5 Smooches!
Aug 09
Close To You by Kristen Proby Release Blitz with Excerpt and Giveaway
Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new Fusion Series from William Morrow, she seduces readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you CLOSE TO YOU, the second book in the Fusion Series! CLOSE TO YOU brings readers the next story in this amazing cast of characters. Grab your copy of CLOSE TO YOU today and check out the special offer below!
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.
Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want…or so she thinks.
After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.
Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?
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PROLOGUE
~Landon~
“Are you packed?” my sister, Mia, asks through the phone. Her voice is husky with sleep, which makes sense since it’s the middle of the night back home in Portland, Oregon.
“I leave tomorrow, Mia. Of course I’m not packed.” She snickers. I just finished up my last debriefing meeting, my last day as an officer in the Navy. I grip the zipper of my flight uniform and sigh. “It’s not right.”
“I know,” she says quietly. “But you’re safe and whole, and you could be dead, Landon, so I’ll take it.”
I frown, staring at myself in the mirror as I unzip my uniform for the last time. I’ll never wear it again, never pilot a plane again.
What the fuck am I supposed to do now? The Navy gave me options, but if I can’t fly, there’s no sense in it. Flying isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.
“You’re overthinking,” Mia says.
“I’m a pilot, Mia. This is what I love. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.”
“You’re alive,” she says.
“Am I?” I murmur, then shake my head and wince at the neck pain that still nags me from time to time. Ejecting from an F- 16 will cause a crick in the neck. And a loss of an inch in height that may never return, along with an entire Naval career.
Son of a bitch.
“This has been the longest four months of our lives, Landon. We’re all anxious to see you.”
“I’ll be home in a few days,” I reply as I pull a T- shirt over my head and throw the last of my belongings in a box that the Navy will have sent to me from Italy.
I loved being in Italy for the past few years, and God knows I didn’t plan to leave it like this.
But I am. Maybe Mia’s right; at least I’m alive and I can walk and live a normal life.
I just can’t fly.
And that’s what hurts more than any injury from the crash.
“What time should I come get you from the airport?”
“No need,” I reply, regretting calling my sister and waking her up. I just didn’t know what else to do when I came in here and was faced with boxes and the end of a career I love. “I’ll get there.”
“Landon— ”
“It’s okay, really. I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Be safe,” she says. “And, Landon?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s going to be okay.”
I force a grin and a nod, though she can’t see either. “Of course it is.”
We say our good- byes and I sit on the edge of the bed, scrub my hands over my face, and take a deep breath. I hope she’s right.
Order CLOSE TO YOU during release week, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Exclusive Short Story, GROW WITH ME, featuring Will and Meg from Kristen Proby’s PLAY WITH ME in the With Me in Seattle Series after Release Week!
And Don’t Miss the First Novel in the Fusion Series, LISTEN TO ME!
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About Kristen Proby:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.
Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.
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Aug 08
Dance With Me, Baby by Fiona Davenport Release Blitz with Excerpt
Dance with Me, Baby
A Yeah,
Baby Novel
Fiona Davenport
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
*Standalone*
Available on Kindle Unlimited
PURCHASE LINKS:
BLURB:
Guy Rule: No falling for a one-night stand.
Declan McGowen knew the beautiful ballerina with violet eyes was his the
moment he first saw her. He doesn’t want to let her go after their one
passionate night together, but he doesn’t have a choice. Not when her first
international tour means the world to her..
Juliette Moureaux spent four long months dreaming about her night with
Declan. She never thought she’d see him again, but she underestimated his need
for her. Declan hunts her down her first night back—right after she’s just
found out she’s pregnant with his baby.
REVIEW
(Review here, if reviewing)
EXCERPT
I
closed the rest of the gap and stood next to her chair, looming over her.
That’s when I noticed the silence, and I broke our connection to see several
pairs of eyes studying me.
“Do
you mind if I borrow this beautiful lady?” I asked lightly, making sure there
was pleasant humor in my tone. I didn’t want to scare her off by betraying how
desperately I wanted to simply toss her over my shoulder and run away to some
place where I could keep her all to myself.
More
silence. I held my hand out to my violet-eyed girl and waited. I hoped somewhere
inside her, she understood that if she accepted this gesture, she would no
longer have a choice. She would be mine.
It
was the longest seconds of my life, but then she placed her hand in mine and
sealed her fate. I helped her to stand and then placed my hand on the small of
her back and led her away to a dark, empty corner of the roof.
When
we were hidden from the view of others, I ran out of patience and slowly
lowered my mouth to hers. At first, it was a few light brushes, but it wasn’t
enough, so I licked along her bottom lip, requesting entrance. She parted them
immediately, earning a growl of approval from deep in my chest. My hands had
found their way to her lower back, and I clenched the fabric in my fists as I
pulled her body flush against mine.
She
tasted amazing, and the sound of a soft moan took my annoying erection straight
to a fucking baseball bat. Damn, I wanted her. I needed privacy, a bed, and our
naked skin touching.
