nate recalled. He hoped the old man was not spreading disease around. The last thing Nate needed was to be laid up in bed—his mother fussing around him and pouring vile-tasting concoctions down his throat. There was another thing that took many young, seemingly healthy lives—fever. Curricles and fever—good reasons to get absolutely foxed if ever he needed any. Brackingham! The name seemed to be prodding his tired and very painful brain—waiting for him to remember something significant from last night. He had a vague memory of playing vingt et un with him. There had been a ludicrous bet. Brackingham wagered his daughter’s hand and if Nate lost, he would have to marry the girl. Nate had been on a winning streak. Bravado and alcohol made him foolish. He had a three and a queen. He sat up as the king of diamonds flashed before his eyes. God, damn it. The king of diamonds took him to twenty-three. His head swum and he tamped down the urge to cast up his accounts. Twenty-three. But surely a wager like that was a joke. It had to be. Brackingham did not expect him to marry his chit of a daughter, did he? Had he even set eyes on the girl before? Again, some piece of information about the girl needled his brain. He had no recollection of dancing with her at balls. But then he hardly ever danced at balls. He had no plans to seek a leg-shackle on the marriage mart, so he steered clear and spent most of the evening in the card room. God, he hoped she was at least old enough to have had her come out and this was not some medieval plan to marry a thirteen-year-old off to him. Eighteen was quite young enough—too young in his rather jaded opinion. But no. He had no recollection of ever having set eyes on Lady… Lady what? He had no idea. He fished in the pocket of his waistcoat, which he still wore, having obviously been so foxed when he had returned that he had either shooed his valet away or he had arrived so late the valet had been asleep. There was a note. A wager. He hoped he owed the man a vast fortune instead. Marry Lady Sarah Steele. Dowry - £10,000. Meet Brackingham on 5th day of March to make arrangements. Today must be the fifth of March. Yesterday had definitely been the fourth. Christ, he had to see if this was a big joke or, if not, was there any way he could inveigle his way out of it. He had no plans to marry. None at all. And that was that.

AUTHOR BIO

A Desperate Wager - Author PhotoEm was born and brought up in the Central Belt of Scotland and still lives there. She was told as a child she had an over active imagination--as if that is a bad thing. She's traded her dreams of owning her own island, just like George in the Famous Five to hoping to meet her own Mr Darcy one day. But her imagination remains the same.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


 

 

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

$20 Amazon Gift Certificate
 
 
Tour organized & hosted by:
1-MINIBUTTON

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Taking a Maximum Risk with your heart


MAXIMUM RISK

Wolff Securities, Book #1
by Jennifer Lowery
a Military Romance

 Blurb
It should have been a simple rescue mission…

Retired Pararescueman, Quinn Wolff, wrote the book on how to stay alive during a mission when he founded Wolff Securities, an elite private sector security firm. When he fast-ropes down to save missing humanitarian aid worker, Avery Marks, in the remote mountains of Azbakastan he isn’t prepared for the brave, stubborn woman who challenges the rules he wrote in order to protect her.

But when it comes to matters of the heart nothing is simple…

Avery Marks learned a long time ago to take care of herself, but when her convoy is attacked, her friends and coworkers murdered, she has to rely on the aid of intensely capable and handsome, Quinn Wolff to get her safely out of the country. His skills keep her alive, but his kisses put her in danger. In danger of losing her heart. That’s a risk she can’t take ever again.

Content Warning: Sexual content

Review by pearls:

My eyes are going to be puffy from all the tears I cried reading this book, both happy and sad tears.  I read this book in one sitting.  The quick action keeps you turning the page. From plunging rivers and terrorists to escaping the noisy reporters, there's never a dull moment at Wolff Security. Avery is a strong woman who refuses to let the traumatic events break her.  Quinn not only respects her strength, but helps her find her footing again.   Their mutual admiration and chemistry is evident throughout the story, despite their efforts to deny it. The Wolff family of 6 brothers and a sister are strong, loyal, and determined to help those who need help.  It will be interesting to see how their stories unfold.  Meanwhile, this story does have an arc ending at the last page. 



Excerpt:


Copyright © 2014 Jennifer Lowery

The air in the cave shifted. She went still, tried to slow her breathing. Seconds later Quinn whispered her name.

A sob built in her throat but she pushed it down, unwilling to let him see how his return affected her.

“Avery?” Concerned. Alert.

She tried to answer, but the words stuck in her throat. Seconds later his hand was on her shoulder.

“Are you all right?”

No. Avery pushed the sleeping bag down and sat up. Her hands found his chest, bulky with vest and equipment, but warm and alive. Needing to feel his heartbeat, she found the hem of his t-shirt and slipped her hands underneath. Hot, taut skin slid beneath her hands as they traveled over rippled abs and upward.

His breath caught when she opened her palm over his chest where his heart beat strong and steady.

“Avery—”

She lifted up and pressed her lips to his, cutting him off. This was what she needed. Not talking. Not questions. To know she was alive, that he was alive, and she wasn’t alone. Reassurance that she was free of her captors.

In control.

His lips were warm, strong against hers. He hesitated, then he took over and the kiss no longer belonged to her. His lips moved over hers and stole her breath away. All her fears dissipated until there was only Quinn and the incredible way he was kissing her. Her hands dug into hard muscle, urging him closer. In response he tightened his arms around her.



He pulled away first. His chest heaved in synchrony with hers. In the darkness she couldn’t see his face to read his expression, but his erratic breathing told her he was as affected by the kiss as she was.

“I’m sorry.” She pulled her hand out from beneath his shirt. “I shouldn’t have—I just needed to know—”

Quinn’s fingers pressed to her mouth. “Don’t. I get it.”




AVAILABLE NOW:

Amazon      Barnes & Noble         Kobo:          iTunes:
 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Lowery grew up reading romance novels in the back of her math book and on the bus to school, and never wanted to be anything but a writer.  Her summers were spent sitting at the kitchen table with her sisters spinning tales of romance and intrigue and always with a tall glass of ice tea at their side. 

Today, Jennifer is living that dream and she couldn’t be happier to share her passion with her readers.  She loves everything there is about romance.  Her stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines.  She believes that happily ever after is only the beginning of her stories. And the road to that happy ending is paved with action, adventure, and romance. As her characters find out when they face danger, overcome fears, and are forced to look deep within themselves to discover love.  

Jennifer lives in Michigan with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. 

 
AUTHOR CONTACT LINK:






 

**Anyone who signs up for Jennifer's newsletter they will receive a FREE copy of her short story, Taking Chances.**



 
 
 
TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS: 

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift Card (winner’s choice)

2 RUNNERS UP:  will receive an e-book from Jennifer's backlist (http://jenniferloweryauthor.com/books/)