Thursday, March 31, 2016

RELEASE DAY BLISS: His Forbidden Debutante (Regency Charms #4) by Anabelle Bryant



The dance she never dared to dream…
One year after a carriage accident killed her parents and left her seriously injured, Lavinia Montgomery has finally learnt to walk again – just in time to make her societal debut. Yet while the beautiful debutante’s body may have healed, she hides a broken heart.
Before her injury, Lavinia had exchanged letters with a man she knew to be the love of her life – despite never having set eyes on him. But when she feared she’d be crippled for life, she made the heart-rending decision to let him go…
Randolph James Caulfield, Earl of Penwick, is betrothed, but cannot forget the words he once received from a woman whose name he knew, but who he never had the chance to meet. So when, at a ball, his dance partner is introduced, he can’t believe his luck. One thing is certain: if this really is his debutante, he won’t lose her a second time.

Excerpt:
He cradled her face with his palms, holding her mouth to his. She tasted like a fantasy, ethereal, sweet and forbidden, a temptress who experimented with sin, yet at the same time conjured cherished remembrances of childhood, daring, carefree adventure. She even smelled like the honeysuckle flowers that grew beneath his window. They were bonded somehow. Plighted.
Her tongue touched his, at first a flick of curiosity, then a slide of assertive demand, only to curl around his with inviting bliss. She offered and he took. He could hardly think for the pleasure of it, falling down a well of pleasure and he didn’t care a whit.
He heard the quiescent rustle of fabric before he experienced her touch, the composed caress of her fingertips along his jaw. Such a tender affection in the throes of their passion, the opposing sensations engulfed him, warred at his conscience and threatened anarchy, urging him to continue though he knew it as wrong. Didn’t want it to stop. He needed to stop. Damn it to hell, he had to stop, but the decision did not translate to action.
She was wondrous and original, yet somehow warm and familiar, all things combined, and he pulled her closer, not wanting a breath of space between their bodies as he kissed with all the pent yearning he’d stored for too much time, aching desire and dire longing. He deepened their embrace and moved his hands from her shoulders, over her arms to her waist, locking her within his hold. She made a tiny noise in her throat that ignited his blood like fire. Did she experience the same ferocious need that devoured his better sense? That dared him to do, want, take what he knew he shouldn’t?
Blood drummed in his veins, through his heart to his groin. What was this ferocious torture? He barely conceived thought, his body dictating all action. He wanted to feel her smooth flesh, the pleasure of her scent filling him, tempting him. He slid his hands upward, his fingers poised at the soft swell of her breasts. He could feel her every breath, each tremble hot and inviting. He wanted more. So much more.

GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Release Day Launch: RISING STORM: MIDSEASON 1~AFTER THE STORM~ by LEXI BLAKE

Rising Storm - Header banner  

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy...

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.

But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.

With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” for the Midseason Episodes of this serial opera are bestselling authors Lexi Blake and Larissa Ione who have brought their vision of Storm to life.

So get ready. The storm is coming.

Rising Storm - Midseason 1

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs Lexip, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

In the wake of Dakota’s revelations, the whole town is reeling. Ginny Moreno has lost everything. Logan Murphy is devastated by her lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a horrifying new light. And nothing will ever be the same…

  The pregnant girl with a hat in the field of wheat on a sunset

Experience Rising Storm Here…

Rising Storm Midseason Episode 1 (March 29): Lexi Blake’s After the Storm Amazon ** Kobo ** iTunes ** Barnes & Noble ** GooglePlay ** All Romance EBooks

Rising Storm Midseason Episode 2 (April 5): Larissa Ione’s Distant Thunder Amazon ** Kobo ** iTunes ** Barnes & Noble ** GooglePlay ** All Romance EBooks

 

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Check out this fantastic excerpt from AFTER THE STORM!