I
finally lifted my head and smiled at the dazed expression on her face. “What is
your name, my beautiful ballerina?”
“Juliette,”
she whispered. “Juliette Moureaux.”
Even her name
was sexy. I ran a finger across her cupid’s bow. “Juliette,” I repeated, loving
the way her name rolled off of my tongue. “I’m Declan McGowan.”
OTHER BOOKS BY FIONA DAVENPORT
**All books available on Kindle Unlimited**
RISQUE
CONTRACTS SERIES
Penalty Clause
Amazon
Amazon
Contingency Plan
Amazon
Amazon
Fraternization Rule
Amazon
Amazon
Risqué Contracts Series Box Set
Penalty
Clause, Contingency Plan & Fraternization Rule
Amazon
Amazon
UK: http://amzn.to/1UDKbNL
YEAH, BABY SERIES
Baby, You’re Mine
Amazon US → http://amzn.to/1QAdlMt
Amazon UK → http://amzn.to/21nHSic
Baby Steps
Amazon US →
http://amzn.to/1MgzAQo
Amazon UK →
http://amzn.to/21ilEfB
Baby, Don’t Go
Amazon US →
http://amzn.to/1RuMqiB
Amazon UK →
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Yeah, Baby Series Box Set
Baby,
You’re Mine, Baby Steps & Baby, Don’t Go
Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/23ydEIF
Amazon
Until Death Do We Part
A Sex & Vows Novel
Amazon
Amazon
UK → http://amzn.to/1TNGUZe
Mafia Ties Series
Nic & Anna’s Story
Deception
Amazon
US → http://amzn.to/1TewzIQ
UK:
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Danger
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UK:
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Devotion
Amazon
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UK:
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Mafia Ties
Brandon & Carly’s Story
Pursuit
Amazon
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Amazon
US → http://amzn.to/29dAsuy
Power
Amazon
US → http://amzn.to/29nWMT7
Amazon
US → http://amzn.to/29zJ2GS
Passion
ABOUT FIONA DAVENPORT
Hello! My name is Fiona
Davenport and I’m a smutoholic. I’ve been reading raunchy romance novels
since… well, forever and a day ago it seems. And now I get to write sexy
stories and share them with others who are like me and enjoy their books on the
steamier side. Fiona Davenport is my super-secret alias, which is kind of
awesome since I’ve always wanted one.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Aug 08
Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward Sneak Peek
NEIGHBOR DEAREST
(A standalone)
Release date: 8/15/2016
A Contemporary Romance Novel
New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Penelope Ward
***
NEIGHBOR DEAREST
CHAPTER ONE
SUPERSONIC HEARING
Copyright © 2016 by
Penelope Ward
My little sister is such a drama queen. Literally. Jade is an actress on Broadway.
She clapped her hands together, applauding the students who’d just bravely put themselves out there to try out for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “You all did such a great job today! Tomorrow we cast the roles and start our first rehearsal. This is gonna be epic!”
Jade had come out to the Bay Area to visit our family for the week and offered to volunteer at the youth center where I worked. Since there wasn’t enough time to produce an entire play, Jade decided to direct the kids in one key scene from the musical that would be performed later in the week.
I loved my job as director of the arts at the Mission Youth Center. It was just about the only thing going right in my life. The only downside was the fact that these walls were haunted by memories of my ex, Elec, who used to be a youth counselor here. That was how we met. He’d loved his job, too, until he quit so that he could move to New York after we broke up. He moved to be with her. I shook my head to shoo away thoughts of him and Greta.
Jade grabbed her purse. “I need to go back to your place to use the bathroom and have a quick bite.”
I’d just moved into a new apartment that was only a few blocks away from my job. The lease had finally run out on the place I’d been renting with Elec across town. Even though my ex sent me his half of the rent for the remainder of our lease after he’d moved out, I couldn’t wait to vacate that place; every corner of it reminded me of him and of the miserable months that followed our break up.
My place was right in the south central section of the Mission District. I loved the culture in my new neighborhood. Produce bins and a variety of cafes lined the streets. It was also a mecca for Latin culture, which was great, except for the fact that it reminded me of Elec, who was half Ecuadorian. Little reminders of the guy who broke my heart were everywhere.
Jade and I strolled down the sidewalk, stopping at a fruit stand so that she could buy some papayas for an afternoon smoothie she planned to make back at my apartment. We also ended up getting two coffees to go.
I bent back the opening on my coffee lid as we walked. “So, little sis, I never thought we would be in the same predicament at the same time.”
Jade had recently been dumped by her musician boyfriend.
“Yes. But the difference is, I feel like I have way more distractions in my life than you do. It’s not that I don’t think about Justin. It’s not that I don’t get sad, but my performances keep me so busy that it’s almost like I don’t have time to wallow in it, you know?”
“I told you I’ve been doing these phone therapy sessions, right?”
Jade took a sip then shook her head. “No.”
“Yeah. I found this psychologist who specializes in trauma from failed relationships, but she’s in Canada. Anyway, we do phone sessions one night a week.”
