Thursday, 2 November 2017

RELEASE BLITZ - REVIEW: I'M YOURS by MELODY GRACE



I'm Yours
Sweetbriar Cove #4
By Melody Grace
Releasing November 2, 2017
Self-Published





In I'm Yours (Sweetbriar Cove #4) by Melody Grace, Mackenzie Lane and Jake Sullivan were once best friends, but they haven't seen each other in years. But now with Jake being back in Sweetbriar Cove recovering from an injury he suffered while playing NFL, Mackenzie finds herself falling for the man she's always crushed on. Will Jake stay in Sweetbriar, so the pair can have a shot at happy ever after; or will he decide to move on to bigger and better things when he learns something he doesn't want to hear?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Grace, and it's a book that does not disappoint. It has wonderful main characters that have found their way back to each other after years of being apart; and compelling dialogue, because of the playful banter between the main characters as they settle into becoming friends again and then so much more. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, as she's determined to have fun in the costume she's wearing. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time in this story that I absolutely loved since the hero is captivated by the heroine. Will he realize who she is?

As for the dialogue, it was riveting and made this story a total page turner, as the hero is determined to get back out on the field, even though it's palpable his injury is one serious enough that it could put an end his career. Will he be able to continue his career or will he have to retire? Moreover, both the main characters were fantastic and I loved every moment they conversed. Really, they had me smiling at their teasing banter and almost in tears when things went awry between them.

Both the main characters entertained me from start to finish with their back stories and their intense chemistry that had me wondering when the romance would finally change from platonic to physical intimacy. However, in saying that, I could understand why the hero was determined to keep things platonic for as long as he did since he wasn't planning to stay in Sweetbriar and he didn't want to hurt the heroine after finally finding their way back to each other. Moreover, I liked the hero's confidence; his determination to get back to the game he loves; and how willing he was to help the heroine when it came to her organizing the town's annual Starbright Festival. Will they be able to make it as good as previous years?

While the heroine, she's a small-town woman that has worked hard to get to where she is with her art, which seems very popular among the townspeople and sounds very fascinating by all that she makes. I also liked her confidence in going after what she wants and what she wants is Jake. Certainly, it's a good thing that she doesn't give up on Jake, even though it seems he's doing everything he can to resist her. I also liked how open and honest she was and that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind when it came to the moment things went awry with Jake. No way was he going to make her be the one that made them go their separate ways.

Overall, Ms. Grace has delivered an exceptional read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance passionate and shows how friendship can blossom into so much more, if they're willing to take a chance; and the ending that had me loving Jake more than I already did, because of what he does for the heroine to make her Starbright Festival even better by getting the one thing she wanted above all else. I also liked his words towards her at the end, as it finally shows he's ready to for a future with her. I would recommend I'm Yours by Melody Grace, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Melanie Shawn, Melissa Foster, Erin Nicholas and Kylie Gilmore.




Blurb

Artist Mackenzie Lane is almost thirty and still single, which, according to her neighbors, pretty much makes her the Spinster of Sweetbriar Cove. She’s sworn off terrible fix-ups, and is looking forward to her solo future of woolly mumus and cats. (Lots of cats). But a chance Halloween rendezvous awakens her reckless spirit, and makes her wonder if love might be in the cards, after all…

Jake Sullivan is back in town for the first time in years, recovering from a career-ending sports injury. He’s dazzled by the mysterious woman he meets by chance - and even more intrigued when he discovers it’s his high-school friend Mackenzie. 

Ten years ago, Jake was the first (and only) guy to put a dent in Mackenzie’s invincible heart. She’s determined not to make the same mistake again, but when the pair are forced to team up to plan the annual Starbright Festival, old sparks fly - and new passion runs riot. 

Soon, Mackenzie and Jake are risking it all. But will their connection last longer than the first snowfall? And can these old friends start a new chapter for love?  Find out in the sizzling, romantic new novel from Melody Grace! 


