REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by ANNIE RAINS

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Welcome Home for Christmas
A Hero's Welcome #4

By: Annie Rains

Releasing November 8, 2016
Loveswept

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In Welcome Home for Christmas (A Hero's Welcome #4) by Annie Rains, Allison Carmichael is in desperate need of a man to help get her family off her back about her being single. So, what better way for that to happen than for her to buy one of the military men up for auction for charity and ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Will she and Sargeant Troy Matthews be able to convince her mother they're in a relationship?

Sargeant Troy Matthews isn't looking forward to Christmas this year, not after what happened with his brother last year. However, when Allison buys his services during a charity auction, he agrees to becoming her temporary boyfriend. However, the more time they spend together, the closer they grow. Can Troy convince Allison that he no longer wants to be her temporary partner and instead wants forever?

I have absolutely loved every single book of this series, which can each be read as a stand-alone, but this one is the best of Ms. Rains A Hero's Welcome series so far. Right from the beginning, this story had me hooked with the excitement Troy's job brings him during the festive season. The season brings out the crazies, but at least the chance to help orphaned kids by doing the auction proves he's not turned into a Grinch when it comes to Christmas. However, it was the moment that Allison and Troy met that I loved. Would he win her over with his charm?

Both the main characters were highly entertaining, and I loved that we got to revisit with characters from the previous books. Allison's friends want her to find the happiness that they've found and I liked how they teased her about Troy and encouraged the relationship because there's so much chemistry between the pair, which eventually spills over onto the pages with lots of heat and passion. 

Allison is strong and brave in asking Troy to be in a fake relationship with her. It's not something she'd normally do, but if she didn't ask him, then she'd be relegated to having to listen to her family grill her on why she isn't dating. She's also very kind and caring, and I loved how she helped orphaned kids celebrate Christmas. They needed someone to show them the magic of Christmas. However, there was one thing that frustrated me about the heroine. She needed to stick up to her mom when it came to her dating. That it's her choice who she dates and when. While Troy, he's hard-working, protective and I liked that he went above and beyond his duties as a military officer. Also, I liked how good Allison was for him in making him realize that Christmas is about miracles and family. Then there's the way he's kind and caring in what he does to help Allison deliver a Christmas for some orphaned kids that they'll never forget.

Overall, Ms. Rains has penned a really good novel that I enjoyed from start to finish because of the wonderful characters, fast-paced plot and the way this story ended. What Troy did to win Allison back proves how much he loves her and that she's shown him how good Christmas can be. That it's a time of celebration and family. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of what Troy and Allison did to make a little girl's Christmas very special. I would recommend Welcome Home for Christmas by Annie Rains, if you enjoy Christmas themed books or stories encompassing military heroes.

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

BLURB:

The bestselling Hero’s Welcomes series continues with a juicy Christmas romance set in Seaside, North Carolina, where a bustling military base keeps this small town stocked with dedicated, lovable heroes.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-four days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a man.​

Sergeant Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder: the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.

 

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“So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest.

“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.”

Her cheeks flushed.

“And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.”

She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?”

Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.”

“Did you get everything on the list?” she asked.

“Usually.”

“So your family had money?”

He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military. “I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.”

“That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.”

“So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her.

“We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.”

Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again.

“And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.”

He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?”

Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”

 

 

 

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USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: HEARTTHROB by BELINDA WILLIAMS

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Heartthrob
Hollywood Hearts #1

By: Belinda Williams

Releasing November 10, 2016  
Self-Published

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In Heartthrob (Hollywood Hearts #1) by Belinda Williams, Ally Valenti has always wanted to follow her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, but circumstances in her life prevented her from ever getting the chance. Until now when her best friend and actress, Lena Lyons, convinces her to come and stay in Los Angeles for six months and design some gowns for her to wear during the awards season. She never expected to meet Jacob Swan, Lena's handsome co-star, and soon after meeting him she finds herself enjoying spending time with him. Will she give Jacob a chance or be scared off by someone that is trying their best through various incidents -- which seem aimed at her -- to get her to return home?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Williams, and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. Right from the beginning of this story I was hooked, as the heroine believes she doesn't belong in Hollywood. How is she going to be able to handle designing a dress for Lena that will be on display for a lot of people to see? Will she make it big when people see her creations? However, it was the moment that Ally met Jacob that made this story a real page turner, as she made a really good first impression on him, even if it was embarrassing from her point of view.  

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero. He doesn't get along with his family, and when they are together, it is very tense times. Furthermore, the dialogue was also intense due to the incidents done by the person trying to scare Ally away. Will they find out who is causing problems for her before it's too late? However, there were some light-hearted moments between Ally and Jacob that I loved, especially when he teases her about what she does the moment they meet. Then there's the secondary characters, especially Ally's cousin, Arabella. She has total fan-girl moments when it comes to Ally meeting various actors, actresses and knowing Lena.