  “I didn’t know I was pregnant until I woke up from the accident.” Ginny’s voice was an impassioned whisper. “I found out two things that changed my life in that moment. I found out that my best friend was gone and that I was pregnant. And I prayed so hard that I hadn’t lost all of Jacob forever.” Forever. That’s what she was looking at. She was looking at an entire lifetime of being a mother without a son. She loved her daughters dearly, but she would mourn Jacob forever. And this selfish girl was equating her pain as though they were the same. As though one night of spreading her legs gave her the right to mourn him. “I think you woke up and realized you had two options. Take care of that baby alone or worm your way into Jacob’s family and his money.” “I never cared about the money.” Celeste wasn’t going to listen to that tripe. “Of course you did. Not enough to keep your legs closed. You say you loved Jacob but how long did you wait before you hopped into bed with that Murphy boy? Did you even break it off with my brother-in-law? How many men do you need on your string?” “I’ve never slept with Logan, but I will admit that I’m in love with him. I love him in a way I never loved Jacob. Jacob was my best friend, but I know now that he wasn’t my soul mate. I pray with everything I am that this is his child, that we receive a miracle because I don’t want him to be lost forever, but I won’t hide what I feel for Logan and I won’t pretend it’s nasty. Not even to placate you, Celeste. I want to make things right between us and that means apologizing to you. Celeste, I’m so sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. I should have been braver. I should have been stronger, but I woke up and the world had crashed around me and I wanted the love you could give me. That all of you could give me. I’m sorry that it brought you so much pain.” Something about the way she was standing there enraged Celeste. How could she stand there looking so innocent? How could she say exactly the right things to garner empathy? Celeste didn’t want to empathize. She wanted to fight and tear up things and destroy the world around her because it seemed so damn intent on destroying her. She wanted to burn it all down. She didn’t feel her hand snap back, didn’t quite understand what she was doing. The world seemed tinged in red at the corners as though rage now filtered her vision. And it slowed everything down. In horror she realized she was going to strike Ginny Moreno. Her hand was going to bring justice her words never could. And then it slapped against flesh. A strong hand circled her wrist and Travis stared down at her like he had no idea who she was.   copyright szefei     Author pic- Lexi BlakeAbout Lexi Blake: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem. Visit Lexi Blake’s website and follow her on:  

Rising Storm Website | Facebook | Twitter | 1001 Dark Nights | Rising Storm on Goodreads

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ONE HOT SUMMER (A ONE AND ONLY TEXAS NOVEL) BY MELISSA CUTLER **BLOG BLAST** & GIVEAWAY



Welcome all to the first day of the ONE HOT SUMMER BLOG BLAST. This first book in the ONE AND ONLY TEXAS series by the imcomparable Melissa Cutler is sure to make your heart race. Melissa Cutler puts her heart into this tale and characters Remedy Lane and Micah Garrity are sure to get you all hot and bothered! 

  • Series: One and Only Texas (Book 1)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (April 5, 2016)
AMAZON BUY LINK: http://amzn.to/1UTAPwf
BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/1Oxz84r



Welcome to Dulcet, Texas, home of the legendary Briscoe Ranch Resort, where one woman will discover that even love is bigger in the Lone Star State.
Celebrity wedding planner Remedy Lane is Hollywood royalty—until a scandal sends her packing to the wilds of Texas. She has a knack for leaving disaster in her wake, but she’s determined to reboot her career at Briscoe Ranch, a luxury resort known for extravagant weddings. Little does she know that weddings don’t happen at the resort without the approval of the town’s cowboy-swaggering, too-hot-for-his-own-good fire chief, Micah Garrity.
ONE HOT SUMMER
Micah knows trouble when he sees it, and all it takes is one glimpse of Remedy’s princess airs for him to know he’s met his match. Too bad he can’t stop thinking about her—even when she brings about one disaster after another at the resort. He and Remedy clash at every turn, but they can’t stop the sparks flying between them. They come from such different worlds—does love stand a chance or will this fire burn too hot for either of them to handle?
Don't miss the first book in Melissa Cutler's One and Only Texas series!


AMY COMPTON'S REVIEW:

Remedy Lane is a wedding planner to the stars and a Hollywood celeb in her own right. But a scandal sends her packing and in need of a job to rebuild her reputation. The Briscoe Ranch Resort seems like a great place to do just that. Then, when she’s re-established herself, she can return to Hollywood with her head held high. Remedy soon learns that all plans have to pass Muster with fire marshal Micah Garrity, a sexy gun totin’, toothpick chewin’ cowboy. 
Micah can’t stand rich people and their sense of entitlement so when he sees Remedy, he knows she’ll be trouble. Problem is, her crazy klutzy ways just bring out the hero in him and the more they’re together, the more the sparks fly. And that’s a fire no one wants to put out!
This is a sexy, sweet, funny sort of “fish out of water” story where both characters realize the life they could never imagine is suddenly the life they can’t imagine being without. This book has it all. Witty dialogue that will leave you chuckling out loud. Outrageous characters including a profanity loving elephant and stalking pigeons disguised as doves! And an intense, fast paced story line. This looks to be like the start to a great new series. I can’t wait to read more!

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy small town contemporary romances, western romances, and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for a variety of publishers, including Harlequin, Kensington Books, Penguin, and Macmillan. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she's not globetrotting, she's enjoying Southern California's flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids. Find out more about Melissa and her books at www.melissacutler.net  or write to her at melissa@melissacutler.net  . You can also find Melissa on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MelissaCutlerBooks ) and Twitter (@m_cutler)
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

GUEST REVIEWER ~ MONIQUE DAOUST ~ Black Listed (Benediction, #4) by Shelly Bell


Lisa Smith was raised by con artists, and before she even knew that what she was doing was wrong, she was a part of their scams; it was the only life she knew. When her father told her to con, and marry, young billionaire Sawyer Hayes, things went awry. Lisa fell in love with Sawyer, for the first time of her life, she was really happy; she had found someone who cared deeply about her. But when Lisa’s father asked that she kill Sawyer, Lisa vanished to spare her husband’s life, however she took Sawyer’s money with her. After four years, Sawyer finds her, and he tells her that if she accepts to do all his sexual bidding for seven days, he will grant her the divorce she asked for. What Lisa fears is, that since she has never stopped loving Sawyer, that her heart will be broken again. But when Lisa’s life is also in danger, Sawyer and Lisa must do everything to survive…

I was a bit apprehensive, given the warning about serious BSDM and ménage, but Ms. Bell handles everything extremely well. When she was married, Lisa was a collared slave to her Master Sawyer, and I never once felt it was degrading; it was what made Lisa happy, it was her choice, and surprisingly enough, I felt comfortable with the whole thing. Sawyer is really a great guy, and I really liked Lisa. I don’t like thieves and liars as heroes, and again the author makes it work: I understood where Lisa was coming from, and I had no problem with. Both characters have very interesting background stories; everything was totally believable. BLACK LISTED is as expected scorching hot, and all the sex scenes are very tasteful. Better yet, all this naughtiness is perfectly integrated with the suspense story, and the story is very solid. There are suspense elements on several levels: there are threats on Lisa’s life, are Lisa and Sawyer heading towards a reconciliation, who wants to harm them, and I didn’t have a clue. With BLACK LISTED, Shelly Bell strikes a perfect balance between a captivating suspense novel, a realistic love story, and BDSM that feels totally authentic. BLACK LISTED kept me riveted until the very satisfying conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  1.   ~MONIQUE~



Friday, March 25, 2016

GUEST REVIEWER ~ MONIQUE DAOUST ~ A Dangerously Sexy Affair (The Dangerous Bachelors Club #2) by Stefanie London




Quinn Dellinger got dragged to a party at a gamers’ convention by her friend Alana. It’s not exactly Quinn’s cup of tea, especially since she is sulking because she was passed over for a promotion. After a dreadful experience with her former boyfriend, Quinn does only one-night stands; she’s not risking her heart again. She can’t wait to go home, alone, until she sees a glorious male specimen who might be able to salvage the evening. However the morning after, it turns out that the hot guy who rocked her world, Aiden Odell, is the man who got the job Quinn coveted. 

What a great book! A DANGEROUSLY SEXY AFFAIR is and so much more than a few sexy bits held together by a flimsy story. There is at least as much suspense as there are sex scenes; the story itself is as good as any suspense novel, and the sex is playful, hot and tender. Ms. London has created terrific characters all around, and Quinn and Aiden are very real fleshed out, and they are great separately as well as together; they share real chemistry, and the way their relationship evolved was realistic and utterly delectable. One thing I particularly enjoyed is that both Quinn and Aiden are equals, and for that alone A DANGEROUSLY SEXY AFFAIR is worth reading. Both have issues, which are dealt with intelligently and subtly, and do not weigh the book down, but rather enrich it. The characters, the setting, the story are all flawless, and the writing is impeccable: the prose is crisp, clear, yet flowing and eloquent. Quinn and Aiden are exactly the types of characters I like to read about, and the story is just what I look for. A DANGEROUSLY SEXY AFFAIR is excellent from beginning to end: there is not one little hitch!


~MONIQUE~ 

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Highland Awakening (Highland Knights #2) by Jennifer Haymore


Brooding Highlander, Camden McLeod is more than meets the eye. This honorable Scot has given up his auspicious life on his father's ducal estate to keep the English crown secure as part of the Highland Knights, a group of Scots with military pasts.

Camden is supposed to be guarding a important man, even while that man is in the midst of a sexual liaison with a woman of questionable character, but distraction in the form of Lady Esme Hawkins who disguised as a lady of the evening arrives clutching a notebook. 

Esme, the Duke of Trent's unruly sister will be in a heap of trouble if her brother finds out what she's up to, and when the handsome, rough and tumble Scot steals a kiss from her, she doesn't know which way is up. Cam on the other hand has never met a woman like Esme, and his curiosity gets the better of his wanting to know more about this illusive beauty.

Highland Awakening by the most awesome, Jennifer Haymore is a gift. This story is romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense wrapped up in a package that keeps on giving. The characters in this tale are strong and extremely well-written with an abundance of quirks and attributes. I loved this book, I love this author and I am so happy I got a chance to read this early. Bravo Ms. Haymore! 

~KIMBERLY~

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

COVER REVEAL BLISS ~Race the Darkness by Abbie Roads ~

It’s precisely 7:22 pm ET, the sun has just set in the east, and it’s starting to get dark...

We are excited to reveal the cover of Race the Darkness , a dark, gritty, emotional and sexy romantic suspense novel by debut author Abbie Roads.


First in a gripping paranormal romantic suspense duo by a Golden Heart finalist debut author whose clinical work gives her chilling insights...

Cursed with a terrible gift
Criminal investigator Xander Stone doesn’t have to question you—he can hear your thoughts. Scarred by lightning, burdened with a power that gives him no peace, Xander struggles to maintain his sanity against the voice that haunts him day and night—the voice of a woman begging him to save her.
 
That threatens to engulf them...
Isleen Walker has long since given up hope of escape from the nightmare of captivity and torture that is draining her life, her mind, and her soul. Except…there is the man in her feverish dreams, the strangely beautiful man who beckons her to freedom and wholeness. And when he comes, if he comes, it will take all their combined fury and faith to overcome a madman bent on fulfilling a deadly prophecy.

About Abbie Roads: 
Abbie Roads is a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. By night she writes dark, emotional novels, always giving her characters the happy ending she wishes for all her clients. Her novels have finaled in RWA contests including the Golden Heart. Race the Darkness is the first book in the Fatal Dreams series of dark, gritty romantic suspense with a psychological twist.

Race the Darkness will be available on October 4th
Amazon: http://amzn.to/22nGnVk
B&N: http://bit.ly/1pwghOK
BAM: http://bit.ly/1RmOgoN

RELEASE DAY ANTICS ~ When a Laird Loves a Lady (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts) by Julie Johnstone ~

02_When a Laird Loves a Lady

When a Laird Loves a Lady (Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts, #1) by Julie Johnstone

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Publication Date: March 22, 2016 eBook; 305 Pages ASIN: B01C4R46L0 Series: Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish/Medieval 

About The Book     
 A need to belong drives her. A longing to forget compels him. Fate may send them into each other’s arms, but only love can mend their hearts. An Outlander Raised by a tyrannical father, Marion de Lacy yearns for the comfort of belonging to a loving family. So when her father announces her betrothal to an evil baron in exchange for a number of knights, she concocts a desperate scheme to avoid the marriage: feigning her own death and then fleeing England. But when her plan goes terribly awry and she’s captured by the baron, not even her careful preparations could ready her for the Scottish barbarian who rescues her and then informs her that he’s to marry her by edict of her king. Certain her father will defy the king’s orders and wed her to the baron if she refuses the Highlander’s hand, Marion agrees to marry the strangely compelling but obstinate laird of the MacLeod clan. A Highlander After the death of his beloved wife, Iain MacLeod has no desire to marry ever again. Yet when he finds himself obliged to do so to secure the freedom of his childhood friend and king, he reluctantly travels across England to collect his unwanted bride, expecting to find a cold Englishwoman. Instead, he discovers a fiery, bold beauty who is fiercely loyal, protective of those she loves, and defies him at every turn, challenging his certainty that his heart is dead. Ensnared Following a hasty marriage and perilous journey to Scotland, Marion harbors no illusions that her new husband loves her. Still, her heart cannot resist the noble, brave warrior, and she cannot suppress the hope that she has finally found where she belongs. However, the harder she tries to fit in with the clan and gain Iain’s love, the farther away her dreams drift. Iain is more than willing to give his respect to his courageous wife—her kisses and caresses even ignite his blood and demand his passion—but he refuses to give up his heart. That is, until enemies near and far threaten to take Marion from him. Now the demons that haunt him can only be conquered by surrendering body and soul to Marion, if only it’s not too late…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo


KIMBERLY'S REVIEW
When I heard that author, Julie Johnstone was writing a medieval tale with a brooding Scottish rogue, I was elated. I truly enjoy everything Ms. Johnstone has written and consider her a go-to author. 

When a Laird Loves A Lady is a fabulous first in the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series. Two very different people not so different in their wants and desires. Marion de Lacey is being used by her father for a means to his misguided ends and Marion wants no part of it. Her traitorous father has betrothed her to an odious knight who would align himself with Marion's father to overthrow their king. This knight is the last man on earth who she wishes to marry. Along with some of her loyal friends, she comes up with a plan to seek refuge in Scotland but plans go awry and Marion finds herself in danger.

Highlander Iain MacLeod has been through much in his life and after losing his beloved wife he never wanted to go down the marriage route again, but duty calls and when Iain attempts to retrieve the bride his king decrees he marry, Iain discovers there are many dark dealings going on with de Lacey and his underlings. On his journey home, he comes upon Marion de Lacey and so their tale of adventure begins. A quick wedding ceremony ensues in hopes to thwart any of her father's plans, but it will take more than that for Iain and Marion to come to terms with their unstable future ahead.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book! When a Laird Loves a Lady is a sweeping story with a beautiful backdrop. In this unsteady time these two amazing people will do what they must to assure good over evil prevails. Both Iain and Marion are brilliant characters with determination and for as much as Iain would like to keep Marion at arms length, that task is impossible with a lady with as much pluck and courage. Their desire for one another is evident and adds so much to this wonderful story. It is a page-turner and I applaud Julie Johnstone for her first foray into a new era... I want the next one NOW! 

About the Author

03_Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone is a USA Today best-selling author of Regency Romance and the author of a new urban fantasy/paranormal romance book. She's been a voracious reader of books since she was a young girl. Her mother would tell you that as a child Julie had a rich fantasy life made up of many different make believe friends. As an adult, Julie is one of the lucky few who can say she is living the dream by working with her passion of creating worlds from her imagination. When Julie is not writing she is chasing her two precocious children around, cooking, reading or exercising. Julie loves to hear from her readers. You can send her an email at juliejohnstoneauthor@gmail.com or find her at www.juliejohnstoneauthor.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorjuliejohnstone or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/juliejohnstoneauthor or at twitter @juliejohnstone.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 22 Review at Book Obsessed Chicks Wednesday, March 23 Review at Historical Romance Lover Excerpt & Giveaway at Leigh Anderson Romance Thursday, March 24 Review at The Book Junkie Reads Guest Post at Historical Fiction Addicts Friday, March 25 Review at Diana's Book Reviews Monday, March 28 Review at Laura's Interests Tuesday, March 29 Excerpt at Teatime and Books Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past 04_WALLAL_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL

Monday, March 21, 2016

COVER REVEAL BLISS ~ Elixir: A Changeling P.I. Novel by Ruth Vincent



Welcome! Today at Book Obsessed Chicks, we have a cover reveal for a book belonging to a very good local friend of mine. Ruth Vincent has written her debut novel, Elixir: A Changeling P.I. Novel and it will be coming your way on May 3. I hope you enjoy the cover! 

PRE-ORDER LINK: http://amzn.to/1Mw9x7S

Mabily "Mab" Jones is just a twenty-something, over-educated, under-employed New Yorker trying to survive as a private eye's unpaid intern . . . or is she? Once a powerful fairy, but tricked by the Fairy Queen into human form, Mab is forced to face her changeling past when investigating a missing person case at a modern speakeasy.
Obadiah Savage bootlegs fairy Elixir to human customers thirsting for a magical fix. But when Mab and Obadiah become joint suspects in a crime they didn't commit, the only way to prove their innocence is to travel back to the fairy realm. And when Mab confronts the Fairy Queen and learns the depth of her betrayal, she must decide if the fate of the fey world is worth destroying the lives of the humans she's come to love.

  • Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse (May 3, 2016)
  • Publication Date: May 3, 2016
  • Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers

AUTHOR RUTH VINCENT:

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Princess Wore Plaid (The Oxenburg Princes #2.5) by Karen Hawkins



While traveling to a family event, Princess Tatiana Romanovin of Oxenburg's traveling coach is set upon by brutes and in the confusion, Tatiana winds up lost and temporarily without her memory. When she finally remembers who she is, she makes her way to a Scottish inn, where no one believes she is a princess and in order to repay the kindness of the inn owners, she becomes their maid. Tatiana has never had to do any sort of physical labor for this princess has been pampered from birth. Now her hands have blisters and learns that her servants did more for her than she could imagine. Letters she has written to her family in hopes that they will come for her and take her back into the family fold, but when she meets a bristly Scottish lord, she wonders if the family fold is really where she wants to be.

Injured in a battle with the French, Lord Buchan only thinks of the pain his tattered leg gives him and bitterness of not having the life he once had before. His weekly visits to the inn where he rents out a private parlor to feast on the cook's delicacies and drink the whisky that numbs his pain is interrupted by the beautiful presence of this foreign miss who sparks his interest. Tatiana's quick tongue puts Buchan in his place and suddenly the man who resolved to be alone, seeks the light.

When Tatiana tells Lord Buchan the tale of who she is and how she came to be at the inn, he doesn't know whether to believe her. The more Tatiana spends in Buchan's company, the more he believes her story, and the more he realizes that even though he feels deeply for her, she isn't for him. Tatiana however, is not convinced that Buchan isn't the one and her stubborn reserve tries to break down the barriers between the Princess and the Scott. 

THE PRINCESS WORE PLAID by Karen Hawkins is a lovely short read that left me wanting so much more. I felt like I didn't have a chance to know the main characters and their struggles as much as I would have liked. Author Karen Hawkins is one of my long standing favorite authors and I continue to read her wonderful tales and this story was quite enjoyable. I do hope that Tatiana and Buchan appear in future books in the Oxenburg Princes series.


~KIMBERLY~ 

Thursday, March 17, 2016

A HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY RELEASE ~ The Wayward One (The de Montforte Brothers Book 5) by Danelle Harmon~


When Irishman Ruaidri O'Devir appears at his sister's home in England during an event he isn't supposed to attend, no one thinks anything of it at first. The uncouth drunkard leaves much to be desired but his sister is the wife of an English aristocrat so his presence is tolerated for the most part.

Lady Nerissa De Montforte, the youngest sister of the influential De Montforte family,  is there for her brother Anthony, who has invented a new type of weapon which could be used to squash England's enemies if he allows it to get into their hands. Nerissa has been through a tough time since her older brother, the Duke of Blackheath decided to test Nerissa's former betrothed and when the man in question failed the test, Nerissa was heartbroken.

Unbeknownst to everyone in attendance, Ruaidri is a Commander for the American Continental Army and has been given the task by John Adams himself, of retrieving Anthony De Montforte's invention but not without complication, for the minute the handsome rogue sets eyes on Lady Nerissa, his interest is piqued and trouble abounds. Although Nerissa thinks him to be a drunken lout, something about him sparks her interest like no man ever before.

During the invention's demonstration, an accident befalls Nerissa and Ruaidri takes advantage of the situation, whisking her away to be used as a trade.When Nerissa awakens after her abduction she is shocked to find Ruaidri is not the kind of man she originally perceived him to be, but so much more and not only has  been kidnapped, but she is on the ocean on Captain O'Devir's ship. Nothing will thwart O'Devir from his mission, not even the fascinating Lady Nerissa who he finds is not the spoiled aristocrat he assumed her to be.

The more the Irish Captain and Lady Nerissa spend in each other's company, the more they discover about each other, which brings them closer together. Nerissa finds there is life beyond the betrayal she suffered and maybe the Captain could be a part of it. But the Duke of Blackheath will stop at nothing to retrieve his sister from the traitor's hands, even if it causes more heartache for her.

As much as I would love to recount more of this intriguing  story, I will just suggest that you read this well written tale for yourself. Ms. Harmon is a master at weaving her story so that this reader was compelled to read from the first page to the end without turning off the eReader, thus watching the sun come up without having slept. That, along with such interesting characters, made this a winner for me.


~KIMBERLY~ 

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

March Into Romance with Harlequin PART 3 ~ DAIRE ST. DENIS ~



Sweet Seduction (Harlequin Blaze)

by Daire St. Denis
All it takes is one sweet taste… 
Daisy Sinclair knows how to make a guy moan with raw pleasure. She should, as owner of the best damn bakery in Chicago. Her cinnamon buns are borderline orgasmic! Of course, standing in front of the city's biggest (and sexy-as-hell) food critic in her skivvies isn't the most professional first impression. Especially when he has a wicked glint in his eye… 
Jamie Forsythe isn't exactly a food critic; his twin brother is. One look at Daisy's mouthwatering curves, and Jamie knows only that he wants to have his cake and Daisy, too. Attraction mixed with deception is a recipe for disaster—the naughtiest, hottest kind imaginable. And there's no way Jamie can resist being sent to bed…with Daisy as dessert!

      Song Playlist: A prepared playlist of songs that embodies the book’s characters and their love story.
Hot Stuff - Donna Summers
Lady in Red – Chris de Burgh,
Stressed Out - Twenty-One Pilots
Theme song from Rocky
In the End – Linkin Park
Sweet Thing - cover by Hozier
Change – Taylor Swift
I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

·         How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers: Tips for those looking to get their work published/break into the industry.

1.      Write – even if it’s only 5/10 minutes per day
2.      Join writing groups
3.      Write
4.      Go to writers conferences, network with writers and industry professionals, pitch
5.      Write
6.      Read books on writing, read books for pleasure, read, read, read
7.      Write

·         Writer’s Space: Photos and a brief description of the place where you do your writing. (See attached)

·         Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book.
The biggest obstacle faced by the characters in Sweet Seduction is overcoming a sense of not feeling worthy of love, which I think is a pretty relatable emotion. For the heroine, Daisy, she has always felt unloved by her mother and needed to resolve that relationship in order to move on. For Jamie, he felt responsible for his sister’s death and didn’t feel happiness was possible for him. When faced with the possibility of a meaningful and loving relationship, Jamie and Daisy sabotage things as a form of self-preservation, protecting themselves from repeating whatever injury they suffered in their past.
So, the lesson that Jamie and Daisy learn in the book is that in order to be loved, they have to first forgive themselves, and/or the person who hurt them. In addition, they must be willing to be vulnerable, which is incredibly scary when your psyche warns you that you’ll only be hurt again. However, the characters learn that a willingness to be hurt is the only way to grow and in the end it is so worth it because being with the person you love--cooking together, christening countertops together--is the best thing ever!
·         Movie Star Cast: Assemble a real life cast using movie stars to play your characters, in an on screen adaptation.

Daisy Sinclair – Zooey Deschanel
Jamie Forsythe – Charlie Hunnam
Colin Forsythe (hero’s twin brother) – Charlie Hunnam
Gloria Hurst (the best friend) – Brittany Snow
Cynthia Sinclair (heroine’s mother) – Angelina Jolie
AJ (Cynthia’s boyfriend) – Jon Hamm
Lizzie (crazy coworker) – Lena Dunham

·         FrankenBachelor: Create the bachelor of all bachelors from three famous studs.

David Beckham’s bod and tatts (tasty). Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice (gives me shivers just thinking about him whispering in my ear), Ryan Reynolds personality (perfect mix of playful and sexy, mmmm).







Cinnamon Buns – By Lady Laine and Daire

½ cup warm water                                                                  Butter (room temperature)
1 tbsp yeast                                                                             Brown sugar
1 tsp sugar                                                                               Cinnamon
½ cup butter or margarine (room temperature)                       Pecans (optional)
3 cups warm water
¾ cups white sugar
1 tsp salt
3 eggs beaten
9 cups flour
This is an all-day affair but the results are so worth it!

Turn oven on until cozy warm and then turn it off but keep the light on as it helps to keep the oven warm.

In an x-large bowl, add half a cup of warm water. Sprinkle one tbsp of yeast over the top and sprinkle one tsp of sugar over the top of the yeast. Let the mixture sit for approximately 10 minutes until frothy.

Add ½ cup of butter or margarine (room temp), 3 cups warm water, ¾ cup white sugar, 1 tsp salt and 3 eggs (beaten). Add the 9 cups of flour (3 cups at a time). Use hands by the end. The dough should feel elastic-y and smooth. Rub butter over the dough and put a tea towel over the top and place the bowl in your cozy oven.

·         Let the dough rise until it doubles (approximately 1.5-2 hours).
·         Punch the dough down, spread more butter over the top so it doesn’t dry out and place it back in the oven to rise again. It should take less time the second go around (~ ¾ hours).
·         Punch the dough again.
·         Divide the dough into three pieces. Cover up other two pieces.
·         On floured board, roll out section of dough into a nice thin rectangle (~¼ of an inch).
·         Spread softened butter over the whole rectangle. Cover all in brown sugar (light coating but completely covered). Sprinkle cinnamon liberally over the entire surface. Drizzle corn syrup over top.
·         Once done, roll the dough along the long side of the rectangle. Squeeze the ends.
·         Prepare your pans by greasing all sides and bottom. Sprinkle brown sugar over the surface and drizzle more corn syrup (this creates a caramel coating so that icing is unnecessary). If you want thick buns, use deep pans and place rolls closer together. For shorter buns, use a cookie sheet and place rolls a little farther apart.
·         Slice your roll and place in prepared pans. Let rise ½ hour to ¾ hour in warm oven until ready.
·         Bake at 350 until golden (approx. 20 minutes depending on oven).
·         Once finished. Flip onto parchment and use spatula to scrape gooey caramel over buns.


Enjoy!
Daire’s Work Space
With tons of windows, I love how bright and sunny my office space is. The windows also function as a bulletin board and a place to write encouraging messages to myself so that every time I look up, I’m inspired. From my office, I look out onto a lovely green space where deer wander by on a daily basis. I’ve got my sitting desk straight ahead, and to the right is my standing desk. The room has lots of bookshelves and I use my white board for plotting. Another essential piece of furniture is my red chaise lounge. This is a great place for me to read, to daydream, to work and occasionally to nap (don’t tell!). I also keep workout equipment in my office, mostly for decorative purposes and as toys for my pets J. Behind my chair are cross-country ski poles because when I need a break in the winter, I go skiing right out my back door. Ahh! Love my space!