REVIEW: STRANGE TANGO by MICHELLE DAYTON

Strange Tango

Strange Tango #1

By Michelle Dayton

Releasing June 1st, 2017

Carina Press

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Diamonds are a thief's best friend  

Adam Patrick Henry, professional jewel thief, knows an amateur—and a cheap wig—when he sees one. The mysterious woman across the room is far from a pro, but her good instincts might come in handy on his next job. He could use a partner, and if that partner happens to be irresistible, all the better.  

Jessica Hughes has a long way to climb—and a whole lot to prove—before she's back where she belongs. A cruel setup cost Jessica her job and her reputation, and she's not opposed to a disguise and some underhanded tactics if it means getting her life back. But she's no thief, not really, and teaming up with a gorgeous stranger who's clearly up to no good might prove more dangerous than it's worth.  

Working a job this big could give Adam and Jessica everything they've ever wanted—if their rocky partnership lasts long enough to carry it off. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Strange Tango (Strange Tango #1) by Michelle Dayton, Jessica Hughes is determined to discover the reason why she was fired and who set her up to take the fall and she's not about to let anything stand in her way. However, as things become more dangerous, she knows she has no choice but to team up with the gorgeous Adam Henry, a professional jewel thief that is also looking to get his own revenge? Will the pair be able to work together, or will they find themselves in way over their heads?

What an exciting and captivating read Ms. Dayton pens in this first book of her Strange Tango series where the main characters are extremely determined to get what they want, the dialogue was compelling and drew me in from the moment I started reading, as Jessica will do anything to prove she's being set up. Will she be capable of pulling off what she's doing? Will she be found out in regards to what she's up to? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me fully hooked to this story, as Adam finds Jessica intriguing and there's no way he's not going to try and discover what she's about. Will they be able to help each other?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, but had me really enjoying everything this couple go through on their journey to happy ever after including the confrontation with the bad guys and what they'll do to get out of trouble; and the heroine's determination to get her name cleared that puts her in danger. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how far she's willing to go to get her name cleared, even if it brings trouble for her and the hero. I also liked that she was willing to work with the hero, even though it seems she doesn't have much choice. While the hero, he's very good at what he does, which is proven by the things he does when it comes to being a professional jewel thief. I also liked how protective he was of the heroine and that he would do anything to keep her safe, even if it means having to give up what he needed to help his uncle have a good life.

Overall, Ms. Dayton has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was instantaneous and intense; the romance was delightful and had me loving this couple together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking the decision the heroine made to be with the hero. Will Adam be willing to accept what Jessica wants for them? I would recommend Strange Tango by Michelle Dayton, if you enjoy books by authors Olivia West, Kate Goldman, Penny Reid and Sally Thorne. 

REVIEW: HOLIDAY HOUSE CALL by JEN DOYLE

Holiday House Call

Calling It #3.5

By Jen Doyle

Releasing October 23rd, 2017

Carina Press

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In Holiday House Call (Calling It #3.5) by Jen Doyle, Karen Carmichael never imagined she'd come face-to-face again with the guy she spent an incredible one-night with, but when he pulls her over for careless driving, she's not sure how she's going to talk herself out of the situation. Luckily, she doesn't have to do anything, but seeing John 'Tuck' Tucker does something she never thought possible. Will she take a chance on someone that risks his life for his job, something she swore she's never do; or will she walk away from the best thing that's ever happened to her -- the love of a good man? 

Ms. Doyle can write any trope with a very high level of success, and she has again proven she's a master when it comes to contemporary romance. Really, right from the beginning, this story was highly entertaining, fast-paced and had me hooked from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time and both realize they know each other. However, it's the decision the hero has to make when it comes to Karen's careless driving that had me intrigued. What decision will Tucker make?

As for the dialogue, it was intense, well-written and I loved the banter between the hero and heroine, as they both decide whether they can take a chance on the other. Karen is concerned that Tucker has a dangerous job and isn't in the habit of trusting many people, especially men, which is understandable after all she's been through in her past, but I liked that she let Tucker in. He's one of the good guys and the sooner she realized that the better. Furthermore, I really enjoyed the dialogue between the main and secondary characters too, as Karen has a very close relationship with someone she works with; someone that is determined to lend advice when needed. Will Karen and Tucker listen to said secondary characters advice?

Both the main characters were compelling and I loved everything that Karen goes through, as decisions she makes get her off-side with people. Did she make the wrong choices in her role as a neurosurgeon? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working and I loved how determined she was to stand up for herself when it came to needing to defend herself against someone determined to cause trouble for her. I also liked how kind and caring Karen was and how she goes above and beyond for her patients, especially a patient that things could have ended up a lot worse for, if it wasn't for Karen and her brilliant skills. While the hero, he's confident, a good cop, and I liked how protective he was of the heroine. I also liked how determined Tucker was to win Karen over because they're good together and good for each other. Will Tucker's persistency pay off when it comes to his relationship with Karen? Will she realize that love and happiness can be a good thing with the right person before it's too late?

Overall, Ms. Doyle has delivered another brilliant and enchanting read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was strong and the romance illustrated how good these two are together and that Karen is lucky to have a guy as wonderful as Tucker in her life. The way this story ended had me crying happy tears because of someone determined to prove that Karen is a miracle worker and not the enemy; because of what Tucker does to prove to Karen that she's the one for him; and the conversation between these two about their future had me loving the sacrifices both were willing to make to be together. Yet, in saying that, I liked the decision they made because Karen belongs with Tucker. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Christmas is a time for miracles and what's better than having love in their lives. I would recommend Holiday House Call by Jen Doyle, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Jen Frederick, Jennifer Bernard, Julie Brannagh and Kate Meader.

Dr. Karen Carmichael prides herself on being capable, optimistic and always in control. But even neurosurgeons have breaking points, especially as the holidays approach. When Karen finds herself on the side of the road, explaining to a cop that her less-than-stellar driving was due to stress and tears rather than too much booze, it's humiliating. When that cop turns out to be a one-night stand from her past, it's icing on the bad-day cake. 

Officer John "Tuck" Tucker didn't expect to see Karen again after their night together. The circumstances may not be ideal, but convincing this beautiful, stubborn woman to get to know him with his clothes on is more fun than he could have imagined.

Karen swore she'd never fall for someone who risks his life for his job. She sees enough heartbreak at work without inviting it into her personal life, and she has no interest in becoming involved in the small town Tuck calls home. But despite valiant efforts to keep her walls up, her affection for Tuck is growing into something much stronger. With a life built around work alone looking less appealing by the day, Karen will have to take a leap of faith—and trust that Tuck will leap with her.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: CONTRACTED DEFENSE by PIPER J. DRAKE

Time is running out and the enemy is at the gate.  CONTRACTED DEFENSE is a  Safeguard novel, a high adrenaline romantic suspense series from Piper J. Drake published by Carina Press. Fans of Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors and Zoe Dawson’s SEAL Team Alpha will love this action packed romantic suspense series.

Contracted Defense

Safeguard #3

By Piper J. Drake

Releasing September 1st, 2017

Carina Press

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In Contracted Defense (Safeguard #3) by Piper J. Drake, Adam Hicks has returned home with an honourable discharge to his name, but he's missing the action he saw during multiple tours while active duty. Signing on with Safeguard seems like a good idea until he discovers his new partner is the gorgeous Victoria Ash, a woman he's already familiar with. Will the pair working together compromise the assignment they're working or will their attraction be a good thing?

I've read the True Heroes series by Ms. Drake, but I haven't had the chance to read any of the books of this series yet until this one, but I've got to say that this book was an attention-grabbing, fast-paced, gripping read, most especially when this story finally gets to the action and the face off against the bad guys. However, in saying that, I just wished that there was more suspense and action in this book. The way this story started was really engaging and exciting due to the trouble the heroine faces that brings about her introduction to the hero and ignites the strong attraction between them.

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and had me hooked, as the hero does his best to win the heroine over when it comes to them working together. She's very detail-oriented to the point where she doesn't give up control very easily when it comes to work. Moreover, the heroine has been through tough times and I felt sorry for her when it came to her soon-to-be ex-husband and the problems he's causing her when it comes to their divorce. However, she's a fighter in the way she's resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to protect her client and do everything she can to keep them safe, even if it means getting very creative with their escape. I also liked that the heroine didn't give up and that she wasn't afraid to question their client when she thinks he may be hiding something important to do with keeping him safe.

While the hero, he's been through so much due to his time in the military that makes him seem like enemy number one to one of the secondary characters. Yet, he's confident, charming, determined to do whatever it takes to work with the heroine and I liked how protective he was of the heroine when it came to when things became very dangerous for the pair and their client. Even though the heroine can take care of herself when it comes to going up against an enemy, which is proven by her fighting skills.

Overall, Ms. Drake has penned a thrilling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was fierce; the romance hot and absolutely delightful because no one is more deserving of a second chance at love than the heroine; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat due to the suspense of this story. Will the hero and heroine come out of their confrontation with the bad guys unscathed? However, I liked how things turned out for this couple, as the heroine is determined to do whatever it takes to be with the hero. What will happened with their working relationship? I would recommend Contracted Defense by Piper J. Drake, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Katie Ruggle, Zoe Dawson, D.D Ayres and Toni Anderson.

Time is running out and the enemy is at the gate.

Adam Hicks may be the rookie at Safeguard, but he’s no novice in the field. Retired from active duty after multiple tours and back fresh from a brief rest in New Zealand, he’s itching to return to action. But the challenge he hoped for arrives in an unexpected form: his sexy yet stern new partner.

The last thing Victoria Ash wants is to work with the new guy—especially one as gorgeous as Adam. His relaxed attitude about their first "easy" assignment together—setting up a private home defense network for a reclusive client—doesn’t impress her. Easy usually means trouble. She’s proved right when Adam discovers that the multiple incursions on the physical and cyber security systems aren’t just glitches. They’re under attack…and there’s a traitor in their midst.

As tension mounts, so does the attraction between Victoria and Adam. They must protect their client and the research he’s desperately trying to keep secret. Working together, they have to find the mole before their defense measures, in the fortress and online, are compromised and the deadly secrets they’ve sworn to protect are revealed.

BUY LINKS:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Adam stepped back, drawing her attention to him and tapping the dry-erase marker against the palm of one hand. “If one of us was planning an attack on this place, what would we do?”

Easy. Planning an attack was easier in her mind than planning the defense of a place. She immediately ran through any number of possible approaches to gather information about the defenses and security.

And his point hit her right in the chest. “The alarm. It wasn’t to check to see if there was an alarm. It was to time the response from the security team and local police.”

Possibly, it was to time how long it would take for Victoria and Adam to arrive on site.

Adam turned to face her. “There is an impending attack in the works. We have no idea what the scale is or even why. But Roland is not delusional.”

Suddenly, this mission was a whole lot more serious, and Adam, to her eyes, was looking incredibly dangerous.

“Let’s get back to setting up the layered defenses then.” Before she jumped him, right against the wall.

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.

Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads| YouTube

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: CALLED OUT by JEN DOYLE

 

Fans of Jill Shalvis should prepare to swoon over Jack and Lola's HEA.

 

CALLED OUT

Calling It #3

Jen Doyle

Releasing May 29, 2016

Carina Press

 

In Called Out (Calling It #3) by Jen Doyle, Jack "Ox" Oxford is looking to sign on with a new baseball team, but the only team willing to take him is the team his ex-best friend, Nate, plays for. So, to have a chance at saving his career, he needs to beg Nate for forgiveness or at least convince him to agree to allow the two of them to play on the same team. However, it seems Nate isn't the only one he needs to win over when he changes a flat tire for Lola Deacon McIntire. Can he convince Lola that he's a good guy, despite what he did to Nate in the past, so they can have a shot at happy ever after?

What a marvelously-written and captivating read Ms. Doyle has penned in this third book of her Calling It series, which continues to show she knows how to hit home runs with her incredible writing ability. Seriously, this story grabbed my attention from the very first word and didn't let go until the last, especially with the way it started. I couldn't help but sympathize with the hero, as he's been pegged as a bad guy for what he did to Nate in the past, and it's unlikely his ex-best friend will be receptive to his plight when it comes to his career. Will Jack be able to convince Nate to give him a chance after what he did? Will Nate be able to forgive Jack?

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of intense and playful banter, and I loved every moment the hero and heroine interact, because their interactions build some seriously strong sexual tension, which eventually spills over onto the pages in hot sex scenes that illustrates how fun sex can be since their intimacy isn't limited to the bedroom. Who knew doing laundry could be so pleasurable? Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave the way she's managed to continue on after her husband's death and be a good mom to her children, even though she's still grieving and feels guilt because of what happened to the man she loved. Was it her fault that he died? I also liked that the heroine was bold enough to ask Jack for what she wanted and that she wasn't about to allow her brother or anyone else to interfere when it came to getting involved with the hero. It was her decision and it was about time she finally found a man to be with again, and Jack is the right guy at the time.   

While Jack, he was a fantastic hero that deserves forgiveness, because Nate dodged a bullet because of what Jack did. Although, I could understand why Nate would be angry with him, as they were best friends and best friends shouldn't do what Jack did. Furthermore, I liked how Jack won Lola over with everything he does for her, especially when there's a moment where she's in desperate need of help. But what I liked most of all about the hero is that he finally realized that he will never be like his father, because he knows how to love. He's found it with Lola and her children and there's no way he's letting her get away.

Overall, Ms. Doyle has delivered a wondrous read in this book where the  secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones and where the ending wrapped this story up nicely with Jack realizing what he wanted when it came to love, family, happiness. I also enjoyed the bond the hero shared with Lola's children and how he involved them in his plans when it came to cementing his future with Lola. It was absolutely precious. I would recommend Called Out by Jen Doyle, if you enjoy sports romances, second chance romances or books by authors Jami Davenport, Kelly Jamieson or Brenda Rothert.

 

BLURB

Jack "Ox" Oxford is used to being alone. Granted, when you screw over your friends, being alone isn't always a choice. Playing for the Chicago Watchmen is a last-ditch effort to save his career…and right some of his past wrongs. He's not expecting a warm reception, but he's also not expecting a flat tire to change everything.

Recovering control freak, single mom and semiprofessional chaos wrangler Lola Deacon McIntire doesn't need an arrogant ballplayer to swoop in and save her from anything, much less her flat tire. And she definitely doesn't need her body to betray her and decide this is the guy to wake up her rusty libido. She isn't about to upset her sons' lives for any man—much less one who so clearly doesn't think he's dad material.

Jack never thought he'd find someone who wanted to build a life with him, but the more time he spends with Lola and her boys, the more it starts to feel permanent. Even tough-as-nails Lola concedes there just might be a future here—the big, beautiful, messy future neither of them was looking for—but only if Jack will accept he deserves it.

Catch up on all the Calling It titles

 

 

At precisely 9:00 a.m. the next morning Lola was sitting in her car outside the farmhouse.

At 9:04, she was still sitting there, a jumble of thoughts, none of them productive or good.

She finally got herself moving when Jack came around from the back and leaned against the side of the house, his arms folded in front of his chest as he watched her. “Glad to see you’re wearing a shirt,” she said, slamming the car door shut and walking toward him.

He smiled and a huge thrum went through her, proving just how bad an idea this arrangement was. “I’ll state for the record that if you ever choose to declare a no-shirts-while-working day,” he said, “I’m all for it.”

She didn’t for a second believe him. He’d been Nate’s best friend since his rookie season; Silas’s favorite player. She’d watched him on and off the field for years and even though she’d already succumbed to it twice she knew that low drawl and easy smile went along with the part he played. He used them on everyone from the grandmothers whose programs he signed to the reporters who interviewed him. Up until this last year, at least. 

She resisted rolling her eyes as she replied, “I’ll state for the record it’s unlikely to happen.”

“Well, then, I sure hope you weren’t spending all that time in the car thinking about the clothes I did or didn’t have on,” he answered.

Unfortunately, that was exactly what she’d been thinking about. Or, rather, him in various states of undress, her in the same, and how hot and hard he would feel against her. In danger of giving in, she went with the surefire way to shut that conversation down. “I was thinking about my husband, if you’d truly like to know.”

“About him not wearing a shirt?”

            “Do you really know how to do this kind of stuff?” He was a professional baseball player from Connecticut. Not exactly the guy she’d call to hang a picture, much less help renovate a house. Then again, Nate had put him here to work and Nate generally knew what he was doing.

Still, it didn’t help when Jack gave answers like, “I’ve got a great phone. I can look up how-to videos from pretty much anywhere.”

She frowned at his grin. “You’re really not worried about your hand?” Pissing his father off was one thing; ruining his career another entirely.

 “Don’t you worry,” he said, his smile turning wicked. “My hand works just fine when it needs to.”

Trying not to let on that his smile had hit her right below her belly, she threw her hands up in the air. “Does everything you say have to be some kind of sexual innuendo?”

“I was talking about pitching.” He cocked his head. “Wait, you were talking about sex?”

He wasn’t talking about pitching. She wasn’t that out of practice. But it had been long enough for her to be entirely off her game. The best reply she could come up with was a snorted, “You wish.” Except the second she said it, she snapped her mouth shut, because he looked at her in a way that made her wonder if maybe the whole flirty thing he had going on wasn’t just a way to get under her skin.

No. This was just a game to him; it had to be. He couldn’t seriously be interested.

Except then he swallowed hard and looked away.

Lola’s heart was racing and it felt harder than it should to breathe. But they were both adults here; they each knew exactly how bad an idea it would be to let this go further. And so at the same time they both turned to leave the room. The problem was that they bumped into each other in the process.

“Oh, shit,” he muttered as his hand came down to steady her yet again.

Her thoughts exactly. It was just that it had been so long since she’d touched a man—accidental stumbling excepted—and she wanted so badly to feel that again. He was the wrong person to be thinking this about. Yet she couldn’t stop herself from looking up at him.

Everything was suddenly clearer. Sharper. Even the way he stood, although he hadn’t moved so much as a muscle. His gaze bored into hers, then traveled past her jaw, between her breasts, right down the center of her before coming back up. She felt the heat rise through her, as she dropped her gaze to his lips. She’d done a lot of kissing in her life, but only with Dave. Would Jack taste different? Feel different?

“I’m not a good guy, Lola. You deserve a lot better than me,” he said, his voice gruff as he straightened up a little. But all that did was bring their bodies closer into alignment—close enough for her to feel exactly how aroused he was.

She wasn’t sure what she deserved. She’d been a good wife to her husband. She’d always thought she and Dave deserved to live a long and happy life together. That hadn’t been meant to be. Was it wrong to want so badly to feel a man’s touch, even if it wasn’t Dave’s? To want to touch a man so badly?

“Lola…” he said. Groaned, really. “This is a horrible idea.” But instead of moving away from her, he straightened up all the way, which meant they were now separated only by centimeters. She could feel his heat surrounding her.

“Horrible fucking idea.” This time he spoke more to himself.

But it didn’t stop him, either.

Instead, his hand came up and after a moment of just hanging there, he cupped her jaw, and just the touch of his hand to her skin had her nearly whimpering in longing. This was what it felt like to have a man touch her again. This was what it felt like to have her whole being reawaken. She put her hands on his chest. Everything inside her was humming. Throbbing in the most delicious and frightening of ways. She needed to be listening to what he said because he was absolutely right. And yet she brushed his lips with hers.

He stared down at her for a few seconds as she pulled slightly back. And then in one swift motion, he picked her up and spun them so her back was against the wall as his mouth took possession of hers.

He wasn’t a big fan of kissing women. Fucking them, yes. Being involved in everything else that led up to the fucking, absolutely. But kissing wasn’t his thing. Not like that, at least. Never like that.

A big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the “some”).

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: CALLED UP by JEN DOYLE

 

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Called Up
A Calling It Novel

By: Jennifer Doyle

Releasing August 29, 2016 
Carina Press

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In Called Up (Calling It #2) by Jen Doyle, Max "Deke" Deacon and Angelica "Fitz" Hawkins are good friends that don't want to do anything to jeopardize their close friendship. However, there's no denying there's plenty of chemistry between them, and soon they find it becoming more and more difficult to deny. The question is - can Deke overcome Fitz's issues towards relationships before they both lose the one person that means so much to them?   

 

Having absolutely enjoyed these two characters in the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about Deke and Fitz, and I've got to say that Ms. Doyle has penned an incredible novel that left me spellbound. In this second novel of her Calling It series, Ms. Doyle has combined well-written dialogue, a plot that never failed to entertain and a wonderful array of characters to create a great story encompassing the friends to lovers trope.

 

Right from the beginning, I loved the growing relationship between Deke and Fitz. Their playful banter ups the sexual tension until eventually their intense chemistry heats up the pages in some scorching sex scenes that had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after. Would Fitz realize how good a relationship could be? Would she realize that she doesn't have to be alone out of fear for the person she's with leaving her for someone else? Not that she had anything to worry about when it came to Deke because he's quite protective of her, especially when it comes to her facing her past.

 

Both main characters were compelling, as were the secondary characters in Deke and Fitz's family and friends. I could sympathize with Fitz when it came to relationships, as she didn't have the easiest time in school because of her father's infidelity. Moreover, she's strong and brave with the way she finally faces her past with Deke by her side. If it wasn't for him, no way would there have been the heart-to-heart talk she needed with someone important to her. Also, she's very passionate when it comes to her work, which sounds very worthwhile. While Deke, he's hard-working, a good friend and I liked how protective he is of Fitz. Not that the heroine allowed him to fight her battles, but he would if she'd let him. He's also charming and has a way with words; words that Fitz needed to hear to convince her to take a chance on him.

 

Overall, Ms. Doyle has again penned an incredible novel that has left me wanting more of the characters from this series. As for the way this story ended, it was perfect, as Deke proves his love with the announcement he makes right at the end of this book. I would recommend Called Up by Jen Doyle, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope.

 

OVERALL RATING:

  

 

BLURB:

There are two things Max “Deke” Deacon can always count on: his old high school teammates and Fitz Hawkins. But no matter how much Deke might secretly fantasize otherwise, a relationship with one of his best friends is off limits. Until one unexpectedly smoldering encounter has Deke and Fitz looking at each other in a whole new way.

Angelica “Fitz” Hawkins knows for a fact that it is not better to have loved and lost. After losing her parents, she’d rather lock up her heart and throw away the key than endure that kind of pain again. If that means giving up any hope of a lasting relationship, then so be it.

With Deke, Fitz finally feels like she's back in the land of the living. But she won’t risk another broken heart—even if it means saying good-bye to Deke for good. It’s up to Deke to convince her that the safest place she could ever be is right here with him.

Buy Links:      Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

 

 

         “Hey, Dorie,” she heard from above her. “Do you know where Fitz wants these bottles of water?”

Speak of the devil. Fitz brought her head up a little too suddenly, banging it on the underside of the table. “Ouch!” Her hand going to the back of her head, she came up frowning, and...

Oh, God, was he this gorgeous before? Had he always smelled amazing?

Doing everything she could to keep herself immune from his physical charms, she spun on her heel. “Back here.”

Very specifically not looking in Deke’s direction so that she didn’t give anything away, she forced herself to act exactly as she always did around him. Except she suddenly couldn’t quite remember how that was. Did she flirt with him? Did she flat-out ignore him? Did she generally just go around in a state of low-level irritation? Because right now she had absolutely no clue.

She had even less of a clue as she bent down to open up the lid to the cooler and he crouched down next to her, his head so close all he’d need to do was turn it slightly to the left and his mouth would be on her breast.

And was that…?

Oh, hell, no, her nipples had not just hardened. She slapped her arms over her chest.

Because they had. And Deke, with his superhero sex god extra sensory perception, had definitely noticed. He at least had the decency to look down at the ground as he grinned.

“It’s the cold,” Fitz snapped. “From the cooler.”

Pushing the bottles down into the ice, Deke just answered, “You’d be amazed at all the bits and pieces I can warm up with my tongue.”

 

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A big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. Jen is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of the New England, New Jersey Romance Writers and Music City Romance Writer chapters of RWA. She is represented by Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency. She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the “some”).

 

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

First, let me say thank you for having me here. I appreciate your hosting me on the occasion of the publication of CALLED UP (book two in the CALLING IT series). J

Whereas book one was all about the big-time ballplayer meeting the small-town librarian, book two is all about two close friends—they would say too close, given their level of familiarity—realizing that their feelings for each other go far beyond what they ever expected. In fact, both Max “Deke” Deacon and Angelica “Fitz” Hawkins find out more about themselves while finding out more about each other. Though a challenge to take these two people with a 16-year-long friendship not just to the lover part of the equation but all the way to being true partners, it was also a true pleasure to help uncover those hidden depths. And I’m so happy to share a few of my favorite scenes in this post.

1) The Bathtub Scene

 

Actually (and I am literally just realizing this as I am writing this post!), there are two bathtub scenes. The first, however, involves three-year-old triplets, so don’t go getting any ideas. ;) But at the same time, it’s where sparks first start to fly. Or, rather, it’s where the sparks start to fly for Deke, but because Fitz is one of his very best friends in the world—someone he’s considered ‘one of the guys’ for almost the entire time they’ve known each other—it’s not exactly the most romantic moment in the world. And, in fact, it shows exactly how hard it is to make that friends-to-lovers-leap:

But reassuring Fitz was a physical impossibility at the moment. She’d just straightened up and it was clear the white bra she was wearing didn’t hold up to the water any better than her T-shirt had. He cleared his throat and stared hard at the wall behind her. Nudging her to the side, he took the shampoo she was handing him, while very specifically not looking down. “I can finish up here. Why don’t you, uh…”

Damn it to hell, his eyes went straight to Fitz’s chest again, completely of their own accord. And because it was Fitz, she was well aware of the transgression and totally pissed off. Hell, Deke was ready to knock his own head into the wall, much less wait around for Nate to do it.

Or Fitz, given that her eyes had gone narrow and her face got all pinched up. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by her folding her arms across her chest in a way that emphasized precisely the thing she was pissed at him about.

Why did women do that?

“Look,” he said, trying to wrestle the situation into control. “I have no clue, okay? It’s like a short circuit somewhere.” He turned his cap back around so it was covering his eyes and leaned forward enough so he couldn’t quite see her. Waving his hand out vaguely behind him, he managed to finish his thought, even though it was beyond pathetically done. “Just, um, go get some dry clothes on. Give a guy a break.”

“I would be happy to ‘give a guy a break,’” she muttered. She elbowed him in the gut so he’d move over, leaving no doubt in his mind what kind of break she was talking about.

 

2) Acknowledging the First Kiss

Things move on, of course J, and there is a kiss, which is then followed by avoidance. Since this is a very small town and they are very good friends, though, it’s not exactly possible to just ignore it. As much as they both think that it’s not a very good idea go any further, they’re also each equally having a hard time wanting to stop it there. It was a pretty awesome kiss, after all. But that doesn’t mean they have any clue how to move forward. Thus Fitz’s reaction to seeing Deke a couple of days after their kiss:

Speak of the devil. Fitz brought her head up a little too suddenly, banging it on the underside of the table. “Ouch!” She came up frowning and clutching the back of her head.

Oh, God, had he been this gorgeous before? Had he always smelled amazing?

Doing everything she could to keep herself immune to his physical charms, she spun on her heel. “Back here.”

She put all her efforts into acting exactly as she always did around him. Except she suddenly couldn’t quite remember how that was. Did she flirt with him? Did she flat out ignore him? Did she generally just go around in a state of low-level irritation? Because right now she had absolutely no clue.

She had even less of a clue as she bent down to open up the cooler and he crouched down next to her, his head so close all he’d need to do was turn it slightly to the left and his mouth would be on her breast.

Oh, hell no, her nipples had not just hardened. She slapped her arms over her chest.

Because they had. And Deke, with his superhero sex god extra sensory perception, had definitely noticed. He at least had the decency to look down at the ground as he grinned.

“It’s the cold,” Fitz snapped. “From the cooler.”

Pushing the bottles down into the ice, Deke just answered, “You’d be amazed at all the bits and pieces I can warm up with my tongue.”

And now there was zinging. Little lightning bolts flashed their way down from the tips of her breasts to the juncture of her thighs. For heaven’s sake. Fitz dropped down to her knees on the ground next to Deke. “You can’t say things like that to me,” she whispered, intending it to come out as a declaration but realizing it sounded like a plea instead.

3) Keep On Keeping On

Unsurprisingly—and thank goodness!—things do not cool down from there, and two weeks later they find themselves in San Francisco during All-Star Weekend, at a party with Nate, Dorie, and Wash. As established in the beginning of the book, Fitz and Dorie love to dance, so they’re out on the dance floor having a good time. A little bit too good of a time. Having so far managed to keep what’s going on between them on the DL, as much as Deke wants to be out there with her, he has to keep himself away. Watching her is torture, especially when a song comes on that has some memories attached…and he finally snaps.

“Oh, hell,” Wash said, sitting up straight in his seat and echoing Deke’s thoughts exactly as the song began to play. Dorie and Fitz jumped up, squealing. Deke shifted in his seat uncomfortably, the image of Fitz dancing to his jukebox that night never far from his mind.

“What the hell just happened?” Nate asked, as they all focused on the dance floor.

“So here’s the thing…” Wash started to say, looking at Deke in a clear call for help.

But Deke was down for the count on this one. All he could do was shake his head. He buried his head in his hands in hopes it would make him think about something else, make him want Fitz less. But remembering the way she’d demonstrated that lick nearly undid him. He looked up again, catching a glimpse of Fitz just as some guy’s arms went around her from behind.

No. Fuck it.

He was done with this shit.

He was on his feet so fast he didn’t even think about what it might look like to Nate. Turns out there was no need, since Nate was two steps behind him.

Right before they reached the dance floor, Nate’s hand went to Deke’s shoulder. “You’d better fucking take care of her tonight.”

Which had Deke stopping suddenly despite the dancing that so clearly needed to be put to an end. “What did you just say?” In no universe had Nate just uttered those words.

He had, of course, it was just that Deke had misinterpreted them completely, as was clear when Nate hissed, “You keep her away from all these assholes. Keep her with you or Wash from here on in. If any one of them tries to take her home tonight, you kill him and then you come to me. I’ll help you bury the body.”

The frightening thing was that it didn’t seem like he was kidding.

No. The truly frightening thing was that Nate was telling the last man on earth who should be hearing it that he was responsible for getting Fitz safely out of this party and back to the hotel.

“You got it, man,” Deke said, knowing he’d just bought his ticket straight to hell. “I’m all in.”

I hope you’ve liked these snippets of scenes from

CALLED UP and that you’re interested in reading more! Happy reading!