Casey Dawes's Blog, page 20

Guest Blog Post: The Opposite of Wild, Contemporary Romance

THE OPPOSITE OF WILD

Contemporary Romance

By: Kylie Gilmore

Published January 16, 2014

Published by Extra Fancy Books

Blurb

Unleash the wild woman…?

Ex-cop Ryan O’Hare takes one look at buttoned-up control freak Liz Garner and just itches to loosen the woman up. Not that he’s into her. Because a woman like that comes with way too many expectations. Not to mention, she practically works for him, and he didn’t hire Liz to watch after his beloved Harley-stealing Gran so he could turn Liz loose in his bed. Still, there’s something about her, a hidden wild side, that makes him wonder what it would take.

Liz must be crazy to work for the insensitive, arrogant, horribly…hot man she’s avoided for years. Unfortunately, she needs the money and Ryan’s grandmother needs a keeper. (Midnight tango lessons and ziplines with Gran, anyone?) Ryan’s rare smile and swaggering confidence have Liz torn between throwing her favorite pinot grigio at his head or throwing herself at him. Can this control freak find a way to let loose with the tough, no-strings guy who once broke her heart.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Link to follow tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/12/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for_4.html

My Thoughts

I loved this book! Right from the beginning I was drawn into the characters problems and lives. The issues keeping the heroine and hero apart seemed genuine and demonstrated how people can experience the same event quite differently. The book was well-written and engaging.  As a reviewer, I rarely give five stars, but this book is getting them. Highly recommended!

Teaser

Ryan just stood there, his sharp eyes studying her. “You’re a puzzle, Liz.”

“I am?”

He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear, and her heart caught in her throat at the gentle gesture. “You seem so…uptight,” he said. She stiffened and took a step back. “But I know you were checking me out when I was mowing.”

She flushed, but rallied quickly. “I was only bringing you water.” She crossed her arms and said primly, “You surprised me when you dumped the water on your head. I was merely looking to see if you were going to do any other…surprising things.”

His lips twitched. “You’re like a librarian just waiting to let loose.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” she bristled, hands on her hips.

“There it is.” He smiled and stepped close, crowding her space. She drew in a quick breath, but held her ground. “The puzzle—fire and ice.”

She put both hands on his solid chest and pushed him out the door. “Next time, mail the check.” She shut the door in his face, turned and leaned against it. “Urgh!”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” he said through the door.

She ripped open the door. “Go away.”

His head cocked to the side while he bit back a smile. “Is that any way to talk to your employer?”

“Gah!” She slammed the door and locked it. She heard his low laugh as he walked away.

Author Info

Kylie Gilmore was lucky enough to discover romance novels at a young age as they were strewn all over the house (thanks, Mom!). She writes quirky, tender romance with a solid dose of humor. Her first book in the Clover Park series, The Opposite of Wild, launched in January 2014 featuring the oldest of three brothers and his lady love. The next two books in the series give each brother his dream girl (eventually).

Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.

Connect with Kylie: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Blog Post: Something to Prove, Contemporary Romance

SOMETHING TO PROVE

Contemporary Romance

By: Shannyn Schroeder

Releasing January 14, 2015

Published by eKensington

Blurb

Two ambitious people team up to prove themselves to their families—and find there may be more to their partnership than just business…

Elizabeth Brannigan is determined to show her father she’s capable of running the family business. Saving his struggling Chicago bar seems like the perfect project. But she’ll need a little help dealing with the rough crowd. Who better to assist her than the handsome co-owner of a thriving Irish pub? Of course, with so much work to do, there are bound to be a few late nights…

Colin O’Leary’s father passed away before he could prove to him that he wasn’t a screw-up. Now he wants to show his brother he’s responsible enough to own a bar of his own—and Elizabeth may be able to help him. But when their professional aspirations clash, tempers—and passions—flare. Are they mature enough to mix business with pleasure—or will they have to choose between the two?

Buy Links

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes & Noble

Link to follow tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/09/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for.html

Guest Post

So the holidays are over and gone and most people begin the year with a resolution. I don’t. I never have. My problem with the idea of New Year’s resolutions is that they’re really nothing more than dreams. Would I like to lose weight? Sure, most people would. But to set that as a resolution without a plan is simply a dream. And if I’m dreaming, I’m thinking of a Hemsworth brother, not a diet. :-))

Although I eschew resolutions, I’ve always been a goal-oriented person. I set attainable goals and then I create a plan for how to get there. When I was in high school, I chose which classes I’d slack off on in order to focus on other classes to keep my GPA. My goal was to get into a good college, so GPA was important. This philosophy followed me into college when I had to maintain a 3.5 GPA to keep my scholarship. Me, a non-math person, would sit before every semester to figure out which classes I really needed to get an A in. I had to keep the scholarship because I couldn’t afford the $10K a year.

I approach my goals realistically. Could I have set a resolution to get straight A’s throughout college? Sure, but I was also working a minimum of 32 hours a week (more like 50 hours my junior year). I lived on my own and had rent and bills to pay. Sustaining everything for a long period of time was unrealistic and I recognized that.

