Black Dawn by Cristin Harber Review

8

5 Smooches

kis34-1-3-4 kis34-1-3-4 (1) kis34-1-3-4 (2) kis34-1-3-4 (3) kis34-1-3-4 (4)

Synopsis

Parker Black wants the one woman he shouldn’t have—his buddy’s girl. She’s sweet and smart, but clueless about how deep Parker lives in Titan’s virtual world. Everything is controlled. Chaos is mastered. Black and white data and risk analysis. That is the way he understands his world, how he plays his role to keep Titan teams alive.

But he’s wrong.

About everything.

Lexi Dare lives two lives. She’s an unhappy fiancée stuck in a spiraling relationship, unsure how she ended up with a ring on her finger and an abuser in her bed. But she’s also elusive. Elite. A master hacker playing deadly stakes.

When the lines blur and the truth comes out, Lexi’s only shot at survival is the trust of her rival—her equal—before it’s too late.

Review

“Everything he did had order, but the woman making his heart pound? She was messy and complicated. She was broken, and he didn’t know the first thing about mending hearts.”

So this is my first foray into the world of the Titans, I read Cristin Harber’s Only For Him series and loved it and knew I needed to read more from her so when I saw this one I jumped right in. My review for this is based on it being read as a standalone and I thoroughly loved it and now I cannot wait to start at the beginning of the series and catch up. If the other books in the series are as good as this one I can easily see it becoming one of my favorite series.

“You’re the only person that makes me do what I’m not expected to.”

Black Dawn follows Parker, sexy ex-military Titan who goes by BlackDawn in the online world of hackers and developers and Lexi, his childhood friend’s fiance and who is secretly SilverChaos, hacker extraordinaire. Parker has always had a thing for Lexi but she was Matt’s and off limits. But when Parker finds out that Matt is not treating her as he should he is enraged, protective and a bit ashamed to be hopeful that maybe he stands a chance in Lexi’s life But before they really have time to think about that drama goes down when the program Lexi has developed goes up for sale. Soon the two are on the run and Lexi’s life is in danger.

“sweetheart, I’m gonna eat you until you get it. I like your taste. Those sounds. The way you feel moving against my lips. You want to clamp and claw on me, then fucking do it.”

Intense emotions, action and so sexual chemistry that had me sweating Black Dawn was impossible to put down and had me ignoring everyone in my life while I found out what could possibly happen next. Often in these alpha male security books I find the story lacking and details skimmed over. This was not a problem in Black Dawn, in both the emotional and action scenes Cristin never introduced a fact she didn’t need later.  I deeply fell for Parker and his analytical ways. I loved how Lexi did not fit in the perfect order he had created in his life and yet he wanted her there more than anything. Lexi for her part was both self assured and a broken woman. Desperate for the love of family that she never had growing up she compromised everything she was to feel needed and yet in the online world as Silver she was a strong person that others looked up to. With Parker’s help she learns to merge the two and just be who she is and to be happy as that person.

“He was her friend. Her co-worker. A protector.”

This book was high intensity and action a lot happens and you need to pay attention to keep up.  For a security alpha story it had everything I look for and I will be recommending it to anyone I know who loves action, sex and an alpha male! Great job Cristin I look forward to reading the rest of the series and falling for all the men of Titan.

~miranda

Buy It Now

Flash Point by Brooke Blaine Blog Tour and Giveaway

8

Flash Point by Brooke Blaine

A Standalone Romantic Suspense Novel

Release Date: July 12, 2015

1

Synopsis

The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.

It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.

She escaped.

The danger should’ve been over.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.

The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.

Katherine Shaw.

Rich girl? Check.

Spoiled and obstinate? Check.

A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.

Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.

7

Check out our smooches review

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25522285-flash-point?ref=ru_lihp_up_rs_0_mclk-up2443317298

6

Excerpt from Flash Point

© Brooke Blaine 2015

The wind whipped around them suddenly, a ferocious gust that caused Katherine’s long locks to go flying in every direction. She looked a bit like Medusa right then, hair thrashing about like snakes, hypnotic jade eyes blazing, and just as she lifted the hood of her jacket over her head, the wind died down.

“Yeah, that just figures,” she muttered, as she put her hand inside the hood to smooth down her hair.

Jason’s phone buzzed in his pocket, the caller ID reading Thompson. He answered before the second ring. “Sir.”

“Just calling to check in with you, Garrett. I spoke with Kirkpatrick and went over the rundown on our end, and he gave me—”

“Ow, shit, motherfucker—”

A string of curses continued to fly from Katherine’s mouth, her arm caught in an awkward angle over her face. The bracelet on her wrist had hooked onto the jacket liner of her hood, and the more she tried to yank it free, the more it snagged.

Thompson’s voice turned apprehensive. “Is everything okay over there? Is that Katherine—”

“Yes, yes, she’s fine,” Jason said.

“She doesn’t sound fine.”

“Just a little…female issue.”

“Female issue…? Ohhhh. I see. Well, good luck with that. Talk later.” Thompson hung up swiftly, and Jason shook his head. Wimp.

Katherine stomped her foot as she continued to wrench her arm free, and he tried not to smirk at how ridiculous she looked.

