Nicole R. Locker's Blog, page 5

How Romance Books Have the Power to Empower Women (#metoo)

[image error]

It’s ongoing. It’s pervasive. It’s hidden in plain sight. Women experience this from an early age until it’s ingrained in our minds, in our world views, in our very identities. Maybe we don’t even see it until it’s pointed out to us. Until some brave woman takes a stand to say ‘Enough is Enough.’

I watched a powerful video recently. Oprah Winfrey stood before an audience of Hollywood actors and actresses, directors, producers, men and women from all walks of life, and an international audience far and wide. And she spoke her truth.

“For too long, women have not been heard, or believed, if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. BUT THEIR TIME IS UP!“

I felt so many powerful emotions watching this speech, but specifically starting at this point (6:31). And I don’t know a single woman whose heart wouldn’t swell with pride and resounding excitement to those words – BUT THEIR TIME IS UP!

As a woman, I know what it is to live in a culture inundated with the message that my identity and self worth is tied to my sexuality and what men think I have to offer them. As a romance author, I have a voice that may not have the same reach as this amazing woman, Oprah Winfrey, but I do have the amazing opportunity to reach women in a unique and powerful way, all the same.

See, I write about women. Strong women.  Women with brains.  Women who don’t sit back and take the shit from men that we, as women, have to deal with every single day of our lives.  Shit that most men don’t even have the slightest clue about, because we keep it quiet. We don’t talk about it. We ignore it so that we don’t bring more attention to it, and maybe it will go away.

In the books I read, romance books I love so much, books by amazing authors like Lauren Blakely, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Rye Hart, Elodie Colt, L.M. Halloran, Maria Luis, Faleena Hopkins, J. Saman, Kharma Kelley, Patricia Briggs, Linsey Hall, and so many others… there are women in these stories who light the way to what we, as women, are really and truly looking for.

To be loved, cherished, and respected for the person we are.  Not for just our looks, not just for our sexuality or what we can offer a man for his sexual gratification. Women have minds. We are resourceful, courageous, and forces in our own rights. We have thoughts, opinions, talents, abilities, skills that apply outside the confines of a bedroom. Our worth is more than our reproductive organs. We have an infinite amount more to offer and contribute to this world, and these things should not be stifled by the thoughtless, selfish, ridiculous attitudes and biases of men.

In romance books, at least the good ones, and at least the ones I’ve read, it’s not the selfish, bigoted, narcissistic men who get the women worth getting. Even if the men start out that way, they don’t get the girl from being that way. They get the girl by changing and learning a different way. Call it a character arc, call it overcoming obstacles, call it resolving conflict, or what-have you. This can be a powerful message to the women, and even men, who read romance books. And as romance writers, there’s more than just that message if you look close enough.

To me, romance books send these message to women (and if they don’t, they should!):

Make men work for it! Teach men that you demand respect and you command respect. NEVER accept anything less, regardless of what you look like.

Men who make you feel like nothing more than a sexual object are not the Heroes meant for your Happily Ever After. If that’s who you’re with now, you’re not done yet. Keep looking.
Men who treat women this way still have work to do on themselves. If they aren’t working on it, or aren’t willing to, then maybe it’s time to look for someone who is.
Few good romance book heroines go through life alone. They have best friends, sisters, sidekicks of some form or fashion. They have mentors to help them on their way. Don’t make men the end-all-be-all in your lives. Keep your sidekicks and mentors around and nurture those relationships so that they are there when you need them.
Be the woman worthy of a great Hero! Don’t tie your entire identity to your sexuality. Find what breathes color into your life and build your identity around what makes you strong, what makes you respect yourself. Be the leading lady of your own story.

[image error]

What Other Messages Have You Gotten From Romance Books You Wish Other Women Would See?

Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. This isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us. It’s about being empowered and giving yourself the credit you deserve.

