Laura Roberts's Blog, page 58
July 16, 2015
#HumpDayReviews: Beauty Submits to Her Beast by Sydney St. Claire
Rancher Caitlin Olsen is in complete control of her life. After years of taking care of others, she’s on her own and loving every minute. She has her horses and her ranch. What more does she need? Yet deep inside, she yearns to give up all her responsibilities and simply experience life.
When a friend suggests she try a bit of BDSM role-play, she does her research and accepts an invitation to Pleasure Manor for a fairy tale event.
War hero and Dominant, Damon Steele is a loner. His failure to keep his men alive destroyed too many hopes and dreams. He won’t be responsible for anyone else’s life or happiness ever again. There’s no room in his life—or his heart—for romance. Instead, he satisfies his needs at BDSM clubs and never with the same sub. Taking part in the fairy tale event at Pleasure Manor is difficult enough, but when Beauty challenges him both in the bedroom and out, he’s not sure he can control his inner beast.
An excerpt from Beauty Submits to Her Beast
She licked her lips, suddenly nervous again. How did a person begin a cold turkey sexual fling? She didn’t engage in one-night stands, always dated and got to know her past lovers first. “I’m Caitlin. I’ve never been here before. What now?”
He inclined his head. “I’m Damon. I’ll be your Dom for the weekend. Find the X on the floor and stand on it.”
Damon. To tame. Oh, yes, she wanted to tame her beast. Like a flame set to gas-soaked briquettes, his gaze on her breast, along with his sexy, deep baritone voice, ignited the ball of lust swirling in her center.
Whew, this won’t be so bad. In fact, if she hadn’t been cuffed, she might have jumped him, tumbled them both onto the couch.
He snapped his fingers, bringing her back to the here and now. “First rule. I don’t give instructions more than once. Do as I ordered.”
The lust in her veins cooled and once again, indignation threaded with anger took hold. “Excuse me?” No one had ordered her around since she was thirteen and assumed the role of parent to her younger siblings and caregiver to her mother.
“Your choice is to obey or leave. If you want to leave, I’ll remove the cuffs and let Hastings arrange for you to be taken home.”
Go before she sampled this hunk? Nope. No matter how much she hated being told what to do. Her curiosity was piqued, and her body ached to have this man kiss her. And fuck her like a stallion claiming his mare. This Belle wanted her Beast.
Buy Links
More in This Series
Cinderella & Prince Dom / Red & Her Big Bad Dom / Snow and Her Huntsman
My Thoughts
Once again, I’m a sucker for a twisted fairy tale. The more naughty, the better. And Sydney St. Claire delivers even darker delights with Beauty Submits to Her Beast. How could this story not be dark, right? I mean, the original tale is about a woman who falls in love with an actual, factual animal!
The Beast: Damon Steele. Even his name is hard and cold.
The Beauty: Caitlin Olsen. With a name that conjures up some very diverse ideas about just what constitutes beauty anyway (picture the Olsen twins and Caitlin Jenner for a second), she’s not your typical fairy tale pushover.
The Bottom Line: Check this one out if you love dark tales of love and lust.
About the Author
Sydney St. Claire is the pseudonym of Susan Edwards, author of 14 Historical Native American/Western/Paranormal romances and the author of the popular “White” Series. Sydney loves writing and sharing stories of love, happiness and dreams come true with her readers. She credits her mother for her writing success. Encouraged to read as a child, she always preferred happy endings which meant romances were her favorite genre. Sydney takes her readers into the world of erotica romance where her characters come together in explosive passion as they solve life’s problems and find true love along with the best sex our hero and heroine have ever experienced.
Sydney’s office is quite crowded with three dogs at her feet and five cats to keep her company while she writes. Three cats always insist on beds on her desk, barely leaving enough room for her monitor and keyboard. Life gets fun when all five insist on supervising…
When not writing, she enjoys crafts of all sorts including quilting, sewing, cross-stitch and knitting. She and her husband of 30 + years are avid gardeners. He takes care of the veggies, and Susan is in charge of the “pretties.” Her medicine wheel garden is in a contact state of war: flowers vs. weeds. Sadly, right now the weeds are winning…
While writing, she listens to a wide variety of music. Her current favorites are Blackmore’s Night and David Lanz.
Connect with Sydney on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, her blog, and her website, SydneyStClaire.com.