I should just leave her like that, he thought in amusement.

“Are you gonna talk on the phone all night or are you gonna fucking help me sometime this century?”

“Do you really want me to answer that?” he asked.

“No, what I want right about now is a chainsaw to free myself and then stick up your ass.”

He shoved the phone back in his pocket. “Sounds like foreplay.”

She stopped struggling for a moment, and he tried not to notice the way her shirt had ridden up to display a few inches of her creamy skin. “Now the sense of humor comes out? Now?

Stepping forward, he grabbed her wrist with one hand and tried to get her bracelet free with the other, but it was lodged in tight. Her pulse beat rapidly under his thumb, and he stroked over it once before realizing what he’d done. A quiet gasp escaped Katherine’s lips.

“Hold still,” he murmured, tightening his grip. “It might hurt.”

With a quick snap, he ripped the hood away, a chunk of tattered material still clinging to the mangled jewelry. She pulled the bracelet off her arm and rubbed her wrist.

“Thanks,” she said, a bit breathless.

He nodded as he backed away, and she got the hint to keep moving and not mention it.

They walked together in silence, for once, until a cluster of buildings came into view, and Katherine directed them toward it. When he saw her look over at him from the corner of his eye, he braced himself for the next round of questioning he knew was coming.

“So…you never told me your first name,” she said.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Well, that’s rude. I thought we just had a moment there, Jason.”

He stopped in his tracks, and she burst out in victorious laughter.

How the hell did she know that?

“And you thought I was unobservant.” She wore a smug look on her face. “I may be a lot of things, ruiner of jackets included, but give me a little credit here.”

“Where did you hear that?”

She shrugged. “It was a hunch. I’d referred to you as Jason Statham when I was talking to Steven at my father’s house, and I noticed you flinched when I said it. So, either you get that comparison a lot, or it was an involuntary reaction to hearing your name and trying not to react. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.”

Well I’ll be damned. Not just a pretty face, are you?

“Oh,” she said then, taking a step back. “Oh, no. That’s not…a tiny sliver of respect I see in your eyes, is it?”

He grimaced. “No.”

“Thank God,” she said with mock relief as she climbed the stairs to the main doors and stopped just outside them. “I couldn’t take it if you actually liked me.”

He had nothing to say to that, too busy trying to see past the mask she wore that he’d only briefly thought about earlier. She was observant. I wonder what else she’s hiding…

She turned around. “Can I ask you something?”

“God knows you would anyway.”

The Katherine that faced him now wore a serious expression, with no trace of the sarcastic woman he’d had to deal with the past few days. She cocked her head to the side as she studied his face.

“Are you always this much of an asshole with your clients, or am I just lucky?”

Before he could summon an answer, she reached for the door handle but then pulled away so he could enter first. She stayed beside him as she walked them to her class, and he knew she didn’t expect a response. After getting her settled and taking position against the wall nearby, he entertained her question.

Two things he knew for sure: First, he was definitely an asshole. And second, under the current circumstances, he’d never refer to Katherine Shaw as lucky.

5

About the Author:

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

4

Contact Links

Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+BrookeBlaine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/BrookeBlaine

Instagram: www.instagram.com/BrookeBlaine1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brookeblaine11

3

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2

Flash Point by Brooke Blaine Review

25522285

5 Smooches!

kis34-1-3-4 (1) kis34-1-3-4 (2) kis34-1-3-4 (3) kis34-1-3-4 (4) kis34-1-3-4

Synopsis

The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.

It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.
She escaped.
The danger should’ve been over.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.
The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.

Katherine Shaw.
Rich girl? Check.
Spoiled and obstinate? Check.
A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.

Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.

Review

I believe that Flash Point is Ms. Brooke Blaine’s debut novel by herself.  I have had the pleasure of reading her and Ella Frank’s A Desperate Man serial and I absolutely love it so I was excited to give Brooke a try alone.  I am stoked that I did because I really REALLY enjoyed Flash Point.

“I think you’d be more pleasant with a sausage in your mouth, yes.”

Oh, I was dying laughing.  This book was really hysterical.  In a lot of ways Flash Point is your typical Body Guard protects girl who he thinks is spoiled beyond reason but she slowly wins him over with her smart mouth and snarky attitude.  So in that aspect maybe the book was a little cliche.  But in other ways, this book was completely different and got a little darker at parts.  Because actually Katherine is not spoiled, she is a good person who suffered something incredibly tragic.  I really loved her character and totally sympathized with her.  Her attraction to Jason is immediate and I really do appreciate how he tried to hold her off for so long.  It made for some really entertaining dialogue and sexual tension.  Yeah, the sexual tension was off the charts.

“Stop trying to force my hand, Katherine.”

“I’m trying to force your cock, Jason, not just your hand.  Though that’s an important player too.”

The writing is this book is shockingly good for a newbie.  I really enjoyed the story.  The mystery, the hilarious characters, the sexy; all of it was top notch.  I was thinking to give this book 4.5 stars but in the end I went with five and here is why.  You got me, Brooke Blaine, you got me.  I hardly ever get gotten.  I can usually tell you “who done it” in the first five seconds of a book but this book is written in a way that completely threw me.  So kudos to you Brooke, you won yourself a 5 star rating!