“Is it helping?”
“It always helps to talk things out.”
“Yeah. But no offense, you don’t seem any better for it. Anyway, you can talk things out with Claire or me. You don’t need to pay big bucks to talk to a stranger.”
“Nighttime is really my only time to talk to anyone. You’re performing at night, and Claire is too wrapped up in being a blissful newlywed. Besides, she’s never had her heart broken. She listens, but she doesn’t get it.”
Our older sister, Claire, married her high school sweetheart. Even though the three of us were close growing up in nearby Sausalito, I’d always felt more comfortable opening up to Jade.
When we arrived at my building, my sister stopped to sit on one of the benches in the corner of the fenced-in courtyard. “Let’s sit for a bit, finish our coffees.” Her gaze wandered across the grass to my shirtless neighbor. “Okay…who’s the hottie in the beanie defacing the property?”
“What is it with you and beanies?”
“Justin used to wear one. That’s why I love them. Isn’t that sad?”
“That is sad.”
“This from the girl who still sleeps in her ex’s shirt.”
“It’s comfortable. It has nothing to do with Elec,” I lied. It was the one thing I allowed myself from him. It made me sad, but I wore it anyway.
“So…who is that guy?”
I didn’t know my neighbor’s name, but I’d see him once in a while doing spray paint art along the wrap-around concrete wall that surrounded the property. It served as a vast canvas. His spray painting was true art, definitely not what would be considered simple graffiti. It was an elaborate mix of celestial and geographical images. This guy just kept adding different artwork to the wall gradually. It was a work in progress. I could only assume he planned to paint the entire circumference of the property, as much as the wall space would allow.
“He lives in the building, next door to me, actually.”
“What is he doing? They allow him to do that here?”
“I don’t know. The first time I saw him out here, I thought he was vandalizing the property. But no one seems to care or stop him. Every day, he adds to the mural. It’s actually quite beautiful. But it doesn’t match his personality.”
Jade blew on her coffee. “What do you mean?”
“He’s not very nice.”
“You’ve talked to him?”
“No. He’s just not friendly. I’ve tried to make eye contact, but he walks right by me. He has these two big dogs, and they’re pretty mean. They bark all of the time. He walks them every morning.”
“Maybe he’s like a savant. You know, really good with art. Or maybe he’s a genius but with limited social skills. What do they call that…Asperger’s?”
“No. He communicates just fine. I’ve seen him yelling at a few people. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have that. This guy is just not friendly. He doesn’t have Asperger’s. He’s just an ass.”
Jade chuckled. “I think you should totally stop by his place with some warm muffins wrapped up in a basket. It’s the neighborly thing to do. Maybe he’ll loosen up…or loosen you up.”
“Muffins, huh? What’s that code for?”
“Muff…muffins. Same thing. If I lived here, I’d be all over that. But I don’t live here. You do. And you totally need a distraction. I say…he’s it.”
I admired the guy’s broad shoulders and tanned muscular back as his arm moved the spray can up and down. “God, doesn’t he remind you of Elec, though? Arm tattoo…dark hair. Artistic. Basically, that’s the last type of guy I’m going for at this point.”
“So, if someone looks like or seems similar to Elec, then they’re automatically disqualified? They’re destined to do the same thing Elec did? Is that how you think? That’s just stupid rationale.”
“Maybe that’s fucked-up. But the last thing I want is to be with someone who reminds me of him in the least.”
“Well, that’s a shame, because Elec was freaking hot, and this guy…is even hotter.”
“Can you remind me why we’re discussing this? The dude doesn’t even say hello to me. He’s not signing up to be on this delusional version of The Bachelorette. He’s not interested.”
Neighbor Dearest suddenly wiped the sweat from his forehead, took off the mask covering his nose and mouth, and dumped the spray cans into a black drawstring sack. He slung it over his shoulder and just when I thought he was going to walk away and out of the courtyard, he began to walk in our direction. Jade straightened in her seat, and I hated that my pulse raced a bit.
His eyes were focused on me. I wouldn’t call it an angry stare, but he wasn’t smiling. The sunlight beamed directly into his blue eyes, which glowed and really stood out against his tan skin. Jade was right; this guy was truly gorgeous.
“Blueberry are my favorite,” he said.
“What?”
“Muffins.”
“Oh.”
Jade snorted but stayed silent, letting me take the brunt of this humiliation.
“And I’m not anti-social or a savant. I’m just a good old-fashioned prick…with supersonic hearing.”
He smirked and walked away before I could say anything.
When he was safely out of earshot—for real this time—Jade sighed. “Angry guys are the best in bed.”
“You just can’t stop yourself, can you? Haven’t you done enough damage? I’ve always told you that you’re loud when you think you’re whispering. Now there’s proof…at my expense.”
“You’ll be thanking me later when you’re screaming out in orgasm as the angry artist is Van Goh-ing down on you.”
“You’re crazy.”
“That’s why you love me.”
“It is.”
★★★★
We hope you enjoyed this extended preview!
Available for Pre-order on iBooks, Nook and Kobo now!
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Blurb
A STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.
From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.
After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.
Damien was a hotter version of my ex.
The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.
He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.
Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.
The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.
We got to talking.
He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.
He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.
Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.
I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.
I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.
Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
About the Author:
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.
Connect with Penelope Ward:
Stalk Her: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Private Fan Group
Additional Books by Penelope Ward
RoomHate:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/294lIeT
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PgsvE7
Nook: http://bit.ly/1PLGnSL
kobo: http://bit.ly/1POvSnW
Stuck-Up Suit: (co-written with Vi Keeland)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1S3LnpZ
iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57
B&N: http://bit.ly/29vrQhV
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/stuck-up-suit
Cocky Bastard: (co-written with Vi Keeland)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MvHLg2
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PffE2J
Nook: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO
Sins of Sevin:
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iBooks: http://apple.co/1K8mzGg
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kobo: http://bit.ly/1OaGY3D
Stepbrother Dearest:
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Nook: http://bit.ly/1taMFjG
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kobo: http://bit.ly/1fJaaBs
Jake Undone (Jake #1):
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kobo: http://bit.ly/1SPKl0M
My Skylar
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kobo: http://bit.ly/1kNrtAB
Jake Understood (Jake #2):
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kobo: http://bit.ly/1LQ7Fvk
Gemini:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vgk1SE
Nook: http://bit.ly/1KfmLHD
iBooks: http://apple.co/1QTaONj
kobo: http://bit.ly/1BGJ2wu
Aug 08
Undisputed by A.S. Teague Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway
UNDISPUTED by A.S. Teague
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2016
— SYNOPSIS —
I live a life most could only dream of. Parties, women, fame—what more could I want?
As the undisputed MMA light heavyweight champ, I’ve faced the world’s toughest men. But, with a single glance, I knew that the five-foot-five redhead with a smart mouth and innocent eyes would be my hardest opponent yet.
Sidney O’Neil isn’t my type. While I spend my nights out drinking at the trendiest clubs in town, she spends hers taking care of her sick nephew. She lives for those she loves, and I only love myself. She is nothing I thought I wanted, yet she’s somehow become the one thing I need.
But what happens when the world is tipped on end and I’m no longer who she needs?
How do I convince her that we’re worth the fight when all she knows is defeat?
I’ve never lost a match, and I refuse to start now.
But, sometimes, the toughest fight of your life is outside the cage.
Check out our 5 smooches review HERE.
— PURCHASE: KINDLE US | KINDLE UK —
— EXCERPT —
I’m nervous about what I’m going to say. I’m not sure how she’ll react or if she will even believe me. Afraid I’ll chicken out, though, so I start talking.
“I’m sorry.” The words were surprisingly hard to get out. Apologizing is not something I’ve done often, and I’m not even sure I know how to do it properly.
Sidney raises her eyebrows and presses her lips together. I study her face for any indication of what she’s thinking and notice that her eyes are pink and puffy, like she’s been crying.
The guilt I’ve recently begun experiencing returns. I’m sure I’m the reason for her tears, and the thought of her crying because of me kills. I cup her jaw in my hand before lightly rubbing her cheek with my thumb.
Her eyelids flutter shut and she sighs while tilting her face into my palm. Her reaction gives me the fuel I need to keep going. I pull my hand away, but I’m not ready to stop touching her, so I grab her hand.
“I’m an asshole, Sid. I’ve always been a selfish prick. I’ve never had anyone care about me though, so I’ve always had to be the one to care about me the most. I’m used to doing what I want, getting what I want, and taking what I want. I don’t know how to care about others.” I scrub my palm over my thigh.
“That’s not true, Breccan. I’ve seen you—”
I cut her off with a shake of my head. “I’m a virgin, Sidney,” I say solemnly.
A short burst of laughter escapes her mouth, and she shakes her head. “Yeah, right, Breccan. Do I have ‘dumbass’ stamped on my forehead?” She laughs again.
I rush to explain myself. “Well, I mean, not a virgin virgin. I’m a relationship virgin. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing here. Hell, I had more finesse the first time I had sex than I do with this whole boyfriend thing.”
Her eyes widen at the word boyfriend, but she only says, “Oh.” Then she takes her hand from mine and brings her thumb to her mouth to chew on the nail.
Disappointed at the loss of contact with her skin, I pull her hand out of her mouth and lace my fingers through hers once again. “After you left, I went to my favorite club.” I purposely leave the part about destroying my kitchen out. “I couldn’t even get out of the car, Sidney. I sat there staring at the people dying to get inside and all I could think about was that I was dying to get out of that life. I don’t want to go to the clubs anymore. I’m tired of that shit. I just want to be with you. Here. On this couch. Eating fucking sushi if that’s what you want.”
I grimace, and she giggles.
It’s the fucking truth. Sitting in my car outside of Raw, all I could think about was how desperately I wanted to feel Sidney’s lips on mine and have her scent in my nose. I would have gladly choked down a pound of that crap if it meant I could go back and undo our fight and what I’d said.