Giveaway
Sydney St. Claire will be awarding a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter a $20 Amazon/B&N gift card. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
Related PostsFairy Tales for the Smutty: A review of Cinderella and Prince Dom by Sydney St. ClaireRed and Her Big Bad Dom: An excerpt, review + #giveaway#HumpDayReviews presents The Best Erotica of 2014Zemanta
July 13, 2015
#HumpDayReviews: The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker by Nancy Fraser
In the Roaring Twenties…
A former Hello Girl during WWI, widowed Ariel Pennybaker served her country proudly. She now carries on her late husband’s legacy…a home for the many returning, injured soldiers.
With her year of mourning nearly at an end, she’s had enough of her self-imposed celibacy. It’s time to get back in the game.
A chance meeting with a handsome WWI aviator has her imagining thoroughly naughty thoughts. When a second man walks into her life, her naughty thoughts turn downright decadent. What better way to fulfill her fantasies than by sharing both men’s beds.
As tempting as the idea is, Ariel has a huge secret, one she must protect at all costs. And, it’s possible one or both of her lovers is not what he seems.
An excerpt from The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker
“Satisfied?” she asked from where she stood against the farthest wall. “As I said, my stores include nothing more than pre-prohibition stock.”
Captain Beaton hoisted a bottle of fifteen year old scotch in his meaty hand. “This does appear to be fine product.”
She bit back the first retort that sprung to mind, and offered the captain the bribe she was certain he wanted. “Why don’t you take a bottle for yourself, Captain? Perhaps, as recompense for having to respond to my neighbor’s complaint.”
The man nodded and pocketed his prize. “I appreciate your offer, Mrs. Pennybaker.”
Rather than start toward the stairs, Lieutenant McMillan lifted a box from the floor of the cellar and balanced it on the edge of the closest table.
Ariel held her breath while he pawed his way through the posters and papers inside the wooden crate. He held one faded poster up to the dim light.
“War memorabilia. How very patriotic of you. I understand from the fellows down at the station you served the troops in France yourself, Mrs. Pennybaker.”
“Yes, Lieutenant. I did. I was a Hello Girl, working with General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Forces as part of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. I was stationed in Chaumont, France from spring 1918 through the fall of 1919.”
“You’re bilingual?” McMillan asked.
Ariel forced a smile. The young officer’s curiosity caused her a moment of concern. “Trilingual. I speak English, French, and German.”
The lieutenant made a closer inspection of the poster, as if studying it for some hidden meaning. “German and French. Unusual for a young woman living in America, isn’t it?”
“Not when you consider my mother was German and my father French. They immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1895. A few years before I was born.”
“And, just how did you end up in the United States?”
She moved away from the young man and started toward the stairs, turning at last to ask, “What does my personal background have to do with the age of my wine cellar, Lieutenant?”
“Nothing I suppose, Mrs. Pennybaker. I’m new to the area and was just curious, that’s all. Forgive me if I’ve overstepped propriety.”
“Perhaps, Lieutenant McMillan, you should save your curious nature for deducing real crime and tracking down the culprits. I seems a shame to waste your valuable time on a few people getting together to raise money to help our disabled soldiers.”
Buy Links
On sale for 99¢ from July 12–14 at Amazon
My Thoughts
I’ve been watching lots of noir films this summer, as I journey through TCM’s #NoirSummer offerings (and an online class on the same), so when I read the description for The Mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker, I thought it might be a fitting summer read.
Though it’s set in the 1920s, a pre-noir era, there are some definite noirish elements that emerge in the book. The mysterious Mrs. Ariel Trumont Pennybaker is up to something, despite her outwardly wholesome appearance as a former Hello Girl (a telephone operator and translator during WWI) and current-day benefactor of war veterans. Her husband is deceased – though we never quite discover what happened to the man – and she’s got a cache of booze in her basement. What kind of secrets is she really hiding?
I didn’t want to peg Mrs. Pennybaker as just a no-good dame, nor a femme fatale out to bring men to ruin, but there’s some hinting at both archetypes throughout the story. Her satin panties, however, give her away every time. This woman’s got class – and an ass that won’t quit!
As for the sex scenes, hold onto your flapper fringe! Though I wasn’t crazy about some of the language used to describe Ariel’s erotic encounters (the word muff in particular seemed to come up so frequently, in terms of men manhandling the merchandise, that I wondered if she wasn’t wearing a merkin!), I loved watching a seemingly prim and proper gal from the Roaring Twenties getting down and dirty with two very different suitors.
Will we hear more from the mysterious Mrs. Pennybaker? It seems like her story isn’t quite finished yet. After all, there are plenty more happy endings to be had from her saucy flyboy, even if she’s already seen his cockpit.