 

10 Interesting Ways Romance Books Change the Way Women Think About Men

Romance books, whether intentional or incidental, can do a lot of things… they entertain, delight, give us the feels, take us to magical, faraway, distant lands, let us dream, give us an escape, and maybe even let us live vicariously through the characters on a page. But sometimes they can do even more than that.

Authors have the power to reach people in ways that nothing else can, and this article explores one aspect of that power. I asked a group of Romance Authors the question…

How do romance books change the way women think about men? 

[image error]

Here’s what these talented authors had to say:

[image error] 1: Carla Caruso , Author of Run for the Hills , says…

Romance books change what women EXPECT from men, and indeed, the relationships they have with them.

Thanks to romance novels, women can expect to be treated like princesses, and with respect. They can expect to be a priority in their partner’s life. They can expect passion, and that a man will satisfy their needs in bed – plus not be afraid to ‘educate’ the men in the latter area if they need a little help.

15 Favorite Reads of 2017, Straight From Romance Authors

I got a wild hair recently (because I just had to know), and I asked a group of Romance Authors what their favorite reads of 2017 were.  Great authors, most of which are members of the RWA (Romance Writers of America), and many of which are Best Selling Authors of varying degrees!

And let me be the first to tell you, picking just one is no easy feat. There’s so many great books out there… how can anyone ever choose just one? Well, it may be a woman’s prerogative to be indecisive, and a writer’s prerogative to change up the story however she so chooses, but this group of Romance Authors rose to the task and managed to deliver.  I think you’ll be glad they did!

So without further delay, and in no particular order, here are the 15 Favorite Reads of 2017, Straight From Romance Authors.

[image error]

1: Katrina Marie , author of the Asheville, Texas Series, says…
Revelry by Kandi Steiner
[image error] Revelry by Kandi Steiner

Wren Ballard is trying to find herself. She never expected to be divorced at twenty-seven, but now that the court date has passed, it’s official. The paperwork is final. Her feelings on it aren’t.

Spending the summer in a small mountain town outside Seattle is exactly what she needs. The peaceful scenery is a given, the cat with the croaky meow is a surprise, but the real kicker? A broody neighbor with nice arms, a strange reputation, and absolutely no interest in her.

Anderson Black is perfectly fine being lost. He doesn’t care about the town’s new resident — he’s too busy fighting his own demons. But when he’s brought face to face with Wren, he can see her still-fresh wounds from a mile away. What he doesn’t see coming is his need to know who put them there — or his desperation to mend them.

Sometimes getting lost is the way to find yourself. Sometimes healing only adds a new scar. And sometimes the last place you expected to be is exactly where you find home.

2: Teresa Roman , Author of Daughter of Magic , says…
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
[image error]From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

3: Joanne Dannon , Author of the Alex Jackson Series , says…
Finding Fraser by KC Dyer
[image error]Finding Fraser by KC Dyer

I met Jamie Fraser when I was nineteen years old. He was tall, red-headed, and at our first meeting at least, a virgin. He was, in fact, the perfect man. That he was fictional hardly entered into it… 

On the cusp of thirty, Emma Sheridan is desperately in need of a change. After a string of failed relationships, she can admit that no man has ever lived up to her idea of perfection: the Scottish fictional star of romantic fantasies the world over—James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser.Her ideal man might be ripped from the pages of a book, but Emma hopes that by making one life-altering decision she might be able to turn fiction into fact. After selling all her worldly possessions, Emma takes off for Scotland with nothing but her burgeoning travel blog to confide in.

But as she scours the country’s rolling green hills and crumbling castles, Emma discovers that in searching for her own Jamie Fraser, she just might find herself.

4: Mercedes Siler , Author of The Girl in the Front of the Room , says…
Infamous by Lori Sizemore
[image error] Infamous by Lori Sizemore

Justine Montgomery, daughter of a divorced beauty queen and TV magnate, is a tabloid disaster after her infamous sex tape. She’s so desperate to help save her family’s home she turns to her deal-making dad. Can she prove to him she’s cut out for a career in television or will she lose it all?

