Archive for the ‘Contemporary Romance’ Category
Under A Million Stars by Rita Branches ~ Blitz and Giveaway
Posted: August 11, 2016 in Blitz, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, YATags: Author Rita Branches, giveaway, Under A Million Stars, YA Contemporary
Under A Million Stars
Rita Branches
Publication date: August 8th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Can a beating heart bleed from the shattered pieces?
Her heart cracked when her best friend walked away; it completely shattered when she lost her family in a tragic accident.
Now orphaned at seventeen, Charlotte Peterson is forced to live with her former best friend, Jacob Parker. Charlie, a talented pianist, desperately wants their loving friendship back, but something is holding Jake back. The more she spirals into the darkness of depression, the more she needs him.
Jacob vowed to stay away from her—no matter how much he still loved her. Armed with secrets that would have destroyed both of their families, he chose to end their friendship and walk away, which nearly killed him. As he watches the girl he once knew begin to fade away, however, he realizes that their relationship is more important than the truth he’s hiding.
Now it’s up to Jacob to put the pieces of Charlie’s broken heart back together—even if it means revealing the secrets he so desperately wants to protect her from.
Will Jacob find a way to bring back the carefree, talented girl he once knew, or is it too late for both of them?
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
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EXCERPT:
Jacob
These two weeks had been hell for me.
I didn’t know how I was going to pull this off for the eight months I still had left in this hell of a town. My parents didn’t get me, and she was around all the time, suffocating me. My heart skipped a beat every time I heard her voice, and it doubled in speed when she was near me. I wouldn’t be able to stay away, I knew it. She was breaking my heart all over again.
I heard her at night, when she thought everyone was sleeping. I just sat on the floor, resting my head against the wall, and listen to her cry and throw up every other night.
I stayed there like a jerk, as if I didn’t give a crap about her or her feelings, but I cried. I missed her. I wanted to hold her at night and tell her that everything would be alright, but I couldn’t. I promised I would stay away—I couldn’t hurt her, anymore. I pushed my knees to my chest to hold myself together and to keep me from crumbling. Sometimes, I had to place my closed fist against my mouth, so she wouldn’t hear me sob. I wished she would have, though. I wished she would have opened the door and saw me sitting there, caring about her, suffering like she did.
My mom was getting suspicious about me. She knew about her, or at least that something wasn’t right. My face, the permanent dark circles under my eyes, and my lack of appetite wasn’t normal, though. I was okay, before her parents’ accident—I had started to pull myself together.
***
This night was especially bad. She stayed in the bathroom for hours. I had been on the other side, hearing her cry and wishing I could take it all away.
I was starting to get really scared for her. I left before my parents woke up, unable to face them and those disapproving looks, anymore, like I wasn’t doing anything right with my life. They wanted a perfect son and they didn’t have one.
I was in no condition to go to college—I couldn’t even imagine myself being closed behind four walls for another four or five years. I needed something to take my thoughts away—something that would fuel me with adrenaline. They wouldn’t approve of the plans I’d been making. They’d hate them, in fact, but I didn’t care, anymore, I just needed to get away.
Author Bio:
Rita Branches is an independent YA (young adult) author who enjoys spending every free moment (when she´s not reading) writing emotional stories. Visit: http://ritabranches.wordpress.com/
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Book Blast & Giveaway ~ A Sunrise In Rio by Rachel Mathews
Posted: July 14, 2016 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveawaysTags: A Sunrise In Rio, Author Rachel Mathews, conremporary romance, giveaway
A Sunrise in Rio by Rachel Matthews
For Hire: Fiancee
Eric Jansen was aware of the reputation he gained as a cold-hearted playboy. As a widower with a mysterious past marriage, work is his only solace…that is until the company investors threaten to pull out of the deal. With a new luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro and a housing development for underprivileged families on the line, he needs a way to prove to the investors he is serious. The beautiful new photographer, Jayla Mitchelson, is perfectly outside of the media’s eye. Not only will she help the deal, he just may find himself asking her to stay after the job is done.
