Monday, June 30, 2014

Blog Tour, Review, Giveaway: Better as a Memory





BLURB:

Atlanta image consultant Victoria Sharpe is about to give a makeover to the man who broke her heart in college, and a 
do-over to a love that always should have been.


SYNOPSIS:

Looking at her potential client, Atlanta image consultant Victoria Sharpe is convinced the job will be a cross between What Not to Wear and Man vs. Wild. She’d love to turn down the offer, but refusing it—not to mention the referrals it could generate—just might break the bank. Yet, agreeing to make over this man’s image might also break her heart. Again.


Max Brown will tolerate anything to gain access to his trust fund. Returning to work in the family business, even submitting to his mother’s demands to trade his comfortable flannel for Armani is worthwhile if he can get the money necessary to start a camp for at-risk boys. But then he sees he’ll be working with Victoria Sharpe, his college girlfriend, the one who got away. Or, really, the one he left. The impression he makes here will be the most important of his life, and the person most as risk is himself.

EXCERPT

Max jangled his car keys in his hand as he waited at Victoria’s door. He felt as nervous as a fifteen-year-old on his first date. He wore the gray pants and navy blazer Victoria had approved together with a brilliantly white shirt and a yellow tie with small navy dots. He wiggled his toes in his new black oxfords and marveled at how comfortable they were. True to her word, Victoria had steered a wide berth around wing tips and had showed him that style and comfort were not mutually exclusive.

He knocked a second time and nervously straightened his tie. And when she finally opened the door and he got his first glimpse of her, he let out a low whistle. His gut told him he would have a hard time keeping his hands off her.

And hard was the operative word as his body twitched below his belt. The black dress had a ruffled skirt that skimmed her knee. The V neckline teased at her cleavage but left plenty to the imagination. Simple sapphire and diamond earrings sparkled as they caught the light, and he saw a matching bracelet circling her wrist. While her high-heeled shoes were plain, they made her legs seem as if they went on forever. And when she bent to pick up her purse from a table beside the door, he caught a glimpse of her black lacy bra and gritted his teeth in an effort to will his body to cooperate.

This might be a very long and very frustrating night.

After taking her arm and helping her negotiate the steps down to the drive, he held her purse and wrap while she settled into the passenger side of his SUV. She had certainly taken her own advice to heart. She was stylish and understated, but he wasn’t so sure her classic beauty wouldn’t make her stand out like a diamond among pieces of coal.

They chatted about mundane things for most of the drive to his parents’ estate, but when he turned into the long drive lined by towering pines, he posed a question. “Are you okay with me introducing you tonight as my image consultant? I mean, that won’t make you feel like…well, you know.” He was at a loss for words.
“What you are trying to ask is if I’ll be insulted if people think I am your employee.”

“Well, yeah. I mean, you’re not, but in this crowd, that’s liable to be what people assume. I was just thinking you might drum up a little business when people see how you turned the beast into Prince Charming.”

“Too bad I didn’t tame his raging ego, too.”

“Touché.”


Victoria laughed, and once again Max had to scold his misbehaving libido.

MY RATING:


FAVORITE QUOTES:

“…he looked like a cool drink of water on a hot day – especially to a woman who’d been in a sexual desert for too many years.”

“She was certain her hair stood on end from the sparks shooting through her body.”

“Tori, you might not believe this now, but one day you’ll understand I’m better as a memory than as a poor excuse for a man in your life.”

MY REVIEW:

A sweet, second chance romance tale, that at times, held bittersweet memories.  A young couple fighting their chemistry due to past grievances and old secrets.  We have all read many books with this theme, but even so, I enjoyed this one.  The novella was short, well crafted, not overly sappy, and relatively mild.  There was only one actual sex scene, but thankfully - it had some sizzle.  An enjoyable and light read for a relaxing afternoon. 