Sawyer has his own past and a successful career is his only goal. Seeing Justine fail would mean the promotion of a lifetime, but things get complicated when he develops feelings for her. Suddenly, the lines between work, life, sex, and love are blurry.

They will have to overcome the bitterness of a rejected ex, the controlling actions of her father, and the half-truths they’re telling one another to forge a lasting partnership both on the job and off the clock.

5: Elodie Colt , Author of the Jaylior Series , says…
Vicious by LJ Shen
[image error] Vicious by L.J. Shen

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true. The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares. He is a brilliant lawyer. A skilled criminal. A beautiful liar. A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover.

Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist. Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom. Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. She paid the price.

Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate.

That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. So she hates me. Big fucking deal. She better get used to me.

Vicious a complete standalone and a part of the Sinners of Saint series

6: Trish Milburn , Author of the Blue Falls, Texas Series , says…
Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins
[image error] Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins

How far would you go to get over a guy?

When Grace Emerson’s ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she’s seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up.

Who is this Mr. Right? Someone…exactly unlike her renegade neighbor, Callahan O’Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.

Whoa. No. Callahan O’Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so…right?

7: Nancy Holland , Author of Found: One Secret Baby , says…
Tempt Me by Tamara Hogan
[image error] Tempt Me by Tamara Hogan

A sex demon and a preacher’s kid? Heaven forbid! 

Technology whiz Bailey Brown is one of two humans alive who knows a very important secret: that humanity has shared their planet with paranormals for millennia. When an obsessed hacker from her past threatens to expose the secret, Bailey and her Sebastiani Security colleagues must use every weapon at their disposal to stop him. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and she can’t let herself be distracted by her boss’s gorgeous brother, even if he is temptation incarnate…

Incubus sculptor Rafe Sebastiani hasn’t produced a decent nude in over a year, since he made the most selfish mistake of his life: sleeping with Bailey Brown. Now, with a deadline looming, his cranky muse has finally allowed him to express his memories of that incendiary night in clay. But when his brother asks him to pose as Bailey’s lover to provoke her dangerous ex, he jumps at the chance…to sculpt her, to protect her, and to earn the right to tempt her—and only her—for the rest of their lives…

8: Nicole R. Locker , Author of the Boss Series , says…
The Muse by L.M. Halloran
[image error] The Muse by L.M. Halloran

Iris Eliot has survived a lot in her twenty-seven years but refuses to be labelled a victim. Now in her final year of graduate school, her dream is within reach. She’s ready to put the past behind her and embrace whatever the future brings.

Until the future brings him.

Professor James Beckett, internationally bestselling author and award-winning poet, is the new head of the Creative Writing Department at her university. Brilliant and obnoxiously sexy, he’s more dangerous than Iris knows.

When Beckett sets his sights on Iris, it’s not just her heart on the line, or her academic and professional careers. Surrendering to the way he makes her feel will rewrite her past.

9: Rachel Leigh Smith , Author of the  Redemption’s Price Series , says…
The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes
[image error] The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes

A genius with a terrible loss…

Gifted pianist Valentine Windham, youngest son of the Duke of Moreland, has little interest in his father’s obsession to see his sons married, and instead pours passion into his music. But when Val loses his music, he flees to the country, alone and tormented by what has been robbed from him.

A widow with a heartbreaking secret…

Grieving Ellen Markham has hidden herself away, looking for safety in solitude. Her curious new neighbor offers a kindred lonely soul whose desperation is matched only by his desire, but Ellen’s devastating secret could be the one thing that destroys them both.

Together they’ll find there’s no rescue from the past, but sometimes losing everything can help you find what you need most.

10: Denise Swanson, Author of Sinfully Delicious , says…
Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis
[image error] Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . . .

11: Adele Downs , Author of Luxury Model Wife , says…
No One But You by Brenda Novak
[image error] No One But You by Brenda Novak

New York Times  bestselling author Brenda Novak welcomes you to Silver Springs, a picturesque small town in Southern California where even the hardest hearts can learn to love again…  

Struggling to make ends meet after a messy divorce, Sadie Harris is at the end of her tether. Her waitressing gig isn’t enough to pay the bills let alone secure primary custody of her son, Jayden, a battle she refuses to lose. Desperate, she accepts a position assisting Dawson Reed—the same Dawson Reed who recently stood trial for the murder of his adoptive parents. Joining him at his isolated farm seems risky, but Sadie is out of options.

Dawson has given small town Silver Springs plenty of reasons to be wary, but he’s innocent of the charges against him. He wants to leave his painful past behind and fix up the family farm so he can finally bring his dependent sister home where she belongs.

As Sadie and Dawson’s professional relationship grows into something undeniably personal, Sadie realizes there’s more to Dawson than the bad boy everyone else sees—he has a good heart, one that might even be worth fighting for.

12: D. Renee Bagby , Author of Eris , says…
My Commander by Alanea Alder

[image error]

When the topic of grandchildren comes up during a weekly sewing circle the matriarchs of the founding families seek out the witch Elder to scry to see if their sons have mates. They are shocked to discover that many of their son’s mates are out in the world and are human!

Fearing that their future daughter in laws will end up dead before being claimed and providing them with grandchildren to spoil, they convince their own mates that something must be done. After gathering all of the warriors together in a fake award ceremony the witch Elder casts a spell to pull the warrior’s mates to them, whether they want it or not.

Aiden McKenzie is adamant that he doesn’t need a mate and that she would only get in the way. He doesn’t have time to coddle a female. He likes his world run with military precision. Little does he realize, Fate is sending him his mate first! He meets his destined mate Meryn Evans and things go downhill from there. She is the embodiment of chaos. In the first twenty-four hours she kicks, screams and knocks her bear shifting mate unconscious.

Eventually they discover that life before finding each other may have been good, but life afterwards is perfect, even if it involves super soaker battles and accidentally discharging hand grenades. Unfortunately the joy of their mating is overshadowed when Aiden and Meryn find themselves embroiled in a missing persons case assigned to Aiden by the Lycaonian Council. By assisting Aiden, Meryn finds herself the focus of a demented killer.

Can Aiden and the elite warriors from the Alpha Unit keep Meryn safe? Or did Fate bring her to Lycaonia to die?

13: Amy Alessio , Author of Blast From the Past , says…
His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras
[image error] His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras

Three very different Latina sisters. Three dazzling talents with ambition—and passion—to burn. And in this warm-hearted, sexy new series, three chances to figure out if the path to success can also lead to lasting love . . .

 

Ad executive Tomás Garcia shouldn’t even be thinking about his daughter’s alluring dance teacher, Yazmine Fernandez. Burned by a shattering divorce, he’s laser-focused on his career—and giving his young daughter, Maria, the secure home she deserves. Plus, he’s certain that with her talent, Yaz will be leaving Chicago and heading back to Broadway as soon as she can. But Yaz’s generous spirit and caring concern are sparking a desire Tomás can’t resist—and doesn’t want to let go . . .

For Yaz, good-looking workaholics like Tomás simply can’t be part of her life ever again. She owes it to herself to get back her confidence and fulfill the dreams her papá could not. She’s glad to spend time with Maria—and taste the family life she feels she can never have. And she’s sure that she and Tomás can keep their attraction under control because there’s so much at stake. But each unexpected intimacy, each self-revelation, makes the fire between them grow hotter with every step—and every risk to their hearts . . .

14: Jan O’Hara , Author of Opposite of Frozen, says…
Beard Science by Penny Reid
[image error]Beard Science by Penny Reid

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So… what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

‘Beard Science’ is the third book in the Winston Brothers series, is a full-length romantic comedy novel, and can be read as a standalone.