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Author Bio


NYT bestselling author, a SoCal transplant, and sexy romance junkie ;) I never say no to ice-cream...


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REVIEW: CODE OF HONOR by TONYA BURROWS


Code of Honor
Hornet #4
By Tonya Burrows
Releasing October 23rd, 2017
Entangled Publishing



In Code of Honor (Hornet #4) by Tonya Burrows, Jesse Warrick and Lanie Delcambre have done everything they can to deny the chemistry that bounces between them, and now, with Jesse being promoted to field commander of HORNET, a relationship between them can't happen. However, when the HORNET team finds themselves in the right place at the wrong time when a group of terrorists take over the island they're staying at, Jesse decides to take a chance. Will they survive the terrorists plot, so they get their happy ever after; or will they're working together prove too much of a distraction and cause them to go their separate ways?

What do you get when Ms. Burrows pens a story encompassing a bunch of terrorists determined to cause lots of destruction, a team of good guys determined to keep everyone safe, and a fast-paced storyline with plenty of action? Well, for me this is a story that was captivating, thrilling and one that took me on an edge-of-my-seat adventure once the terrorists enter the story. The way this story started had me totally hooked by what was happening, as one of the secondary characters knows she's in trouble and it's palpable there's no way she's going to be able to get herself out of it. What will happen to her? Will someone come to her rescue? Will she be able to escape on her own?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, everything this couple go through on their journey to happy ever after; and it's a story I loved every moment of, most especially once the action started and Jesse's team are in action and strategizing what they're going to do to get the upper hand against the terrorists. Will their plans come to fruition or will they have to work on the fly to combat any problems they face? Moreover, both the main characters made this story fascinating with their back stories and how the heroine challenges Jesse because of their chemistry and the fact that Lanie doesn't need a man to protect her, as she's strong, courageous and has plenty of handy skills to take on bad guys.

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life. He hasn't been the best father and I liked that he's doing his best to make up for the past. His relationship with his son is complicated, but there's no doubt that Jesse is determined to be there for his son and help his kid combat his troubles. Why is his son acting out? I also liked how protective Jesse is of the heroine, even though she doesn't need to be protected. Not with her ability to think and act quick, which is proven by what she does to help the team win the battle they face against the terrorists. I also liked how tight of a bond the hero shares with his teammates and that he would do anything to keep them safe, which is proven over and over again. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he gave the heroine a chance, even if he's not great at relationships. Then again, it's palpable he's always had feelings for Lanie for almost as long as he's known her.

Overall, Ms. Burrows has delivered a story that kept me entertained from start to finish with its action; wonderful main characters and dialogue; and an ending that has me looking forward to what comes next for HORNET. Will the team be able to help one of the secondary characters that is now on the run? I would recommend Code of Honor by Tonya Burrows, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Lynn Raye Harris, Kaylea Cross, Laura Griffin and April Hunt.




Jesse Warrick used to consider himself a kickass medic, but a teammate’s brush with death has him questioning everything. Now he’s been promoted to field commander of HORNET. How can he lead when he can’t get his shit together? And how can he focus when the sexy new recruit makes him want to break the rules?

Lanie Delcambre can’t seem to find solid footing within the elite hostage rescue team. Worse, the man she’s loved for most of her life is now her boss. She’d kill to act on the chemistry between her and Jesse, but she can’t risk ruining her career.

It was only supposed to be a training mission. No live ammo, no hostages, and no real bad guys—only someone didn’t give the bad guys that memo. When their hotel is taken hostage with half of HORNET inside, Jesse and Lanie are the team’s only hope of escaping alive…
 

BUY LINK: Amazon






































Wednesday, 1 November 2017

RELEASE WEEK BLITZ - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: TOTALLY HIS by ERIN NICHOLAS




Totally His
Opposites Attract #3
By Erin Nicholas
Releasing October 31st, 2017
Forever




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In Totally His (Opposites Attract #3) by Erin Nicholas, when a fire rips through her theatre, Sophia Birch needs help to get it back up and running. Luckily, the police officer that discovered her rummaging through drawers and unprepared to leave until she's found what she's looking for the night of the fire has friends that are willing to lend a hand. However, once things are back to normal, as the saying goes 'the show must go on' and what a better way for that to happen than to put together a performance using the irreplaceable script she was determined to save from the fire. Will Finn be able to feed Sophia's passion in and out of the theatre, or will they lose their chance at happy ever after because they're too different?

Ms. Nicholas has exceptional talent for writing the opposites attract trope, which is proven by the stories she's penned for this series so far, and this third book of her opposites attract series is another perfect paradigm. Really, the way this story started drew me in immediately, as Sophie knows what she wants and there's no way she's not going to do everything in her power to save the script she wants to be the theatre's next play. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me smiling, as Finn will do anything to save someone, even if it's from their own stupidity. Will Sophia get what she wants or will she find herself under arrest? 

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, enthralling and I loved the interactions between Sophia and Finn, as the heroine is feisty and isn't afraid to fight her own battles, which is proven by the way she stands up to her father. No way will she allow him to continue to get away with the way he cons people. Will Sophia finally be able to put a stop to her father's schemes? How far is she willing to go to see her father can no longer use her as an excuse for what he does? Furthermore, there were some really good light-hearted moments between Sophia and Finn as well as between the main and secondary characters that had me reading this story quickly, determined to discover how long it would take the hero and heroine to give into their intense chemistry.

Both the main characters were well-developed and their back stories definitely made this hero and heroine fascinating and compelling. Sophia's back story certainly makes it understandable why she feels the way she does about relationships. Yet, I liked that she gave Finn a chance, as he's good for her. Sophia is also resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she is to save her theatre, as it's palpable she sees it as her family legacy. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was her determination to stand up to her father; a man that's put her through so much in her life. While Finn, he's confident, has a tight bond with his family, and I liked how protective he is of Sophia, especially when it comes to doing everything he can to help her with his father. Can Finn find a way to help Sophia's father, so the man can be a better father to his daughter; or is the heroine's father a lost cause that will only ever care more about himself than his daughter? 

Overall, Ms. Nicholas has delivered another remarkable read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was full of exquisite heat and passion that did justice to this couple's chemistry; and the ending left me completely satisfied because of what the heroine did to make her father understand that she will no longer allow him to freeload of her her hard work. I also liked Sophia's determination to make things right with Finn. No way will she continue to hold herself back from the love and happiness she so deserves. I would recommend Totally His by Erin Nicholas, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Melanie Shawn, Mari Carr, Samantha Chase and Erin McCarthy.





Sophia Birch loves nothing more than the spotlight--as long as she's playing a part. A theater geek from an early age, Sophia now runs a little hole-in-the-wall playhouse that feeds her passion... even if it sometimes makes it hard to feed herself! And then one night it all nearly goes up in smoke. Desperate to save the only copy of an irreplaceable script, Sophia rushes back into the burning building.

Police officer Finn Kelly knows crazy when he sees it. And a woman running back into a burning building definitely qualifies as crazy. She also happens to be incredibly sexy. But when he finally finds her ruffling through drawers and refusing to leave, his only option is to carry her out over his shoulder....and then decide whether to arrest her.




Finn would have noticed her even if she hadn’t been wearing hot-pink lingerie. And nothing else.

He really would have. She was totally his type—brunette and curvy and, apparently, a little crazy. As evidenced by the fact that she was trying to sneak into a burning building. He did seem to be attracted to crazy. No matter how hard he tried not to be.


He watched the woman stop at the east corner of the Birch Community Playhouse, the one farthest from where the firefighters were working. Then he frowned as she slipped into the shadows along the side of the theater and out of sight.

Dammit. He started after her.

As one of the cops on scene, he had to keep the area clear for the firefighters and keep the crowd of onlookers safe. If one of them happened to have a great body and be dressed in nothing but a pink bra-and-panty set, well, he’d just call that a perk. And as he jogged across the street, Finn couldn’t help but wonder if she was in costume or if the alarm had caught her in the midst of a wardrobe change. If that was her outfit for the show, he might need to buy a ticket.

He turned the corner to the back of the building and looked around. He didn’t see her. She’d gone inside. Dammit. He climbed up the four steps that led to the back door of the theater.

Finn touched the door and found it cool. It seemed that the flames were still contained to the wall on the other end of the theater, but it was a mistake to assume anything when fire was involved.

He stepped inside and pulled the flashlight from his belt, then shone it back and forth. He turned a full circle, not sure where to go next. Just then Finn heard a door slam somewhere behind him. He swung toward the sound just in time to see the woman step out from a room.

Her eyes went wide when she saw him.

“Boston PD! Stop!” Finn shouted.

She had covered up. Kind of. She now wore a robe, short, sheer, and unbelted. Which really did nothing to cover his view of her panties and bra. Or all that skin.

And maybe that was why she suddenly took off at a run.

Finn stared after her for a moment, a little stunned. She was actually running from him?

The woman made it to the other end of the lobby and through one of the doors leading into the main theater before Finn got to her. He grabbed the door as it was swinging shut, nearly smashing his fingers. The lights were off in the inner theater but, as he plunged into the darkness, he got a big whiff of whatever body spray or perfume she wore. He took a deep breath. It was nice. Lemony. Sweet and…

Jesus. Finn scowled and turned his flashlight back on. He was thinking about how she smelled? How about the smell of smoke that was going to be chasing them both pretty soon?

“Hey!” he called into the theater. You have to come out, ma’am. It’s not safe for you to stay in the building.”

“Just give me a damned minute!” she shouted.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, I can’t do that,” Finn said.

“I have to find something. Then I’m coming right out.”

 “Ma’am, I will have to remove you myself if you don’t come out immediately.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” he heard her exclaim.

“Ma’am, this is your last warning. Stop what you’re doing and come with me.”

Enough of this. Finn stalked over to her, put a hand around her upper arm, and turned to remove her from the building.

She dug her heels in, though, pulling against his hold. “Hey, you can’t—”

“Oh, yes I can,” he told her calmly, careful to keep his eyes off her body. The heat from her skin had immediately soaked through the thin robe, and Finn felt it traveling from his palm up his arm. “I’ve given you several opportunities to cooperate.”

“You’re arresting me?” she asked.

“Are you doing something that you need to be arrested for?” he asked, moving her toward the door, even with her resisting.

“No! I need to get something. It’s very important. It belongs to a friend of mine. It’s irreplaceable.”

“Ma’am,” he said calmly, “don’t make me carry you out of here.”

She pulled against his grip and leaned all her weight into fighting the forward motion across the room.

Well, shit. He’d kind of figured it would come to this, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to touch her more. Still, it didn’t look as if he had a lot of choice. Reminding himself that he was a professional, he bent and hooked an arm behind her knees, looped the other around her back, and lifted her.

She gasped, and for a moment she didn’t fight. And he thought maybe the hard part was over. But as he headed out the door, trying to ignore how warm and soft and fucking lemony she was, she started to wiggle.











Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they're shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

Author Links:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Bookbub / Amazon





















































BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: DADDY DEFENDER by JANIE CROUCH



Daddy Defender
Omega Sector: Under Siege #1
By Janie Crouch
Releasing October 17th, 2017
Harlequin Intrigue

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In Daddy Defender (Omega Sector: Under Siege #1) by Janie Crouch, Ashton 'Ash' Fitzgerald knows he needs to stop lying to Summer Worrall before she discovers the truth that he's an Omega SWAT member instead of her building's handyman. However, worried she'll hate him once she learns the truth, he continues to keep up the pretence. But when Summer and her daughter becomes a target because of her association with his team, will  Ash be able to keep the pair safe, or will he lose the two people that have come to mean so much to him?

What a thrilling and captivating ride Ms. Crouch takes readers on in this first book of her Omega Sector: Under Siege series that delivers plenty of action as the bad guys are determined to bring down Omega and the good guys fight to keep everyone safe, especially Summer and her daughter. The way this story started had me hooked by this couple's chemistry, even though I thought the heroine was a tad needy in the beginning with everything she expected of Ashton. However, in saying that, she did change my opinion throughout this story with her strength and courage.

As for the dialogue, I liked that it wasn't only told from the hero and heroine's point-of-view, but by the antagonist as well. Why is he determined to bring down Ashton and his team? Furthermore, the dialogue was also intense due to the action as the good guys face off against the bad guys; and because of what happens to the heroine and her daughter that has Ashton determined to do everything in his power to protect them. Will he be able to keep Summer and her daughter safe? Moreover, the heroine was strong and brave when it came to learning all Ashton is hiding from her. I also liked that she was just as protective of the hero as he was of her, which is proven by what she does to help him. While the hero, I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it came to his past and how it ties to the heroine and what she's lost. Yet, in saying that, the truth coming out was the best thing for all in helping them heal. Moreover, the hero is confident in his skills as part of the Omega team and I liked how protective he was of the heroine and her daughter, which is evident by everything he does. However, what I liked most of all about the hero is the bond he shares with the heroine's daughter. They're so adorable and I loved every moment the two were together.

Overall, Ms. Crouch has delivered a fantastic first book for this series where the chemistry between this couple was strong, the romance lightly-detailed but still showed how good these two are together; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat because of what the main characters go through. Will Ashton be able to find a way to take down the enemy before anything happens to those he cares about? However, it was the last chapter that I was very intrigued by and has me looking forward to the next book of this series. What else do the bad guys have planned for Omega? Why does it seem Ashton is a man with a permanent target on his back? Will the Omega team be able to figure out the bad guys plans before it's too late? I would recommend Daddy Defender by Janie Crouch, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the mistaken identity trope, second chance romances or books by authors Nicole Helm, Addison Fox, BJ Daniels and Danica Winters.





He was a man on a mission, one that included a beautiful woman and a little girl he'd die defending… 

What a serious case of mistaken identity. Ashton Fitzgerald is no unassuming handyman but a highly trained sharpshooter intent on protecting Summer Worrall and her baby daughter. The Omega SWAT member has a debt to pay and he isn't about to let Summer out of his sights. 

For someone else has set their own sights on the lovely widow. Her unexpected relationship with Ashton has put Summer and her child straight into a madman's line of fire. Suddenly a mission to make amends becomes Ashton's quest to defend this little family with his very life. 


BUY LINKS:  Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Harlequin


She picked Chloe up to put her back in the stroller. But both Chloe’s arms reached over her shoulder and she began to yell and strain away from Summer.

“Ah-ta! Ah-ta!”

“Honey, Ashton isn’t here. It’s time for us to go home. Maybe we’ll see him later.”

“Ah-ta! Ah-ta!” Chloe was all but climbing over Summer’s torso.

“Chloe Marie, Ashton is not here.” Summer spun around, knowing reasoning with an almost-two-year-old was pointless, but willing to try. “He—”

But Chloe was right. Ashton was here. He was walking toward the law enforcement van that had been parked outside the grocery story to help with the crisis.

He was dressed in black from neck to toe, holsters of some kind on both hips and wrapped around both thighs. His vest had multiple pockets holding gun clips and other items Summer didn’t recognize. Full tactical gear. He held some scary-looking rifle in his hands.

And blazing across the middle of his chest was the word SWAT.

He was talking to someone else dressed almost exactly the same, but about a foot shorter than him. A woman, Summer realized, although her hair was pulled back in such a tight braid it was hard to identify her as such at first glance.

“Ah-ta! Ah-ta!”

Summer stood holding her daughter, staring at the man she thought she’d known so much about but obviously hadn’t.

SWAT.

She saw the exact moment Ashton heard Chloe. A smile brightened his face as he looked over at them.

Then faded as he obviously remembered where he was and realized what just happened.

The woman next to him clapped him on the shoulder and took his rifle, walking away. Obviously she knew who Summer was and that Ashton had been keeping his profession a secret from her. That maybe hurt even worse.

They stared at each other from the yards that separated them. Chloe kept yelling for him and trying to get down.

At least now Summer knew what Ashton had wanted to tell her that she wouldn’t like.

Her handyman was SWAT.



USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: romantic suspense, heavy on the romance.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, and movies of all kinds. 


Her favorite quote: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." - Helen Keller. 


Bookbub * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon





How do you come up with your character names?
Coming up with character names is one of the most fun aspects of writing, but can sometimes be the most difficult. I love to name a character after a friend or family member. To me, it is the ultimate tribute.  Three out of the four heroines in the original Omega Sector books were named after three of my best friends: Sophia, Megan and Shelby. Super exciting to give these heroines quirks and strengths that reminded me of my besties! 

But naming a character can also be difficult sometimes. For instance, for Omega Sector Book 3: UNTRACEABLE I didn’t want to name the heroine after anyone I knew because of the character’s particularly traumatizing past. I found it difficult enough to write about things like that happening to a fictional stranger. The thought of linking that past to someone I knew was just too hard. Thus, Juliet was born, since I knew no one with that name. Juliet developed her own grit and strength throughout the story and became one of my favorite characters of all time.

My heroes? Honestly, I’m just looking for strong, alpha male names: Cameron, Sawyer, Evan, Dylan, Conner. Love them all.  I have borrowed last names from friends: Branson, Perigo, Karcz.

As for other characters, all I can say is watch out if you’re one of my Facebook friends or someone connected to me on Twitter. Without fail, scrolling through those sites are where I get 90% of my supporting character and villain names.



What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?

Well, I have four teenagers so most of my spare time is spent just being mom (driving to soccer, basketball, drama, etc). Our house is rarely ever quiet (except for when the kids are in school), but it’s usually fun.

In 2015 we relocated to an American Army base in Stuttgart, Germany after living in Virginia for twenty years. That change was a huge adjustment! Trying to learn enough German to get through basic life, plus a new currency, friends and ways of living, took up a lot of time! But now we are settled in and love it here. The kids attend an American DoD school (so they still get to do things like football, cheerleading, etc.) but we’re so close to so many different countries we travel all the time. We’ve been to over 20!



What techniques or tools do you use to keep yourself (and your story) organized?
Writing the first draft of a novel is basically a “choose your own adventure” story. At any given point, decisions characters make lead them down certain paths that will create changes in the story.

I am a plotter, so I like to know where I’m going with a story (so I don’t accidentally write myself into a corner I can’t get out of).  To keep myself on track and avoid writing unnecessary scenes that end up cut later, my greatest organization tool is a large sketch pad and markers. I sketch out (in flow-chart fashion) the story line, so I spot potential dead-ends ahead of time. My sketch sheet sometimes ends up looking like a formula for future time travel, but it has worked well for me thus far.

Once I’m actually writing, I use Scrivener for my word processing. It allows me to keep all my notes, pictures, research and actual writing in one place. It allows me to look at things in regular or “bulletin board” view, and switch order of files easily. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a writer.

I also use this little free online app called Word Keeper Alpha (wordkeepalpha.com) to keep track of how much I’ve written. I can put in the book’s due date and its required length, then Word Keeper tells me how many words I need to write per day to meet my deadline. Quite helpful for looking at overall progress of a project and when it comes down to crunch time.



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