I find myself in that same boat now, many years later. I work multiple part-time jobs in addition to being a writer, and I have three kids. I’m lucky in that most of my work is from home, except for when I’m teaching college classes. The thing is, I only like one part time job. I enjoy the work and the pay is good. The other jobs are just about the money. But I love writing. I want to be able to write full time.

In order for that to be my resolution or goal (and I’m aware that it might take more than this year), I need to get organized. I have a lot of deadlines this year—2 more O’Leary books and 3 novellas. In the past, I didn’t have much of a writing schedule. I wrote when my kids were in activities. A stolen hour during ballet or swim lessons. And that worked for a long time because I didn’t have real deadlines. Sure, I set goals for myself, but if I didn’t meet them, no harm done.

Now it matters. If I want to write full time, I need to make writing a priority. I have to make time for it every day, no matter what. I’ve been doing pretty good so far—I started this priority stuff in December (deadlines, remember?) and I’ve been sticking to it. The next couple of months will be rougher because I’m teaching more. When other jobs get in the way of writerly things, instead of cutting writing time, I cut other things like reading blogs and hanging out on social media. Those things are important as a writer, but never as important as the words on the page.

If I make it to May having met all of my deadlines on time, I’ll have accomplished the first part of my goal. If I keep that up, with any luck, I’ll be selling enough books to say good-bye to at least one of the part-time gigs. That’s a good enough start for me.

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? If so, how do you set out to accomplish them? If not, why not?  Leave a comment below.  Also make sure you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom of the post.

Author Info

Shannyn is a former English teacher, who now works as a part-time editor while raising her three kids.

Even though she wrote from high school through college (mostly poetry), she’d never considered a career as an author. Writing fell by the wayside as she focused her energy on creating lesson plans and new and fabulous ways to torment her teen students. One group in particular dubbed her “The Torture Master,” a title she carried into motherhood.

After the birth of baby number two, Shannyn resigned from teaching and fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, “If you’re going to read so many damn books, why don’t you just write one?”

So she did.

That first book is safely buried on her hard drive, but the process set Shannyn on the path to where she is today—agented with a debut ebook coming out with Kensington in late 2012.

She is recovering from her Diet Coke addiction, fears putting her foot in her mouth on social media, and has a renewed appreciation for the bad girls of the world.

Connect with Shannyn: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Website

Excerpt

“You don’t have the business management experience or education the other candidates have.”

He smiled. “Neither does my brother, but you went to him.”

“Like the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. He’s a success. Just because you share a branch of the family tree doesn’t guarantee me anything.”

“But you’ve seen me with people.” He thunked the chair back down on all four legs. “I was good with you.”

Between his intense blue eyes and his low bedroom voice, his words warmed her blood again.

“And that would be another reason to not work with you. I don’t have time for someone who’s more interested in flirting than working.”

“Sweetheart, you flirted with me. I took your cues and acted on them. I’m completely capable of working with a partner without sleeping with her.”

Part of Elizabeth felt relief at his statement. More of her felt another sting of disappointment.

His steely blue gaze bore into her. No sign of lust. Nothing to imply that he planned to kiss her again. Not even a hint of sexual attraction. If they pretended that night had never happened, a partnership could work.

She steadied herself for a strong negotiation. “I’ll offer you twenty-five percent profits and a bonus twenty percent when I sell, assuming you hold up your end of the bargain and bring in the customers. I remain the manager and boss and all decisions go through me.”

“Make it forty percent profits and thirty percent on sale.”

“You bring personality to the table. No proven experience, and you expect me to give you almost half the business?” She leaned back in her chair.

“My personality is the one thing you need most. It can’t be taught or bought.”

“Thirty profits and twenty-five at sale.”

He narrowed his eyes as if computing, then leaned forward. “Deal.”

“One more thing. No flirting. Just business.”

He sighed like she was being insufferable. “Contrary to popular belief, I am capable of being professional. When do we start?”

“It’s locked up, so we can start tomorrow. I’ll have the contract drawn up for you to sign when you get there. Nine a.m.?”

“I’m closing at O’Leary’s tonight. Make it eleven. Even I need my beauty sleep.”

“You plan to continue to work at O’Leary’s?”

“It’s my family’s bar.”

“I’m not a simpleton. There are only so many hours in a day. I won’t have you thinking you can drop by The Irish just to collect a check.”

His smile was disarming. “Sweetheart, simple isn’t what anyone would call you. I’ll prove my worth soon enough. Seems a lot of people expect that.” He rose and extended his hand. “I’ll sign your contract, but a handshake will do for me.”

She shook his hand and tried to ignore its strength and warmth and the zing of her nerves. As he turned to leave, she enjoyed the view and immediately began to question her sanity. She’d just created a business partnership based on a man’s charm. What the hell was she thinking?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Pushing the LIne, Contemporary Romance

 

PUSHING THE LINE

Contemporary Romance

By: Kimberly Kincaid

Releasing January 2014

Published by Amazon Digital Services

Blurb

Free-spirited artist Harper McGee is happy to go wherever the wind takes her…until her flight pattern sends her back to Brentsville, New York for her beloved grandmother funeral. Harper’s grief turns to shock, however, when she discovers her grandmother has named her sole proprietor of her candy shop, Luscious. But she has no intention of being anchored to one place, and anyway, she doesn’t know the first thing about running a kitchen or a business. Selling Luscious is the only viable option— until the shop catches fire due to old wiring. Fixing the damage requires major work, and if Harper wants to put it on the market, she needs major help.