15: Nancy Herkness , Author of the Wager of Hearts Series , says…
The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder
[image error]The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder

Blessed or cursed with a connection to the souls of others, Sloan Jordan can see the best in people…and the worst. With nothing more than a glance at a photograph, she can judge the living from the dead and the good souls from the evil ones. For twenty-seven years, she’s kept her ability a secret, but eleven young women have been murdered in the mountains of North Carolina, and Sloan may be the only hope of finding their killer.

She has just agreed to help Detective Nathan McNamara with the case, when a stranger–who is as alluring as he is terrifying–shows up at her doorstep with a dark past and another puzzling mystery: she can’t see his soul at all.

Now Sloan is on the hunt for a deadly psychopath with two irresistible men. One of them would die for her, and the other would kill to keep her safe.

What’s Your Top Romance Read of 2017?

Did you see your favorite read from this year on this list? If not, which books should have made the cut? What book would you have added? Do any of these surprise you? Tell me in the comments below!

Now Available! The Boss Series 1-3 Box Set

[image error]

Surprise! You can now get the full Boss Series all in one box set on Kindle Unlimited.

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

#BookReview – Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward

[image error]

Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I read Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward as an Audio Book via the Romance Unlimited program in Audible. It’s the first book I’ve read by Penelope Ward that wasn’t co-written with another author, and I have to say, I like her style. The story moved along at a good pace and kept me interested throughout.

There were several mortifying moments in this book, from our heroine, “Franky Jane,” farting really loud in the bathroom and being overheard, to clogging the toilet with a floating tampon… well, it was all fun and games until they paid some stranger who worked at the laundromat to let them go up to his dated apartment and do it on his bed. What the ever loving eff??? Eww.

Aside from being totally grossed out by that particular scene, I found myself pretty emotionally invested in this story and the characters. Mackenzie, aka Mack Daddy, has a longstanding history with Francesca from being roommates in college. The way the story jumped from present to past was interesting and really brought the characters and the story to life.

I found myself almost torn in some scenes because Franky, in the present, was involved in a 2 year relationship with a really great guy before Mack came back into the picture. Victor was good, attractive, protective, noble, and worthy. While I rooted for Franky and Mack to find their way to each other, the scenes with Victor had me thinking… would it be so bad for her to just stay with Victor?

This was definitely a slow burn. It wasn’t until near the end of the book that the couple finally gets together, only for everything to immediately fall apart and leave them questioning will it ever be the right time for the two of them, as much as they obviously care about each other? But there was enough attraction and near-misses along the way to make it satisfying.

I can definitely recommend this book. It was well written and kept me interested through the whole thing, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from Penelope Ward.  I noticed a lot of other comments/reviews on GR that didn’t love this book, but from what I could gather, it was because this was not really a New Adult book, it was a more mature book with themes that older readers, like myself, would love (children with mental health issues, self sacrifice for the sake of your children, pining for the one who got away and taking a shot at a second chance romance now that you’re older and have some life experience under your belts, etc.)

View all my reviews

#BookReveal – Holiday Fling: A Holiday Romance (Releases Dec 8 – Pre-Order Now!)

[image error]

Let me tell you what I’m excited about now! I just uploaded the completed file for Holiday Fling, on Preorder now to release December 8, 2017.

If you like holiday romance, charismatic characters, and flirty, Irish Heroes, well… get ready for this one!! I’m excited to say my early readers are really liking this one, too!

I have the audio book already lined up, and the illustrious Tracy Marks will be voicing this fun, romantic, holiday story!  You can hear a sample of the audio here.

[image error]  [image error]

[image error]

Two friends. Two weeks in NYC. One chance to make their dreams come true.

Millicent Montgomery has her entire career riding on the two weeks of public events her PR firm is in charge of managing for Brinne Wren, the spoiled heiress of a major software company whose memoir has just hit shelves right before the Christmas Holidays. Her friend, Rhea, aka Goldie, is recently dumped and along for the ride, and Millie is determined to get her friend’s mind off the past by setting her up with a hunky doctor they meet in a coffee shop their first day there.