Empress DJ





PURCHASING LINKS:



AUTHOR BIO:

In 2001, Marilyn discovered Romance novels quite by accident, which led to a renewed interest in writing. She started out by writing fanfiction about Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Superman, which developed into a desire to write about her own characters. She’s had over forty short stories published in the confessions and Romance magazines.
Also, she has taught a class in how to effectively write for this genre and worked as a researcher and copy editor for several Romance authors. All this combined to give her a great love of the Romance genre and helped develop a multitude of friendships in the Romance community.
She’s a member of Romance Writers ofAmerica, as well as her local chapter, Heart of Dixie. In addition to reading, Marilyn loves to knit (as long as it’s only a scarf), cook (in the crockpot), garden (in a couple of pots on her patio), and her motto is “Have passport, will travel.” She’d love to add to the list of 32 states and 21 foreign countries she’s already visited.
After raising two great sons, she loves to spoil... er... dote on her two granddaughters.

Social Media:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5795962.Marilyn_Baxter




BLOG TOUR HOSTED BY:



ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Cover Reveal: Burning Desire - G.L. Ross

Burning Desire
Flyboy Trilogy
Book Two
G.L. Ross

Book Description:

Continue Lance & Lisa’s Turbulent Passion, in Book Two of the Flyboy Trilogy

Captain Lance Miller has finally discovered and captured the Goddess of his dreams. Life is everything he ever dreamt it could be and more. He is a Captain with International Air, Owner of an Italian Winery, and Master to his beautiful Miss Lisa Price. But, life can never be this good for very long, right?

Lance brought down his walls and shared his heart. He threw away his manwhore tendencies. He’s been faithful. Lance’s life should be fabulous and it is until he watches all of his dreams crash and burn in front of his horrified eyes.

Flight Attendant Lisa Price has found her Prince Charming; granted he is nothing like she imagined he would be. He is an egotistical playboy who is controlling, demanding, hypnotic, charming, plus downright desirable, gorgeous, and steamy hot! Who could ask for more?

Lisa’s Flyboy has introduced her to her wild, uninhibited side; a side that is eager to discover new adventures inside and outside the bedroom. Lisa’s life is unfolding in front of her beautifully, until she discovers a secret. A secret she desperately needs to share with Lance, but will fate allow her to reveal her secret to the only man who has ever truly owned her heart?

About the Author

G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings.

Her motto in life is to “always find the good” in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, and adventure in her stories. Take flight with Lance & Lisa in Turbulent Passion, and continue their turbulent journey in Burning Desire, book two in the Flyboy Trilogy







New Release: Next to You by Claudia Burgoa




Title: Next To You (Life #2)
Author: Claudia Burgoa
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult




Him

…I need time. Time to heal those wings and learn to use them…

Was part of the letter Rebecca Trent, Daniel Brightmore’s fiancée and best friend left when she ran away. The person he trusted the most for the past decade disappeared without giving him a second glance. She taught him how to love, believe in family and that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Now he’s struggling between wiping any traces of her from his life and drowning his sorrows away with the help of his new best friends—Don Julio and Jack Daniels.

Her

Rebecca’s past suffocated her to the point of not wanting to continue, her lifeline and the only reason to live began to withdraw from her. She wished it had been her imagination, but heard it loud and clear: “If not, there’s always a divorce, nothing is forever.” This time it became a leave or die situation. Something has got to change—she had to change. Packing light and leaving a letter behind, she takes a journey that can help her find herself through the shards of her painful childhood.

As letters, memories and stories are exchanged, two once inseparable people reconcile what’s left of their relationship. Beyond the confines of everything they built together, they’re left with two lonely people searching for what it means to be whole. Will they find meaning under their bruised psyches or will their pasts get the better of them?






Born on the mystical day of October 30th in the not so mystical lands of Mexico City, Claudia grew up with a childhood that resembled a caffeine-injected  soap opera. Seventeen years ago she ventured to the lands of her techie husband—a.k.a. the U.S.—with their offspring to start a new adventure.

She now lives in Colorado working as a CFO for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, said nerd husband, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.

Connect with Claudia: 

Twitter: @yuribeans





Where Life Takes You (Life #1)









Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ iTunes



Book Blitz and Giveaway: Guardians - The Girl by Lola St. Vil


Guardians: The Girl by Lola St.Vil
Publication date: January 9th 2012
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Sitting there in the car, a part of me bitterly resented what she was doing to me. I knew it wasn’t her fault. But does she have to be so… alluring? I need to focus on something else besides the spot between her earlobe and neck. It looked so soft. Her lips were slightly parted as she looked out the window. I wanted to part them further with mine. I put both my hands on the steering wheel. I could not allow myself to let go until she was out of the car. Suddenly she leaned in and kissed me. It was far better than I could even begin to explain to you. I’ve fought and died a slow and painful death on earth. And nothing, NOTHING can compare to how hard it was for me to pull away from her lips. I don’t think any angel could to do it twice in a lifetime…


AUTHOR BIO
Lola was seven when she first came to this country from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She attended Columbia College in Chicago, where her main focus was creative writing. In addition to plays, she also writes screenplays and short stories.

She has been commissioned to write for ABC, CBS and Princeton University. She won the NAACP award for her play "The Bones of Lesser Men". In addition to being nominated for LA Weekly awards. Her work has also received positive reviews from The LA Times, Variety and LA Weekly.


Author links: 


Blitz-wide giveaway
200$ Amazon Gift Card - open INTL, Ends July 15th

Cover Reveal: Resist Me - Izzy's Story by Chelle Bliss


 Resist Me

 Izzy’s Story
Men of Inked #3
by:
USA Today Best Selling Author
Chelle Bliss




Release Date: Early Fall 2014
Series: Men of Inked
Book Number in Series: 3
Synopsis:

Izzy Gallo has never been described as a member of the weaker sex. She’s a woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone. Growing up with four older overprotective brothers has hardened her, making her a force to be reckoned with.

Against the wishes of her two brothers, Joe and Mike, Izzy takes a weekend trip to Bike Week in Daytona, turning her world upside down.

Over her head, in a world she doesn’t understand, there’s only one man who can save her.

James Caldo has dedicated his life to protect and serve as a member of the DEA. He’s cocky, overbearing, and doesn’t take no for an answer – the Gallo men have nothing on him.

When their paths cross, James makes Izzy question everything she believes about completely surrendering to the opposite sex.

Does James have what it takes to overpower the headstrong Izzy, capturing her heart forever?

The Men of Inked Series is available on Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Kobo




Amazon Buy Links:

To learn more about Chelle Bliss:

Official Website: http://www.chellebliss.com
Chelle Bliss Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/K37db
Twitter: @ChelleBliss1 or https://twitter.com/ChelleBliss1







Book Review: Hard as Stone by Sarah O'Rourke - Empress DJ

Title: Hard as Stone

Author: Sarah O’Rourke

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

 Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the beautiful town of Paradise is the perfect place to raise a family, have dinner at the local diner...and chase a ruthless killer.

Jacob Stone is an undercover DEA Agent dead-set on getting vengeance for his sister’s death. When his sources tell him that the drug dealer he’s been searching for will soon be setting up a distribution center in the seemingly innocent town of Paradise, he moves in for the kill.

What Jake wasn’t counting on, however, was falling in love with gorgeous Harmony McKinnon – the ex-wife of the man he was determined to eliminate.

Harmony McKinnon never believed she’d find love again....not after the horrors she lived through with her ex-husband. When she meets secretive Jacob Stone and soon falls in love, she never expected that her life would be in danger again...or that the man she’d come to trust would betray her. 

Can Jake make Harmony understand his motives? Can Harmony trust him in spite of the past? Will they have their happily ever after? 

Not everything is as it seems in the sleepy, little town of Paradise, Tennessee!

Hard as Stone is the second book in the Passion in Paradise: The Men of the McKinnon Sisters Series, but is a stand-alone novel (165,000 words) that can be easily read without reading the first book

My Rating:


Favorite Quotes:


“Have you seen the ass on that man?  You could bounce a quarter off him and make yourself fifty cents!”

“Jacob Stone was YUMMY with extra emphasis place on the YUM.  Completely freaking edible, her libido sang joyously as her girly parts did a happy little dance beneath her dress.”

“Still spry at 71, her aunt could still do many things, but coordinating an outfit wasn’t among them.  Eying the old woman’s orange skirt and purple shirt only reinforced what she already knew.  If she wasn’t careful, she was gonna walk out of this room dressed like a clown on crack.”

“That woman could remove a man’s jewels with a butter knife and a can-do attitude.”

My Review:


If you read and enjoyed Cain’s Salvation, you will find Hard as Stone as much the same but even more… more intense, more stories, more family history, more sex, more passion, more humor, more of everything - and all so good!  Holy hotness!  Well done ladies – you have turned me into a rabid fan - I cannot wait to see what you do next.    

Empress DJ



Upcoming Release: The Chase 3 - Jessica Wood

Jessica Wood has just announced July 6th as the release date for The Chase 3, the final book in her novella serial.  Oh yay!



Sunday, June 29, 2014

Blitz and Giveaway: Crushed Renee Novelle

 

Crushed by R.S. Novelle 
Publication date: June 7th 2014 
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Brooklyn has decided to stick around campus to pursue her Master’s Degree while her boyfriend chases a job opportunity in Chicago. After discovering that long distance relations rarely work out, her best friend helps her to decide that she needs to put down the daily pints of therapeutic ice cream and join their local gym.

Though resistant to the idea at first, Brooklyn relents and finds that things quickly heat up with her new personal trainer Collin. Is it just a flirtatious crush, or is there something real there? And will the blind date her best friend has also committed her to have any weight in the decision on whether or not Brooklyn will pursue her chances with Collin?


AUTHOR BIO

Renee' Novelle is preceded by a long line of published family members, including Pulitzer Prize nominated author and Poet Laureate of Kentucky Jesse Stuart.

As a child, Novelle was already gaining recognition for several of her works, and in her formative years, she continued this trend by earning local awards for her short stories and poems.

Inspired to cultivate her talent, Novelle pursued freelance journalism and has found placement of more than 80 of her pieces in both online and print publications since 2008. Additionally, she has written multiple screenplays, and contributed her savvy, effective writing style to many non-profit and for profit organizations. She also launched several blogs over the years, which garnered international attention.

In 2013, Novelle returned to her first love - fiction. Writing under the names Renee Novelle and R.S. Novelle, she has a publication schedule that includes psychological thrillers, suspense, paranormal fiction, contemporary women's fiction, chick lit, and new adult.

Though she received her Bachelor's of Science in Communication, Summa Cum Laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She's an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes "no" as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music  and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life's problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you're meant to be.

For more information, to view pictures, read blog posts and see the upcoming release schedule, please visit the website at www.RSNovelle.com

Author links: 






Promo Tour: Calculated Collision - C.A. Szarek

Calculated Collision VBT Banner

Calculated Collision

Calculated Collision Fake P

Promo Tour Calculated Collision – by C.A. Szarek 

Book 3 in Crossing Forces Series

Synopsis: 

Special Agent Lee Dawson has secrets. Secrets that forced her from Dallas to New York City in disgrace two years ago. Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, Nate Crane, visits New York and witnesses the brutal murder of a friend. When Lee is assigned to the investigation, her personal and professional life collides. She can’t avoid the man she ditched six months ago. She’s the one Nate can’t stop thinking about. The one he let get away. He’s determined to get her back, no matter what she thinks she wants. Being a witness in her case puts them close—and Nate intends to keep it that way. After Nate’s attacked at a safe house, Lee knows there’s a leak – a dirty FBI agent working with the human trafficker her unit has been hunting for years. Can Lee protect her witness and resist the heat between them or will she succumb to her desires and throw them both into danger?


About The Author:

Chrissy 002 C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing. She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.


Social Links: 


Buy links:
Calculated Collision:


Other Books in Crossing Forces series: