Review: Christmas at Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

Genre:
Romance

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Harlequin

Release Date:
December 2014

Review: Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Format:
Audio

Publisher:
Brilliance Audio

Release Date:
April 2013

Review: Mai Tai for Two by Delphine Dryden

Genre:
Romance

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin

Release Date:
May 2014

Romance Reading Challenge 2014

This is one of my favorite reading challenges. I've been doing it for the last few years and it's one of the few challenges I actually complete. So, here I am signing up again :) It's hosted by Naida at The Bookworm. Here are the details...

2013 Romance Reading Challenge - Completed!

Yay! I finished a reading challenge! This one is hosted each year by Naida at The Bookworm. Thank you, Naida! It's always fun and one of the few challenges I actually complete.

Here's what I read for this challenge...

1. One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (Click here to read my review.)

2. Dangerous Relations by Marilyn Levinson (Click here to read my review.)

3. Dead Running/Dying to Run by Cami Checketts (Click here to read my review.)

4. Million Dollar Mistake by Meg Lacey (Click here to read my review.)

5. Secret Desire by Susan D. Taylor (Click here to read my review.)

Blog Tour: Secret Desire by Susan D. Taylor (Guest Blog and Review)

About the Book

The problem with twins is that they look so much alike…

By day, Claire Robertson is a staff writer for a small publication in Seattle. But when the lights go down, she writes sizzling and oh-so-naughty erotica. She keeps these stories safely tucked away, hiding her secret fantasies of her hero, Dustin Murray. The man who stole her heart six years ago. And then jumped into bed with her twin sister.

Dustin never forgot Claire, or her twin sister’s lies that tricked him into sleeping with her. Nor has he forgotten that her sister’s threats have kept him silent for six years and cost him the woman he loved. Now that Claire’s returned home, Dustin isn’t about to lose her again. But it’ll be another thing to convince Claire he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to win her back.

When Claire accidentally sends the wrong story to her editor, things really heat up. With hot the new black in publishing, her editor thinks he’s struck gold and queues the story for publication. The last thing Claire needs is for everyone to learn that she’s got secrets of her own…

My Thoughts

As soon as I saw the description of this book, I knew I had to read it.  I love the idea of the quiet heroine leading a secret life as a writer...a writer of erotica, no less. The heroine went through so many emotions in this book from sadness,  the stress at work, seeing an old lover and dealing with a heartless twin sister.  

Claire is a heroine I could both identify with and understand.  I felt her emotions as I read through this book.  Her former lover, Dustin, is also a character I easily found myself caring about.  They made a wonderful couple to root for.

The story itself was fast-paced and very romantic.  As the cover hints at, this is a hot book with many sizzling, red hot love scenes.  
 

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:
2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge
2013 Romance Reading Challenge
Where are you reading? challenge (North Carolina)

Excerpt

The man’s gaze fell to her legs still carelessly strewn across her desk. Her heart thundered in her ears. Warmth from his sharp exhale caressed the skin at her ankles.

She bit her lip and decided—no regrets for trying “And?” She returned his mocking raised-brow expression in an eye-for-an-eye stare down.

“I’m Thornton Maxwell…your attorney.” He turned away, but not before she caught his look of displeasure. “God. Woman, do you even know what a mess you’ve got on your hands? We need to talk. A real pressure cooker is about blow.”

Cynthia froze. This wasn’t part of her erotic fantasy. What was he talking about? Should she just come out and admit she had no idea of what was going on or get him to divulge what demanded damage control?

She pretended unconcerned boredom in an attempt to buy some time to think. “Someone’s got his panties in a real twist.”

This wasn’t the first time she’d needed legal. But if he was her new go-to man, she was tempted to screw more things up.
This was a conundrum. He was too damn good-looking. This type of man didn’t appreciate a dumbbell. Did he know how hard she worked or that sometimes contracts needed to be bent? “Explored” is what she liked to call it. Wasn’t that why McGavock Publishing hired a boatload of first-year attorneys anyway? Shoot, he was probably upset because his weekend golf game was about to be rained out.