All in all, this book is a fun, sexy romp through the 1920s that’ll have you singing the blues once the story ends.
About the Author
Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. Nancy is currently working on a second fairy tale for Decadent Publishing.
When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.
Connect with Nancy on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, her blog, and her website, NancyFraser.ca.
Giveaway
Nancy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
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July 10, 2015
The Lady Meets Her Match: An excerpt + #giveaway from Gina Conkle
Rough-around-the-edges Cyrus Ryland rose from humble origins to become England’s wealthiest citizen and most eligible bachelor. Called the King of Commerce, he thinks nothing of marriage until he hosts a masked ball and discovers an alluring woman hiding in his study. After one dance the lady vanishes, leaving behind a single shoe. The hunt is on, but finding her is only half the battle.
Claire Mayhew wants her hard won independence… a mid-town shop of her own. She resists the scorching attraction with Mr. Ryland – her new landlord – but Cyrus isn’t a man who gives up easily.
An excerpt from The Lady Meets Her Match
“Mr. Ryland, on your first visit to my shop, you questioned my accounts. Now do you plan to inspect how I manage the messengers?” She was being a little tetchy, but that assessment of his touched a sore spot. “As long as I pay my rent come Friday, whatever else happens is no concern of yours.”
He cracked a smile. “Not afraid to put me in my place, are you?”
“As in reminding you that you’re my landlord and you’ve no business giving me such commentary? I’m happy to. I doubt you share your opinions with the male proprietors who rent from you.”
Frayed nerves and a morning fraught with mishaps put her on edge. To admit this to him would be akin to acknowledging a chink in her shopkeeper’s armor. She wasn’t choosing her words with care but let them flow nonetheless.
“Duly noted, Miss Mayhew. I admit I haven’t changed my mind on this venture of yours,” he asserted.
“At the table, even you acknowledged the dangers preying on women in London. At least my sister’s business proposition must prove some goodwill during this trial period.”
She heard him, but her vision caught on the curious red ribbon. Ryland glanced at the box under his arm, his stance relaxing.
“This is the other reason for my visit today,” he said quietly, holding out the wooden box. “It’s for you.”
Her gaze snapped up to his. “For me?”
Claire reached out, accepting the gift with cautious hands. She hefted the box gingerly up and down, checking the sides.
He chuckled. “I promise there’s no viper inside.”
“You bought me a ledger, didn’t you?” Her tone lacked all enthusiasm. A rectangular account book could fit inside the box. So would a shoe.
“If I did, you must agree a ledger would do you good.” His brows slammed together, a small vertical line forming above his nose. “But you won’t know until you open it.”
Buy Links
Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play
About the Author
Gina writes Viking and Georgian romance with a softly sensual side. She loves history, books and romance… the perfect recipe for historical romance writer. Her passion for castles and old places – the older and moldier the better – means interesting family vacations. Good thing her husband and two sons share similar passions. When not visiting fascinating places she can be found delving into the latest adventures in cooking, gardening, and chauffeuring her sons.
Connect with Gina on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her website, GinaConkle.com.
Giveaway
Gina Conkle will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
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June 17, 2015
#HumpDayReviews: Time Traveling Hookers by S.E. Burr
Last week I brought you an excerpt from Time Traveling Hookers, a SF romance novella by S.E. Burr. This week I’ve got a review for you!
Synopsis
Three modern day roommates and recent college grads take a time machine back to the Wild West. The time machine breaks, stranding them in the past where they are forced to join a brothel to survive.
With the help of future technology, they’re able to trick their customers into thinking they’re getting what they pay for, without actually having to do the deed.
But the scam involves getting much more up close and personal with smelly, 19th century hicks than germaphobe and prude Anastasia is comfortable with.
One customer seems sweeter, more attractive, and better groomed than the rest. Could she actually fall for a cowboy from the dirty, disgusting past?
My Thoughts
If you’ve ever read anything remotely resembling sci-fi, you’ve certainly encountered that most wished-for device: the time machine. And the Time Traveling Hookers – who, SPOILER ALERT, aren’t really hookers – have also found themselves one of these devices. Sweet!
Unfortunately for Anastasia, our heroine, the TTHs have decided to go back in time rather than opting to explore the future. They find themselves stuck in the Wild West, with no food, no clean water, grimy, grubby, and faced with a bunch of lawless, horny cowboys that want to non-consensually sex them up. OH NO!
Luckily for these three time-traveling babes, their time machine comes equipped with some top secret devices that can help them seduce the drunken and easily fooled menfolk into thinking they’ve had sex with them. Which makes me wonder how many current day readers are now wishing for the exact same thing – along with a time machine of their own…?