Goldie makes her a deal – I will if you will – after Millie runs into a super studly Irish investor with charm and looks to spare. Too bad Millie’s been pining away for an old friend back home who doesn’t give her the time of day, but Seamus Gallagher sets his sights on the charismatic Millie, pursuing her relentlessly, even after she discovers the gorgeous, sexy as hell man is the one who’s got it out for Brinne and may cost Millie the only shot she has at her biggest dream of making senior partner.

[image error]

[image error]

#NewRelease – Boss Unwavering: An Enemies to Lovers Romance … #military #protector #strongFemaleLead

Boss Unwavering is finally here! Grab it now, and find out why my early reviewers said they couldn’t put it down.

 

[image error] View on Amazon!

 

“Such and intriguing book that I could not put it down.”

– Merry Jelks- Emmanuel, Amazon Reviewer

“This book is a heart pounding adventure, and Sebastian and Elaina have incredible chemistry. I highly recommend both this book and the others.”

– Nella M., Amazon Reviewer

“I think [Boss Unwavering] is my favorite of the three. From the beginning, I was hooked! I did not want to put the book down until I had it finished.”

– Tiffany S, Amazon Reviewer

Check out the whole series.

 

[image error] Start reading on Kindle Unlimited!

 

 

 

 

#BookReview – The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan

“Don’t look back.  If Cinderella had gone back for her shoe, she wouldn’t be a princess today.”

[image error]

The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another take on the best friend’s brother romance, which I am growing to love. This was a well-written book with lots of back and forth, lots of hair pulling, what the heck are you people thinking, open your eyes stupid, suspense.

The characters were all likable. They had distinct personalities and histories, which made them more dimensional and realistic, right on down to the little dog named Enchilada. It was a refreshing twist on why the best friend didn’t want the heroine dating her brother.

There was a lot of chemistry between the two main characters, Paige and Cannon. When they got down and dirty, it was explosive. He was a younger guy, but more experienced than her in the bedroom, and the little details the author wrote in really brought the scenes to life.

There was a point where I found myself getting anxious for the twists to stop coming and get on with the HEA. It really was one thing after another getting in between these two, if not their own internal conflicts then all kinds of external things being thrown at them. It definitely made the epilogue a lot more satisfying when it finally got there.

View all my reviews

Audio Audition Voting – Round 2

The numbers are in from the first round of voting, and there was a clear winner.  I’ve reached out to Mr. Dawson McBride (yes, he did have such a yummy sound, didn’t he?).  The bad news is, Mr. McBride is a little too far outside my price range, and though I think he’s worth every penny he was asking for, I just can’t afford him right now, I hate to say.  He did try to work with me and came down a little, but even his bottom line minimum was out of my reach.

[image error]

So… with that being said, I have a 4th audition, so I’m doing ONE MORE ROUND of voting!  I’m putting it in your hands, and it’s the All-or-Nothing, lightning round between the 2nd place winner of the last vote and the new audition.  Let me know who you like best, for the win!

[image error] Preorder the Ebook now!

[image error]

https://nicolerlocker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rhett-Samuel-Price-Boss-Unwavering-Audition.mp3

[image error]

https://nicolerlocker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Jack-Hope-Boss-Unwavering-Audition.mp3

Let me know what you think! Voting will end Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 11:59 PM CST.

Vote Now! Audio Narration for Boss Unwavering

Grab those headphones, lovelies! Help me choose who should narrate Boss Unwavering!

[image error]

Listen to each audition sample, then scroll down and make your selections.

[image error]

https://nicolerlocker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Jim-Davis-Boss-Unwavering-Audition.mp3

[image error]

https://nicolerlocker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rhett-Samuel-Price-Boss-Unwavering-Audition.mp3

[image error]

https://nicolerlocker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dawson-McBride-Boss-Unwavering.mp3

Which one had you at hello? Vote Now!  (Ends after 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2017)