~Amie

BUY IT NOW

Prepared To Fight by E.J. Shortall Blog Tour and Giveaway

Release day cover

Title: Prepared To Fight
Author: EJ Shortall
Book Tour: July 13-24
Hosted by: SBB Promotions

add-to-goodreads-button

PTF Cover

 

 

Synopsis Logo

Live each day as if it were your last. Worry only about yourself. Work hard and never, ever fall in love. That’s Olivia Buchanan’s motto and she stands by it every day.

Feisty, headstrong and confident, recent graduate Liv is fighting to succeed in the male dominated field she has chosen as her career. As an architect for her best friend’s father’s respected London based company, her chance to shine and become recognised comes when she lands the prestigious account for GO Sports and Leisure.

Armed with her plans and determination, Liv is ready to deliver the presentation of her life. That is, until he walks in. The mysterious personal trainer from the gym. The only man to have ever made her heart flutter. But he isn’t all he seems.

When MMA fighter, Nathan Oakes offers Liv a business proposition to join him in Southern France, she’s left questioning his motives and wonders if she should refuse. She’s also equally intrigued by the prospect of what the trip could do for her career.

Liv has no time for a relationship. Nate doesn’t want one. When forced to live side by side, feelings are stretched and emotions are battled. Can they keep their professional and personal lives separate, preventing them from falling into something they both need to avoid?

Prepared to Fight teaser

 

Buy Links

amazon-logo-80x80 Kobo buy 80x80 BN-LOGO-80x80 apple ibooks 80x80

Excerpt Logo

“I thought you were going to show me some fancy flying kicks or something,” I said petulantly, watching him closely with my hands raised in the same defensive pose he carried. I began moving with him as he slowly started to circle me. “Not my thing.” “No? What is your thing then?” My arm instinctively moved away when his twitched. “My first discipline is Ju-jitsu. I’m more dangerous on the ground grappling and holding.” “Ha, so you do enjoy a good fumble and roll around on the floor then.” He shot me a look of heat before he quickly refocused. “There is only one time I enjoy rolling around, and it isn’t in a fighting arena.” I jumped back when he lunged forward. His eyes got a mischievous glint to them, and he stepped back, dropping his arms. “What are you doing?” I asked with a frown, disappointed. Surely we weren’t done already? I hadn’t even managed to sneak in a slap of my own. I dropped my arms to my side, waiting for his next move. Suddenly his left hand flashed in my peripheral vision and my arm instinctively came up to block it. At the same time he swept his leg out, catching my calf and knocking me off balance. With a screech and a thud, I landed on my back on the thick, deep red rug. “Ooof!” Air jolted from my lungs, leaving me winded and fighting hard for a deep breath. “Shit! Fuck! Liv, I’m sorry.” Nate was on his knees straddling my prone form before I could blink. His eyes were wide and fearful staring down into mine. “Are you okay?” All I could do was nod and swallow hard when he looked at me with such regret. My eyes closed at the feel of his hands smoothing my hair back and then trailing a hot path down my cheek. It was such a gentle, almost reverent touch. “God, do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked tenderly, his body lowering towards mine. I sucked in a deep breath, my heart pounding a frantic beat in my chest. He was so close, our lips only inches apart. His words and his slow, precise movements had my head spinning, but in this moment I knew I wanted him to kiss me. I was desperate for it.

Giveaway

6 prizes up for grabs by author E.J Shortall to celebrate the release of Prepared to Fight

 

 

PTF Teaser 4

Author Bio Logo

EJ Shortall was born and raised in a suburb of London, England where she currently still resides.

Having worked in education for the better part of 12 years, EJ decided a change was needed. Following a moment of inspiration, she decided to put pen to paper not expecting anything to come from the few words she had. Soon those few words turned into her first novel, Silver Lining. Not content with just writing the one, she continued with book two and then three, and has many, many more ideas just waiting to be written.

She has always enjoyed reading, but found it was mostly just a holiday extravagance. Then she discovered a certain worldwide best seller, and her passion was reignited. Reading quickly became an obsession and she couldn’t devour books fast enough. The books on her shelves and reading devices range from sweet, Young Adult romances, to smouldering erotic encounters. If pushed for an answer she would say that sexy rock star romances are her favourite.

Aside from reading and writing, EJ also enjoys amateur photography, playing around with graphics and cake decorating.

“I am on one amazing roller coaster ride at the moment. I have met so many new and wonderful people, discovered new music gems to integrate into my stories, and learned so many new skills. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.”

If you would like to join E.J. on her journey, please follow or contact her. She would love to hear from you!

Author Links

facebook twitter wordpress png copy Amazon goodreads google-

pinterest instagram tumblremail copy youtube Tsu

SBB Promotions Banner

Chained by Jamie Roberts Blog Tour

 


WARNING: This is NOT a traditional love story. It contains disturbing subject matter, including themes of questionable consent for both male and female, as well as graphic sexual content. This is a work of fiction intended for a mature, 18+ audience only. The author neither endorses nor condones this type of behaviour.

After the devastating loss of her parents and subsequent depression, Olivia Brown decided a move from her parent’s family home in Cambridge to a house in London would give her the fresh start she so sorely needed.
Living off her inheritance, Olivia didn’t need to work, but she knew she needed something to make her feel like life was worth living. Painting was her one true love, but that wasn’t enough. So she started a part-time job in a bar, and the rest of the time she spent at a local soup kitchen, feeding the homeless. In the mornings, she bought hot beverages for her homeless friends, but there was one who never asked. This man, having the most facial hair she’d ever seen, the most captivating eyes she’d ever stared at, remained aloof. He never said a word to anyone, and never once looked her way. However, all this did was make Olivia want to find out more about this mysterious man hiding behind a face full of hair.
One perilous evening, her wish came true.
On the way back from working at the bar, Olivia was attacked. She screamed for help, relieved when her cries are answered…but surprised when she saw who her rescuer was. It was the eyes. It was the hair. It was none other than the mysterious homeless man.
That night, Olivia learned two things. One, his name was Kit, and two, Kit had skills… skills which didn’t fit a man living on the streets.
Day after day, Olivia slowly pushed the boundaries, coaxing out the man hiding behind the hair. Kit Chain wasn’t only trained like men she watched in movies, he was also the most beautiful. Bit by bit, Olivia managed to break down his walls, revealing secrets that would change her life. Secrets that would put both of them in terrible danger.
However, there was one thing about secrets…
Everyone had them.

 Check out our 4 smooches review HERE.

WARNING: Contains strong language and sexual references. 
“Livy, what have I told you about drinking too much?”
I started laughing. “Oh, come on, Uncle. Just a little more. I promise I’ll be good.”
“You’re only eighteen, Livy. You drink more than I do.”…
Uncle stared at me intensely. Even as shit-faced as I was, I could see he was a man of whom to be afraid. I knew his power. I also knew the power he had held over my father…and that was saying something.
I leaned over him, trying to snatch the bottle from his outstretched hand. He was teasing me and I didn’t like it. I was desperate for more Jack Daniels. It was my road to numbness… A road I visited as often as I could since my parents died.
“Please, give me more.” I leaned over again, but Uncle stretched his arm even further away. By now, I was practically on top of him and caught a whiff of his sexy aftershave. “I’ll give you a blowjob if you let me have my drink back.”
He laughed. He actually laughed. I hated that. “What the fuck do you find so funny?”
Uncle stopped laughing and looked at me sternly. “Livy, don’t ever raise your fucking voice to me again. You got that? I fucking own you. Remember that. One day, you’ll see. One day, when you’ve got your shit cleaned up and are ready for me, I’ll be there. For now, you must learn to know your place. Show some fucking respect.”
My mouth was dry as I tried to swallow. “S…s…sorry,” I stuttered.
Uncle looked at my expression and his own softened. He leaned forward, brushed his lips across my forehead and sighed. “You smell like a brewery, Livy. You’ve got to stop moping around the house all day. You need to focus your mind on something and get better. I know you have it in you. You always were my favourite girl.” He tilted up my chin to meet his eyes. He was showing me his kind eyes today. The eyes I thought might love me a little. “What is it you want?”
Closing my eyes, I tried to think. All I wanted was…nothing. I didn’t want to think or feel anymore. I just wanted nothing. I was sick of seeing my dad’s lifeless eyes staring back at me. Sick of fucking everything.
“I want a drink.”
Uncle sighed, obviously unpleased, and pushed me off him. “Where are you going?” I asked, watching him head for the door. He still had my bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand.
“I’m going home, Livy.”
I started panicking. “What about my drink?”
He slammed the door behind him, making me jump. I had no Jack Daniels left in the house.
Fuck!
At that moment, I got angry. Picking up a glass ornament, I threw it at the door and screamed, “Fucking arshole!”
I slouched down and sobbed for the loss of my drink. I could still feel, and needed something to take the edge off. Only Jack could do that for me.
Jack was my best and only friend.
Jaimie Roberts was born in London, but moved to Gibraltar in 2001. She is married with two sons, and in her spare time, she writes.
In June 2013, Jaimie published her first book, Take a Breath, with the second released in November 2013. With the reviews, Jaimie took time out to read and learn how to become a better writer. She gets tremendous enjoyment out of writing, and even more so from the feedback she receives.
 

Chained by Jaimie Roberts Review

25449609

4 Smooches!

kis34-1-3-4 (2) kis34-1-3-4 (3) kis34-1-3-4 (4) kis34-1-3-4

Synopsis

After the devastating loss of her parents and subsequent depression, Olivia Brown decided a move from her parent’s family home in Cambridge to a house in London would give her the fresh start she so sorely needed.

Living off her inheritance, Olivia didn’t need to work, but she knew she needed something to make her feel like life was worth living. Painting was her one true love, but that wasn’t enough. So she started a part-time job in a bar, and the rest of the time she spent at a local soup kitchen, feeding the homeless. In the mornings, she bought hot beverages for her homeless friends, but there was one who never asked. This man, having the most facial hair she’d ever seen, the most captivating eyes she’d ever stared at, remained aloof. He never said a word to anyone, and never once looked her way. However, all this did was make Olivia want to find out more about this mysterious man hiding behind a face full of hair.

One perilous evening, her wish came true.

On the way back from working at the bar, Olivia was attacked. She screamed for help, relieved when her cries are answered…but surprised when she saw who her rescuer was. It was the eyes. It was the hair. It was none other than the mysterious homeless man.

That night, Olivia learned two things. One, his name was Kit, and two, Kit had skills… skills which didn’t fit a man living on the streets.

Day after day, Olivia slowly pushed the boundaries, coaxing out the man hiding behind the hair. Kit Chain wasn’t only trained like men she watched in movies, he was also the most beautiful. Bit by bit, Olivia managed to break down his walls, revealing secrets that would change her life. Secrets that would put both of them in terrible danger.

However, there was one thing about secrets…

Everyone had them.

WARNING: This is NOT a traditional love story. It contains disturbing subject matter, including themes of questionable consent for both male and female, as well as graphic sexual content. This is a work of fiction intended for a mature, 18+ audience only. The author neither endorses nor condones this type of behaviour.

Review

When I began this book, I was intrigued by the blurb and how exactly a homeless man would become the love interest in the story. But as I continued reading, I began to feel my heart fall for Kit.
The story begins with Olivia Brown flashback of when she was a small girl. This sets up the story and is important to know throughout. So pay very close attention to the details. Olivia helps at a local soup kitchen and works at a bar at night. Every morning she gathers up coffee orders and on her way to the soup kitchen she drops them off to the homeless, that she begins a friendship with. In this group of friends she sees a guy that doesn’t socialize with anyone or speaks a word. This makes the reader intrigued. One night while working at the bar, she gets attacked by a man and is then saved by the very own anti-social homeless man. We then we begin to see how Olivia tries to connect with this man that wants nothing at all.
The book has flashbacks to a time when Olivia wasn’t so generous with her time. She drowns herself in alcohol, Jack Daniels to be exact. And an important character enters as the Uncle. This man just reeks of bad news and feeds on poor Olivia’s sorrows.
These 3 characters come together for an interesting, dark romance. This was a different storyline than I’ve ever read. And a few times, I got annoyed with Olivia’s decisions but then I later understood where the author was going. I did enjoy reading Chained and had that ‘aha’ moment when you realize the reasoning for the titles name. 4 smooches for Chained by Jaimie Roberts.
~Sarah

BUY IT NOW

Author Spotlight – L.A. Fiore

cooltext126909903323028

10343494_1421047054858640_6561015225588014400_n

cooltext118840145137455

L.A. Fiore is the author of several books including: Beautifully Damaged, Beautifully Forgotten and Always and Forever. She’s also the social secretary for her two children, a tamer of ill-mannered cats, the companion to one awesome dog and married to her best friend. She likes her wine red, her shrimp chilled and her social gatherings small and intimate.

cooltext118840145137349

Let's_Connect

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page

11016548_1619805378249149_1138335969_n

════════════════════════════════

cooltext118840145173882 (1)


Fiore-AGlimpseOfTheDream-19883-CV-FT-V4
Synopsis:

Teagan Harper is barely ten years old when she finds herself orphaned and sent away to live at Raven’s Peak, a Gothic estate on the seaside cliffs of Maine. Soon, though, her heartache and loneliness are tempered by a blossoming friendship with the only other child living at Raven’s Peak: Kane Doyle, only two years older than Teagan and abandoned by his mother. Over the years, the pair grows inseparable. First they’re pranksters and confidants, but eventually their feelings change, and best friends turn into soul mates. On the cusp of Teagan’s departure for a university in Boston, they share a glimpse into their happily-ever-after and make promises of forever.

But Teagan and Kane’s engagement and dreams of the future are shattered when Teagan returns home to find Kane gone from Raven’s Peak—and living with someone new. Devastated and heartbroken, Teagan cuts ties with her beloved adoptive home and tries to move on with her life. But years later, when the shocking truth behind Kane’s betrayal comes to light, Teagan must decide whether to embrace her new life and let go of her past once and for all, or fight for her dream life with the only man she’s ever wanted.

Teaser_5

add-to-goodreads-button

cooltext116326489485578AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonCA | AmazonAU

════════════════════════════════

cooltext117966856914470

Teaser_7

Teaser_6

Teaser_1

════════════════════════════════

NEW COVER | JUST ME | COMING OCTOBER 6th 2015

What do you think?

Just Me Cover Banner

Synopsis:

Lark O’Bannion learned early that life isn’t really like a fairy tale. Parents don’t always love their children unconditionally.

Damsels are usually left to deal with their distress alone and Prince Charming rarely, if ever, comes riding to the rescue.

Happily-ever-afters are a lovely concept, but in reality are few and far between.

When Sebastian Ross rolls into her life on his Harley, with his dark beauty and inked skin, Lark is willing to admit that maybe she doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does.

Sebastian wants nothing more than to get out from under the control of his parents and their desire to force him into a mold. Changing schools in his senior year isn’t an act of rebellion, but his attempt to take control of his life by following his own path.

One look into Lark’s emerald-green eyes and control is taken out of Bastian’s hands.

He will discover that the only path he wants to follow is the one that leads to her.

════════════════════════════════

cooltext126910701159247

📖 📖 📖 Kiss & Tell Author Event 📖 📖 📖

Event: July 25th

Where: Harrisburg, PA

Signing: 11:00 – 4:00

Halo_Horns_July25

Website | Buy Tickets | Facebook | Facebook Event Page | Hotel Info

════════════════════════════════

This Spotlight was made by:

Hosted_By

Website | Facebook | Twitter

              Image by Cool Text: Logo and Button Generator - Create Your Own Logo

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid Release Blitz and Giveaway

TruthOrBeardBlitz

Truth or Beard
by Penny Reid
Winston Brothers #1
Publication Date: July 23, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance

Tour: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

mail.google.com

AmazonNookKoboiBooks

Excerpt

I was going to kiss her.

But first I was going to strangle her.

“Duane…” She said my name again in that breathless way, making my neck itch and my throat tight.

Jessica was looking at me expectantly. Her big amber eyes on mine like I was the center of her world. I liked it too much. It was also irritating because I didn’t know what it meant, what she was thinking. She hadn’t said a damn word to me on our walk back from the lake. She hadn’t called me. We hadn’t spoken since Friday.

Five days. Five days without touching or tasting her.

I was going to kiss her while I strangled her.

“Yeah?” I said, the edge of my irritation clear. I wasn’t trying to hide it, there was no need. One way or the other we were coming to an agreement that involved definites, not definitely maybes. Better she knew I wasn’t planning on rolling over unless it involved her beneath me.

Jessica blinked at me, likely because of my tone, and I watched her shake herself a little like I’d startled her.

“Uh, so… the truck.” She cleared her throat, her eyes sliding to the side and away from me.

“What about the truck?”

“You towed it.”

“Yes I did.” I allowed myself a moment to look at her body. She was wearing a pink shirt with buttons down the front, thin fabric with a white, lacy tank top under. It was tucked into a tan skirt that ended at her knees. She was also wearing brown high heeled boots, the kind that don’t make sense.

Boots are for working, for walking through wet mud, for keeping feet from getting shredded by broken glass and falling machine parts. Boots with spiked heels were just as practical as sandals with steel toes.

Still not looking at me, she asked, “So, you want to buy it?” Her voice was different, higher pitched.

“That’s what I just said.” Again, my irritation was clear.

Her eyes cut to mine, throwing me splinters of frustration. “Well there’s no need to be rude, Duane.”

“I’m sorry, was I being rude?” I couldn’t help myself, I took a full step forward, forcing her to lift her chin to keep eye contact. “Should I have called?”

“Yes.” She ground out, “You can’t just tow other peoples’ cars without asking.”

“Excuse me, princess. But Mike McClure called me and asked me if I minded moving the truck here. I figured he was calling on your behalf.”

“No he wasn’t calling on my behalf. If I wanted to call you, I would have just called you.”

I felt those words in my stomach, just under my ribs, a quick slice. I’m sure I winced because her expression changed, but before she could explain away her meaning, I cut her off.

“Fine, I get you, loud and clear.”

“Duane-”

I lifted my hands to keep her from talking. She was so lovely, even her voice was pretty. But suddenly I couldn’t wait for her to leave and put me out of this misery of being with her when she wasn’t interested in being mine.

“We want to buy the truck and I’m willing to offer you a fair amount.”

“Would you just hold on a sec-” Jessica took my hand between hers, her grip surprisingly strong, her skin against mine sending a shock up my arm. I ignored it and ground my teeth.

“You can use the money for a new car, something smaller that gets better mileage.”

Paying no heed, Jessica took a half step forward catching me unawares. One second she was glaring at me, the next she was lifting to her tip toes and brushing her lips against mine.

And that was it, I was done for.

Series Description:
Everyone in Green Valley, Tennessee knows that the six bearded Winston brothers have been imbued with an unfair share of charm and charisma… and are prone to mischief.

Truth or Beard is book #1 in the Winston Brother’s series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the romantic exploits and adventures of one of the six Winston Brothers.

Add to Goodreads

About Penny Reid

Author-Photo-Penny-Reid-300x300

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Taste Of Summer by Beverly Preston Blog Tour and Giveaway

 3

 Laugh, cry and fall in love in the newest  standalone within the

Mathews Family Series.  Meet Ryan and Carrie Ann in

A Taste of Summer. #SummerNeverTastedGood

 2

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OgoKLx

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1gJ1MCi

 14

Blurb

Most people know Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Summer, as Ryan, no last name required. But once upon a time, he was just Summer to Carrie Ann—before a decade of blockbuster hits skyrocketed his success into superstardom.

Summer was smart, gorgeous, and cocky as hell. Nothing was out of his reach. Not even Carrie Ann Lowell. He was the love of her life—until he shattered her heart. Their breakup left more than a profound rift in her soul. It crushed her.

When Carrie Ann’s college flame forces his way back into her life, his dirty-talking, bold self-assurance re-ignites a passion she thought had long since been extinguished. Carrie Ann didn’t believe in second chances.

Not even for him.

No matter how deliciously tempting.

With sparks flying and hidden truths unraveling, will Carrie Anne be able to deny her desires to save herself from another heart break?

 22

Check out our 4 smooches reviewbHERE

12

EXCERPT

Carrie Ann tugged the earbud free from her ear, tossing the handsome young man a small smile. “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you. What did you say?”

He crossed a lanky somewhat defined arm in front of her, casually gripping the handlebar of her bike. “I said, you must be exhausted—” Before she could reply he continued, “—from running through my mind all day.”

Surely she must’ve heard him incorrectly. He was probably fifteen at most sporting a baby face and a patch of ten whiskers on his chin. Her brows tucked into a furrow. “Excuse me?”

A dose of youthful overconfidence drifted over his mouth in a sharp grin. “I seem to have forgotten my number. Can I have yours?”

“My phone number?” Carrie Ann scanned the near vicinity, row after row of workout equipment, for the practical jokester responsible for the madness. “Ha ha. Very funny. Who put you up to this?”

Her amusement only encouraged the boy’s macho bravado. “No one put me up to anything. I need a date. I just got into LA and I’ve got this Red Carpet event—”

“A date?” she scoffed at the ludicrous suggestion. Though she looked young for her age, Carrie Ann was still all of thirty-four years old.

“Yeah, you know. A date. You, me, hundreds of fans screaming as we stroll down the Red Carpet.” His voice cracked emphasizing the words Red Carpet…for the second time. A self-absorbed twinkle gleamed in his brown eyes as if he expected her to melt and drop to her knees right there in the gym.

“Kid, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“I’m totally serious. My uncle has this movie premier and I can’t just bring anyone.” A chunk of blond hair fell on his forehead and he flipped his head to the side. My date needs to be…hot, and well, you’re the hottest girl I’ve seen since I got to LA.”

She sneered at the absurdity. Silliness turned to annoyance. Carrie Ann switched gyms a few months back, paying out the nose to invest in her fitness and more importantly her privacy. Her last gym was more crowded than a cattle call casting session.

Carrie Ann rolled her eyes. She moved around him, gathering her workout towel and reaching for her bag. “Look kid, you seem real sweet, but—“

“You’re right about one thing.” A familiar voice, deep and perfectly modulated, approached from behind. “She is the most beautiful woman you’ll ever lay eyes on. But, you’re reaching for the stars with this one, Drew. She’s a heartbreaker.”

An ice cold tickle ascended up her spine raising the hair on the back of her neck. Her head snapped, glancing over her shoulder, colliding with a pair of rich amber eyes from her past. Without breaking eye contact, Ryan Summer strolled right into her personal space sporting athletic shorts, a fitted muscle shirt and a killer smile.

Nowadays, most people knew the Hollywood heartthrob as Ryan. Just Ryan. No last name needed. But after nearly a decade of blockbuster hits and infamous relationships that skyrocketed his success into superstardom, to Carrie Ann, he was still just Summer. Her old college flame.

“Funny, I could say the same about you,” she countered his jab, marshalling a bit of annoyance in her tone to combat the rush of heat spreading to her already pink cheeks.

A sexy smile caught the curve of his wide firm mouth. “Hello, Red.”

“Hello, Summer.” Carrie Ann tossed a trivial nod toward the teenager. “Who’s this? Your new apprentice?”

“Apprentice?” Moving a step closer, he dragged his fingers through the short cropped layers of sandy blond hair. “This is Mark’s boy. Do you remember my nephew, Drew?”

“Your brother’s boy?” she questioned in surprise. Avoiding the view of his bicep curling into the size of a softball, Carrie Ann ran a quick scan over the young man at his side. “Whoa, you had to be four or five years old the last time I saw you.”

“I don’t remember meeting you.” Drew’s eyes flickered with bemusement and optimism.

She extended her hand. “I’m Carrie Ann. I knew you when you were—“

“You’re Carrie Ann? The Carrie Ann?” The boy spun toward his uncle, his blue eyes broadened in disbelief. “The One?”

Her stomach twisted hearing the title. A flash of perspiration instantaneously flooded her palms. Before she had time to renege on the clammy greeting, Drew clasped her hand, giving it a polite shake.

A low rumble of laughter simmered in Summer’s chest and a rosy shade of red burnished high on the bridge of his nose. He nodded, “This is The Carrie Ann. The One who got away.”

No matter how many years had passed, it never got any easier to see him. Each time she did, she suddenly found it harder to breath.

The pounding of her heart quickened as her gaze slipped over his rugged well-defined features. A three day scruff accentuated the slight dimple at the bottom of his chin.  The disheveled layers of hair were wet from exertion near his temple and nape. Time had been very good to him.

She felt the warmth of his hand close around the back of her bare arm. The early morning stubble of his beard brushed against her cheek as he leaned closer pressing a small kiss near her temple. Carrie Ann squirmed at his nearness, ducking to the side attempting to put some space between them.

“I’m…I’m all sweaty,” she insisted breathily.

“It’s okay,” he murmured softly in her ear. The heat of his breath brought chill bumps to the damp skin near her neck. “I remember enjoying you all sweaty.”