This novella is a fun and funny romp through the Wild West, blending modern-day gender roles with the gritty realities of the 19th century American West. Though the girls attempt to pass themselves off as French, due to their unusual modern speech (and with a funny nod to the stereotype of French women as sex bombs), no one really buys their ruse. Even so, Madame Etta takes them into her whorehouse without much fuss, giving them a comfortable place to stay so long as they do their work.
Though Anastasia’s fellow time-travelers, Mare and Beth, are a lot less prudish than our heroine, they still feel the weight of sexual double standards. Beth accuses Anastasia of giving away freebies, while she and Mare have been working hard at seducing grotesque frontiersmen (who are all missing teeth, smell awful, and eager to paw the merchandise), which – although great for Madame Etta’s business – makes them look like they’re actually prostitutes. Since they’re not actually performing sexual acts in their rooms, however, they’re understandably peeved that their homegirl isn’t pulling her weight serving more men per night. Though it’s not technically Anastasia’s fault, having chosen the most well-groomed man in the room (and the only one who seems to have all of his teeth, too!), modern readers can certainly sympathize with the thought of being mistaken for a whore. No wonder most of the women in town have listed their profession as “seamstress,” on the latest census!
So how do the girls get out of this mess? Will they ever return to present-day civilization with its plentiful running water, feminism, and upward mobility for enterprising women? I can’t spoil the ending for you, so you’ll just have to read it yourself (for just 99¢ at Amazon, for a limited time) to find out. In the meantime, let’s just say that I’d happily avoid the Wild West if I were ever presented with a time machine. But maybe the courts of Louis XIV would be a fun romp instead?
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Risky Business: An interview with Dena Garson
Two coworkers are brought together when an embarrassing bet is brought to light at the annual office party. Mia worries her trust in Jake, the company playboy, may place her heart and reputation at risk.
An excerpt from Risky Business
“And off they go,” Mia mumbled as she watched her traitorous friends weave their way across the room, leaving her alone with Jake. She turned and looked up into his eyes. Even though the lights were too low to see the exact shade, she knew they were the color of well-worn denim. “I hope you’re aware of what you unleashed on your pals.”
She considered the man standing before her. He was tall with broad, strong-looking shoulders. She knew he played ball with some of the guys in the office because she’d often heard them talking about the games over coffee in the break room. The way his shirts fit indicated he worked out. Add that to his classic blond hair and blue eyes and he was definitely drool-worthy, as Mandy would say.
The biggest question in Mia’s mind was whether or not he would ever see her as anything but an analyst with more opinions than boobs. Thankfully she had the data to back those opinions up.
“They may thank me in the morning,” Jake said with a twinkle in his eye.
“They might,” she conceded.
He stepped closer to Mia. Close enough that she could feel the warmth of his body radiating to her already flushed skin.
“Besides,” he lowered his voice and held Mia’s gaze, “it served its purpose.”
“What purpose is that?”
“To get you to myself.”
An interview with Dena Garson
How long have you been writing romance, and what inspired you to get into this genre?
I’ve been writing romance for about ten years. My best friend was the prompt I needed to start. She and I were discussing a book we had both read and she said “one of us should be writing this stuff.” I thought it was a fabulous idea so I pursued it. I found a local romance writing group, joined RWA and attended their national conference later that same year. After attending as many workshops as I could on writing and the romance industry, I began writing my first novel.
What gave you the idea for your latest book?
Risky Business was largely inspired by things I’d heard from friends at work. After working in a corporation for more than ten years there were lots of stories to draw from.
Who are some of your favorite romance writers or other literary inspirations?
There are several authors whose books I grab as soon as they come out — Julia Quinn, Stephanie Laurens, Karen Marie Moning, and Shana Abe. But I’ve always been a fan of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Celtic myths so naturally The Iliad and The Odyssey captivated me early on. Mary Stewart’s Authurian Trilogy still sits on my bookshelf — and I read those in junior high! Jane Austen is another classic fave.
Describe your typical writing routine. Where do you usually write? How many words/pages per day? Do you keep set hours? What does your workspace look like?
I don’t have a routine. I work full time so I grab writing time where ever I can — it may be a lunch hour or while waiting for one of my kids to practice whatever sport they’re playing. Quiet evenings are considered precious commodities in my house!
When I have a chance to write I either curl up on the couch or on my bed with my laptop and cordless mouse. If it’s available, I put reruns of The Big Bang Theory on TV so I have some background noise.