“I’m sorry I freaked out when you called yourself my girlfriend.”
Her face falls.
I use my free hand to tip her chin up before I confess, “I don’t know how to do this. I have nothing to compare this to.” I use my hand to gesture between us. “But I can tell you that I want you. I want to hear you laugh. I want to make you smile. I want to hold you when you cry.” I run my thumb across her cheek. “I can tell you that I need you. I need your mouth on mine, your hair in my hands, your skin under my fingertips” Taking a chance, I lean in and place a light kiss on her lips.
She doesn’t pull away, so I continue speaking.
“I can tell you that no one else makes me laugh the way you do. No one else makes me feel stronger than you do. I miss you all the fucking time, Sid. Every minute of the day that I’m not with you, I’m dying to see you. My phone dings and I hope it’s you. When it’s not, I’m always so fucking bummed.” Lifting my shoulders in a shrug, I admit, “I’ve never felt this way about another person before, and I’m fumbling around like a kid trying to cop his first feel in the dark. I didn’t realize until tonight that I want you to be my girlfriend. I want to do all the cheesy couple things that people do—with you. And, Sidney, I’m really sorry I didn’t remember you from the club. I don’t know how I could have possibly forgotten you. But it’s not because you are forgettable. Because, ever since you fell down your fucking stairs, I haven’t been able to get you out of my head. And I don’t want to.” I blow out a breath when I finish and glance away from her penetrating gaze.
— ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A.S. TEAGUE —
A.S. Teague enjoys the warmth of South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. The stereotypes about peach cobbler and sweet tea are not overstated. After years in the medical field, she is now enjoying every minute of being a stay-at-home mom. She loves wine, the beach, wine on the beach, and crying at Disney movies. When she doesn’t have a book in her hand, she can be found pestering her husband with pictures of animals she wants to rescue, as well as debating whether to exercise or take a nap.
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Aug 08
Undisputed by A.S. Teague Review
5 Smooches!
Synopsis
I live a life most could only dream of. Parties, women, fame—what more could I want?
As the undisputed MMA light heavyweight champ, I’ve faced the world’s toughest men. But, with a single glance, I knew that the five-foot-five redhead with a smart mouth and innocent eyes would be my hardest opponent yet.
Sidney O’Neil isn’t my type. While I spend my nights out drinking at the trendiest clubs in town, she spends hers taking care of her sick nephew. She is nothing I thought I wanted, yet she’s somehow become the one thing I need.
But what happens when the world is tipped on end and I’m no longer who she needs?
How do I convince her that we’re worth the fight when all she knows is defeat?
I’ve never lost a match, and I refuse to start now.
But, sometimes, the toughest fight of your life is outside the cage.
REVIEW
I went into this story expecting your average fighter romance with whatever spin this author was going to put on it. While the hero is a fighter and there is some fighting, this is in no way a typical fighter romance. I was really taken by surprise by this book; the level of emotion I felt while reading staggered me. The feels that Teague dished out here were as gut wrenching as they were uplifting and inspiring. I ran the gamut experiencing them, from laughter to tears, and she definitely ran me through the wringer a time or two. No emotion felt forced, nothing ever felt contrite; oh, on the contrary, this book was shockingly, devastatingly genuine. Poignant moments, painful moments, passionate moments, they’re all here, delivered with a depth of detail that made the scenes vivid and realistic.
As difficult as the plot surrounding the nephew was, the romance between Sidney and Breccan was easy. These two had chemistry that leapt off the page through Teague’s words. There was a totally swoon-worthy and romantic love story here, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the tough, bad boy fighter, Breccan, stumble his way through his emotions, realizations and his first relationship. Without question, this very sexy, very sweet romance was as heart-warming as it was heated. This was a couple that I couldn’t help but root for, whose stories and lives I couldn’t stop myself from getting caught up in, and it’s a testament to Teague’s writing how immersed in this whole story I became.
I’m not going to lie, some of what is dealt with here is hard—emotionally—to get through. I was stunned at the depth pain I felt and how devastated I was. I felt it all here, the loss, the anger, the frustration, the love and so many other emotions that I just truly wasn’t prepared to feel in a supposedly simple fighter romance. That’s the key, though: this is no simple fighter romance, so let go of what you think you know of fighter romances and read this book. Undisputed was beyond what I expected, it was fabulously executed, and it is definitely not a story I will soon forget.
I have to say, I’m very impressed. This book was so well written, so richly developed and thoughtful, I had to remind myself that this was AS Teague’s debut novel. This author’s talent is obvious on every page, in every word, and if this is the caliber of writing I can expect from her, then she can absolutely count me as a fan. I highly recommend AS Teague’s Undisputed, and it gets 5 smooches from me.
~ Danielle Palumbo
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Aug 08
Man Of Honor by Sarah O’Rourke Blog Tour with Excerpt
Title: Man of Honor
Series: Passion in Paradise
Author: Sarah O’Rourke
Genre: Erotic Romantic Comedy
Published: July 25, 2016
Sheriff Zeke Monroe loves one woman…Honor McKinnon. He is willing to stake his entire future on protecting her…no matter what the cost.
Honor McKinnon knows she is broken. Her body and soul had been shattered by a violent attack years ago, and no one…not her sisters or anyone else in the tiny town of Paradise, especially the Sheriff…can change that. Rather than dealing with her wounds, she chooses to protect herself from any further damage, even if that means that she avoids the one chance at love. But Zeke is determined to break down Honor’s walls…and to find the persons responsible for hurting her and make them suffer.
He’s already killed for her once…and is willing to do it again if it means she’ll know safety and happiness.
What happens when Zeke refuses to allow Honor to ignore her past? Will Zeke’s love be passionate enough to break down her barriers? And can Zeke save Honor when her life is in danger once again?
Join Sarah O’Rourke in this epic culmination of the Men of the McKinnon Sisters stories…and find out how the Passion in Paradise series is always scorching hot! Standalone, romantica suspense.
Check out our 5 smooches review HERE.
“WOW!!! This made me an emotional wreck.” ~MsMe28
“This is a beautiful story of love, loss and moving forward. I would recommend this book and all books in this series!” ~Sassy Southern Book Blog
“OMG WOW!! I have been hooked on this duo as writers for a while but with this book they absolutely outdid themselves.” ~Book Happiness
Man of Honor – Excerpt
“Not necessarily, but I wouldn’t mind,” Zeke replied truthfully. “Honor, darlin, you’re a gorgeous woman.”
“Not without my clothes,” she mumbled, bending her head to stare at her clenched fists. “Ugly,” she muttered. “I’m ugly.”
Tensing, Zeke’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know why the hell you’re saying that, but there’s not a single ugly thing about you. Not when you’re naked. Not when you’re tryin’ to bring yourself to release. Not ever, Honor Grace. You do not ever have to be ashamed of your body.”
Honor slowly lifted her mortified gaze to him. “You’ve never seen me without my clothes, Zeke. There are scars. So many scars. They’re raised and bumpy. Some are red and raw. It’s disgusting, Ezekiel.”
“Bullshit. Every single one of those marks remind me of one thing, Honor. One,” he growled, holding up a finger between them. “You lived. You survived. When all the odds were stacked against you, you defied modern medicine and every one of those damned doctors predictions, and you lived. And all those scars will ever do is remind me of how lucky I am to still have you. Don’t you ever tell me you’re ugly because you’re the most beautiful thing in my world. You wanna be scared to share your body with me because of what happened to you? I get that. I can accept that. But worrying about some marks on your flesh? I love you, baby, but that’s insane.”
Honor stared at him a long time, gauging his sincerity. “It doesn’t feel silly,” she finally grumbled.
“You need to reassess your feelings then because I assure you, it’s one of the silliest concerns you ever had. Christ, baby, how long have you been agonizing of a worry as pointless as your scars?” he asked, shoving a frustrated hand through his dark hair. “I could have put these fears to rest ages ago, Honor, if I’d known about it.”
“It’s hard to talk about,” she revealed in a low voice as her head twisted to look at him.
“Yeah? Is feeling like shit alone better than talking it over together with me?” he returned calmly, reaching up to tenderly tuck her hair behind one ear. “Baby, you gotta start getting this. When you hurt, I hurt. When you suffer, I suffer right along with you. Don’t make either one of us feel that way needlessly, Kitten. Just talk to me. I know you have scars. You’ve got them on your body, and you’ve got them on your soul. I’ve sat by your hospital bed too many times to count and watched you while you did your damnedest to heal them both. Those wounds are not new information to me and they don’t change shit. I still love you, and I don’t allow those scars to do anything other than remind me to treasure every day I have with you. Okay?”
Honor’s eyes were soft as they locked with Zeke’s. “You really do love me a lot, don’t you?” she asked in a small voice.
“So much that I ache with it, Honor.”
Sarah O’Rourke is the alter ego of two best friends who have taken their passion for romantic fiction and erotica to the publishing world. Born and raised in the southern United States, one lives near Louisville, KY, while the other resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Neither is ever very far from a tall glass of sweet iced tea, their dog-eared copies of Gone With the Wind, or their Steel Magnolias DVDs!
Formerly an accountant and a chemist, they are now overworked, stay-at-home moms who adore their children, their husbands…and writing about love in every way possible!
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Aug 08
Man of Honor by Sarah O’Rourke Review
5 SMOOCHES!
Synopsis
Sheriff Zeke Monroe loves one woman…Honor McKinnon. He is willing to stake his entire future on protecting her…no matter what the cost.
Honor McKinnon knows she is broken. Her body and soul had been shattered by a violent attack years ago, and no one…not her sisters or anyone else in the tiny town of Paradise, especially the Sheriff…can change that. Rather than dealing with her wounds, she chooses to protect herself from any further damage, even if that means that she avoids the one chance at love. But Zeke is determined to break down Honor’s walls…and to find the persons responsible for hurting her and make them suffer.
He’s already killed for her once…and is willing to do it again if it means she’ll know safety and happiness.
What happens when Zeke refuses to allow Honor to ignore her past? Will Zeke’s love be passionate enough to break down her barriers? And can Zeke save Honor when her life is in danger once again?
Join Sarah O’Rourke in this epic culmination of the Men of the McKinnon Sisters stories…and find out how the Passion in Paradise series is always scorching hot! Standalone, romantica suspense.
REVIEW
“I knew…once I got to you…in your arms, I’d be okay. I just had to make it until you got there.”
I was introduced to Sarah O’Rourke and this series, Passion in Paradise: The Men of the McKinnon Sisters, in June of 2014, and I became an instant fan. I was immediately hooked by this quirky town, the interesting and refreshing cast of characters and the exciting, sexy stories. But the characters and the story that called to me the most was that of the youngest McKinnon sister, Honor, and the patient, unwavering love that Zeke Monroe, Paradise’s sheriff, had for this severely traumatized woman. I think Sarah O’Rourke will tell you that I was the most vocal of their fans in expressing my desire for this book. Ok, ok, so a little bit of stalking and perhaps some “bearly” – intentional misspelling – disguised begging for Zeke and Honor’s story may have happened on occasion. Or often. Alright already, it happened a lot.
“We’re not going backwards, baby. We struggle through this…together. If things get hard, we fight harder.”
This book has been something I’ve built up in my mind over the course of the last two years and through the release of the five books in this series that have lead up to it, so my expectations were sky high. I’ve said on more than one occasion, upon learning this book would be released this year, that Man of Honor, was my most highly anticipated book of 2016. I was not joking. So it thrills me to be able to say that this book not only lived up to the hype I created in my mind, but it surpassed it and was more than I hoped it would be.
“Baby, the one thing you can count on is that as long as I’m breathing, I will always come for you, Honor. Always.”
Honor McKinnon survived a nightmare at the tender age of 16. A kidnapping and brutal gang rape robbed this young woman of more than just her innocence; it robbed her of her sense of self, her feelings of safety and of her sexuality. The attack left behind a woman with physical and emotional scarring so deep, she was certain she’d never dig her way out. It would take six long years of constant and steadfast pursuit by Zeke Monroe and the persistent, unrelenting and unending love that he had for Honor that would ultimately lead her out of her nightmare.
“Where you lead I follow, Kitten. Whether it’s to the hospital, into the pits of Hell, or straight through the Pearly Gates of Heaven, I am always going to be one step behind you. You’re never gonna get away from me, Honor. Never.”
It was breathtaking and astounding to witness the love that this man had for this woman. Considering that it never progressed beyond friendship, despite the very obvious fact that he was desperately in love with her, it was nearly unfathomable that he waited for her, that he stood by her side, ever hopeful and always understanding, just waiting for Honor to catch up with him. He never lost faith that she’d get there, but after six years and considering the danger still swirling around her, he couldn’t help but give her a nudge.
“In life, there are days that shape a person into who they will become while trying their spirit, strength and determination. These are the moments where a person is tested and forced to prove their mettle.”
While she was furious at first with what she said was his high-handedness, it wasn’t long before Honor realized Zeke was right to push her gently in this direction. Experiencing Honor go through the process of confronting what happened to her was many things. It was devastating, it was painful, but it was also encouraging and uplifting. Witnessing this young woman’s awakening, and the courage she drew up to not only relive what was done to her, but to deal with it so she could heal and move on from it, was so emotional and inspirational. In the midst of all of this pain and heaviness, unbelievably, there were also those moments of hilarity that this fantastic author duo are so well known for. I mean, it wouldn’t be a Sarah O’Rourke novel without a taste of their wicked sense of humor, and trust me, it’s there.
“Aren’t the poets always sayin’ that love is more of a show and less of a tell? Show me, Ezekiel… Show me how much you love me and I’ll try to do the same.”
This book was so many things for me, and I enjoyed it so thoroughly. To have wanted this book for so long, to have waited almost two years for it, to have built it up in my head and to have it exceed my expectations? That is the greatest feeling EVER. Well-written, warm, heartening, inspiring, Sarah O’Rourke delivered a phenomenal novel with a very sensitive story line in a way that was respectful and genuine. They did it while being true to their characters and peppering the book with their trademark snarky sense of Southern humor. It was romantic and sexy and loving and I positively adored every single word of this amazing book. Without hesitation, Man of Honor by Sarah O’Rourke gets 5 smooches from me.
“…you are the owner of all my tomorrows and the keeper of my future. Every time I stare into your eyes, I see all my hopes and dreams coming true.”
~ Danielle Palumbo
BUY IT NOW
Aug 06
Blind Landing by Carrie Aarons Review
4 Smooches
Synopsis
Fear stops dreams in their tracks before they even have a chance. Then again, so do injuries.
Natalia Grekov was born to win Olympic gold. As the USA’s top gymnast, she’s calm, confident and ready to make her country proud in just two short months. And her elite athlete lifestyle includes no time for distractions—especially men. When a disastrous fall in practice puts her dreams at risk, it seems the only person who can help her is the one person she wants nothing from.
Spencer Russell is gymnastics’ bad boy. A cocky, laid-back charmer with abs of steel and a witty mouth, he waltzes around the U.S. Gymnastics Training Camp like he owns the place—even though he doesn’t anymore. After an injury sidelined his career and any chance at Olympic glory, he’s now just a coach, helping other gymnasts reach their goals. Serious is not a word in Spencer’s vocabulary. But when Natalia tumbles into his life, he’s suddenly sincerely interested in helping the blonde beauty in any way he can.
Can they vault over the obstacles standing in their way? Or will Spencer be the distraction that causes Natalia’s chance at gold to crash and burn?
Review
“Flirty friends kiss right?”
I love a sports romance and I am a fan of Carrie Aarons so I was excited to start Blind Landing. I love the Olympics and this new trend of books revolving around this setting is right up my alley.
‘Natalia Grekov has sent my system spinning, and the only way to relieve the dizziness was to attack it at the source.’
Blind Landing revolves around Nat, an Olympic hopeful, and Spencer, a coach for the Men’s team. Their relationship starts as friendship with both of them knowing that now during the training for the games is not the time to act on their chemistry. But before long the attraction becomes too much to deny and they are soon sneaking around. Their pairing is taboo but not forbidden. I loved Spencer and his fun personality from the start and while I admired Nat’s drive and determination, it did at times make connecting to her as a romantic heroine more difficult. There were great moments when she let her guard down that I truly did like her but also times when her focus on ther Olympic path make the romanctic aspects of the book more difficult to connect to then I was hoping for.
“Duh, Russell, I want your body. And a big fat gold medal.”
Overall, Blind Landing was a good solid sports romance and Spencer is hard not to love. Blind Landing is worth a read and especially now during the Olympic Games!
~miranda
Aug 05
Oxygen Deprived by Lani Lynn Vale Release Blitz with Excerpt
Title: Oxygen Deprived
Series: Kilgore Fire Series
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 6, 2016
Cover Model: Gary Taylor
Photographer: Furious Fotog
No take-backs.
That was the motto that Drew lived by in all things, including his love life.
He’s a player, pure and simple.
He’s learned the hard way that women aren’t all hearts and flowers. Sometimes their sexy bodies and beautiful faces are just a pretty shield to hide the crazy, and he’s so freakin’ over crazy.
Been there, done that. He has the divorce papers to prove it.
Karma hits like a bitch.
Aspen needs a break. A long one that doesn’t include anything with a Y chromosome. Not even one as tempting as her new neighbor who just moved in across the street. Men are trouble with a capital freakin’ T, and she has the ankle monitor to prove it.
The last man she gave her heart to was a police officer. A man whose life was dedicated to protection, and he was supposed to protect her heart—not break it.
She decides right then and there that she’s done with being the better person.
Everything happens for a reason.
A rash decision—undoubtedly regrettable, undeniably unforgettable. In the heat of the moment, Aspen’s actions with a tire iron and her ex-boyfriend’s brand new SUV land him in the ER getting stitches and have her seeing the inside of a jail cell for the first time.
It’s just her luck that the whole town is there to witness the result of her poor decision, including her police officer brother and the neighbor that already made it more than clear she was more trouble than she was worth.
House arrest never looked so good.
Hide your crazy.
Drew enjoyed the show, though. For the first time in a year, he’s thinking about his life, and how it would be a lot more enjoyable with a woman like Aspen at his side.
Maybe crazy isn’t so bad after all.
Check out our 5 smooches review HERE.
I slammed my fingers down on the keyboard, insanely annoyed that I now had to tell how fun the product was, despite the fact that the person I’d had the fun with was a douche bag.
A knock sounded at my door and I turned to glare at it.
“Who is it?” I yelled.
“You know damn well who it is. It’s the same person that’s been knocking at your door for the last twelve hours,” Drew growled.
I shrugged.
“Go away,” I ordered him.
I could hear him sigh through the door.
“In my eyes, the marriage Constance and I had was over,” he started.
I picked up the nearest thing to me, which happened to be a half finished water bottle, and then launched it at the door.
“Go away!”
He left, but not without one last parting comment.
“I still have a few things left in that box that I want to try on you. When you’re ready, let me know.”
I glared at the box he’d just spoken about, and went back to my review.
If you’re looking for a fun, awesome thing to do with your significant other, this is the thing for you. It offers many benefits; but most importantly, it gives you time with your significant other. And, might I add, it’s totally fucking worth it. I’ve used it three times in the last two days. It’s like he’s here.
On a side note, the vibrator is not very proficient. It offers about two hours of battery life before they need replaced.
Not that I used it for two hours or anything.
Oh, who am I kidding?
I would’ve used it longer if I hadn’t run out of batteries.
I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 5, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.
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