Thrill-seeking firefighter Aaron Fisher has never walked away from a challenge or a friend. So when a fellow firefighter is hurt on a call and can’t complete a side job for his contracting company, Aaron’s quick to jump in. He’s done plenty of fix ‘er ups for his buddy in the past, and despite his silver spoon upbringing and his no-holds-barred attitude, swinging a hammer suits Aaron just fine. That is, until he discovers the client is the same impetuous woman he forcibly dragged from the flames of Brentsville’s local candy shop.

The more time Harper and Aaron spend at Luscious, the hotter their attraction burns, daring them both to shed their tough outer layers to reveal the tender desires beneath. But when a buyer makes Harper the offer of a lifetime, she must choose between roots and wings. Can two people who live in the moment learn to see past the moment, or will Aaron and Harper always live their lives pushing the line?

My Thoughts

This is a light romance about two people who are running away from life’s entanglements. Harper and Aaron are more alike than either of them would care to admit, although she’s less willing to make a commitment. The characters are drawn well and their predicament seems realistic. The only issue I had with the set-up was her ability to live really well on her artwork. Artists rarely flourish that well!  The career worked well with her character, though.

I enjoyed the flavor of the small town–I could see the candy store from the very beginning and loved how it emerged from the damage it suffered, just as Harper emerged from her own life damage. I’d recommend this book as a happy romantic read.

Buy Links

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes & Noble

Link to follow tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/11/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for.html

 

Author Info

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2011 RWA Golden Heart® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. She has written two digital novellas, Love On The Line and Drawing The Line,  and Outside The Lines, about hot cops and sexy chefs. She is also thrilled to have collaborated on a Christmas anthology with Donna Kauffman and Kate Angell, titled The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap, to kick off her Pine Mountain foodie series with Kensington this October. Kimberly’s first full-length novel, Turn Up the Heat, will follow in February 2014. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Blog Post: Christmas Dinner, Contemporary Romance

 

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Contemporary Romance

By: Robyn Neeley

Releasing November 18, 2013

Published by Crimson Romance

Blurb

News anchor Amanda Turner used to love everything about the holidays—the eggnog sugar cookies, the tacky family Christmas sweaters, and a lawn decorated with so many multi-colored lights that 747s could land safely. That is until her boyfriend dumped her in front of the whole town on Christmas Eve. Humiliated, she fled her small town start a new life. Two years later, she’s finally ready to return to the scene of the emotional crime, until she learns that her ex is engaged. Now, the only thing worse than going home is going home single.

Tate Ryan, her tall, dark, and arrogant co-anchor, offers to pose as her boyfriend. There’s one problem, though: they barely like each other, and he recently scooped her story on live TV. But she needs a ride home and a boyfriend fast, so Tate will have to do.

As she watches Tate interact with her family and town residents, fully embracing the spirit of the holiday season, she starts to see his kindhearted side. She can’t help but wonder if she was wrong about him. Perhaps he isn’t the conniving co-worker that she once thought. And her new feelings for him would definitely put her on the naughty list.

Tate has his own agenda for the weekend that includes telling Amanda he’s been in love with her since the first time they met. He’s ready to reveal all during Christmas dinner but fate has other plans.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this story and it definitely got me in the mood for Christmas!  It was a charming tale which brings Amanda full circle to the sleigh on her parents’ tree farm. I found the small kindnesses that were displayed to the community truly heart-warming. It’s how we extend the spirit of Christmas to our neighbors that is most meaningful to me in this season. Robyn Neeley captures this spirit wonderfully.

There is a certain amount of suspension of belief that needs to happen for this story, but that’s apparent right from the beginning. Read on! This is a fun, heart-warming story perfect for the season.

 

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Author Info

Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Visit her at robynneeley.com.

Connect with Kim: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Website

Recipe! Delicious Holiday Fudge!

I love books with recipes — don’t you?  Robyn shares a family recipe with you!  Enjoy.

2/3 cups evaporated milk

2 cups sugar

1 square of baker’s chocolate

1 stick margarine or butter

4 Hershey candy bars

½ cup of nuts

1 tsp.vanilla

Stir first three ingredients well and bring to a boil.
Boil for three minutes. Add margarine or butter the last 1 1/2 minutes stirring all the time
Take fudge from heat and stir in Hershey bars (broken up) and nuts. Beat until thick, add vanilla and pour in an 8 x 8 buttered pan. Add nuts to the top if you’d like. Put in the refrigerator until set, then cut into squares.

Excerpt

“I’ll have another, please.” Amanda waved her empty wine glass and glanced up at the mounted television. Their explosive local story had made national news. “I really need to get out of this town,” she muttered.

“Excuse me?” The bartender picked up her glass. He was wearing a Santa hat.

“Oh, nothing.” She pointed at his head, changing the subject. “Do they make you wear that?”

“Nah, I just like to get into the Christmas spirit.” He grabbed a bottle of wine, refilling her glass.