Do you have any favorite foods or beverages that help keep your creativity flowing?
For some strange reason I find myself craving Goldfish crackers when I write. Unfortunately my cat also likes them and tries to sneak into the bag when I’m not watching.
Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals when starting (or ending) a new book?
Other than making backups of my backup files, no. Unless you count skipping through the house when I finish a book.
What do you think makes for a good romance story?
There has to be good chemistry between the hero and heroine and a reason for me to want to see them together.
What’s your favorite euphemism for genitalia?
I write sensual romance so I tend to use cock and pussy most often. But it depends on how hot and heavy the scene is. You have to mix it up a little and you’d be surprised how hard it is to come up with words that aren’t too over the top and coarse yet not “purple prose.”
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked by a fan? And what was your response?
I don’t know if it’s strange but it was certainly uncomfortable for me! They asked whether or not I was effected (aka turned on) while writing my books. I answered honestly. I told them that I am usually focused on the process of writing — finding the words and describing the scene — more than enjoying the sensual nature of what my characters are doing. Not to say that I’m totally unaffected but it would be far more erotic if I were just reading it.
If you were in charge of adapting a scorching summer romance for the big screen, what book would you like to see made into a movie, and who would you pick to star as the male and female leads?
Oh, man. That’s tough. I read a lot but I don’t keep up with the younger actors and actresses. I would love to see the whole Black Hills Wolves series come to life on the big screen! But I know I’m a little biased.
About the Author
Dena Garson loves to read romance—the hotter the better. When one of her BFFs said “one of us should be writing this stuff”, she took up the challenge. If she isn’t writing, she’s designing jewelry but somehow she still manages to make it into the office on a regular basis.
You can connect with Dena on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, Google+, Pinterest and her website, DenaGarson.com.
Giveaway
Dena will be awarding a Gift Basket that includes: a handmade tablet cover, tissue cover & tissues, handmade earrings, handmade stamped necklace (“We’re All Mad Here”), decorative pen, beaded bookmark, Dena swag (pen, nail file, sticker, magnet, key ring), and a Dena tee-shirt, to a randomly drawn winner (International) via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below. And don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.
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June 12, 2015
Time Traveling Hookers: An excerpt + #giveaway from S.E. Burr
Three modern day roommates and recent college grads take a time machine back to the Wild West. The time machine breaks, stranding them in the past where they are forced to join a brothel to survive.
With the help of future technology, they’re able to trick their customers into thinking they’re getting what they pay for, without actually having to do the deed.
But the scam involves getting much more up close and personal with smelly, 19th century hicks than germaphobe and prude Anastasia is comfortable with.
One customer seems sweeter, more attractive, and better groomed than the rest. Could she actually fall for a cowboy from the dirty, disgusting past?
An excerpt from Time Traveling Hookers
“I’m not going to have sex with him,” said Anastasia.
“With who?” said Beth.
“With him,” Anastasia repeated.
“Who him?” asked Mare.
“Him, John,” Anastasia said.
“John?” Mare bit her lip, confused.
Beth sighed. “Who’s John, Anastasia?”
“John is what the men who have sex with prostitutes are called.”
“What? All of them?” Mare asked.
Anastasia nodded.
“No,” Beth said. “They are not all named John. Not only men named John have sex with whores.”
“Language!” said Anastasia.
Beth groaned. “That’s quite enough, Anastasia. If we’re going to do this you’ll have to get far less prudish about many things. Language is the least of them.”
“I’m not going to do this,” Anastasia said. “I already told you. I’m not going to have sex with him.”
“Who?” Mare asked again.
“Anyone!” Anastasia said.
“You’re not going to have sex with anyone?” asked Beth. Her voice sounded mocking. “Ever?”
“Maybe,” said Anastasia, “Maybe not, but I’m certainly not going to have sex with anyone in this century. Do you have any idea how filthy they are?”
Beth laughed. “No filthier than you are,” she said.
Mare grimaced. “She has a point, Anastasia.”
“I know,” said Anastasia, looking down at herself. She had a strong desire to pinch her nose. She was dirty, absolutely covered in dust. To see it, to feel it on her skin, made her cringe. She hated, HATED, being dirty, but here she was dressed in a ridiculous gold-rush era dress that somehow collected every speck of soil, decay, and body odor around and on her.
Buy Link
About the Author
S.E. Burr wrote Time Traveling Hookers over the course of a weekend at a Tom Bird writing retreat in Santa Fe, NM. It is based on a dream she had a few weeks prior to the retreat, but she did no advanced planning of the plot. She was very surprised to discover that the story was a romance, as she doesn’t often read romances, let alone write them. She quite enjoyed the experience and intends to write more romances in the future, but cautions that what she intends to write and what she actually writes can be two very different things.
She is the author of the young adult novel, Goblin Fruit, inspired by the poem “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti. The sequel, Goblin Girl, is coming soon. It was inspired by her desire to find out more of the story.
A nearly lifelong resident of rural New Mexico, S.E. Burr loves the desert, her family, and her cat.
You can connect with S.E. Burr on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or her website, SEBurr.com.
Giveaway
The author is awarding a $25 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. To enter, use the widget below – and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
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June 10, 2015
#HumpDayReviews: Secret Blend by Jennifer Bramseth
Earlier this week I posted an excerpt and giveaway from Jennifer Bramseth for her latest book, Secret Blend. Today I’m bringing you a review of the book!
Synopsis
When longtime courtroom rivals Rachel Richards and Brady Craft get appointed to the bench in Bourbon Springs, Kentucky, tempers flare as they are forced to share chambers.
Working closely with the obstinate-yet-sexy Brady is not an attractive idea to Rachel—although she has to admit that Brady himself is pretty damned attractive.
Rachel doesn’t have to run for office to keep her judgeship, but Brady does. He draws a formidable opponent, Hannah Davenport, a wealthy co-owner of Old Garnet Distillery, where some of the finest Kentucky bourbon is crafted north of town along Old Crow Creek and near the historic springs which gave the town its unique name.
And Hannah just happens to be Rachel’s best friend.
As the judicial race heats up, so does the relationship between the judges—so they decide to keep it a secret.
But can any secret be kept in little Bourbon Springs, Kentucky?
Secret Blend is the first book in the Bourbon Springs Series, an upcoming nine-book series of smooth, sensual, sexy, slow-burn contemporary romances set amidst the lush and rolling Land of Bourbon and Bluegrass of central Kentucky.
My Thoughts
Although Kentucky is probably the last place in the world I would expect to find romance, Jennifer Bramseth’s Secret Blend offers compelling evidence to the contrary. So even though I’m not a fan of bourbon (I’m more of a vodka gal, myself), I liked learning about the drink’s distinct characteristics, and watching how various facts about the beverage – and its birthplace – were skillfully woven into the story.
You might think a tale of two judges would be about as dry as a couple of legal briefs, but in a town as small as Bourbon Springs, there’s bound to be talk – so why not give ‘em something to talk about? That seems to be the mentality of Rachel Richards and Brady Craft, two judges in a town that doesn’t seem big enough for the both of them.
***WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***
I enjoyed the romantic scenes between Rachel and Brady, once their affair finally took off (chapter 13, in case you’d like to skip to the good stuff), and Rachel’s penchant for nude swims made for a great start to their rendezvous – particularly after a hot, sweaty day. Though I’d quibble with a couple hashing out condom etiquette in the pool, given the possibility for shrinkage (not to mention pruney fingers!), it was interesting to discover that both had been through a similar dry spell of five years.
I was also a bit perplexed by Rachel’s decision to prime Brady’s pump in the shower, with the rather spurious explanation “When they at last fell into bed together and he was inside her, she wanted to make sure he lasted more than a nanosecond.” Have all of Rachel’s previous lovers been Nanosecond Men? Does she simply assume that all men are pathetic creatures who can’t hold their wads once inside her magical vagina? She’s never been with Brady before, so what gives with the stereotyping?
Then again, I wouldn’t exactly peg manly Brady as the type of dude who’d scream Rachel’s name during sex – and certainly not after a simple handjob – but there you go.
As for his formidable foe in the judicial race, I have to admit I never bought that storyline to begin with. Hannah Davenport, with no legal background whatsoever, decides to run for the elected office just because she’s got the money? Maybe I’m missing something, but I was always under the impression that judges had to have at least some experience in court in order to run for a position that requires extensive knowledge of the law. If that’s not the case in the state of Kentucky, then whoa nelly!
But perhaps even more unbelievable than Hannah’s totally random career change is the way she utterly flips out once she discovers Rachel’s been sharing even closer quarters with Brady than their office at the courthouse. Let’s just say that anyone who acted as cruelly as Hannah does to Rachel wouldn’t even be on my yearly XXXmas card list, much less my BFF. (And who really refers to their best friend as a “little idiot” behind their back?!)
Despite these out-of-character bits and pieces, I really liked the way this story ended. After all, you can’t build up a tale of love, lust, betrayal and alcohol in a small town without setting off of a few fireworks, can you? I won’t spoil the ending, but I enjoyed the way a seemingly simple court case suddenly had its stakes raised by a minor character taking the reins. Good ol’ boys: can’t live with ‘em, can’t get your happy ending without ‘em!
If you’re up for a little courtroom drama, some sneaking around small town gossips, and a good old-fashioned love story with none of the naughty bits left out, then grab a glass of your favorite bourbon and a copy of Secret Blend from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
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Midnight Supper at the Rise and Shine: An excerpt + #giveaway from Tara Woolpy
Bad luck and worse choices—that’s Irene. She’s been a widow half her life and now splits her time between waitressing at the Rise and Shine café and singing in an oldies cover band. And she’s having an affair with a married man—something that even her eclectic, super liberal family can’t condone.
She’d be the first one to admit she has faults, but she’s not a bigot. The genetic pool in her nuclear family spans the globe. And it’s not that she’s prejudiced against people with disabilities but that doctors and wheelchairs give her the heebie-jeebies. So when a cute guy in a chair keeps showing up in the restaurant, she’s clumsy, awkward and strangely drawn. Can Irene let go of the past or is she too emotionally broken to find a future worth the risk?
An excerpt from Midnight Supper at the Rise and Shine
The counter guy took a sip of his coffee. He turned to Mama. “It’s like the goddamned UN in here, a chink fag waiter and some spic in the kitchen.” He gave a wheezing laugh.
My stomach dropped. Mama gave me a look. Then she focused on him and exaggerated her Castilian accent. “What are you saying about my family?”
“Lighten up. I was making a joke.” From twenty feet away I could see the flare in his nostrils. “How was I to know you’d take it bad? You look white.” He backed away, fumbling in his back pocket for his wallet. Throwing a couple of bills on the counter, he bolted.
I picked up the money and smoothed it out. “On top of that, he shorted us a quarter.”
Mama reached over and plucked his jacket from the back of the stool. She held it so I could see the confederate flag stitched on the back. “And he left his trash.”
There was a squeak of wheels, and Mark rolled up, his dog beside him. He was smiling. “We’ll take it to him. You’re not the first person to get scared by Tuk.”
Jesus, he had nice eyes.
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About the Author
Tara Woolpy is the author of The Lacland series, loosely linked novels set in the fictional upper midwestern town of Lacland, including Releasing Gillian’s Wolves, Raising Wild Ginger and Midnight Supper at the Rise and Shine. Tara earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Whitworth College after which she spent a year at the Women Writers Center in Cazenovia, New York. While pursuing her writing career she paid the rent through an astonishing number of jobs—she’s been a waitress, a shop owner, a retail clerk, a half-way house counselor and a commercial diver. Eventually, she took a midlife hiatus from writing to become an aquatic scientist. As such she also holds a Masters degree from Oregon State University and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Now she teaches online for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and has come back to writing fiction with new passion and wonder at the long, serpentine beauty of life. In addition to her novels, her work has appeared in Focus, Corymb, Kalliope, Alligator Juniper and the anthology The Things that Divide Us from Seal Press.
You can follow Tara on Facebook, Google+, or her website, BatsInTheBoathouse.com.
Giveaway
Tara will be awarding a $20 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly drawn commenter. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chance of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
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June 8, 2015
Secret Blend: An excerpt + #giveaway from Jennifer Bramseth
When longtime courtroom rivals Rachel Richards and Brady Craft get appointed to the bench in Bourbon Springs, Kentucky, tempers flare as they are forced to share chambers.
Working closely with the obstinate-yet-sexy Brady is not an attractive idea to Rachel—although she has to admit that Brady himself is pretty damned attractive.
Rachel doesn’t have to run for office to keep her judgeship, but Brady does. He draws a formidable opponent, Hannah Davenport, a wealthy co-owner of Old Garnet Distillery, where some of the finest Kentucky bourbon is crafted north of town along Old Crow Creek and near the historic springs which gave the town its unique name.
And Hannah just happens to be Rachel’s best friend.
As the judicial race heats up, so does the relationship between the judges—so they decide to keep it a secret.
But can any secret be kept in little Bourbon Springs, Kentucky?
Secret Blend is the first book in the Bourbon Springs Series, an upcoming nine-book series of smooth, sensual, sexy, slow-burn contemporary romances set amidst the lush and rolling Land of Bourbon and Bluegrass of central Kentucky.
An excerpt from Secret Blend
Upon a glimpse of his shorts, she saw the reason for Brady’s sudden affinity for standing in a freezer and pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh.
