Thursday, April 24, 2014

HOLY FRIGGING MATRIMONY by Emma Chase Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Hello Lovelies!!
 
Hope you all are doing well!
 
I’ve decided to take advantage of the lovely weather that has finally arrived in Ohio and do a bit of shopping, so I am bookstore bound today. Yay!!!
 
Although it really would be cruel of me not to leave you lovelies something special so, today I am bringing you a tasty little treat straight from the wickedly talented Emma Chase.
 
Enjoy the new cover for the Tangled novella, HOLY FRIGGING MATRIMONY, which goes live TODAY!!
 
Also, I am giving away 1 COPY of HOLY FRIGGING MATRIMONY in the e-format of your choice. To enter, just leave your name and Monday I will announce the winner.   
 
 
What does Drew Evans have to say next? Find out in this forty page short story, filled with his sexy charm, unique advice and hilarious one-liners. 


Marriage: the final frontier. Steven went first. He was kind of our test subject. Like those monkeys that NASA sent off into space in the fifties, all the while knowing they’d never make it back. 

And now another poor rocket is ready to launch. 

But this isn’t just any posh New York wedding. You’ve seen my friends, you’ve met our families, you know you're in for a treat. Everyone wants their wedding to be memorable. This one’s going to be un-frigging-forgettable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS by Vicky Dreiling

WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS by Vicky Dreiling (March 25, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $8.00)
WILL THE ROGUE'S PERFECT PLAN . . . Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, has no desire to wed, this season or any other. So when his father demands he give up his wild ways and take a wife, Colin refuses. But his father raises the stakes and threatens to sell the ancestral home if Colin doesn't comply. Now Colin has no choice but to find a wife. Unfortunately, the only woman he wants is the one whose heart he broke years ago.

LEAD TO THE PERFECT SEDUCTION?
Regardless of the ton's whispers, Lady Angeline Brenham won't settle for anything less than true love. After rejecting more than her share of suitable suitors, spinsterhood looms before her-until the devilishly handsome Colin reappears in her life with a proposition. Angeline vows to keep her feet on the ground and her heart in check. That is, until one searing kiss melts her resolve and reignites a burning desire for more . . .
 

Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, is content being a libertine. When his father delivers an ultimatum: Settle down and marry or lose Sommerrall, his childhood home and the place where his mother is laid to rest, Colin begins to rethink his libertine lifestyle. Although it’s not until he enlists Angeline’s help that he realize just how easy settling down may be. 

Lady Angeline Brenham has fallen victim to scandal thanks to a broken engagement. When her family visit’s Deerfield, she’s not sure she is ready to face Colin, whom she had a falling out with after her coming out. Although still rake, Colin’s determination to save his childhood home convinces her to help him and soon she finds herself entering into a secret trial engagement with a man she can’t seem to get enough of. 

I am never disappointed when reading a romance by Vicky Dreiling and What a Reckless Rogue Needs is no exception. Although I must say I’m a little disappointed that I missed the first book in her Sinful Scoundrels Series (I have no idea how I managed that one), which I will be reading ASAP, but having not read the first book in the series did not hinder my understanding of the second.

Colin is content with getting foxed and dallying with a new woman every night. I believe it stems from the fact that he lost his mother at a young age, his father remarrying a woman who while she loved him she couldn’t figure out how to bridge the gap between them, and losing a married woman whom he was in love with. In his mind, he thinks it’s safer to have a revolving door of women so he can’t grow close to one and take a chance on getting hurt again.

So when his father hands down the ultimatum to either marry or lose Sommerrall, Colin tries everything in his power to avoid marriage, even offering to buy the property from his father. When that fails, he decides to seduce Angeline, who has been gracious enough to help him with seeing to the repairs that need to be done at Sommerrall, although he soon finds that she is seducing him.

Colin was an easy character to like. He knows what he wants and he’s determined to get it. Although he never planned to fall in love with Angeline, he does and it shocked him.

Angeline has been the source of shameful scandal which caused her mother to leave with her and head to Paris and now that she’s back home, she sees the strain that the scandal has had on her family. Fearful that her younger sister may be treated badly due to her broken engagement, she agrees to marry Colin because as a man of wealth and title he could open doors for her sister that Angeline’s scandal had closed.

I think most people in Angeline’s shoes would have contemplated doing the same. She was an interesting character, but sometimes I wished she would have stood up for herself a little more.

The plot was handled rather well and flowed nicely. And the romance built as the characters, especially Colin, matured, which added depth to both the characters and the plot.

Overall, I loved What a Reckless Rogue Needs. It kept me entertained from beginning to end and I simply cannot wait for the third book in the series. Oh, let me just say the role playing was an added bonus I never saw coming!

What a Reckless Rogue Needs is another winner from the amazing Vicky Dreiling, which will leave you breathless.
 
 
 

“Come with me,” she said, opening the door to the bedchamber that she assumed had belonged to his father years ago.

“Angeline, what are you about?”

“There is no need to worry. I’ve no intention of seducing you.”

He sighed theatrically. “What a pity.”

“You will have to look elsewhere for sympathy.” She took him over to the shaving stand. “Have a look in the glass.”

“My hair is even more of a disheveled, curly mess than usual.” He met her gaze in the mirror. “When I was a lad, I used to spit in my hands and try to wet down the curls.”

She laughed. “Eww.”

“I’m tempted now.”

“For whose benefit? I do not care if your hair is standing on end.” Liar.

He turned and clutched his hands to his heart. “Woe is me.”

She would never tell him that his unruly curls only added to his masculine appeal.

A slow smile tugged at his mouth. It was a kneeweakening, toe-curling rake’s smile meant to disarm a lady. She was, of course, impervious to him. Well, maybe not completely.

“You’re a bit disheveled, too,” he said.

“What?” She walked over to the shaving mirror.

“Got you,” he said, laughing.

She spun around. “You’re as horrid as a little boy.”

“I may be horrid, but I’m no boy.”

“You’re in luck. I find you mildly tolerable today.”

“Lucky me,” he said, beginning to close the distance between them.

She tried to ignore the husky note in his voice, but the deep sound hummed inside her. Tension hung in the air, and unbidden, she recalled the way his muscles had strained while he’d wielded that ax. She dared not let him know how he’d affected her.

“I have a confession to make,” he said.

Now she couldn’t breathe, because he was too close and the scent of him swirled all around her.

“I find you charming today.”

She took a step back and lifted her chin. “It will wear off quickly.”

He took another step. There was a languorous expression in his eyes. She might have noticed the amber hues in them, but only because she was perceptive by nature. Drat it all. Why couldn’t he have a long nose, pointed chin, and no muscles at all? And why after all these years did she find him irresistible?

He advanced again. Now his boots were inches away from the toes of her slippers.

She took two more steps back and bumped against the mattress.

He closed his big hand around the bedpost and his gaze flickered briefly to her décolletage. Her breasts felt heavier, and her nipples tightened. The sound of his breath was faster and a little rough. She was drawn to his full lower lip. Something inside of her gave way to desire. She wanted to be closer to him.

As if he could read her thoughts, he closed the scant distance between them. He angled his head and looked into her eyes. “Is this surrender?”

The sensual haze cleared, and she glared at him. Outrageous man. How dare he look at her bosom? Angeline straightened her spine. “Do you think I am intimidated by you?”

“Not at all.” He wagged his brows. “Those two steps back were merely dance steps. Am I correct?”

She closed the distance between them in an effort to assert herself, but she realized the disadvantage immediately. While she was tall for a lady, he was easily halfa head taller and much too close. He filled her senses and belatedly she realized she’d invited a rake into a bedchamber. Had she lost her wits?

“You are a shameless libertine.”

His chest shook with laughter. “Not entirely shameless. I’ve had one or two guilt-ridden moments, but fortunately they dissipated quickly.” His gaze slid over her body. “I suspect you’ve been told many times how very beautiful you are.”

She knew it was a rake’s trick to murmur sweet words and tempt a lady to loosen her morals, but he looked at her with intent. Without thinking, she wet her lips, and that drew his attention. She’d inadvertently signaled she wanted a kiss, but of course she would rather kiss a snake.

Tension vibrated between them. Now was the moment to step away, but she stood rooted to the spot as if her feet were mired in a bog.

He reached for her nape, just as the knocker downstairs rapped repeatedly.

She gasped, and they sprang apart.

Rake that he was, he winked and said, “Saved by the knocker.”


 

About the author:
Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to
the United Kingdom allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her Trouble.

When she's not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and, most of all, long lunches with friends. A native Texan, she holds degrees in English literature and marketing. 

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Waking Up Pregnant by Mira Lyn Kelly

Title: Waking Up Pregnant
Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Formats Available:
Paperback $5.99
ISBN: 9780373178933
E-book $1.99
ISBN: 9781460327487
How I read it: E-book via NetGalley
Rating:4 Cups


The night that changed everything!

Waitress Darcy Penn is the smart, sensible type—flirting with the extremely cute guy in the bar just isn't her usual style. As for ending up in his hotel room? Definitely not! Sneaking out while he's in the bathroom to avoid the post-sex awkwardness? Much more like it….

If Darcy had stuck around, Jeff Norton could have told her about their "epic latex fail." So he shouldn't be quite so shocked when months later, Darcy turns up at his classy L.A. office and throws up in his wastepaper basket. She's got a bad case of morning sickness, and she's here to find out what he's going to do about it!


Remember Connor’s friend Jeff Norton from Waking Up Pregnant? Well, Jeff has his own book, Waking Up Pregnant. And Darcy, that cocktail waitress Jeff had his eye on, Jeff finally got to spend one night in Vegas with her. Now Darcy’s pregnant and wants to know what Jeff intends to do with it.

 

The book was a bit predictable. One-night-stand-leads- to-pregnant-heroine-who-decides-she-wants-a-father-for-her-baby-but-dosen’t-want-to-admit-that-she’s-in-love-with-hero-who-feels-the-same-but-also-doesn’t-want-to-admit-it. But it was a cute little read.

 

Darcy is determined to support herself while Jeff is determined to look after her. Finally after a small squabble the two finally decide to get their act together.

 
Overall, it was a light hearted romance that can be read in one sitting.

Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

Title: Waking Up Married
Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Publisher: Harlequin Kiss
ISBN: 9781460338070
How I Read It: E-book I purchased
Rating: 4.5 Crowns
 
 
 
 
 
 
Her first thought: "Who are you?"
 
It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well—a funny, arrogant, sexy…husband!
 
Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible—been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter…no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night!
 
Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell?
 
"I don't want a divorce."
 
 
 
Wanting a baby, but not the complication of a man, Megan decides to go the sperm bank route. Although things get rather complicated when Megan Scott wakes up in Vegas with a hangover and a husband she doesn’t remember.
 
Conner Reed seems to be the perfect man for Megan Scott, who showed up at his table rambling on about her plans to have a baby minus the father. He wants a family but not in the traditional sense as he wants nothing to do with love. With the help of strong liquor, Conner convinces Megan to marry him. The only problem is she doesn’t remember a single thing the next morning.
 
Megan wants an annulment but Conner still wants a family. After a bit of persuasion, Conner talks Megan into giving their quickie marriage a go. Yet when two determined and self-reliant people are thrown together, things never go as expected.
 
I read Waking Up Married, the first book in the Kiss line, when it was first released, but for some reason I never posted the review.
 
The plotline was one that has been done in many times over in all subgenres of romance. So I was expecting the book to be a little trite and the plot being more than a little worn out. However, I was highly surprised that the book was fun, fresh, and contemporary, which was exactly what the Kiss line promised.
 
Conner and Megan were strong-minded characters, almost to the point I wanted to wallop them from time to time. I think that is what frustrated me the most about this book. If they would have just laid out their feelings sooner, I would have been so happy. But, if I’m, being honest, it was the will-they-won’t –they finally get their act together angle that had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish the book.
 
Was I satisfied when the last page was read? I was, although I am sucker for knowing what happened after the hero and heroine finally get their crap together, so I wished it would have been a bit longer so those avenues could have been explored.
 
 

 
 
 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Cover Reveal: Tied by Emma Chase

Coming October 2014
In the fourth sexy romance by the New York Times bestselling author of Tangled and Twisted, Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot—if they can survive the pre-wedding festivities.
 
For most of my life, I never imagined I’d get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I’m even better.
 
The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.
 
That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of…my final test.
 
I know what you’re thinking—what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you’ve heard the whole story.
 
And hold on tight, because you’re in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?
 Buy Links:
 
 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

More Than She Expected by Karen Templeton

Title: More Than She Expected
Miniseries: Jersey Boys
Category: Home and Family
Author: Karen Templeton
ISBN: 9780373658060
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition
Formats: Mass Market Paperback $5.50, E-Book $4.99
Release Date: March 2014
How I Read It: E-Arc via NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 Cups



 
Neighbor, handyman and…husband? One woman finds her heart's desire right in her own backyard in award-winning author Karen Templeton's newest addition to her popular miniseries Jersey Boys!  

He's just a friend! is the mantra pregnant Laurel Kent lives by while pretending not to stare at sexy Tyler Noble, the gorgeous neighbor who's been all-too-kindly playing Mr. Fix-It in her house. After all, she needs the help more than she cares to admit—her sharp-tongued grandmother is her only family. But it's getting nearly impossible to ignore the sparks and butterflies she feels in her tummy every time he smiles at her…and that's not the baby talking!  

It's ironic to Tyler that he's repairing the fence separating his yard from Laurel's when all he wants is zero barriers between them! Sure, she's pregnant, and no, she insists she's not looking for Husband #2. But he knows if she'd give him a chance, he could prove that he's the missing piece needed to complete her new family…. (taken from publisher's website)

 When Tyler’s dog escapes the yard and shows up on his neighbor’s porch, Tyler thought it would be a simple retrieval mission. Although now he’s finding reason’s to visit his neighbor, but there’s a small problem: Laurel is pregnant.  
 
Pregnant and basically on her own, Laurel is surprised that her younger, sexy neighbor has decided to become a fixture in her life. But there is something about Tyler Noble that captures her heart.  
 
The only thing that’s keeping them apart is the secrets and hurts they are both trying to cover up. 
 
This is the first book in the Jersey Boys miniseries that I have read and I have to say I will most definitely be reading the first book and any that follows.  
 
Both Tyler and Laurel have been hurt in the past and because of that they are more than cautious entering into this new part of their lives. Tyler has issues due to the fact he was adopted and Laurel has issues because of her unborn baby’s father.  
 
I liked the way Tyler and Laurel slipped into an easy friendship. Although I wished that they would have been a bit more open about what was going on in their heads and hearts. 
 
The book was flowing along nicely then the BBM (big black moment) happened and it was like the flow of book hit a wall and bounced around for bit finding its feet. Once their issues were resolved the flowed restarted.  
 
Overall, I liked this book. It was a quick little read that pulled you in.