“Christmas spirit,” she echoed dryly. She remembered that feeling. It was only two years ago that it was her favorite time of year-two heartbreaking years. “Thanks.”

She took a long gulp and went back to brooding over Brad’s status update. What if she ran into him and his fiancée this weekend? Oh, God. What if she knew her?

“Hey, Santa, think you could bring me a boyfriend to take home this weekend?” she asked sarcastically. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flicker of a man in a suit. She knew its owner immediately.

“Why, Ace, are you taking resumes?”

She spun around and shook her head. Tate had taken the empty seat next to her. Her knees briefly touched his. “What the- where did you come from? Are you following me now?” She drank her wine. “I hate you,” she mumbled.

“I’ll take that as a no.” He pointed to her fresh glass. “I see you’re celebrating. Mind if I join you?”

She pushed off her seat. “Sorry, I was just leaving.” Her legs wobbled, and she felt a little tipsy. When had she become such a lightweight? She sat down to regain her equilibrium. “On second thought, I was here first.”

The bartender came over. “Sir, can I get you anything?”

“A stocking full of coal would be appropriate,” Amanda interjected sweetly. She glared at Tate and raised her finger directly at a group of women on the other side of the bar who were looking their way. She suspected they were gushing over Tate. Most women did.

“See that cougar in the tight sequined silver top and black hooker stilettos? I’m sure she’s one of your fans. I’d bet my paycheck she’d love to have the great Tate Ryan make her night.”

Tate nodded to the woman and pulled Amanda’s arm down. She felt his hand linger.

“I think I’ll pass.” He signaled the bartender and said, “Hey, buddy, could I get a Manhattan?” Then he turned back to Amanda. “Okay, talk to me, Mandy. Why so glum?”

“Don’t call me that. My brother calls me Mandy, and I’m angry with him right now, too.” She stood once again and reached for her purse, determined this time to get away from her co-anchor. “I think I’ll get a table-for one. Merry Christmas, Tate,” she said flatly.

She walked over to the dining area and scanned the room for an empty table. There was one near the window. She plopped down in a chair.

Tate sauntered over.

“Oh, no. No, no.” She raised her hand in protest. “You are not sitting here.”

“Look, you can’t still be angry with me for what happened earlier.”

“Why can’t I?”

“Ace, you know I didn’t sabotage you.” He pulled out a chair and took a seat.

Amanda sighed. “I know.”

“Listen, let’s order some dinner. My treat. I’m starving, and I’ll bet you are, too. We’ll eat, and you can tell me why you’re here drowning your sorrows because this can’t all be my fault. Start from the beginning. I’m a great listener.” He scrolled through his iPhone. “Was it really that bad of a day?” he asked, glancing up.

“You can’t be serious. You did not just ask me that.”

Tate shrugged. “It’s one story. There will be others.”

“Not like this one.”

“You really believe that?”

Amanda shrugged. “I don’t know what I think anymore. Let’s just order. Will you promise to leave me alone after we eat?”

“Deal. Okay, where to begin? All right, why do you hate me? No. Wait.” Tate jerked his hand up in the air in a halt. “Don’t answer that. Let’s start with a softball question. Why do you hate the holidays?” He grabbed the other menu on the table.

“I don’t hate the holidays.”

Tate smirked. “Amanda, you pretty much tell anyone who wishes you a Merry Christmas to go to hell.”

“That’s not true.”

“Not to mention I had to twist your arm for you to do the kick-off story on this year’s toy drive.”

“That hardly makes me a scrooge. I agreed to it, didn’t I?”

He pointed at the window. “Speaking of toys, did you see that huge Santa and sleigh on the flatbed truck in the parking lot? It’s filled with all kinds of fun things. What do you think they’re doing with all those toys?”

Amanda followed his gaze out the window. In the darkness, she could just make out a life-size Santa and sleigh. God, she hated sleighs.

She could also see Tate’s reflection in the glass. The man certainly knew how to wear a suit. Why did he have to be so incredibly good looking? His eyes met hers, causing her cheeks to warm. She glanced away and reached for the breadbasket. “Does it really matter?”

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood.” He flipped his menu to the other side.

She sighed. He was right. It was common knowledge around the station that she wasn’t a big fan of the holidays.

“You’re right. I do get somewhat uptight this time of year,” she admitted. “I was planning on going home tomorrow, but now I don’t know-”

Tate looked up and interrupted. “You’re not going home for Christmas? Why?”

“I don’t know what to do. My mother will kill me if I don’t. My older sister’s about to have a baby.”

“Everything okay?”

“With her, yes. It’s just I received some unsettling news about my ghost from Christmas past.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind.” She slid back in her chair and took a drink. “It’s just hard to be single during the holidays, I guess.”

Tate studied her. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as the type of woman who gets down in the dumps for being single this time of year.”

“I’m not.” She paused. “Well, maybe I am a little. You think you’re headed down this precise path to achieving all of your carefully planned out goals-good grades, great college, solid career, the guy, perfect marriage, great sex-”

“Why, Ace, I could help you with that last goal.”

Amanda rolled her eyes. Of course he could. She continued, “Adorable kids and a nice house.” She sat up in her chair. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy in Wilmington. I’ve got a wonderful career, good friends, and my beautiful beachside condo bought and paid for. It’s just . . . I don’t know. You think everything is on track and then a-”

“Teleprompter jams,” he finished.

Her eyes started to water. “Something like that.” She immediately looked out the window to hide the evidence. Tate could not see her cry.

“So how long has it been since you’ve been home?”

“Two years.” Amanda grabbed a piece of bread and broke it apart.

“That’s nothing. What’s kept you away?”

“Long story.” Amanda grimaced and shoved the bread in her mouth.

“Might help to talk about it.”

She swallowed. “If you must know, my boyfriend of five years dumped me two years ago on Christmas Eve in front of all my family and friends.”

“Ouch.”

“Tell me about it.” She picked up her glass and swung it up in the air. “Then I get a text tonight telling me to check my Facebook, and guess what?” she asked, her voice rising. She didn’t wait for Tate to respond. “The bastard’s getting married!” She slammed her glass down. “Freakin’ engaged.”

“Is it really the end of the world?” Tate motioned for the waiter to bring Amanda a glass of water.

“Clearly you’ve never been in a relationship.”

“You just said you were happy here.”

“I am.”

“Are you still in love with him?”

“No.” She shook her head. “He might have broken up with me, but I realized we really weren’t meant to be. It’s just . . .”

“Just what?”

Amanda stared at Tate. Why was he so interested in her love life? “I guess I don’t understand why Brad gets to have his happy ending before me. Two years ago he didn’t want it.” Her eyes watered. This time she couldn’t hide the evidence as one tear slid down her cheek. “At least not with me.”

Tate grabbed a napkin from the table dispenser and handed it to Amanda. “Let’s turn this around.”

“How?” She sniffed, dabbing her eyes.

“Okay, here’s how I see it. Your sister is radiantly pregnant and about to pop out your mother’s first grandchild. Is your brother in a relationship?”

“Yes, with my best friend from high school.”

“I see.  It’s all making sense. There you will be at Christmas dinner, sandwiched between both couples. You have a great career and some would say a pretty good life here down south, but the humiliation of what happened with Brad will be the unspoken elephant in the room all weekend. Am I painting an accurate picture?”

With each stroke of his verbal brush, he certainly was. “I think you should order your dinner to go,” she said icily. It had obviously been a bad idea to share her love life with Tate.

“I think I can help-no, I know I can help you.”

“Help me? How?”

“If you brought a new man home, it would show everyone that you’ve moved on.”

“Maybe, but it’s not like I can rent one.” She thought for a second-could she?

“No need.” Tate reached for his drink and took a sip. “You can take me-free of charge.”

Amanda studied Tate. Was she hearing things?

“Take me home with you and introduce me as your boyfriend. I’ll fill that seat at Christmas dinner this year.”

“I was kidding with the bartender.” Amanda scoffed. The idea of bringing home a handsome boyfriend was intriguing. It would prove to everyone she was over Brad and past the humiliating breakup. But this was Tate. Handsome, yes. Her boyfriend? She didn’t think so. He rattled her on most days. They’d never pull it off.

Blog Tour: Sweet Nothings, Contemporary Romance

 

SWEET NOTHINGS

Sugar Springs #2

Contemporary Romance

By: Kim Law

Releasing January 1st, 2014

Published by Montlake Romance

Blurb

Joanie Bigbee, cupcake baker extraordinaire, likes to keep her options open–and she’s good at it. She’s started and sold some 30 businesses in her postage stamp-sized Tennessee town, and at the moment she can be found in a short skirt and go-go boots, selling cupcakes out of the back of a converted Volkswagen van. What she moves on to next is anybody’s guess. She knows better than to be tied down. In any way. She’s watched every woman in her family fall head-over-heels, only to find themselves wondering how to pick up the pieces when love is lost.

When Nick Dalton shows up at the groovy cupcakery, all Joanie wants is a taste; a fling with no strings suits her just fine. But for Nick, a bite is not enough; he wants the whole cake: a big house, a family, true love. But love only makes you stupid, right? Joanie has to decide whether to follow where her free-spirit leads? or hold on to the sweetest thing she’s ever known.

My Thoughts

I had a really good time with this book.  It was light-hearted, but still had substance. In enjoyed Joanie’s cupcake sugar character. I would love coordinated go-go boots to go with my cupcake icing.  What a fun idea! Nick is so steady–just the antidote that Joanie needs to get past her belief that true love will pass you buy.

A great way to start the new year with romance.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for_19.html

Sweet Nothings is the December romance pick for the Kindle First program!!

That means that Amazon Prime members get to choose one of four editor picks (one month before release date) and get the book for free. Non-Prime members can choose one of the four books and pay only $1.99. This goes for the whole month of December, and then the books officially release on January 1.

For more information about the Kindle First Program, click here.

Author Info

Award-winning author Kim Law wrote her first story, “The Gigantic Talking Raisin,” in elementary school. Although it was never published, it was enough to whet her appetite for a career in writing. First, however, she would try her hand at a few other passions: baton twirling, softball, and music, to name a few. Voted “Bookworm” and “Most Likely to Succeed” in high school, she went on to earn a college degree in mathematics.

Law spent years working as a computer programmer and raising her son, and she now devotes her time and energy to writing romance novels (none of which feature talking raisins).

She is a Romance Writers of America’s RITA® finalist, a past winner of the RWA’s Golden Heart® Award, and currently serves as president for her local RWA chapter. Her books can best be described as a light-hearted mix taking her readers on a sexy, fun, and emotional ride. A native of Kentucky, she now lives with her husband and an assortment of animals in her Middle Tennessee home.

Connect with Kim: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Website

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Grand prize will be a cupcake basket with:

A jumbo cupcake pan
A cupcake recipe book
Jumbo cupcake liners
Cupcakes sprinkles
A cupcake decorating kit
Cupcake measuring cups
An autographed copy of Sweet Nothings
And a cupcake recipe unique to my book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Rescue Me, Romantic Suspense

 

RESCUE ME

Romantic Suspense

By: Allie K. Adams

On Sale Now

Published by Allie K. Adams

 

Blurb

Deadly secrets…

As a TREX Special Agent, it’s Spencer Allen’s job with the covert agency to tell lies to keep the people around him safe. When a mission goes south, he has no choice but to call in the help of K-SAR, a search and rescue group led by the only woman with the power to destroy his control.

Mounting danger…

Kat Davis has a gift for finding people. When she finds a man not meant to be found and overhears details of a murder, and the plotting of another, she turns to the one man she swore she’d never trust again.

One touch detonates the inferno burning between Kat and Spencer. When a mysterious explosion nearly kills them both, Spencer vows to protect her at any cost, even if it means revealing a secret that could tear them apart—forever.

“If you are looking for nonstop, heart-racing action and sizzling romance, look no further. Allie K. Adams will take you there—and more!” —Lucy Monroe, USA Today bestselling author.

My Thoughts

Rescue Me is an intense romantic suspense where secrets abound. Spenser is keeping a secret from Kat–a big one–and it provides continued tension to their relationship. At the same time their firms are on a dangerous mission to determine who kidnapped a little boy, and more important, why.  Not everyone comes out of these encounters unscathed.

The book is good escape reading, and one in the TREX series. At times I felt confused by what was going on, but that may have been my rush to the end to find out the answers to all my questions.  Enjoy Rescue Me, by my fellow Montana writer, Allie K. Adams.

Buy Links

Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/10/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for_17.html

Author Info

Allie K. Adams is the bestselling author of several award-winning stories. An active member of the search and rescue, as well as previously served as a reserve deputy, Allie has firsthand experience in most of the dangers she writes about. Known for her highly erotic, deeply intense suspense romances, she can be found most days in front of her computer, saving the world one sizzling story at a time. She grew up in Seattle and now currently lives in southwest Montana with her husband, two kids, and two fluff ball dogs.

She’s also a member of Montana Romance Writers, a chapter of RWA. Casey Dawes is currently president of that chapter.

She loves to hear from readers and encourages them to reach out to her through her website at www.alliekadams.com.

Connect with Allie: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook Author Page | Blog| Website | Yahoo Group

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Knowing Vera, Romantic Suspense

 

KNOWING VERA

Romantic Suspense

Chance for Love Book Three

By: Rachelle Ayala

On Sale Now

Published by World Literary Press

 

Blurb

Vera Custodio has never fallen in love, though she has strong feelings for her friend and sometimes lover, Zach Spencer. Long-forgotten memories resurface when Vera discovers Zach’s mother was the woman her father supposedly murdered many years ago.

After losing his leg, former triathlete Zach Spencer reevaluates his life—and realizes he’s falling in love with Vera. When she ends their relationship, Zach is determined to prove his love and follows her to Australia in search of the killer.

Caught between a web of family secrets and a deranged adversary, Vera and Zach must depend on each other for survival. Love blossoms, but the truth explodes everything Vera knows about herself. Will she close her heart forever or risk it all for a shot at happily-ever-after?

Knowing Vera is a suspenseful, cross-cultural romance mixing an unsolved murder, action and adventure, and hot, steamy love scenes.

Buy Links

Amazon

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/09/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for_12.html

Guest Post: Boots on the Ground in Australia

My first two contemporary novels, Broken Build (Book 1) and Hidden Under Her Heart (Book 2), were set in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I live here, it was easy for me to take field trips to research scenery and location. However Knowing Vera presented a challenge. Even though it starts and ends on the Golden Gate Bridge, the main action takes place half-way around the world in Australia.

Australia has always been an land of enchantment for me. The romance began with Crocodile Dundee and the Crocodile Hunter. What girl hasn’t fantasized about rugged men with dirt on their faces and a knife between his teeth wrestling crocodiles or fighting sharks while talking with that sexy, husky accent?

Reality? My first Aussie friend was a lesbian from Townsville. Okay, so she had the right color eyes, and yes, she had the accent down, but her brothers were married and oh well, she did teach me a lot of Aussie slang and told me poor people lived on the beaches in Queensland, a far cry from Bondi Beach and the imaginary surfer guys who’d G’day me with their roguish charm.

Fast forward to the 21st century. I began writing my contemporary romantic suspense novels by setting them in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live. Fact checking and research were fun and easy. I had only to drive or take the BART to where I wanted to go, take pictures and notes and talk to people and I was done. I spent an entire day on the Golden Gate Bridge looking over the edge to see how wide the little catwalk was and whether someone could hang on and fight. I also took day trips to Santa Cruz, Pescadero State Beach, and Half Moon Bay to scout locations. [click here and here for posts]

But Australia hung on my mind, or rather Aussie men, specifically Zach Spencer. He popped onto the scene in Hidden Under Her Heart as the swoonworthy training partner of Lucas Knight, the biracial triathlete who was the hero of the book. Initially, he was supposed to be South African. But a quick fact check that South Africa had been banned from the 1984 Olympics had me looking for another location, namely Australia.

I settled on Melbourne when I met my friend, Rebecca Berto, who is from the Melbourne area. She agreed to help me fact check everything, from the location of the gas and brake pedal of a vehicle to the level of humidity in Melbourne as opposed to Sydney. I also met some Australians on the Golden Gate Bridge and pumped them for information, such as west side Sydney being the not so nice area as opposed to the East. So opposite to Los Angeles where I grew up.

Google was my friend for most of my research. I’d zoom into Sydney airport and map out the routes Zach and Vera took to leave the airport. I traveled through the tunnel and out many boring miles of traffic. Fortunately, I hired an Australian editor, Lauren McKellar, and she quickly pointed out there was no shuttle bus from the terminal to the car rentals. She said you walk to the car park.

She also corrected some of my Aussie slang saying only a female in her late fifties [uh… my lesbian friend from Townsville] would say things like that. As my adventurers took a detour onto Maroondah Highway, Lauren reminded me that the road signs would not say “Melbourne” anymore.

Once in the wine country, I took liberty and made up the entire Ping Crest Winery. Since I’ve been to Napa, I figured things couldn’t be too much different. I also took liberty in the architecture of Mr. Ping’s house and used my imagination while looking at water fountains in Spanish Town along the drive to Half Moon Bay to fill in the garden area.

The Central Business District and Flinders Street Station are well documented by Google Street View, so I had no problem walking Vera along the plaza and putting her fingers on the water walls. I made up the electro dance club and description of the neighborhood by looking at pictures of Revolver Underground.

When I wanted to have Vera feed the cockatoos at Grant’s Picnic Ground in the Dandenongs, I got some unexpected help from Gina Dragone, a critique partner. She and her husband actually drove through there and walked around the trails. They didn’t go in, but reported about the fenced off area and having to purchase tickets and buy seeds from the gift shop. If I had gone entirely by blog reports or YouTube videos I would have missed this, since it was a new development. In the past, people brought their own seeds and fed the birds in the parking lot.

I surely missed the natural beauty of the Dandenongs and Maroondah Highway, as well as the Yarrow Valley, the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. But having boots on the ground friends made all the difference in the details and I hope someday to visit Australia and see everything for myself. In the meantime, if anyone wants me to fact check San Francisco, Berkeley and Silicon Valley, just give me a holler.

Thanks Melburnians, here’s a link for you. “You’re not a Melburnian until…”

Author Info

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

Rachelle is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

Connect with Rachelle: Twitter | Goodreads | Blog| Website |Mailing List

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: The Patriot Girl, Contemporary Romance

[image error]

 

THE PATRIOT GIRL

Contemporary Romance

By: Toni Lynn Cloutier

On Sale Now

Blurb

MaKayla Adams has always been curious about the wild side of life. Making love with her late husband wasn’t exciting, and she never could understand the big deal…until hunky nightclub owner Dustin James hires her as a public relations consultant. His touch arouses feelings she’s never known, and his kiss tempts her to cross the line between business and pleasure.

Dustin doesn’t remember the car accident that put him in a coma three years ago, but since his recovery, he’s pushed his own needs aside to be a single father to his young daughter. When MaKayla offers to help publicize his country nightclub, however, she ignites deeper feelings he can’t ignore.

But there is more than mutual attraction between MaKayla and Dustin—there is a shared past connected to her husband’s death. Will the truth bring them together or tear them apart?

Buy Links

Amazon

Excerpt

She tilted her head toward his touch. “We do have an unusual chemistry, but anything more between us would complicate things.”

“In what ways?”

“Alex wouldn’t understand. Not to mention Paul’s parents.”

“What about what MaKayla wants?”

A loaded question she didn’t know how to answer. She wanted what she couldn’t have—not to be alone, the noises in her backyard to go away, a husband to spoil, and another child to mother.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. What matters is doing the right thing.”

“For who?”

“For everyone.”

“Even if it means being unhappy? When was the last time you did something for MaKayla without worrying about consequences?” He rolled his tongue and smiled.

“There was liquor involved. Otherwise, I never would have growled at you.”

“Why not?”

She shrugged. “Because it’s inappropriate.”

“A tease?”

“Yes.”

He cupped her cheeks between his palms. “I find you sexy as hell and I’m going to kiss you. The time to stop me would be right now.”

Guest Post

Thanks so much for having me today, Casey.

How do you choose the names of characters in your books? Is name choice important to you?

Yes. That is one of the first three things I have before I start writing. When you visit a place with new people, the first thing you do is introduce yourself, right? So that is what my characters do to me. I have a theme. I step into my small fiction town and characters are there waiting to introduce themselves.

What’s still missing in your life?

My dream is, was, and will always be to move from New England. Because of my husband’s job, we were forced to stay. However, the countdown is at 1 so we’ll be able to decide where to move soon. Someplace warmer!!!

What daily chore would you love to have someone else do for you?

This isn’t a daily chore, but… folding/pairing socks. It is as boring as drying silverware!

What turns you off?

Liars and sneaks! Talk about character…how can you ever trust a sneak or believe a liar? I work with children and they know the two things Mrs. Cloutier doesn’t like.

What would you like to say to your readers?

THANK YOU. All of you make it possible for me to do what I enjoy. And if you leave a comment/question, please be sure to leave your contact information for the contest.

Connect with Nikki: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | LinkedIn |  Website

Giveaway

Comment or ask a question by the end of day Nov. 30, 2013, and you could win an ebook copy of THE PATRIOT GIRL. The more you follow throughout the year, the more chances you’ll have to win the grand prize. See my website for more details.

A Christmas Hope, Contemporary Romance

I love Christmas, don’t you? Especially the possibilities of miracles. The greatest miracle of all for me is love in its broadest sense. Think of everything love can accomplish!

Advent, that period before the birth of Jesus, is a time of anticipation, hope, and reflection. Much of the story of A Christmas Hope takes place in that time period. Clara is anticipating the joy of the season, as well as launching a new segment of her business. Sam is wondering how soon Christmas will be over so he can get back to his bleak life without interference.  Will the miracle of Christmas touch them?

This book had several inspirations.  One was Maggie May, a real border collie I had the honor to meet while I was substituting in Ben Lomand, California. Her owner and I became friends and I was treated to Maggie May’s boundless energy on more than one occasion.

The other was a business started by one of my first business coaching clients, Kaycee McKenzie, called The Joyful Table. It sounds like such a fun concept that I regret no longer living in California so I can participate.

When I lived on the East Coast, I often went to upstate New York. It’s a picturesque area of farms and rolling hills. When I thought about this book, I knew I wanted to set it in that area. Snow, red barns, and green wreaths seemed like a natural setting for a Christmas story. A mill converted into shops in Milford, Pennsylvania, inspired the restaurant for Sam and Clara’s dinner.

Buy the Christmas Contemporary Romance Now on Amazon

Buy the entire Christmas contemporary romance anthology on Amazon

Contest

To celebrate the holidays, I’m giving away a copy of A Christmas Hope, as well as my romantic suspense, Chasing the Tumbleweed. Click on the image below to enter.  The contest runs Dec. 2 to Dec. 6. 

Blog Tour: The Secret Santa Wishing Well, Contemporary Romance

 

[image error]

SECRET SANTA WISHING WELL

Contemporary Romance

By: Nikki Lynn Barrett

On Sale Now

 

Blurb

The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn’t seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish…

Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter’s existence and doesn’t provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben’s kind actions lead a stranger to them.

Ah, but it’s Christmas time and the magic has begun.

When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.

With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.

Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.

Buy Links

Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Excerpt

It didn’t take long for her to come back.  Jacob moved to the living room, standing and waiting.  When he saw her coming, he closed the gap between them.  Before he could could think twice, he touched her shoulder gently, wanting to thank her for the evening.

But instead of talking, he leaned in and kissed her.  Just a light kiss.  Gentle.  Friendly.

Until she responded.  She had her arms around him, pulling him for another kiss.  Deeper.  Sweeter.  She tasted so sweet.  Her need made him swell.  He could do this all night.  Jacob pressed her against the wall, their kisses deepening with urgency.  He ran his fingers through her fine hair.  Her hands wrapped around his neck, rubbing lightly.  She tasted so good.

Jacob pulled back abruptly.  “Cheyenne,” he ground out.  “We have to stop.”

Before I lose it.

He didn’t want to stop.  He never expected her to reciprocate like this.  Wow.  Maybe it wasn’t one sided after all.  Jacob sighed.

That halted everything.  She pulled away, looking at him with wide, beautiful eyes.  “I’m sorry.  I pushed.  You must think I’m a fool.  I thought, when you kissed me…”  Cheyenne attempted to move out of Jacob’s  embrace.  Oh, damn.  She  thought  he  didn’t want her.  He did, oh, how he did.

“No, no.  Honey, that’s not it at all.  Kissing you was magical.  Amazing.  But we just met.  I don’t want to take things too far.  But I would love to see you again.”  He pushed back loose strands of her hair that hung over her face when she’d moved.  She looked so vulnerable.  Was she going to cry?  Oh hell, he wouldn’t be able to handle it if she did.  The last thing he wanted was for her to be upset with him.

“I’d like that, too.  It was a wonderful, amazing day, and I have you to thank for it.”  She nearly whispered the words, choking up on the last part.  “God, I’m a mess.  I’m sorry.  There’s been so much going on, and my signals are going crazy at the moment.”

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/08/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for-secret.html

Author Info

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She’s an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki’s site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers.

Email Nikki at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

Connect with Nikki: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |  Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway