Review/Giveaway: The Valentine Challenge

Title: The Valentine Challenge
Author: Marisa Cleveland
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Flirt)
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Pages: 45
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

Stacey Bradford believes in love, but when her hot boss, Marshall Royce, decides to close her best friend's flower shop - days before Valentine's Day! - Stacey declares war.

Intrigued by Stacey's devotion to her friend, the hearts and flowers holiday, and belief in true love, Marsh issues a challenge - prove love exists or deliver the closing documents to her friend herself.

Stacey never could resist a challenge, but when Marsh makes Valentine's Day the deadline for their deal, Stacey must decide how far she's willing to go for love.

Review

Such a cute short story!

First of all, that man in the cover is hot. The story itself was so cute and refreshing to read. I wouldn't say this was an erotica book. It was just romantic with a little hint of sex, but not steamy enough for erotica.

Stacey was a sassy assistant that threw Marsh off his pedestal. I didn't quite like how Marsh kept assuming that Stacey wanted to date him. That's just plain arrogant. Stacey, on the other hand, proved to be very loyal to her best friend. There's not enough people like that in the world anymore.

I LOVE how Marsh had a complete 360 towards the end of the book. I think that was just so romantic. Check out two of my favorite scenes!

"Would you like me to refill your coffee?" He was momentarily stunned at her change in attitude, but as their gazes locked, he felt a shock of electricity run through him. He smiled and quipped, "You don't know how I like it."

He heard her quick intake of breath before she astonished him by reaching for his mug and swirling the contents. "Black." She brought the rim to her nose and inhaled. "No sugar." His body tightened as he watched her long, bare legs walk away from him, and he realized it'd been far too long since a woman left him speechless.

"Old people." When he scoffed, she continued, "If seducing you didn't work, I thought I'd prove love exists by showing you a lot of old people in love." He tucked his finger under her chin, shot a quick glance over her head, and dipped down to claim their first kiss. With his lips a millimeter away from hers, he whispered, "We need to get out of here."

What did that mean? Was he telling her to move on to plan B? That he wasn't interested in her? It was late on a Saturday night. Where on earth would she find elderly couples in love?

He shot her a diabolical grin. "If you're going to seduce me, I'd like a place with a little more privacy."

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Review: If You Give A Rake A Ruby

Title: If You Give A Rake A Ruby
Series: Jewels of the Ton, #2
Author: Shana Galen
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: March 5, 2013

Blurb:

Her Mysterious Past is the Best Revenge...

Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, is a celebrated courtesan with her finger on the pulse of high society. She's adored by men, hated by their wives. No one knows anything about her past, and she plans to keep it that way.

Only He Can Offer Her a Dazzling Future...

Warrick Fitzhugh will do anything to protect his compatriots in the Foreign Office, including seduce Fallon, who he thinks can lead him to the deadliest crime lord in London. He knows he's putting his life on the line...

To Warrick's shock, Fallon is not who he thinks she is, and the secrets she's keeping are exactly what makes her his heart's desire...

Review

I was hooked by this book!

This was the second book in the series, but it was able to stand alone. I'm so happy I signed up to review this book. Shana Galen is amazing!

Warrick wasn't the typical handsome man of the ton. In fact, he wasn't very handsome at all. However, he had intense eyes and that was all he needed. He also used to be a spy. Isn't that sexy in itself?! He was very persuasive, too. Double sexy! I also appreciated that he was a man who didn't have his mind in the gutter. He was able to resist Fallon when she tried to seduce him.

Fallon, on the other hand, was very admirable. She was strong and brave. She didn't let men take advantage of her. She had her past to thank for that. She had it rough and she didn't really have a family she could call her own. They didn't care for her the way families should.

Warrick dragged Fallon and caused her a cracked rib. They were shot at, Fallon was abducted, and Warrick broke into an establishment. I mean, what's not to love about this book? There was action and romance! There was romance right before the action happened! Seriously, intense!

I also appreciated the dialogue between the characters. Check out my three favorite scenes!

Fallon: "You're hard."

Warrick: "I want you."

Fallon: "I should say no."

Warrick: "You should."

Fallon: "This is a bad idea."

Warrick: "The worst."

Fallon: "I'm trying very hard to resist you."

Warrick: "Keep trying. In the meantime, I think I shall push you against that wall, toss your skirts up, and thrust into you."

Fallon: "I wish I didn't like that suggestion very much."

        Lily moved past him, bent, and studied Gabriel. She placed a gloved hand under his chin, heedless of the blood that would ruin the expensive kidskin. "Now, good sir," she said, "start talking because I promise you that though Fitzhugh here won't kill you, I have no such qualms."

      Warrick blinked and a glint of steel winked from her gloved fingers. She pushed the knife point into Gabriel's flesh until he gasped in pain and surprise.

      "I only know rumors," Gabriel hissed, obviously attempting to move his chin as little as possible.

      "Oh, good. I do adore hearing the latest gossip."

      Warrick rolled his eyes, but he didn't interfere. He watched and listened as Lily charmed Gabriel into revealing all.

      "I found the records room, and if you will hold the candle for me, I'll pick the lock and we can search the insurance policies."

      Fallon raised her brows. "That sounds tedious."

      He took her hand and led her down the corridor. "One can't be abducted or involved in a carriage chase every night." He retrieved his tinderbox, lit the candle, and handed it to her. Then she watched as he opened a small leather case and took out what appeared to be professional lock-picking tools. This was why she loved him. How could she love a man who didn't have some useful skills?

Read More

Review: Melting the Millionaire's Heart

Title: Melting the Millionaire's Heart
Author: Linda Morris
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Ever After)
Release Date: December 17, 2012
Pages: 92
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Special-needs teacher Kayla Johnston writes off any shot at New Year's Eve romance when she's summoned to a fundraising event for her school at the remote estate of a wealthy would-be-donor. But when a massive snowstorm hits and Kayla careens off the road, the sexy stranger who rescues her brings to mind cozy fireplaces and steamy midnight kisses…among other things.

Reclusive entrepreneur Ryan Langford may be missing his own fundraiser, but being marooned in a cabin with Kayla beats ducking a room full of people after his money any day. Too bad she's so irritated with the " gazillionaire" who ruined her New Year's Eve that he feels like he has to lie about his identity. But when the sparks fly and they fall into each other's arms, Ryan knows he's made a big mistake. Will she be able to trust him once the snow melts and the truth comes out?

Review

What a sweet read. This book was very interesting. I love the instant attraction between Kayla and Ryan. It wasn't hard to understand Ryan's purpose for lying. I also understand Kayla being hesitant and upset after finding out the truth. Both sides had merit for feeling the way they felt.

What I enjoyed about this story was the chemistry. I also love that the author was able to give the characters personalities that worked well with one another. In the beginning, it was really irritating how Kayla's best friend was texting her. That was the only time when I doubted whether I wanted to read this book or not. Thankfully I "plowed" through and kept on reading :)

I suggest checking out this book if you want a nice and short romantic read.

Read More

Blitz: His Allure, Her Passion

Title: His Allure, Her Passion
Author: Juliana Haygert
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Buy Links:
--Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/juliana-haygert
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/s?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Juliana%20Haygert&search-alias=digital-text

Blurb:

In his father’s eyes, Dylan Deveraux is just a playboy spending the family fortune on prostitutes, alcohol, and fast cars. And it isn't even with the cars his father produces. Because of that, his father forbids his presence at the ball that will mark the launch of the US plant of his company, strategically scheduled on Valentine’s Day.

Hayley Allen is a failing model with the worse luck in the world. She always ends up in the hands of cruel designers and photographers. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Better than admit having a weak nervous system that always reacted during her gigs. Desperate, she would do anything to help her career.

Dylan shows up at her door, wasted as usual. Friends for a long time, Hayley is the only one able to put up with Dylan’s bullshit, and he appreciates that, but not the way her heart wants.

Even though he doesn't believe in Valentine's Day, Dylan has an idea for his father's ball. When he suggests a deal to Hayley, a deal that could finally put her in the spotlight of success and help him impress his father, she doesn't hesitate. Even if it means hurting her heart a little more.

Excerpt

Dylan kissed Hayley, his lips moving slowly at first, afraid of getting her madder than she already was, afraid of falling under her spell more than he already had. But her scent burnt his nostrils and her sweet taste teased his mouth, and he lost it. His need grew, and he increased the speed and pressure of the kiss. Startling him, she matched his new rhythm, her soft lips moving along with his, her nails scratching the back of his shoulder, sending shivers down his spine, shaking his core. Wanting more of her, needing more of her, he slid his hands up her bare back, rubbed her silky skin, glued himself to her. He loved her skin on his, her warmth mingled with his. Dylan could have kissed her forever, and he would have, weren’t it for Dorant. “Perfect,” the photographer said, destroying the moment. “And that’s a wrap. We’re done here, people.” The kiss slowed, their hands drew back, and finally Hayley pulled her head back, breaking the kiss, her wide eyes on his. Damn, he missed her lips already. “Hayley, I-” She walked away without hearing him. Perhaps, it was for the best, since he wasn’t sure what to say. He felt he needed to say something, to fix them, to fix their relationship. Hayley, on the other hand, didn’t seem eager to fix anything.

AUTHOR BIO

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.julianahaygert.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6609948.Juliana_Haygert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juhaygert

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliana_Haygert

Read More

Guest Post: Koishi

Title: Koishi
Series: Gatekeepers, #1
Author: Annie Nicholas
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: February 4, 2013

Blurb:

Never make a deal with a dragon.

Sandra’s sister is dying. All the doctors agree that nothing more can be done, but she can’t give up hope. After using all her resources searching for a cure, a little bird whispers in Sandra’s ear about secret worlds, Gates, and the Keepers who protect them. A dragon Gatekeeper, who hoards magical treasure within his volcano home in Japan, can possibly hold an item to cure her sister.

Gates choose their Keepers and Koishi thinks his did an excellent job in picking him. Not many dare to cross and none who try survive.  However, one tiny human female with either the courage of an army or the intelligence of a gnat has arrived on the island asking for him. Curious and not wanting to disappoint, he waits for the locals to steer her to his human ‘servant’, which is him in his man form.

Let the games begin…

Excerpt

Koishi yawned so wide his jaw cracked. If he didn’t kill something soon, he’d--he’d have to find a hobby. A shudder ran down his human form’s spine. At least the winds were growing stronger so there would be good flying tonight. Takai Crossing, the gate to Outremer in the east, had been quiet the last two months. Too quiet. Nothing had tried to escape into Inverness, otherwise known as Earth. Outremer was the realm of magic. All manners of creatures lived there, including his kind. It was a dark and dangerous world. The gates, where both worlds touched, allowed people to cross. Keepers, such as he was, protected the worlds from spilling too much into each other. The two worlds around his gate were safe for the moment. The rough seas splashed warm water onto his bare feet and washed away the dirt from the dock. Dark storm clouds brewed over the horizon, racing toward Izu Oshima Island. Bands of orange and red slashed across them as the sun set. He couldn’t wait until it arrived. Flying against the elements, muscle and sinew versus lightning and rain, would provide some relief from this calm. Sheep bleated as the cargo ship knocked against the dock wall. “Moe,” he called out over the noise. The animals scurried to the far end of their pen and silence fell over the small herd. Sometimes animals were smarter than humans. They could sense a predator in disguise. “Koishi.” Captain Moe waved from across the ship’s deck. He helped a female to stand, hanging her head and arms over the side rail. “Vomit in the sea, not on my ship,” he told her before shuffling toward the stern. Clinging to the pens, Koishi kept his balance and surveyed the stock. A few cattle, less than he’d like. Twentyish head of sheep, difficult to count when they squeezed together like that. From the barking--he grinned--a few dogs. Moe gave him a quick bow, then gestured to the livestock. “This week’s order. Was Master Ishi pleased with last week’s?” His voice shook. Who could blame him? Koishi’s dragon form was fierce, which forced him to hide among them in his man-form, as his own servant. A genius idea. “Yes, he especially enjoyed the little dogs you brought.” The small bundles had been tender and their hair very short so they didn’t tickle when swallowed. They went well with a movie. “The Chihuahuas?” “Yes, those. You should buy a few breeding pair and start producing them. He’ll buy whatever you bring.” Moe grimaced, but nodded. Why did humans frown upon him eating dogs? They were delicious. He’d even sent his crazed mother a basket of them as a present. He would have loved to see the expression on her stern face when those arrived. She never played with her food. Her warrior nature wouldn’t allow such nonsense. The boat jerked from under his feet as a fierce wave knocked the ship once more. “Better unload my--uh--Master Ishi’s--cargo before the storm hits. He finished the last of his prey yesterday and is hungry.” His stomach grumbled and he rubbed it. Not long now. A groan traveled from the half-conscious female hanging on the side-rails for dear life. “Your woman looks ill.” Moe snorted. “Not mine. The ferry won’t run in this weather and she refused to wait. She bought passage with me.” He chuckled. “She fed the fish the whole way across. Where such a tiny thing keeps all that stored is beyond me.” The smell from that side of the ship soured the air. He shook his head. Tourists. Always in a rush, clogging the beaches and disturbing his home. No matter the rumors of his existence, a few had to be chased down the volcano’s side as a reminder that the area wasn’t safe to play around. He doubted any of them truly wanted to cross through the gate--it would be suicide--but he couldn’t allow concrete evidence of him to surface. Baker Morris, a human company that dealt with the gatekeepers, would have a fit. The magic realm tolerated some humans, but not the section where his gate exited. Shadowburn was a place where nightmares were born, and Takai gate resided close to a goblin nest. Whatever mortal stepped through wouldn’t survive for long. No, his duty was to keep the vermin from crossing into Inverness, or like the humans called it, Earth. His memory surpassed those of the short-lived locals, though they did tell their young the goblin stories. He had heard them repeated often in taverns and around campfires. In each one he was the hero. He’d driven back the goblin hordes when the last gatekeeper had been overwhelmed, and he would continue to do so until he fell. What dragon wouldn’t want such a destiny? He had easy food, battles at his doorstep, and an island full of people who worshipped the myth of him. The gate had chosen well when it bonded to him. Moe followed him off the ship. “She barely speaks Japanese.” “Who?” “The puker.”

Guest Post

WHY DRAGONS?

Dragons are my favorite paranormal creatures to write and read. (Tied with vampires, who will never die. Ha!)

My fascination started with the Hobbit when I read it Umteen *cough* years ago.  After that I couldn't find much with a solid dragon character until I met Ruth, the white dragon from Dragonriders of Pern. You haven't heard of them? GO BUY NOW!

I've read everything I could get my hands on that was dragon related, the list is too long to name each one. (Check out my goodreads list. They're all on it. Most with reviews. LOL) Then my own dragon began to form in my head. He was a combination of my odd sense of humor and alpha-jerk dragon. He sat in my head tossing stones at the gears of my brain jamming up the works in progress trying to be the center of my attention for months.

Then my publisher asked me if I'd be interested in writing a Gatekeeper book. My dragon roared. (I had a headache for days.) How can I say no? Maybe the arrogant snot would finally leave me alone. In an attempt to save my sanity I agreed and wrote Koishi, stone dragon gatekeeper who lived in a volcano in the islands of Japan.

Sushi lover, gold monger, and thrill seeker he won a place in my heart. I hope he'll win a place in yours too.

About the Author 

Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

Website: www.annienicholas.com

Blog: www.annienicholas.blogspot.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annie-Nicholas#!/pages/Annie-Nicholas/162716537103705

Twitter: @annienicholas

Read More

Guest Post: Reunited

Make sure to leave a comment if you'd like to enter the giveaway below!!!

Title: Reunited
Series: 1 Night Stand
Author: Sabrina Sol
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Release Date: November 28, 2012
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

What would you do if you had the chance to sleep with your unrequited high school crush?

If you’re former geek Magdelena Cruz, you’d do him in a heartbeat. But you’d lie about your true identity first and hope your new sexy persona is enough to create a night neither of you will forget.

Workaholic assistant DA Will Hudson doesn’t have time for a love life. Expecting to scratch an itch with a willing stranger, he signs up for Madame Evangeline’s 1Night Stand experience. He has no idea that his date is no stranger.

A reunion between two classmates will be hotter than the scorching Las Vegas sun. But will the heat be enough to spark something deeper, or will they both end up getting burned by Magdelena’s charade?

Excerpt

Standing in front of the door to the suite, she let the magnitude of the moment sink in. All logic and practicality fled. She’d left both back at home with her pocket protector and sensible shoes. The situation called for her to be impulsive, daring and confident. If you are, then he will finally be yours…. She smoothed her dress, adjusted her bra, and blew into her hand for a breath check. Satisfied, she slid her key card into the slot and pushed the door open. A blaring TV welcomed her. Not that she expected a violin serenade, but she hadn’t planned on competing with a basketball game for her date’s attention. She frowned. “Pass the ball, you idiot!” Will shouted. Tingling from head to toe at the sound of his voice, she released a slow breath. It’s now or never, Magdelena. “Hello?” she called. The TV turned off instantly. A second later, he walked into her view. Her throat tightened. The years had been good to him. No, they’d been great to him. Although she’d seen pictures on the alumni website, they didn’t do him justice. Every visible inch of his body appeared chiseled from stone. A dark gray shirt and black slacks perfectly accentuated every muscle. He wore his dark hair shorter than she’d seen in the photos, but his blue eyes were more piercing than ever. He looked her over, settling on her cleavage and her nipples that had come to attention the minute she saw him. Then he raised his eyes to meet hers. “Hello, Elena.” His deep voice lit her soul on fire. He doesn’t recognize me. This plan might work after all.

Guest Post

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

One of my all-time favorite movies is Sixteen Candles. While no one ever forgot my birthday (thank you mom and dad), I could relate to Molly Ringwald’s character “Samantha” and her secret longing for the most popular boy in school.

In case you’ve never seen the movie (if you haven’t you must watch it immediately), there’s a scene where Samantha confides in her dad about her unrequited crush on “Jake Ryan” (played by the beautiful Michael Schoeffling).

After some comedic confusion, her dad finally understands her despair and utters these classic lines: “"That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call them something else."

Exactly.

My Jake Ryan was actually named Christian. He was brooding, full of angst and the new boy in school. In other words, he was perfect crush material.

We were friends and then we weren’t. And he probably never knew that I loved him so.

I don’t know where Christian is today. While I’m a happily married woman, the teenage girl inside me would probably still get a little tongue-tied and flustered if I were to ever run into him again.

That’s because, I think, a crush never really dies. Feelings that intense can reignite at the mere mention of a name or a song playing on the radio. I may no longer be in love with Christian, but I do love the memory of him and the role he played in my life.

In REUNITED, former geek Magdelena Cruz still has feelings for her secret crush. But she’s not content with just memories. She is determined to finally get one night with the one man she’s always wanted.

Do you have an unrequited crush that still haunts your dreams or makes you smile for no reason in the middle of the day? I’d love to hear all about him or her.

Comment below for a chance to win a copy of REUNITED and I’ll even throw in a Sixteen Candles DVD if you want. Don’t forget to leave your e-mail address so I can let you know if you’re the lucky winner!

About the Author:

Sabrina Sol loves love. She writes spicy romance stories featuring strong Latina heroines in search of love, success and happiness. She lives in Southern California with her husband, three kids and two Beagles. And she’s part of a large, extended Mexican family which may – or may not – be the source of inspiration for some of her characters. You can visit with Sabrina on her website at www.sabrinasol.com or on her blog at www.theromancechica.com.

Website / Blog / Facebook

Read More

Sorry For the Lack of Posts!

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts. I haven't found any interesting blog tours for me to participate in. I've also been crazy busy and I've been reading more young adult to make up for my slump a couple months ago.

I should have a new review in the next couple weeks. Until then, I'll post sporadically, maybe something for Valentine's Day? Watch out for a guest post and giveaway tomorrow, though ;)

Other than that, how's everyone doing?

Read More

Promo: The Contract

Title: Rebecca's Lost Journals, Volume 2: The Contract
Series: Inside Out Novellas, #2
Author: Lisa Renee Jones
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: February 18, 2013

Blurb:

In the second sultry e-short of excerpts from Rebecca’s Lost Journals, Rebecca is faced with a contract to be a submissive that she doesn’t want to sign—and her would-be Master has unusual methods of convincing her…

EXCERPT:

I dreamed of him. . . . He’d tied me to his bed again only this time I was facedown, unable to see him. I wanted to see him but I didn’t feel a fear of the unknown. He wasn’t touching me, but as crazy as it sounds, I could feel him.There was something about him in that dream that just reached inside me and slid straight to my soul. I had no idea what he was going to do to me. I had been certain, though, that he knew best. He’d make whatever we did, whatever he did to me, pleasurable. He’d know what I needed.

About the Author:

Bestselling author Lisa Renée Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which will debut internationally across many countries in 2013. Booklist says that Jones’ suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann. Alpha, military, and paranormal romance readers will want Jones’ entire series. (About the Zodius Series — Storm that is Sterling)

In 2003, award winning author Lisa Renée Jones sold her Austin, Texas based multi-state staffing agency and has since published over thirty novels and novellas across several genres. Her staffing agency LRJ Staffing was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Her debuts with Blaze and Nocturne hit Bookscan’s Top 100 list and her Blaze Hot Zone trilogy made a showing on the list in 2011 also.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Read More

Promo: A Good Thing

Hi everyone! Today I have a Menage promo! Check it out :)

Title: A Good Thing

Series: Wicked Fantasies, #1

Author: Ria Candro

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Pages: 74

Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

When Serena Filinger lands a much-needed gig as a flight attendant on a private jet, it’s all she can do to keep her hands off the boss, charming real estate mogul James Pullman. Not to mention his four yummy friends, Alex Donovan, Derek Wasserman, Tom Keller, and Charlie Meyers. But after James makes it clear that he and his friends are interested in her, she has a tough choice to make. Keep things professional…or indulge in one of her most wicked fantasies.

Torn between her wish to be with five men at once, and her belief—spurred on by her ex—that her desires are shameful, Serena doesn’t know how to respond. Yet she can’t shake the longing to fulfill her fantasies.

After a mind-blowing erotic encounter, Serena finds she’s too embarrassed to face James again. But to her surprise, he shows up unannounced on her doorstep, letting her know he thinks she’s the perfect match for him.

Read More