“Maybe you should go in the back of the store,” she suggested. “I think they have the big freezers back there.”
“I’d rather stay here,” he said in a low voice. “The view’s better.” Brady’s eyes raked over Rachel’s body.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve seen an even better one.”
“Indeed I have,” he said. “And recently. Very recently.”
“And would you like to see that view again?” she asked. She saw him swallow and knew she’d gotten the better of him.
He leaned forward and whispered. “I happen to know that if we weren’t in the middle of the grocery store, Judge Richards, I’d be looking at that view right this very minute.”
She sucked in a breath but soon recovered. “I would think,” she said, “that you’d be doing more than simply looking, Judge Craft.” She put a finger to her chin and looked up. “How do I put this? I think you’d be enjoying. But I’m not talking about merely the view.”
He moved closer to her.
“If I had you back where we were—” he looked at his watch “—eight hours ago, Judge Richards, we’d both be enjoying ourselves. I’d certainly enjoy the view of you writhing under me again as I—”
“Judge Richards, Judge Craft,” said a voice from nearby.
Brady and Rachel fell away from each other and looked to see the Commonwealth Attorney, Eleanor Giles, standing and staring at them.
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About the Author
Jennifer Bramseth is an attorney in the active practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Kentucky native and life-long resident, she lives within ten minutes of the state’s oldest bourbon distillery and works within five minutes of two others. A graduate of Centre College and the University of Kentucky, she loves a good Kentucky bourbon with water and ice.
Connect with Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, Tsu, Instagram and her website, JenniferBramseth.com.
Giveaway
The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. To enter, use the widget below — and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour stops can be found here.
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June 5, 2015
Bring Me Home: An excerpt + #giveaway from Candi Wall
Miya Jackson always believed life had more to offer outside Dead End, Texas. So when circumstances turned her life upside down, she took her chance to break free. A few years—and some brutal doses of reality—later, her little sister’s wedding brings her back to the hometown she left behind.
The last place she expects is to end up is in the arms of the man she’s tried and failed to forget. One scalding, passionate night is all it takes to make her rethink her damn good reasons for leaving.
Shawn Dalton always hoped this day would come. Hell, he and Miya have a history, and any misunderstandings can be fixed if she’ll only stay in one spot long enough. Now that’s she’s back, he’s determined to make her see that she belongs in Dead End. With him.
Her obstinate nature is intact, but he can deal with that. It’s the cold, detached woman she’s become that worries him. Melting that wall—and reminding Miya of her roots—is going to take every hot, sinful moment he can wrangle.
An excerpt from Bring Me Home
Shawn hooked another bale of hay and maneuvered it into the barn. “Lot can change in four years.”
“We’re talking about my dad. Not us.” She followed him into the cooler recesses of the barn. A huge row of hay bales lined the farthest side of the barn. “But thank you for helping him.”
“No thanks needed.” Every muscle strained as he lifted the bale into place. “Your folks are good people, and your Ma was worried when he fell after the reception. I was just in the right place at the right time.”
“Wait, what?” Miya watched her father enter the house.
He walked past her to grab another bale. “I guess he tripped. I’d stopped by to congratulate your sister on her wedding and your Ma asked me to look at his ankle. I figured she would have told you.”
“She didn’t.” Miya took a deep breath to ease the guilt clawing at her throat. She was home, and she still didn’t see what was right in front of her. “I should be thanking you.”
He shook his head and adjusted his hat. “Don’t need it. I did what anyone would do. They’re my neighbors.”
He knocked his gloves against his jeans a couple times before swiping at the hay clinging to his body. A few stray pieces clung to his hair and sweat-dampened skin, and she walked over to pluck them away. “Still. It’s not your responsibility and I want you to know I appreciate it.”
He barely moved, at least it seemed that way. Must have been more than she realized since somehow, she found herself backed up against one of the tall support beams bracing the sagging rafters. A sinful smile creased his dust-streaked face. “It’s my pleasure.”
Buy Links
Samhain Publishing / B&N / iTunes / Amazon / Kobo
About the Author
Candi Wall is probably the only person whose real name is more epic than any pseudonym she could have come up with – even as an author! She writes because the voices in her head have to come out somehow. Animal rescue-ess, mother of four, and soccer mom by day, she spends her free time writing – often on napkins at kids’ games because she never knows when a juicy story will reveal its delicious self. She once wrote a sex scene at a wrestling meet. Shhhhhh!
You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, and her website, CandiWallBooks.com.
Giveaway
Candi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. To enter, use the widget below, and don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.
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