Ally was a wonderful heroine. She's strong and brave for even giving herself the chance to show off her skills. She's not confident she can pull it off, but it was good to read how determined and willing she was to make something great for Lena with lots of encouragement from her best friend. But she doesn't just have skills when it comes to fashion, and I was absolutely charmed by how she impressed everyone with her cooking skills. The reactions from people after eating food she's cooked had me smiling or laughing, especially when it came to a certain conversation between the main characters about whether the benefits of exercise or her cooking were better.

While Jacob, he's charming, confident and he's determined to win Ally over into giving him a chance. He may be a Hollywood heartthrob, but he's just like everyone else when the cameras aren't rolling. Then again, paparazzi are everywhere, so it's not as if he can completely let his guard down. Also, I liked the decision he made when it came to his career. He needed to branch out and find roles that weren't restricting his talent to the sorts of movies he featured in. But most of all, I enjoyed how Jacob supported Ally when it came to his family. She was only doing what she felt was right, because Jacob didn't deserve the way one of his brothers treated him.

Overall, Ms. Williams has penned a fantastic novel in this one, which encompassed a strong romance that did justice to this couple's intense chemistry. Even though, Ally is completely anti-Hollywood when she arrives, it's surprising how she changes her mind the more time she spends with Jacob. The way this story ended took me completely by surprise with the person causing trouble for Ally, because I did not suspect the secondary character it turned out to be. Moreover, the way Ally and Jacob reunited after things went awry between them was delightful. Ally is such a klutz and she's lucky that Jacob is there to make sure she's all right. At least the headlines this time around will be about Ally and not Jacob. I would recommend Heartthrob by Belinda Williams, if you're a fan of books by  Rachel Gibson, Victoria Dahl, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, or Liliana Hart.

OVERALL RATING:

  

BLURB:
CAN AN AVERAGE GIRL SURVIVE HOLLYWOOD?

Ally Valenti doesn’t belong in Hollywood. Not like her friend and actress, Lena Lyons. Lena’s convinced Ally to pursue her dreams of fashion design, starting with some gowns for the awards season.

Which Ally will get around to creating as soon as she can stop looking at Jacob Swan, Lena’s latest co-star. Not that she’s staring. Ally’s skeptical of anything celebrity and it’s not like she’d be pathetic enough to fall for a Hollywood heartthrob.

Then Ally learns there’s more to Jacob than his good guy, all-American persona. She finds herself torn between the desire to get to know him better and her determination to stay out of the limelight.

 Of course the media has other ideas—and someone doesn’t like all the attention Ally’s getting. When threats aimed at destroying her fashion career go too far, Ally’s convinced she’s living in crazy town.

The sensible thing would be to retreat home before it all ends in spectacular fashion. But will Ally be leaving more than her dreams behind if she says goodbye to Hollywood?

This glamorous, fast-paced contemporary romance that will make you smile, is perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Victoria Dahl, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Liliana Hart.

 

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Unfortunately, no amount of warning would be adequate to prepare me for Jacob Swan in a suit. Dear God. There had to be laws against tailoring that good. The suit molded to every inch of his muscled body like it had been sculpted on. It was a dusky blue and I knew without looking it matched the color of his eyes. Even as my heart stuttered in my chest, I recognized superb tailoring when I saw it.

 

“Talk to me, Ally,” Lena suggested. “You’re staring.”

“Can’t help it.”

 

And I really couldn’t. His ensemble was perfect. Crisp white shirt, a simple matching blue tie, and brown boots. Most people would have worn a black tuxedo for an event like the Golden Globes, but not Jake. The brown boots were a perfect contrast to the blue suit and hinted at a man comfortable with himself. But I guess when you were considered the sexiest man in Hollywood, that kind of came with the territory.

“Still staring,” Lena said in a singsong voice.

“Don’t care,” I sang back.

“Makes you seem desperate,” she continued the tune, her voice heightening to a soprano.

Finally I turned to her. “I am. Desperate to know his stylist.”

Lena’s expression morphed into one of disbelief. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. I mean, look at the guy. Dressed to perfection.” I waved my hand in Jake's general direction, but my arm ended up hovering in mid-air as our eyes met through the crowd.

My heart continued to thump erratically in my chest, feeling as though it was about to give out completely.

Alright, so it wasn’t just his ensemble. It was him. One hundred percent pure Jake. It was those blue eyes of his. They were so alive, so expressive, a woman could drown in his gaze and enjoy the experience. They danced with amusement at me in the dim light.

To ensure my demise, he flashed me a cocky grin.

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Belinda Willliams is a marketing communications specialist and copywriter who allowed an addiction to romance and chick-lit to get the better of her. She was named a top ten finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award in both 2013 and 2014.

Her other addictions include music and cars. Belinda’s eclectic music taste forms the foundation of many of her writing ideas and her healthy appreciation for fast cars means she would not so secretly love a Lamborghini. For now she’ll have to settle with her son’s Hot Wheels collection and writing hot male leads with sports cars.

Belinda lives in Sydney and blogs regularly about writing and reading at www.belindawilliamsbooks.com
 

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Top 3 Scenes with Mini Excerpts

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’ve been asked to share the top 3 scenes from my new release, HEARTTHROB, a contemporary romance set in Hollywood. It’s a fish out of water story, with my lead character, Ally, joining her childhood friend, Lena, in Hollywood, so she can pursue her dreams of fashion design. Lena is a famous movie star, so from the first page we find Ally questioning the sanity of her big move, and there’s a lot of fun moments while Ally comes to terms with her new life.

1.     Bella, the crazy cousin

The first scene I’m sharing with you happens at the start of the story when Ally gets in Lena’s chauffeur-driven car when she first arrives in L.A. As well as dealing with a new city, Ally also has to deal with her big Italian family. They might live back on the East Coast, but they’re very much a part of her life, as we see during this conversation with Ally’s younger cousin, Arabella:

I turned to Lena. “Bear with me, please?”

“Of course. You know I love your family.”

“That makes someone,” I muttered as I scrolled through the contacts in Facetime. “OK, here goes.”

After a brief wait, Arabella’s face came up on the screen of my cell phone.

Upon seeing me, she crossed her arms and shot me an unimpressed look. She had the same shoulder-length dark loose waves I had, but was one of the few members of our family blessed with Uncle Tony’s bright blue eyes.

“Ooh, you’re in a cab,” she drawled.

“It’s not a cab.” Tired of her sass, I pointed the phone at Lena.

Lena waved and her perfect red nails glinted under the car’s interior light. “Hi, Arabella. Nice to meet you.”

 In the split second it took for all the color to drain from Bella’s olive complexion, she managed to draw another breath.

“Oh my fucking God, it is you!”

I jolted in my seat at her crystal-shattering pitch and quickly lowered the volume. Alright, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Her eyes rounded in a sort of mad haze. “When Aunt Rosa told me Ally had a model friend in high school, I didn’t believe her. You’ve got to admit it is pretty hard to believe because Ally’s not the popular type. I mean, as if! Ally’s one of the most boring people I know—no offense, Ally.”

I saw Lena’s lips quirk and I opened my mouth to put a stop to my youngest cousin’s observations, but I was already too late.

 She continued with the force of a freight train. “I don’t know if you know this, but all Ally ever does is work and I’m pretty sure she hasn’t been out with a guy in like forever. Even Aunty Rosa says Ally needs to get out more. So it’s pretty hard to imagine someone with your talent hanging out with her, but then I guess she can be kind of fun. I mean that’s why everyone asks her to babysit all the time, the kids just love her and—”

“Bella!” I managed to interrupt finally. “Thank you for the honest character assessment but I think you might be boring the most famous actress in Hollywood.”

 

2.     Hollywood reality

Ally is new to Hollywood, and she’s not sure what to make of good-guy actor, Jacob Swan. He seems genuine enough—until Ally hears something to make her think otherwise. For an average girl, it’s hard to figure out her feelings when she’s not sure what is and isn’t real in Hollywood.

 

I closed my eyes, wishing I was anywhere but here. “I’m an idiot.”

“No.” Jake reached over and took my hands. “You’re the first real person I’ve met in a long time.”

I sucked in a breath and opened my eyes, not sure what to make of the way his blue eyes flared at me.

“A real idiot,” I joked, uncertain whether to remove my hands, look away or run altogether. “I thought you were a good guy. Then back there, I thought it was all an act. And now I don’t know what to think. Nothing in this goddamn town seems real.”

With one small tug he pulled me to him. “Trust me. This is real.”

Then he kissed me.

This wasn’t happening. But as his warm lips brushed mine it felt like I’d never experienced anything more real in my entire life.

 

 

3.     Dressed to perfection

There’s no questioning Jacob Swan is the Sexiest Man Alive, but when your best friend is a movie star, Ally isn’t swayed (too much) by good looks and reputation. What she does have a soft spot for, however, is good tailoring. And as she discovers on the night of the Golden Globes, Jake is more than just a pretty face—the man has style and good taste, too.

Unfortunately, no amount of warning would be adequate to prepare me for Jacob Swan in a suit. Dear God. There had to be laws against tailoring that good. The suit molded to every inch of his muscled body like it had been sculpted on. It was a dusky blue and I knew without looking it matched the color of his eyes. Even as my heart stuttered in my chest, I recognized superb tailoring when I saw it.

“Talk to me, Ally,” Lena suggested. “You’re staring.”

“Can’t help it.”

And I really couldn’t. His ensemble was perfect. Crisp white shirt, a simple matching blue tie, and brown boots. Most people would have worn a black tuxedo for an event like the Golden Globes, but not Jake. The brown boots were a perfect contrast to the blue suit and hinted at a man comfortable with himself. But I guess when you were considered the sexiest man in Hollywood, that kind of came with the territory.

“Still staring,” Lena said in a singsong voice.

“Don’t care,” I sang back.

“Makes you seem desperate,” she continued the tune, her voice heightening to a soprano.

Finally I turned to her. “I am. Desperate to know his stylist.”

So there you have it, my Top 3 scenes from HEARTTHROB. I hope you’ll join Ally and Jacob in Hollywood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: SWEET CHEEKS by K. BROMBERG

Sweet Cheeks

By: K. Bromberg

Release Date: November 12th, 2016

JKB Publishing

 

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In Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg, Saylor Rodgers can't believe her ex-boyfriend is sending her an invitation to his wedding; a wedding that would have been theirs, if they hadn't broken up. With the choice of whether she'll go or not taken out of her hands by accident, Saylor knows there's only one way she'll be able to get through the event and that's by accepting her high school sweetheart's offer of going with her. The only thing is he's a famous actor and if there's someone with a camera around and a shot to be taken, he'll be front and center. But when the spotlight is shined on her and not in a positive way, can Saylor handle the attention or will she run from her second chance with Hayes Whitley? 

This book was recommended to me by a couple of book blogs I follow, and I've got to say that I'm absolutely glad I took the chance on reading it, because it was incredible. Saylor receiving her ex's wedding invitation and whether she'll accept or decline the invite sets the fast-pace of this story, and makes this book a real page turner, as I wondered how she was going to handle the choices she makes. Will she give Hayes another chance, even though he's more than likely to leave again once the wedding is over? How will she handle all the horrible things people are saying about her because she left her ex? How far will she go to make certain her bakery starts prospering instead of her needing to close the doors on her dream?

The dialogue was well-written and the perfect combination of intense and playful. The intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero because of what's happening between him and one of his former co-stars. Then there's the history between Saylor and Hayes that doesn't make it easy for the heroine to give him another chance after how he left ten years ago. However, there were so many light-hearted moments that had me laughing or smiling. Such as the moments when he expects her to call him 'Captain', the things one does with a Grudge Cupcake, and the twitter feed where Hayes does everything to win Saylor back after their fallout (sometimes pick-up lines can be so bad that it's no wonder a woman can't help but laugh at the guy saying them.)

Both the main characters were fantastic, and I was hooked by the history between them. Saylor's brother, Ryder, is Hayes's best friend, so that's an obstacle in itself, because Ryder is protective of Saylor and doesn't want to see her hurt again. Yet, at the same time, it seems he couldn't care less about his sister and best friend being together because they're good for each other (well that's my opinion anyway because Ryder just wants Saylor to be happy, and clearly Hayes made her happy ten years ago and now). Then there's Saylor's assistant, Dee Dee, who I thought was great with her fan-girling moments of Hayes when she first meets him and her questions for Saylor on how she knows the actor. Then there's all she does to help Saylor when it comes to Hayes. She wants her friend to be happy after everything Saylor's been through since breaking up with her ex. With her bakery not doing so well and the fact that her and her ex's mutual friends have deserted her.   

Saylor has so many great qualities that made her a wonderful heroine. She's strong and brave by going with Hayes to her ex's wedding to finally see if she did the right thing by breaking things off between them. She's also independent, hard-working and I liked how she dealt with things that upset her. Then again, her career can be quite therapeutic and good for when relationships go sour. While Hayes, he's confident, cocky, and I liked how willing he was to help Saylor. She desperately needs someone to help distract her from the trash talk circulating about her and the harsh looks aimed her way at the wedding. Good thing Hayes knows what to do and isn't afraid to use his celebrity status to do it. Until being a celebrity becomes more of a hindrance than help when it comes to achieving Saylor's goal of saving her bakery and showing people that she's more than what they think of her. 

Overall, Ms. Bromberg weaved a spell on me with this book, hypnotizing me from start to finish with its hot, steamy romance; compelling characters - both the main and secondary; a storyline that provided some tough obstacles for Saylor and Hayes to overcome and entertaining dialogue. The way this story ended was perfect, as Hayes proved to Saylor how much he loved her and that he'd never stopped in the ten years they were apart, no matter how hard he tried. Furthermore, the epilogue wrapped this story up nicely with the surprise Hayes had for Saylor. It was very romantic. I would highly recommend Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg, especially if you enjoy the brother's best friend trope or second chance romances.     

OVERALL RATING:

 

BLURB:

It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it. Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear of him. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

 

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