Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Release Day: Major Misconduct: An Aces Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson
Synopsis:
Lovey Armstrong could stare at Marc's chiseled abs and listen to his French-Canadian accent all day. She just has no idea what's going on inside his head: When he's not charming her pants off, Marc makes a Zamboni machine seem warm and cuddly. Lovey knows the team's bro code says no messing with sisters, but all these mixed messages are hard on a girl's self-esteem--especially since she's finally getting her new life together in Chicago. She decides he's worth another shot . . . because if anyone can melt the ice around Marc's heart, it's Lovey.
Excerpt:
Marc was staying away from her. Far away. After she'd invaded his room last night and attacked him -- okay, fuck, he was exaggerating as much as she did now -- he'd resolved he was not going near her. Never gonna touch her. Never never never.
Fuck.
Once they arrived back at the condo, he disappeared into his room. The other guys all headed home and Army and Lovey turned on the television and were now out there arguing about what to watch.
Seeing her that morning shooting shards of ice at him with her eyes had made his gut twist into knots. Then when they'd got home this afternoon and he saw her sitting in the kitchen with all those guys, giving them that dazzling smile, he'd felt like he'd had something stolen from him. And he wanted it back. Those other fuckers all laughing with her and apparently fucking mesmerized by her made him want to drive his fist into someone's face.
This did not bode well for the game Tuesday night.
What the fuck? He was the master of self-control. Mature. Self-disciplined. Some flaky chick was not going to throw him off his game.
Much.
He'd gone overboard last night to push her away. He'd been an asshole. His gut had burned all night because of it. He'd seen the hurt look in her eyes and he'd felt like the biggest jerk on the planet. He couldn't even explain why he'd been that way. Why he'd totally overreacted.
He threw himself onto his bed and reached for the remote control for his own TV, then started surfing. Nothing held his interest. Finally he settled on an old favorite, Die Hard.
He heard noises as Army went to bed and Lovey used the bathroom. The bathroom he had to share with her, that smelled like vanilla cupcakes. The little pink shaver that sat on a shelf in the shower made him imagine her all naked and soapy, shaving her legs.
Fuck it. His insides still burned and churned. He could not let himself be so thrown by a woman. He had serious problems to deal with -- a crappy start to the season that he couldn't explain, a team that was getting more demoralized and discouraged every day, a couple of teammates he was seriously worried about. He needed to stay focused on his career and turning things around before they found themselves out of the playoffs for the first time in fifteen years.
He had to deal with this.
He turned off his TV and tossed the remote on the bed as he swung his legs off it. He peered out into the hall, which was dark. The bathroom door was open, the room also dark. She'd already gone to bed.
He hesitated then squared his shoulders and started down the hall. In the living room, he found her wrapped up in blankets, propped against some pillows, reading on a tablet that glowed in the darkness, illuminating her pretty face. She looked up as he approached.
He didn't get too close. He stopped and shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “Hey,” he said. “I just . . . I was . . .”
She lowered the tablet and watched him.
“I want to apologize,” he finally said. “Last night I was an asshole to you.”
“Yes. You were.”
“I'm sorry. I don't know why I overacted liked that. I mean . . . I knew we shouldn't be doing that, but I didn't need to be such a jerk about it.”
Her chin lowered a little and her mouth went soft. “No, you didn't. But I appreciate the apology.”
“It won't happen again.”
Her lips twitched. “What won't? An apology?”
“No. I meant, I won't kiss you again.”
“Damn.”
His body tightened.
“So you admit you kissed me.”
He sighed, pulling a hand out of one pocket to shove it through his messy hair. “Yeah. But like I said, it won't happen again.”
“I want it to happen.”
Jesus. What the hell was he supposed to say to that? “Don't,” he said quietly.
“I don't understand what the big deal is. We're both adults. We're attracted to each other. And don't deny it. You acted like a big jerk, but you're not stupid.”
He nodded. “Okay, fair enough. Not gonna deny it.”
She smiled.
“No,” he said warningly. “Nothing can happen.”
To his surprise she nodded. “Okay.”
He frowned. Hesitated. Then said, “Okay. Good. Glad we got this cleared up.”
She smiled. “Me too.”
“G'night, Lovey.”
“Good night.”
He walked back to his room. There. He'd apologized. He felt better.
No, he didn't.
He still felt like someone had stolen something from him. And he still wanted it back. Shit.
Buy Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Review:
Major
Misconduct is the first book in the new Aces Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson
and it’s awesome!!
Lovey
Armstrong decides to quit her job and move to Chicago. She shows up at her
brother Duncan’s condo without letting him know she is on the way.
Duncan is one
of the players on the Chicago Aces hockey team. Being upset that Lovey is there,
he tells her she can’t stay there. But since “she always gets her way”, as
Duncan says he lets her stay in his third bedroom.
Marc Dupuis
is the captain of the Aces team. His nickname is Captain Codger. He is more serious
than the other players. He is immediately attracted to Lovey when he sees her.
Lovey knows a
lot of the players on the Aces team. The guys have already been warned not to
get involved with her by Duncan. She is also very attracted to Marc and encourages
they get together without Duncan knowing. The relationship builds and there are
bumps in the way, but Lovey and Marc work them out. They are really good for
each other. Lovey helps Marc open up and be more fun and Marc helps Lovey
become more focused in what she wants.
I really
liked how Lovey decided to “reboot” her life with a new start. Not only did she
move to a new state, but she also started her own business to do what she
loved. Lovey realized that she needed to do what made her happy even though it
was a great risk.
This is a great
story that I loved!! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
About the Author:
Kelly Jamieson is the author of over thirty-five romance novels and novellas. She writes the kind of books she loves to read--sexy romance with heat, humor and emotion. Her writing has been described as "emotionally complex", "sweet and satisfying" and "blisteringly sexy". She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white) and shoes (high!). She also loves watching hockey. She is the author of the popular Heller Brothers Hockey series and the Rule of Three trilogy. Visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com or contact her at info@kellyjamieson.com.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Hildie McQueen Presents Protect and Serve: an Anthology and Giveaway!
"Hildie McQueen Presents Protect and Serve”
I wrote the novella, Tea, Theft and Scones, my first ever cozy mystery romance. It was so much fun to write a story based on a small town near where I live.
Why Readers should buy this Anthology: It’s only available for another 30 days. Plus its a rare opportunity to get a preview of never before published romantic suspense by top authors.
What’s Next for Hildie. Stay tuned to my Facebook page or sign up for my newsletter to receive insider information on my historical romances, plus exclusive short stories for my newsletter subscribers only.
Offer good through Oct 15th!
From rookie cops to special ops, this collection celebrates all of those who Protect and Serve: This anthology includes never before published novellas from New York Times and USA Today and other bestselling authors.
J.M. Madden - Her Secret Wish
Former Marine pilot Rachel Searles is thrown off balance when handsome and seductive Denver Police officer Dean West comes to her aid in a crash. Will the warrior woman give Dean a chance with her heart?
Sharon Hamilton - True Navy Blue
After a hometown hero sacrifices his life, Zak Chambers is inspired to follow in the legendary SEAL's footsteps. But his fast and furious high school fling Amy Dobson barges back into his life. Will their explosive reconnection be enough to save her from the terrorists and for a happily ever after?
Amity Cross - Rebel (A Men of The Underground Novella)
Kane "Rebel" Sturgess knows how to fight dirty, and he's set to make his fortune in illegal cage fighting at The Underground. Undercover detective Charlotte "Charlie" Croft has immersed herself in the life, but she didn't count on falling for one of the fighters. Her heart or her career. She can't have both...or can she?
Stacy Green - Shots Fired - A Cage Foster/Delta Detectives novella
A domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation. Can criminal investigator Cage Foster save the victim...or will he become a victim himself?
Jamie Lee Scott - Uncertain Blue (an Uncertain Novella)
When Dane Briggs returns to Uncertain as a rookie cop, he's reunited with his childhood crush Claire Hamilton after she's arrested in a drug bust. He wants to save her, but can Dane save someone who isn't ready to be saved?
Allie K. Adams - Brace for Contact (A TREX & Brace Blend)
When a matter of national security forces top SBI narcotics agent Nash Ashford and TREX cadet Michaela Starr to work together, they'll have a lot more than their past romance to overcome. Can they track down a deadly drug before it falls into the wrong hands?
Hildie McQueen - Tea, Theft and Scones
Abbie Adams, owner of Sweet Magnolia Tea Shop, helps to investigate a slew of thefts in Whisper, Georgia. But everyone's hiding something, and just as Abbie closes in on the thief, she becomes the prime suspect.
Cheryl Bradshaw - Dead of Night
After her mother-in-law is fatally stabbed, Wren Bancroft is seen fleeing the house with the bloody knife. Is Wren really the killer, or is a dark, scandalous family secret to blame?
Carra Copeland - Lilah By Midnight
A snowstorm threatens to destroy Lilah Canfield's last chance to save her career as a country music performer. After her motor coach slides off the road and into a snow bank near her hometown of Mistletoe, Texas, Lilah is rescued by an old flame, Sheriff's Deputy Jack McCommas. Will Jack help Lilah save her career, or will she give up everything for a second chance at love?
Jenna Bennett - Overcome
When Carmen Fuentes took the oath to serve and protect, she didn't think she'd have to go undercover and face the very thing that terrifies her. Can she handle it? And can she trust Detective Will Murphy to have her back...and maybe her future?
Danielle Stewart - Running from Shadows
Roark Miller can't forget the homicide cases he worked in Detroit. When he crosses path with a victim ten years later, he realizes her life is in danger and he needs to act fast. Demi can't face the truth and Roark won't stop hunting for answers. Will their love help them survive?
Protect and Serve Buy Links:
www.hildiemcqueen.com
Visit these Blogs
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Release Day: Another At Bat by Lyssa Layne
Synopsis:
Excerpt:
“Whatever, Ash. You know the chances of me dating are non-existent, especially a jerk like him.” I nod toward the field where Jace stands on the pitching mound, the kids filling in the other positions around him. We turn our attention back to the hottie in the center of the infield.
Buy Links:
Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.
Pitcher Jace Richards had it all. Fame, status, money, and the perfect girl but it wasn't enough. Unable to curb his gambling addiction, he lost everything. Now banned from the MLB, he's struggling to get his feet back on the ground.
Laurel Darbis is the mom to ten-year-old Grey. Her son is her world and she'd do anything for him, including putting up with her cheating ex-husband, Adam. He doesn't make things easy on her but with her friends and family by her side, she has a strong support system to help her deal with his petty drama.
Grey is about to start baseball with his friends but their coach backs out at the last minute. All of the parents are thrilled when the new coach arrives, everyone except Laurel.
Can the former bad boy tame his ways for the sake of his players? Will the protective mother let down her guard? Either way, no one will ever expect what happens when the two match up.
“Wow, what do you have against him?” Ashley glances at me out of the corner of her eyes. “Oh geez, Laurel, don’t tell me you’re one of the groupies that went to spring training and hooked up with him!”
I swat her leg and laugh. “No! You really think I’d keep that kind of secret from you?”
“Ow!” She rubs her leg like I really hurt her. “You’d better not. If you hooked up with him, you had better give me all the details… and I mean all.”
I turn to face her. “Is your sex life that bad that you have to live vicariously through me?”
“Hell no! I’m just saying that if you ever got in bed with a baseball god like Jace Richards then I’d want a play by play. Don’t get me wrong, Kurtis and I have a hot sex life, but his body is nothing like that.” She nods to the field again and we both subconsciously sigh at the sight in front of us.
“Duly noted, I’ll add that to our friendship pact. If I ever get laid by a baseball god, take notes and tell you.” Giggling, we pinky promise and watch the kids practice. We met in elementary school and some days, we still act like we’re still in fifth grade.
After a few minutes, Ashley asks again, “So for real, what’s your beef with Jace Richards?”
I shrug. “Everything I’ve read about him says he’s a cheater. He cheated his team, he cheated the system, he cheated on that trainer he was dating…”
“Oh, so you hate him because your ex cheated on you?”
Jace winds up again, whizzing another ball past the batter. “You know what they say, once a cheater, always a cheater.”
Ashley lifts her eyebrow. “Well, haven’t you heard, don’t always believe everything you read?”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Ashley has a point, I don’t know this guy. Maybe the tabloids lied about him, maybe there’s more to his story. I sigh, maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt. Then again, last time I gave a man the benefit of the doubt, I wound up divorced.
About The Author:
Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Release Day: Playing with Fire (Hot In Chicago series Book 2) by Kate Meader
Blurb:
From popular romance author Kate Meader comes the second novel in Hot in Chicago, a brand-new, sizzling series that follows a group of firefighting foster siblings and their blazing hot love interests!
As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, Alexandra Dempsey gets it from all sides: the male coworkers who think she can’t do the job, the wives and girlfriends who see her as a threat to their firefighter men, and her overprotective foster brothers who want to shelter their baby sister at all costs. So when she single-handedly saves the life of Eli Cooper, Chicago’s devastatingly handsome mayor, she assumes the respect she’s longed for will finally come her way. But it seems Mr. Mayor has other ideas…
Eli Cooper’s mayoral ratings are plummeting, his chances at reelection dead in the water. When a sexy, curvaceous firefighter gives him the kiss of life, she does more than bring him back to the land of the living—she also breathes vitality into his campaign. Riding the wave of their feel-good story might prop up Eli’s flagging political fortunes, but the sizzling attraction between them can go nowhere; he’s her boss, and there are rules that must be obeyed. But you know what they say about rules: they’re made to be broken…
Review:
Playing with Fire is the second book in the Hot in Chicago series
by Kate Meader. I am a big fan of this series and this book is great!
Firefighter Alexandra (Alex) Dempsey is the sister in the
Dempsey clan of adopted sibling firefighters. She feels that she has always had
to prove herself and her skills as one of the few female firefighters in the
Chicago Fire Department. She has also had a hard time with dating and
relationships.
Eli Cooper is the mayor of Chicago. We have seen him in the
first book of the series, Flirting with Fire. He doesn’t have a great relationship
with the Dempsey family. Eli frequently locks heads with Alex and they
constantly insult each other whenever they are together.
After a fire where Alex helps rescue Eli, their relationship
shifts. They decide to start a “fake” relationship to get more support for Eli’s
upcoming election. What they don’t count on are the real feelings they are
developing for each other.
Alex and Eli have instant chemistry from the first time they
meet. There is a sizzle between them that explodes when they finally get
together.
The relationship Eli and Alexandra embark on is a beautiful
one. Eli is always supportive of Alex, her feelings and wants to help her feel
better about herself. Eli also shows Alex that he is willing to change his life
after Alex learns circumstances of his past that upset her.
You will not be disappointed with this story. I highly
recommend reading it and the other book in this series! I loved it and am
looking forward to reading Alex’s brother Wyatt’s story which is next in the series.
About Kate:
Originally from Ireland, Kate cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills & Boon thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.Release Day: Falling For Her (A K2 Team Novel) by Sandra Owens
Blurb:
Known to the K2 Special Services team as “Saint,” Jamie Turner lives by his own strict rules to compensate for his past sins and the two-ton boulder taking residence in his heart. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He never swears. And he only dates nice, safe women until he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2. She’s as sweet as her name, but this wild woman is definitely trouble, with something to hide. He knows he should avoid her…but can he?
Sugar isn’t hiding something—she’s hiding everything. And K2 seems like the perfect place to lie low, thanks to the big, protective guys who work there. The drop-dead-handsome Saint makes her heart race, yet he keeps his distance. When Sugar’s traumatic past rises up to haunt her again, she desperately turns to Saint for help, and he has to decide what’s more important: playing it safe or risking everything for love.
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Review:
Falling for Her is the third book in the K2 Team series by
Sandra Owens. I am very fond of this series and loved this book like the first
two.
Jamie (Saint) Turner has been an intriguing character in the
first two books of this series. In this book we find out why he always tries to
stay cool, calm and collected including trying to not use profanity or drink
alcohol. He is this way because of tragic events in his life that occurred ten
years earlier which he blames himself for.
Sugar Darling (Hannah) has her own past that she has been
running from. She starts working at K2 and even though Jamie tries not to
become interested in her it doesn’t work.
The story turns suspenseful when the people Sugar has been
running from find her. Jamie and the K2 team organize a plan to help her rid
herself of her trouble.
I really liked this story. Seeing why Jamie is the way he
is, you can’t help but have empathy for him. He also relates to how Sugar feels
about her past problems. They really are great together at working things out.
I am looking forward to reading the Ryan (Doc's) story which is the next book in the series!
About Sandra: 
Sandra lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Most days, you can find her with her fingers on a keyboard, her mind in the world of her imagination. It’s a land where romance and happy endings exist, a land where anything is possible.
A few highlights of Sandra's life she fondly recalls are jumping out of a plane, flying upside down in a stunt plane, and riding her Harley in the mountains of Southern California and along the coast of Maine.
Although those events in her life were great fun, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction she gets from writing her stories.
Sandra is repped by Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc. and is a member of Romance Writers of America.
View Sandra's Author Page on Amazon and stay up to date!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Undone By His Kiss (Regency Charms, Book 2) By Anabelle Bryant BLOG EVENT and contest to win an eBook
UNDONE BY HIS KISS: BLOG EVENT Monday, September 21 – Monday, October 5
BLURB:
A most delicious challenge…
Experience has taught Emily Shaw that men are best avoided,
so she’s determined to take her place in society alone and unrestrained by marriage.
Renting a room in the heart of London, she establishes a Women’s League to
promote equality between the sexes and teach women to be independent.
Jasper St. David isn’t looking for distractions, but he’s
fascinated by beautiful, fiercely opinionated Emily when she moves into the
office above his. And when he learns of her determination never to succumb to
male charms, he can’t help but see it as a challenge! After all, Jasper’s
always found nothing more tantalizing than the thrill of the chase...
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KpZt25
Nook: http://bit.ly/1IQbcXy
Undone By His Kiss
Excerpt 1
She was a beauty, no doubt. All fluster, indignation and
tempting female. Her nose tipped up at the end and the fitting observation
caused him to smile. Miss Shaw struck him as a female who turned her nose up on
a great many things.
He was an easygoing sort. Why he’d become obsessed with a
stranger who appeared as relaxed as a wasp’s nest proved baffling. He had more
important subjects to consider and the distraction of a lovely female was the
last thing he desired, never mind he’d had trouble chasing her memory from his
thoughts all day. Still, she fascinated him for some illogical reason. He’d
watched her mouth form every word, captivated by her lips, perfectly
heart-shaped, plump and kissable, and instead of comprehending her message, he
wondered of the taste of her kiss, the feel of tongue.
Terribly done of him, really. Miss Shaw appeared less than
interested. Her back had been rigid, her shoulders squared, yet she really was
all soft skin and feminine curves.
Excerpt 2
His mouth found hers with uncompromised precision, lost in
the glory of her adamant return. Her fingers slid through the hair at his
temples, locking him to her in an expression of eager participation that made
his heart pound and his cock ache. She tasted like a dream, an ambrosial
combination of feminine sweetness and forbidden fruit, the freedom he yearned for
and the divine fantasy he’d conjured, united in the hot slick rub of her tongue
against his, the petal-soft press of her mouth against his jaw, his chin, his
cheek. She rasped some delicious little noise, a murmur in the back of her
throat, an entreaty for him to pleasure her, and he supplicated with fervor,
dragging his mouth across her cheekbone to find the delicate shell of her ear
where he whispered all the wicked thoughts kept buried in his heart.
She stilled. Perhaps he’d revealed too much, offended her
refined gentility. His pulse hammered, while he waited, his breath hard and
fast. Then her lips found his, her tongue next with a timid caress of his lower
lip, licking, tasting his mouth to continue their kiss until all thought became
impossible, obliterated by the thrum of passion and urgency and need. He
pressed her against the velvet bolster, his shirt against her dress little
barrier to the soft skin she hid beneath. Her fingers twined in the braces at
his shoulders, as if lifelines to anchor her, the threat of their passion
enough to sweep them away.
He wanted to strip her bare, discover every inch from neck
to navel, to tell her she’d answered the silent prayer he hadn’t known lived in
his soul. To drive into her delicate honey-sweet sex and make her his alone. He
fought the desire with all the strength he owned.
Review:
Undone By His Kiss is a wonderful historical romance by
Anabelle Bryant.
It is the first book that I have read by Ms. Bryant and I
loved it.
Emily Shaw has been hurt very badly in the past. It has
forced her to put up walls against any relationships. It has also made her
evaluate how she wants to live her life. She strives to be completely
independent and rely on no one but herself for happiness.
She has even started a group called League of Virtuous Equality, where women get together
to discuss how they can be more equal to men.
Jasper St. David is the
second son of an Earl. Knowing he must make his own way in life, he starts an
investment business called Inventive Investments.
Emily and Jasper become
interested in each other after meeting at the building where their two
businesses rent space.
I enjoyed reading about
the various investment opportunities that Jasper had to offer as new inventions
of the time that are used today.
This was a beautiful
story. It shows that you should have confidence in yourself. It also shows how
you can count on the people that you most often might not.
I look forward to reading
more of Ms. Bryant’s books.
About the Author:
About Anabelle
Anabelle began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a
passion for writing and an author was born.
Happy to grab a suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds
endless inspiration in travel, especially imaginary jaunts into Regency
England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey.
Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really,
who wouldn't want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?
Though teaching keeps her grounded, photography, running and
writing, counterbalance her wanderlust.
Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle earned her Master's Degree
and is completing her Doctorate Degree in education. Thrilled to be an author for Harlequin's
Carina line, Anabelle's historical romances are character driven. She strives to provide a heartfelt connection
between her hero, heroine, and the reader, believing the emotional journey on
the path to true love is the most important bond. Clever secondary characters and lively
conversation keep the pages turning.
Anabelle knows sometimes life doesn't provide a happily ever
after, but her novels always do. She
enjoys talking with her fans. Follow her
on Facebook and join her mailing list for the latest news concerning her
upcoming novels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)