Enjoy the Excerpt:
Jayla couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Instead of her photography skills, she was being hired as a glorified fake girlfriend. Rage sluiced through her and she started pacing to help calm her down. “I don’t believe this.”
“It would help me greatly.”
“Oh, it will? Tell me, Eric is that why you hired me? To just be some arm candy for you and for your boss?”
“Jayla, that isn’t it.”
“Then why bring me down here? Why go through this phony interview process, checking out my site and bringing me– ” Her mouth fell open as she stopped to face him. “Is that why you took me out for breakfast and sightseeing? To butter me up?”
“Jayla – ”
She looked over her shoulder. “If I say no, are you going to, what, chop me up and hide me in the building?” Her hand disappeared into the camera case at her side. “Look, buddy. I got Mace and I will not hesitate to use it. I don’t care how many yachts you own.”
Eric started toward her and stopped, laughing. His body convulsed as the laughter grew stronger, causing him to bend over. Jayla stared him down, trying to keep her expression straight, but there was something infectious about his laugh. Something she hadn’t realized before. He let himself go in it. He wasn’t the guarded businessman trying to make an impression or be someone he wasn’t. He was just Eric. A man who appeared to have found amusement in her words.
Author Rachel Matthews
Rachel Matthews is a wife, daughter, crocheter, artist & dreamer all rolled into one. She’s dreamed of writing ever since she was little and now enjoys penning them for readers all around the world. Part mermaid and part stuffed animal wrangler, she currently lives in San Diego where she is fighting an addiction to the beach and enjoying spending time with her loving romantic hero husband.
Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/30/16
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Blurb Blitz and Giveaway ~ Contemporary Romances from Lyrical Press
Posted: June 27, 2016 in Blitz, Contemporary Romance, giveawaysTags: blurb blitz, contemporary romance, giveaway, Lyrical Press, multiple authors
Ooh, do I have some good summer reads to share with you today.
Check out these contemporary romance books. You may find some new authors or recognize ones you’ve already met.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Could This Be Love
by Lee Kilraine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
Everyone in Climax, North Carolina, knows the Cates brothers. But Sijan Cates is famous far beyond his quaint hometown–and when he comes back, he brings trouble with him. . .
Avery Danford urgently needs to get back in touch with her estranged family. If only she could get her picture in the papers, maybe they’d track her down. . .and what better way to accomplish that than to squeeze into the world’s tightest dress and cozy up to the world’s hottest actor, Sijan Cates? It’s a crazy idea, but it just might work. And though the former actress has sworn off Hollywood hunks, she’s got to admit this desperate measure might be a pleasure. . .
Scandal-plagued Sijan has come home for some peace and quiet–and to stay out of the tabloids. Then a woman claiming to be his number-one fan plants a hot kiss on him–in front of a pack of paparazzi. There’s only one way to protect his reputation: tell the world they’re engaged. It’s all just a show, as they use each other to get what they need. But in this sleepy Southern town, love stories have a way of coming true. . .
Excerpt
“All right, let me see if I have the latest scandal straight.” Sijan Cates sat with his older brother in Dave’s Diner, a former passenger train car turned restaurant. There were two main entrances, one at each end of the car. Booths snaked around the front of the diner next to the front windows while a sit-down counter sat in front of a cramped but ruthlessly clean kitchen. Dave, the owner and cook, was known for his biscuits and homemade blackberry jam, and his burgers. That’s it. Ordering anything else on the menu was like playing Russian roulette with your stomach. But if you wanted biscuits and jam, a burger, or all the most up-to-date gossip, the diner was the place to eat.
“Hell, Ty, I came home to get a break from it.” He frowned across at his brother, but of course, it had no effect.
“It says here in The Tattler you got a sweet young thing pregnant and then dumped her.”
“I did not get a sweet young thing pregnant. I’ve never even met that sweet young thing. Hell, if I slept with even half the women the tabloids claim I do, I wouldn’t have time to get out of bed, let alone make movies.”
“According to them you’ve got a revolving door on your bedroom with a ‘Now Serving’ ticket machine attached to the wall next to it.”
Sijan leaned back as their waitress, Renee, slid steaming mugs of coffee in front of them both. “Renee, run away with me and save me from all this.”
“Sijan, if I weren’t having hot flashes, I’d be just another crazy woman trying to get a piece of you.” Renee tucked her serving tray under her arm and wagged a finger at him. “Now, your latest scandal’s got the Grapevine stirred up. I don’t think the Simon sisters can take the excitement.”
“Those ladies can handle anything. Besides, they’ve seen this before. Remember four years ago when an ex-girlfriend tried the same thing?”
“Thank goodness for DNA tests and poor math skills.” Tynan grinned. “She sure didn’t account for your six months of filming in Prague. You do attract the crazy.”
“It’s Hollywood.” Sijan’s muscles tensed at the memory. “Too many people can make money off you. I’m just an ‘opportunity.’ An opportunity to get a script read, a part in a movie, or free publicity.” “Or generous child support payments for the next twenty years.”
“Hey, I’ve dated some nice, normal women. Once I learned to steer clear of actresses.”
Tynan nodded. “That would explain all those models, politician’s daughters, and savvy career women.”
He’d be the first to admit he’d enjoyed the benefits of his moviestar status over the years, but he’d always shied away from serious commitment like it was a box of rattlesnakes. Lately though, the serial dating felt . . . empty. Especially after coming home and seeing how happy his brother Quinn and his fiancée Delaney were. “I need a hiatus from women.”
“Bite your tongue. Life is a smorgasbord and you are too young to go on a diet. Seriously, Si, I joke, but this”—he rattled the tabloid before tossing it down in disgust—“just pisses me off.”
“Every job has its downside, right?” Sijan shrugged tense shoulders. He leaned back against the booth, consciously willing his muscles to relax. “I’ve decided I’m just going to lay low and focus on my work while the studio’s lawyers deal with that.”
“You decided?”
“Yup. About five seconds after the president of Majestic Studios called me into his office three days ago and explained loudly and in a few choice phrases that my next two films need to exceed box office predictions.” Or else.
“One year ago, this same man couldn’t wine and dine you fast enough after your Oscar nomination.” Tynan sat back, muttering a graphic although physically impossible suggestion for the president of Majestic Studios. “Fame sure is fickle.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A former Air Force spouse, Lee Kilraine moved seven times over eighteen years before finally settling with her husband in the pine woods of North Carolina. She has worked as a physical therapy aide, a cashier, a waitress, an English tutor, a ballet teacher and a stay-at-home mom. Holding tight to her mother’s motto, “There’s nothing you can’t do if you try hard enough,” Lee returned to college as an adult and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Writing thirty-one papers in two years (she counted) rekindled her love of writing, and she set her sights on her other dream—writing romance. When she isn’t swinging on her front porch swing or watching another of their four young adult children leave the nest (she swears she isn’t pushing them out!) you can find her typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet. Lee is a 2014 Golden Heart® Finalist.
Kensington Books / Facebook / Twitter
Purchase Links
WORKING IT: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
COULD THIS BE LOVE: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
NOT SECOND BEST: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
SPOONING DAISY: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
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Not Second Best
by Christa Maurice
Blurb
As a lawyer at Touchstone management, Tessa’s position brings her up close and personal to some of the world’s biggest heartthrobs. Sometimes that intimacy crosses professional lines, which is understandable considering Tessa’s impressive contact list. But when rock star Brian Ellis set her aside for the girl of his dreams, Tessa can’t help wonder if “spinster aunt” is her true vocation. Which explains her hook-up with rising star Brett Cherney at Brian’s celebrity wedding . . .
As the lead singer of BroRide, Brett has lived the rock-n-roll bad-boy lifestyle to the very hilt. But when the girl of his dreams marries fellow rocker Brian Ellis, he buries his disappointment in the arms of an older woman. The following morning, Brett realizes what he experienced was only the beginning of a song he’s been trying to write all his life. It’s a seductive theme, which Tessa falls for again and again, but getting her to believe they have a hit is turning out to be far from a sure thing . . .
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Christa Maurice has been obsessed with rock stars from early childhood when her older brother started randomly quizzing her on rock trivia. How many first graders know who the headliners were on the Black and Blue Tour? Christa did. (Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.) When not listening to music and/or writing, she enjoys traveling, reading and science fiction. Readers can find Christa on Facebook, and visit her website at christamaurice.wordpress.com.
Kensington Books / Facebook / Twitter
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Spooning Daisy
by Maggie McConnell
Blurb
Her mango chutney is exquisite; her blueberry sauce is to die for. But right now, Chef de Cuisine Daisy Moon is a woman without a kitchen–and without a fiancé. Unceremoniously dumped from her place of business and her relationship, Daisy sells her belongings, plus a few of her ex’s, and packs her bags. Maybe smashing all the china in her former restaurant was a bad move. Stripped of her Golden Spoon for “un-chef-like” conduct, she is now blacklisted all over Seattle. Her sole job offer is from the Wild Man Lodge. . .in Otter Bite, Alaska.
Too bad Daisy can’t even get out of Dodge without incident. By the time she boards a ship for Alaska, she’s got a trail of new troubles behind her, and suddenly Otter Bite is sounding pretty good. But the vessel turns into her own personal Titanic when a series of close encounters confirms her terrible taste in men–including one very good looking bad luck charm named Max Kendall. She vows to dedicate the rest of her days to chowders and brulée. Yet even Alaska isn’t far enough away to shake the memories of the sexy shipmate who rocked her cabin–and her world. Thank goodness she’s done with surprises–but they may not be done with her. . .
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Golden Heart nominee Maggie McConnell spent her childhood in Asia and South America as the daughter of US diplomats. Attending college in Illinois, she earned a BA in Art and an MBA while working at the local animal shelter. At 26, she packed her dog and cat into a Ford truck and drove the Alcan Highway to Alaska, where she spent 23 years exploring The Last Frontier in single-engine Cessnas. An animal-rights advocate and vegan, Maggie provides a sanctuary on her Arizona ranch for all creatures great and small. Her compass still points north.
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Buy links:
WORKING IT: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
COULD THIS BE LOVE: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
NOT SECOND BEST: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
SPOONING DAISY: amazonkindle, Apple, Google, Kobo, Nook
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Working It
by Leah Marie Brown
Blurb
With her trust fund and coveted job at Christian Dior, Fanny Moreau believes she has it all. But when her best friend finds a fulfilling new career abroad—and a dreamy relationship with a great guy, Fanny’s fabulous life suddenly feels empty. Inspired to find her true purpose, she trades her cushy lifestyle in San Francisco for an adventure in the Alaskan wilderness.
Everyone thinks Fanny has gone off the deep end. What’s a girl with a Ph.D in Prada doing teaching in an Inuit village? Even Fanny is wondering, especially when she comes face to face with Calder MacFarlane. The Scottish search and rescue pilot is everything Fanny is not—selfless, heroic, and used to living on the edge. He’s also the man who once loved her best friend. Yet something in Calder’s sexy gaze has her believing that she’s a woman capable of great things—a woman who might just find her own happily-ever-after, in a place where she least expects it.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Leah Marie Brown has worked as a journalist and photographer. An avid traveler, she has had adventures and mishaps from Paris to Tokyo. She doesn’t buy cheesy tee-shirts or useless bric-a-brac, but prefers friendships and memories as souvenirs from her travels. She lives a bike ride away from the white sand beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast with her husband, children, and pampered poodles. She is hard at work on the next novel in The It Girls series, but loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website at www.leahmariebrown.com Follow Vivia on Twitter @Chic_Traveler and Pinterest as Vivia Perpetual Grant, Perpetual Virgin.
Kensington Books / Website / Twitter / Facebook
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The more you comment, the more chances to win!
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Just in time for summer! Sheltered In His Arms ~ Three Amazing Giveaways!
Posted: June 26, 2016 in Blitz, Contemporary Romance, giveawaysTags: audible release, Author tara Taylor Quinn, contemporary romance, giveaway, Shelter valley Stories
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Welcome to the Audiobook Release Blitz for
Sheltered In His Arms
By Tara Taylor Quinn
About the Audiobook Release
I’m an avid reader. And with my 75th book publishing in a few days, I’m an avid writer, too. And yet there was one aspect of storytelling to which I was completely ignorant. Absent. I didn’t get it. The world of audiobooks.
And then, a few years ago, I was given a free audiobook from one of my favorite authors. I put it on iPod more to be polite than anything else. The book was a gift, I’d listen out of respect. Then, I figured, I’d go buy the book and read it so that I could get my full enjoyment out of the story.
That didn’t happen. Instead, as happens so many times in my life, my ignorance turned to understanding. And an entire new world opened up to me. I’d planned to listen to a few words on my daily commute and then switch to the music that always saw me safely down the road. Imagine my conundrum when, for that whole week, all I wanted to do was commute! I couldn’t wait to get in the car and get back to my friends.
And now, this week, I have the honor of bringing you one of my own books in audio format! Sheltered In His Arms is a unique story. It’s about a man who made a huge mistake. It’s about the people he loves. The people who once loved him. And it’s about healing. I hope you’ll give it a listen! I personally chose the narrator based on audition recordings and she does a great job. I promise friends to sit in the car with you as you get to where you need to be!
—TTQ
Sheltered in His Arms
(Shelter Valley Stories #4)
by Tara Taylor Quinn
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 299 pages
April 1st 2001 by Harlequin
Sam Montford left Shelter Valley ten years ago. He’s a direct descendant of the town’s founder, the first Samuel Montford, and for him, Shelter Valley’s expectations had become oppressive. Home had become smothering instead of sheltering.
Sam returns to the town–and to his ex-wife, Cassie Tate–with a seven-year-old child. This is a complete shock to Cassie. When Sam left, he hadn’t known she was pregnant. Or that she had lost their baby.
Sam’s back in Shelter Valley now, back to stay. But he refuses to become the man people expected him to be ten years ago. Can he be the man Cassie needs now?
About the Author
The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.
Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.
Check out Tara’s Tour with Heather Graham for the Bestselling Author Collection!
Check out all of TTQ’s ongoing tours HERE!
Heart Stopping Tara Taylor Quinn Giveaways
SHELTERED IN HIS ARMS AUDIOBOOK RELEASE GIVEAWAY
1 Winner: $10 Amazon eGift Card
3 Winners: 1 ebook of choice from the Shelter Valley Stories Series
Open internationally
Ends July 1st
TTQ PRE-ORDER/PURCHASE KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY
Kindle Fire with Six Pre-loaded TTQ Books (books 1-6 from Where Secrets are Safe series)
US only
Ends August 31st
To Enter: Submit your receipt online for your pre-order or purchase of any of Tara Taylor Quinn’s six releases being promoted on her Heart Stopping Tour (Love By Association, His First Choice, The Promise He Made Her, Strangers in Paradise: Sheltered In His Arms, Sheltered In His Arms Audiobook, and For Love Or Money). Enter as many times as you purchase. One book purchase equals one entry (one receipt per entry and must be uploaded at time of entry).
TTQ HARLEQUIN MY REWARDS POINTS GIVEAWAY
1st Place: 25,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 5 free books, reader’s choice of any book published by Harlequin/MIRA/Carina Press.
2nd Place: 15,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 3 free books, reader’s choice
3rd Place: 10,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 2 free books, readers choice
Open internationally
Ends August 31st
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The Friday 56 #111 ~ Headed For Trouble
Posted: June 17, 2016 in Contemporary Romance, giveaways, The Friday 56Tags: Author Shiloh Walker, contemporary romance, Freda's Voice, Headed For Trouble, The McKays #1
Welcome to The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.
This is a really fun meme!
The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!
My 56 for this week is from
Headed For Trouble
The McKays #1
by Shiloh Walker
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My 56 from the paperback.
“If Granny calls here and asks if you ate anything, do you really think I want to tell her no?” she asked, her red-tipped nails tapping her hip.
“Ah…” Neve plastered a smile on her face. “Have at it. I’m probably hungrier than I think.”
I won this book along with a few others. The cover is stunning and it sounds really good. It mentions that the sex is sizzling, so I better be prepared to blush. LOL I often squirm when reading sexy scenes. I feel like I’m peeking through a keyhole!
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Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.
Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home – and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe.
CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?
Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle – as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life – for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way – and in his loving arms.
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Leave your link and I’ll drop by your 56.
Until the next time…
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Wanderlust ~ A Walker Family Novel by Bernadette Marie
Posted: May 23, 2016 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, SeriesTags: Author Bernadette Marie, contemporary romance, giveaway, The Walker Family Series #4, Wanderlust
I’ve got a fun contemporary romance series to share with you. Check out Wanderlust by Bernadette Marie.
A perfect read for the summer.
And there’s a wonderful giveaway, so don’t forget to enter!
Wanderlust
The Walker Family Series #4
by Bernadette Marie
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis
Gia Gallow has traveled the world. Her wanderlust landed her in Georgia where she has created a life for herself away from the petty differences of relatives and domineering ex-lovers. Having settled in America, she has a successful business and dear friends—and the attention of both Dane and Russell Walker. Due to her own family’s dramas over dueling hearts, she might have to forget about her feelings for Dane to keep peace within the Walker family, but sometimes even running thousands of miles away can’t keep a heart from going after what the heart wants. And Gia’s heart wants Dane.
.
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Excerpt
Dane nearly had to run after his brother he was walking so fast. “Hey!” he yelled, but Russ kept
going.
Finally, he caught up to him and with his hand on his shoulder, turned him around.
“What’s up with you?”
Russ shrugged off his hand. “Don’t let me bother you. You were busy. Go back and finish what
you were doing.”
“What the hell are you so mad about?”
“Nothing,” he said and hurried toward his truck. But Dane was right on his heels.
“Don’t be an ass. What’s wrong with you?”
“Remember that you don’t live here, right? So waltzing in and taking the most eligible, most
beautiful woman off the market is a crappy thing to do.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me. I live here. She lives here. We were getting along just fine before you came
along.”
“Getting along? Are you telling me you’re seeing Gia? Is that what you’re saying?”
His brother looked away for a moment then back at him. “No.”
“Oh, so you’re just pissed I got to her first.”
Russ stepped in until they were nearly chest to chest with each other. Dane didn’t remember the
two inches Russ grew more than him, but now he saw them.
“Don’t worry, though. I’ll pick up the pieces when you break her heart and go back to your little
job.”
He couldn’t help it Dane shoved him against the truck. “I don’t think she’s a piece of property
that can be claimed with finder’s keepers.”
Russ shoved back and even raised his fist to him before they both realized that Gia was standing there watching with a hand over her mouth and the bag of gifts for their mother.
Russ lowered his hand, opened the door to the truck, and a moment later he sped away.
Dane scrubbed his hand over his face. “Damn it.”
“You forgot these,” she said holding the bag out to him.
He took the bag from her. “I’m sorry about that.”
“You have to go after him. You have to fix this.”
“Fix this? He will be fine. He’s a grown man and he doesn’t need…”
She held up both her hands. “Fix it, Dane. You cannot let him go on like this. Especially when there is nothing to be upset about. The kiss, well, the kiss was only…”
He stepped in. “Don’t tell me you’re going to discredit that.”
“I will not come between brothers.”
“So you and him…..”
“No. We are just friends.” “You said that to me too.” “Do not turn this on me.”
Out of frustration, he pulled his keys from his pocket. “I’ll go after him and talk to him. Can I
see you tonight.”
“Bachelorette party. You worry about Russell.
“This sucks,” he groaned as he drug his fingers through his hair.
“Good bye, Dane,” she said as she turned around and marched back to her store.
He watched her walk away and that amazing feeling that had been stirring inside of him when
he’d kissed her felt like lead now in his gut.
The Lord giving and his damn brother taketh away. Maybe it had been a mistake he thought as
he walked to his mother’s car and opened the door. A few more days and he’d leave, returning to his miserable life, but without such distractions.
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Author Bernadette Marie
Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends. Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter. At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.
In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children –
Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published. That year she wrote 12
books. In 2009 she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born. In
2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince
Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and has begun the process of taking on other
authors in other genres.
Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events. She is also an
accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
An avid reader she loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and she always promises Happily Ever After.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Amazon
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Bernadette will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Diamond In The Rough by Lori L. Robinett
Posted: May 13, 2016 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, WesternTags: Author Lori L. Robinett, contemporary romance, Diamond In The Rough, giveaway, western
I love cowboys. Ever since I was young and stayed up late with my Dad to watch westerns, I’ve adored them.
Whether the story is set in the old west or current times, I still enjoy reading about them.
A little romance, rustlers, and a kidnapping. Lots to entertain.
I have a fun excerpt for ya too. Gina is a hoot.
Check it out!
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Diamond In The Rough
Diamond J #2
by Lori L. Robinett
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Western
Synopsis
Ranch hand Aidan Brackston has built a new life at the Diamond J, and he keeps women at arm’s length to protect his secret . . . until he walks into the local scrapbook store on an errand for his boss. When he accidentally knocks Gina on her ass, she responds with a slap . . . and the fireworks begin.
Single mom Gina Montgomery has her hands full running a business and taking care of her little boy. The last thing she needs is a man in her life, but when a tall, dark and sexy cowboy strides into her store, she’s reminded that she’s still a young woman with hopes and desires.
Just as passion ignites between Aidan and Gina, her little boy is kidnapped by rustlers. Will the two of them be able to save her little boy . . . even if that means exposing Aidan’s secret?
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Excerpt
She peeked around the paper rack at the cowboy standing in the front of her store. He was tall, easily six foot. His shoulders were broad, his arms well muscled. A pair of work gloves tucked in his back pockets drew her eyes to his butt. Red dust covered his black cowboy hat, and his boots were scuffed. Yes, yes, yes, she thought, he was a real cowboy.
She scooped up the box of supplies and smiled around the pencil in her teeth. Something dark and fuzzy came into her field of vision, from below, right across the top of the box. Her focus shifted from the cowboy to the thing crawling across the box clutched to her breast.
Spider!!
She screamed. She pitched the box and the contents flew through the air. The spider moved fast across the old linoleum tiles, straight towards her.
She climbed on top of the folding table and squatted there. Its two front legs felt in front of it, as if it were trying to find her.
She was so focused on the spider, she didn’t see the others. Wasn’t even aware that she was not alone in the shop, until she heard Midge’s voice.
“Good grief, stop screaming, would you?”
And she saw him. The cowboy. It took a moment to remember his name. Aidan. That was it. Aidan.
Calm as could be, he walked over, picked up a piece of paper and scooped the spider up. It jerked a bit, then froze. Aidan strode to the front door. Gina stood up on the table and watched as he opened the door, squatted down and tipped the paper. Stunned, she stood and watched. She’d never seen anyone do that before.
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Author Lori L. Robinett
Lori is the author of four books, and serves as a mentor for aspiring writers. She is a creative soul trapped in a paralegal’s body. Several years ago, she discovered (and won) National Novel Writing Month and rediscovered the joy of escaping into a world of her own creation.
She lives in rural Missouri with her husband. One very spoiled Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Beagle allow Lori and her husband to live in their house, and the outside is patrolled by BK (short for Barn Kitty) and Patches (a sweet tom cat stray that missed his calling as a lap cat).
Her novels cover everything from romance to thrillers, but mystery is the thread that binds them all together. Her favorite authors are Tawna Fenske, Tierney James, Colleen Donnelly, Allison Merritt, Lisa Medley, Lea Waite, Susan Mallery, Hugh Howey, HP Mallory and, well, the list goes on and on.
Links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
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Deep by Skye Warren ~ Book Blast and Giveaway
Posted: April 7, 2016 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveawaysTags: Chicago Underground #7, contemporary romance, Deep, giveaway, series, Skye Warren
Deep
Chicago Underground #7
by Skye Warren
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis
Dark. Powerful. Dangerous.
Philip Murphy has all of Chicago under his thumb. Except me.
We met in a perfect storm of violence and lust. He saved me and then disappeared from my life.
Now I pretend I never knew that kind of darkness. I focus on midterms and campus parties, as if
they can wipe the slate clean.
Then he turns up outside my dorm room–wounded and barely conscious. He’s the head of a
criminal empire, a powerful man, but he needs me now. There are traitors in his midst.
I can help him, but I can’t fall for him.
Not again.
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Enjoy the Excerpt
The sound came again, louder. A shiver ran through me. It was coming from outside the room,
but not from either side. It was coming from the door.
I crept over and looked out the peephole. An empty hallway bulged in the distorted lens.
Now I was doubting myself. Had I actually heard something? Maybe it had come from the dorm
room across the hall. When I first moved here, it had been shortly after my “ordeal,” as my
adoptive mother called it. I had jumped at every sound, both real and imagined, more
traumatized by my brush with danger than I’d wanted to admit.
My gaze snapped to my phone.
I could call my adoptive mother right now, but I knew she wouldn’t want to be bothered. I could
call the building management, but I knew what would happen. The same thing that had
happened last time I called them. They’d send my floor advisor to check on me. If there was
anything scary in this hallway, she’d have to face it first.
And if there wasn’t anything scary, if it was my imagination again, the PTSD I didn’t want to
acknowledge, well then everyone would know how fucked up I was inside.
No, I had to be overreacting. This was nothing. There was no one in the hallway. And even if
there was, it would be some drunk guy, passed out on the wrong floor.
I’m a normal college student, I reminded myself. I’m not afraid of anything.
Both of those things were lies, I was neither normal nor brave, but at least I could send a drunk
frat boy on his way.
I opened the door a crack. Nothing.
Relief filled me, and I opened the door wider.
A body slid inside, slumped over without the door to support him. A short scream escaped me
before I caught myself.
He was wearing a three-piece suit stained with blood, his expression slack, eyes glassy with
pain and delirium. Philip.
Oh God, he was hurt. Really badly hurt if he couldn’t stand up. Horribly hurt if he’d ever have
come to me of all people. I didn’t have time to process the shock of it, of seeing him again. I had
to get him out of sight. If he’d been injured like this, someone was after him. Someone would
want to finish the job.
“Come inside,” I whispered urgently, pulling his arm.
All that earned me was a weak groan.
Panic beat in my chest. Was he losing consciousness? Was he dying?
I managed to sling his heavy arm over my shoulders, staggering under even that much weight.
Christ. Awake he was pure packed power. Half-conscious and injured, he was like a pile of steel
bars—unmovable and unwieldy.
“I’ll never forgive you if you die on my doorstep,” I said.
Something like a grunt escaped him—it might have been a laugh. Either way, he surged up,
tapping into some deep well of energy or survival instinct. His effort and all my strength pushed
us through the doorway and into my dorm room. It had seemed small before. Now it seemed
tiny as we bumped into walls and staggered to the bed.
I wanted to lay him down gently, careful with his wounds, but in the end we both fell under his
weight, tangled on the bed in a heap of exhausted limbs. With a coarse shove I managed to get
him on his back so I could shut the door.
The hallway was just as empty as when I’d found him. There was a little smear of blood on the
doorjamb. It turned a mottled brown when I wiped it with my shirt.
That would have to be good enough for now.
I just hoped no one had followed him. I just hoped no one found him.
And I really hoped no one found me.
~~~~~
Author Skye Warren
Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dark romance such as Wanderlust
and Prisoner. Praised as a “true mistress of dark erotica”, her books have been featured in
Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes
her home in Texas with her loving family, four dogs, and one evil cat.
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Links for DEEP
Amazon / iBooks / Nook / Kobo / Google Play / All Romance
And you can purchase Deep in PRINT… Amazon
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