Ryan’s golden eyes locked onto hers, anchoring her feet to the floor. The penetration of his stare momentarily tied her tongue in a knot, turning the awkward moment even more difficult. Carrie Ann hadn’t bumped into Ryan in at least three years and she hadn’t seen him covered in sweat in ten. An image of him, gloriously naked, flashed in her mind and her thighs. Frustration mounted as her body willingly betrayed her.

Carrie Ann’s jaw set rigid contemplating the idea of flipping off her hooha for its insubordination.

“That was a long time ago,” she snipped abruptly.

“Seems like only yesterday to me.”

 10 9

Haven’t read this series yet?

Fall in love with the Mathews Family for ONLY $3.99

(Four Books for one low, low price)

The Mathews Family Box Set

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/17GDsw5

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G4wNuk

Nook: http://bit.ly/1LlwcHA

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1G58AEc

iBooks: http://apple.co/1zOMY83

 7 8

About the Author:

16

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

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

4

GIVEAWAY

15

In honor of Carrie Ann’s favorite line Beverly will be giving away this Triple F necklace and a $50 Amazon GC.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Taste of Summer by Beverly Preston Review

25366590

4 Smooches!

kis34-1-3-4 kis34-1-3-4 (1) kis34-1-3-4 (2) kis34-1-3-4 (3)

Synopsis

A standalone, parallel novel in the USA Today Bestselling Mathews Family Series.
Most people know Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Summer, as Ryan, no last name required. But once upon a time, he was just Summer to Carrie Ann—before a decade of blockbuster hits skyrocketed his success into superstardom.
Summer was smart, gorgeous, and cocky as hell. Nothing was out of his reach. Not even Carrie Ann Lowell. He was the love of her life—until he shattered her heart. Their breakup left more than a profound rift in her soul. It crushed her.
When Carrie Ann’s college flame forces his way back into her life, his dirty-talking, bold self-assurance re-ignites a passion she thought had long since been extinguished. Carrie Ann didn’t believe in second chances.
Not even for him.
No matter how deliciously tempting.
With sparks flying and hidden truths unraveling, will Carrie Anne be able to deny her desires to save herself from another heart break?

Review

He was the love of her life…until he broke her fucking heart.”

Thirty-four year old Carrie Ann Lowell, a successful philanthropist and an LA socialite, knows what it is to have loved and lost. She lost her mother at a young age to heart disease, and it affected her so profoundly that as an adult she formed a charity to raise funds for heart disease. While in college, she met the love of her life, Ryan Summer. Carrie Ann and Summer were happy together; they were very much in love, and they knew they were each other’s forever. A bright future loomed before them. Until it all came crashing down, leaving them irreparably broken. A devastated Carrie Ann closed off her heart and focused all her attention on her charity.

Men came and went. But, the lasting image of their breakup left more than a profound rift in her heart. It crushed her. She never got over it. She never got over him.”

Ryan Summer came from a working class Midwestern family. He attended USC on a full-ride football scholarship. An extremely talented player, his was the first name mentioned when anyone spoke of the Heisman Trophy; an NFL career was sure to follow. He and Carrie Ann met at a frat party, and they were inseparable for two years. An injury ended his career, and Summer spiraled out of control as he sunk into a booze-filled depression while mourning the death of his dreams. He pushed everyone away, including Carrie Ann. In an attempt to reconcile, Carrie Ann goes to see Ryan and what she finds that day, as well as the events that follow, irrevocably change their relationship, breaking Carrie Ann in the process.

She’d never been able to forgive Summer. He wasn’t there when she needed him most.”

Over the years, Summer attempted from time to time to get in touch with Carrie Ann. He never forgot her; he never stopped loving her. He didn’t know, however, the extent of the damage that was done that fateful day. In the ten years that they were apart, Summer grew up and did a lot of soul searching.

All I’m asking is that you keep an open mind. Let your guard down a little.”

A chance encounter spurs Summer to action, but Carrie Ann is having none of it. When Summer ramps up his game and makes a huge public bid for her attention, Carrie Ann has no choice but to agree to one date. Little did either of them know, someone is watching her and dangerously interferes, giving Summer the perfect opportunity to not only whisk Carrie Ann to safety but also to get her somewhere they can finally talk through all their issues.

I don’t want to be your friend, Carrie Ann.”

The subplot involving this mystery person intent on hurting Carrie Ann, while ultimately serving as the catalyst to get Summer and Carrie Ann together, was never fully developed or explained. The readers never learned who exactly this person was, what their connection to her was or what was motivating them to do what they did to Carrie Ann. There was no lead up to this person’s introduction into the story, they just appeared, very briefly, and only a few times. While this person’s actions did result in a critical step forward for the couple, this subplot was a big loose end for me.

I love you, Summer.”

I love you, Red. I never stopped loving you, and I never will.”

Overall I did enjoy this book, and, aside from the subplot issue I mentioned, I liked this author’s writing style. I’ve added the rest of this series to my TBR! A Taste of Summer gets a solid 4 smooches from me!

~ Danielle Palumbo

 

BUY IT NOW