He paced in front of her desk while raking fingers through his thick, dark hair. Cynthia noticed the way he flexed and moved his arms, his muscles pumping and expanding. He stopped, spun around, and marched back to her desk.
“Lewis, when you cross out clauses and write your own notes into a publishing contract, we don’t have a legal leg to stand on in court when an issue is disputed. The things you’ve included to get an author to sign without consulting legal is tying us in knots. The next time you promise a writer the moon, you better consult me first and NASA second. Not whatever pops into that pretty little head of yours. You need my help with this lawsuit, and I expect your cooperation. You might as well know now that’s going to mean during office hours as well as evenings and weekends.”

His finger was pointed directly in front of her face. She imagined sucking the tip until her sex-crazed brain finally grasped his message.
What? She was floored. Her stomach felt punched, the fist of surprise still lodged in her ribcage. Her mind reeled. It wasn’t possible. She was being threatened with a lawsuit for a couple of silly additions to a contract, and now this man expected her to drop everything. Was he joking? Slowly she inhaled.

“I’m innocent.” She stared back at him. “Sure, I’m not beyond bending the rules, but a lawsuit? No, that’s not possible; it’s impossible. You’ve got to help me.”

“We definitely need a sit-down. Not your usual brush-off and expectation for legal to jump through a hoop. This one is serious.” His gaze swept over her face and downward. The space between them crackled with static energy. He was more than steamed. But he was ready to step in and help her. A spasm of pleasure trilled in her veins. He was her knight in shining armor. She wasn’t the enemy. Not his at least. With all that pent-up fury of his, it was a shame to let it go to waste. He was handsome beyond belief…another time, over cocktails or at a party, she’d not think twice about what her body wanted. His dark eyes weren’t all anger…passion brewed there, pulling the cords to her attraction, making her skin tingle. Oh, my. He wanted to school her good. But maybe she could teach him a thing.

“Thor…Thornton, sit down.” She recouped her confidence. He was in her dominion. The door was closed. Her assistant always knocked before entering. The glass panels were mirrored. He was so near…all she had to do was reach out to him.

She met his bad-boy stare with excitement screaming in her ears.

“Please.” She was almost purring, beseeching him over the rim of her eyeglasses.
“Fine, I’m all ears.” He pulled up a chair closer to her desk. “Well?”

She studied him. If the man ever smiled, he’d be drop-dead gorgeous. She let the papers slip out of her fingers, and she pushed her glasses up on top of her head. Cynthia rubbed her ankles together, and his eyes fixed onto legs.

Ding, ding. Johnny, she had a winner.

She lifted her legs and stood, acting as if arranging her papers was vital. She felt, rather than saw, that his gaze was upon her.

“Client-attorney privilege?” She rounded the desk, trailing her fingers along the surface.
“Yes, whatever you share. Go on.”

“Where shall I begin?” She stopped and leaned back on her desk, directly in front of him. Eighteen inches of space separated them.

“Haven’t you ever longed for something to the point of breaking a few rules? Just once?”

He held his spine erect. He gripped the armrests. She noticed the fine hairs on his fingers, but no ring. She placed the toe of her shoe on the corner of his chair, her ankle only an inch away from his grasp. Her silk skirt lifted, sliding up her thighs, and his gaze shot to the revealed set of black lace Agent Provocateur garters.
She licked her lips and unbuttoned a pearl button. He flared his nostrils ever so slightly. He stared at her fingers. She undid another button. He became a statue. A rather alluring, attentive one. She continued unbuttoning the rest of buttons. She didn’t open her shirt, hoping he’d notice her breasts were unhampered by a bra. The only sound in the room was their breathing.

“Don’t stop now.”

She opened her shirt, revealing ample cleavage. Her nipples hardened at the thought of his mouth teasing her skin.

She rubbed her leg against his thumb. He touched her ankle, lightly at first, before running his fingers up the back of her calf. She pushed her hips forward, her skirt lifted further up and over her thighs.

He made a low, primal sound, melting a reserve within her.
“Do you like what you see?”

Their eyes locked and she smiled. She traced a finger along the bottom of her lip. She stuck just the tip into her mouth and sucked, playfully removing any doubt of where this was going.

“Hmm,” she whispered. “What do you want?”
He closed his eyes and moved his hand over her knee. She went beyond merely teasing him to wanting to feel him deep inside her body.
 

Guest Blog:  Character Interview: Claire Robertson

1. How did you go from journalism to writing erotica?

I always wrote love stories but that’s not what I majored in at Berkeley. Escaping from Mill Spring, I wanted to go as far as possible away. I also wanted to make my parents proud of me. Fran was at Columbia in the MBA program. My love stories were a way to deal with the pain of Dustin and Fran back in high school. See, Dustin and I were getting really close. It was right after we’d made out, really connected. Then the next day, Fran tells me to lay off him. Bam. She says he’s her boyfriend. He refused to talk about it. Just said it happened. The stories evolved over time. The more I kept thinking about Dustin, the hotter the plot.

2. Why do you like sexy shoes?

 I’ve always loved girlie shoes but typically they stayed in the box. It’s a process to wear some of them. A ritual of a pedicure, a long bath, and getting ready. When I put them on I feel sexy. Dustin loves to see me whip out a bottle of fingernail polish. He knows what’s coming! LOL.

3. How did you become involved with your boss? 

It was a total mistake before I left Seattle! At Ethos, the staff went out on Friday after work and I’d had a few drinks. Mike, my editor, began flirting with me. He was handsome and funny, and one thing led to another. It just happened. Once. And then I found out he played the field. So never again. It was the final stake that nailed the coffin in my journalism career. Really, that mistake made me painfully aware of how my whole life was off-balance.

4. What was it like growing up with Fran? 

Uhh, Fran has always been intense. She needs a lot of attention and like a two-headed coin. If she’s center stage she can be very charismatic. Run for the hills if she thinks, someone is stealing her thunder. She’s vicious. But she’s my sister and I love her, faults and all.

5. Why is Dustin a great lover?

Oh my. Dustin’s totally masculine but so sweet and caring. He’s a big teddy bear. I love the way he enfolds me in his arms, yet doesn’t smother who I am. And he loves to listen to my stories, especially the hot scenes which he likes to act out. Ironic considering I wrote them with him in mind.

6. Are you guys getting married or what? 

Right now, it’s one day at a time. I think that’s the road we’re heading down. But I want to enjoy being in love with him as I always imagined. It’s a dream come true.

7. Short Answers: Claire’s favorites

Season: Summer
Drink: Starbucks coffee: Morning Joe
Ride: Horse
Position: On top of Dustin
Scent: Peppermint
Sound: Laughter
Curse Word: Shit

About the Author

"I love the concept of falling in love. The type of romantic journey that is so intense, it's borders on insanity."--Susan D. Taylor

After growing up in Miami, she moved to Nashville where she taught biology and special education. No longer a public school teacher, Susan now writes about consuming passion, how attraction plays out, and characters that are either going to incinerate or meld like warm caramel.

Susan lives with her husband, two blue heelers, two cats, a gecko and a snake. An RYT 200 (Yoga Alliance) practicing in vinyasa flow when she's not writing her next hot romance.

Blog Tour: Million Dollar Mistake by Meg Lacey (Review)

ABOUT MILLION DOLLAR MISTAKE

In addition to overseeing the financial affairs of the wealthy Kristoff family, Nicholas Demetrious specializes in hauling its rambunctious members out of trouble. Especially his distant cousin, Raven Rutledge.

The tabloids love her bad-girl antics, sexy pout, and body made for sin. Nicholas would love to spank the bejesus out of her, but this time the situation is too serious to entertain such a fantasy. A lucrative business deal with the Exeters is in jeopardy, and Jackson Exeter Sr.'s ultimatum is clear: Remove this man-eater from my country house, or the deal is off.

Raven is in way over her head. She accepted the invitation to the Exeters' Adirondack house party as a refreshing change from her jet-setting lifestyle-until she learns the guest list includes his entire family. His ex-girlfriend. And the junior Exeter's intention to propose.

If ever she needed suave, sophisticated Nicholas's persuasive powers, it's now. Then he's there with a plan to get her out of this tangle: sweep her off her feet. But their pretend passion turns all too real. And what started out as a weekend of fun threatens to shatter into betrayal and heartbreak.

My Thoughts

This is the first book in the Million Dollar Men series and what a fun book!  The characters were likeable people you could root for.  I loved Jackson's grandmother...she was a wonderful addition to the book and added even more fun with her matchmaking ways.  Raven and Nicholas were so good together, even though I wanted to shake both of them a few times.  LOL   Even the secondary characters were special and the readers could truly care about them.  I totally enjoyed Meg Lacey's writing style, it was sassy, romantic and sexy.  I will definitely continue reading this series.

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For Reading Challenges:
2013 Romance Reading Challenge
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge
2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge

About the Author

Meg wrote her first novel in the sixth grade, her own version of a classic historical romance. However, her writing career didn't last. Over the years, she's been an actress, director, producer, creative director, copywriter, creative dramatics teacher, mime, mom, college instructor, and a school bus driver. She's formed, and worked as a Vice President and as CEO of, two creative marketing and media companies in the Midwest.  She's worked in all media, from network cable programming and corporate initiatives; to games and interactive websites. Through it all, she has always returned to writing.

She has written for Silhouette and Harlequin, and you can find her titles available in digital format at any online bookstore.

Her new paranormal romance series, Tales of the Sparrow, will be published by Imajinn Books, with the first book, The Sparrow and the Hawk, available September 30, 2012.

Her new contemporary romance: Million Dollar Mistake, is available October 23, 2012. It's the first book in the Million Dollar Men series.

Blog Tour: Dead Running/Dying to Run by Cami Checketts (Review, Guest Post and Giveaway!)

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Birch River Publishing

Release Date:
March 2012



After witnessing an attack on her father’s life, Cassidy Christensen is never the same. When both her parents are killed in cold blood, her life is completely turned upside down. She now lives with her grandmother. Her brother’s family doesn’t live far away. They are all very close, but Cassidy feels as if something is missing from her life. She wins an entry into the Utah Marathon and begins an intensive training program in preparation.

As Cassidy continues her training, she finds herself right in the middle of a human trafficking ring with many shady characters and a few weirdoes too. There’s hot Dr. Jesse who is covered in tattoos. The handsome Damon and the very jealous “Hot Redhead” who continually warns Cassidy to stay away from Damon. Let’s not forget Muscle Man who is trying to kill Cassidy.

It’s not long before Cassidy realizes her entire family is in danger. She has no intentions of losing her grandmother, brother, sister-in-law and her nephew the same way she lost her parents. However, danger seems to lurk at every corner. Distracting her are the hot men she meets - Jesse and Damon. She’s attracted to them both, but she’s not sure she can even trust them.

What a page turner this book is! I kept reading and finished it in two days – I never read that fast. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the storyline. There was a great mix of romance, mystery and humor. What a well-rounded book. It’s a clean, romantic suspense that keeps you guessing. I kind of had my suspicions about the real “culprits”, but Cami put it together in one nice package with a bow on it. Absolutely adored this book!

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Birch River Publishing

Release Date:
October 2012






Dying to Run picks up right where Dead Running left off. Once again we meet up with Cassidy Christensen and once again she’s in trouble. The human trafficking ring is still after her and intent on killing her and her family. This time she finds herself to be their prisoner.

She puts her faith in Dr. Jesse but she wonders if that’s a smart thing to do. Is there anyone she can truly trust?

All of our favorite characters from the first book are back in this one. I love revisiting with them and it’s only two weeks after Dead Running. There is never a dull moment in this book – it keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is a novella and only 78 pages, but what an action-packed 78 pages!

I’m hoping we’ll get another entry into this series and a longer one!

I give both of these books 5 kitties!



FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge
Where are you reading? Challenge (Utah)
2013 Romance Reading Challenge

AUTHOR GUEST BLOG POST

What is the writing life like?

Some people might think the writing life is boring - you’ve got your rear parked in a chair as you stare at a computer screen for hours on end. The truth is it’s extremely exciting. I live vicariously through interesting, funny characters. I get to travel to spots I couldn’t afford, and kiss good-looking men without getting in trouble with my honey.

A friend said to me this morning, “I’m so into your book, I feel like I’m living in an alternate reality right now.” I just smiled and explained that my challenge is bringing myself back to reality. I’ve always been a day dreamer so living in the clouds is nothing new for me. My husband likes to tease me, “When Peter Pan and the Tooth Fairy fly by, tell them hi.”

The other part of the writing life (marketing) I also really enjoy. I meet the most amazing people at writer’s conferences, book clubs, libraries, book signings, etc. I’m always impressed by how many great people there are in this world. I love getting out there and making new friends.

I love writing. Even on the hard days (when I get a critique back and have to revise yet again) it’s much more fun than any other job I’ve had.

GIVEAWAY!!!

There's still a chance to enter Cami Checketts' giveaway. You can either click the cover in my sidebar or click here.

Dangerous Relations by Marilyn Levinson

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Publisher:
Uncial Press

Release Date:
October 2012

Format:
E-Book




Ardin Wesley heads to her hometown when her cousin Suziette is murdered. Suziette leaves behind her husband, Brett, and her young daughter, Leonie. Ardin’s Aunt Julia is named as Leonie’s guardian, but when her health takes a turn for the worst, guardianship falls to Ardin. Ardin is more than happy as she intends to adopt Leonie and take her back to Manhattan where she lives and has a great job as a lawyer. Ardin wasn’t counting on Brett wanting to adopt her too. After all, he’s a step-father and not Leonie’s biological father, but he loves the little girl as if she’s his own. Ardin begins to wonder if uprooting Leonie is such a good idea, especially when she sees how much the girl loves Brett.

Ardin and Brett team up to find Suziette’s murderer and Leonie’s biological father. If they find her father, they have a better chance of adopting the girl. Brett thinks Ardin is helping his case, but it’s not long before he discovers Ardin is planning her own adoption case and plans to take Leonie away. He is furious and feels very betrayed.

Meanwhile, Aunt Julia’s home is hit by an arson and burnt to the ground. Ardin’s own life is being threatened as she continually discovers secrets about her cousin, which may have led to her death and is now putting Ardin’s life in danger.

This is a real page-turner. I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the mix of romance and mystery – it was the perfect combination. The characters were realistic and sympathetic (except for the bad guys, of course). The plot kept me thinking until the end. Each one of Marilyn’s stories are well-crafted and her story-telling talents get better and better. I’m looking forward to her next book.











FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.


For reading challenges:

2013 A to Z Reading Challenge
2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 EBook Reading Challenge
2013 Romance Reading Challenge
2013 Where Are You Reading? Challenge (New Jersey)

One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer

Genre:
Romance

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Release Date:
November 2011




Jessica Jeffries absolutely hates Christmas. She hates everything about it, which is why she volunteers to work on the holiday driving her tow truck and giving her partner the time to spend with his family. In the midst of a snowstorm, she’s called to pick up a father and his six year old daughter who are stranded when their car breaks down.

Tom Dunham is having a horrible year. He finds himself suddenly the sole parent of a child he hasn’t seen since infancy. Amy hates him and fears Santa will never find her now that her father is moving her to another town.

As Jessie drives Tom and Amy to the nearest gas station, she accidentally runs over an old man who bares a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. Amy is devastated thinking Santa is hurt and won’t be able to make his Christmas rounds.

Jessie is hardly objective when it comes to anything about Christmas, but how can she destroy Amy’s belief in the holiday by telling her Santa doesn’t exist? Tom only wants to make his daughter happy. They are both shocked when they discover their own growing attraction for each other.

This is a delightful holiday romance. A quick read filled with beloved characters. It’s the type of book that gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings. An overall “feel good” type of book. I chose the perfect way to start my 2013 reading – a book I read for my own enjoyment. I loved every minute of it! Any book that makes me feel this good, deserves five kitties!





Disclosure: I got this book free from Amazon for my own enjoyment. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
2013 E-Book Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
2013 Why Buy the Cow Reading Challenge
2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge? (Oregon)

Romance Reading Challenge 2013

I've been waiting for this challenge to be announced.  Naida at The Bookworm hosts this and I've been joining for the last few years.  It's fun and one of the few challenges I actually complete.  These days I read mostly mysteries, but romances are kind of like going back to my roots in reading :)  So many wonderful romance authors out there and I can't wait to start this challenge.

Here are the details...

1. The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.

2. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

3. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

All kinds of books count, ebooks and audiobooks too.

If you are looking for suggested reading see Best Romance Novels Today or Romance Novels on Wiki or check out Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

4. Read your book selections at your own pace in 2012 then post the link to your review(s). You don't need to have a blog, posting your reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing counts as well. If you do have a blog and are joining us, please consider linking back to this post either with text or with one of the buttons provided below to help spread the word.

I will list my books here, but I'm not sure yet what I will be reading...

1. One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (Click here to read my review.)

2. Dangerous Relations by Marilyn Levinson (Click here to read my review.)

3. Dead Running/Dying to Run by Cami Checketts (Click here to read my review.)

4. Million Dollar Mistake by Meg Lacey (Click here to read my review.)

5. Secret Desire by Susan D. Taylor (Click here to read my review.)

If you'd like to sign up, go the The Bookworm by clicking here.

2012 Romance Reading Challenge Wrap Up

I always love this challenge and I completed this one this week. Thanks to Naida at The Bookworm for hosting it again.


These are the books I read...


1. Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver Clarke (Click here for review.)
2. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis (Click here for review.)
3. Woodrose Mountain by RaeAnne Thayne (Click here for review.)
4. Because of You by Jessica Scott (Click here for review.)
5. Ice Cold by Cherry Adair (Click here for review.)

Blog Tour: Ice Cold by Cherry Adair (Review)

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Format:
E-Book (Also available in paperback)

Publisher:
Adair Digital

Release Date:
October 2012





T-Flac operatives Rafael Navarro and Honey Winston are called to action when a terrorist tries to blow up the world’s banking infrastructure. With Honey’s ability to detect cyber crimes and Rafael’s ability to defuse bombs, they are the perfect answer to stop the destruction of the world’s financial industry.

The closer Rafael and Honey work, the more attracted they are to each other. However, they must put their feelings aside as they race to save the world from true evil. They are stunned when all the evidence begins to build up against Honey. Rafael doesn’t know what to think, but he can’t believe this woman would anything so horrible. Honey knows she wouldn’t, but who is setting her up?

This book is part of Cherry Adair’s popular T-Flac series. I’ve always wanted to read this author’s books and I finally had the chance. I loved it. Even though it wasn’t the first of the series, I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything. It’s an action-filled adventure guaranteed to keep readers at the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Honey and Rafael is steamy, to say the least. Each page sizzles with their love scenes. Adair gives us a nice mix of romance and suspense to take readers on an exciting ride. I’m definitely going to look for her backlist.



FTC Disclosure: The Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair’s innovative action-adventure novels have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. With the creation of her kick butt counterterrorist group, T-FLAC, years before action adventure romances were popular, Cherry has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced novels. She loves to hear from readers.

Her latest book is the romantic suspense novel, Ice Cold.

Visit Cherry Adair’s website at www.cherryadair.com.

About the Book

T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast.


Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world’s financial infrastructure, she’s forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs.


Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose.

T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet—



Book Trailer YouTube Code:







Ice Cold Tour Page:

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/09/28/pump-up-your-book-presents-ice-cold-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

For reading challenges:

E-Book Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge

Because of You by Jessica Scott (Review, Interview and Giveaway!!!)

Genre:
Romance

Format:
E-Book

Publisher:
Random House Loveswept

Release Date:
November 2011




Sergeant Shane Garrison’s life revolves around the Army and keeping his men alive. After he is served with divorce papers, he’s even more determined to devote his life to the military. On the night before his deployment to Iraq, he meets Jen St. James. They share one passionate kiss. A kiss he can’t forget, but knows he must since he’ll never see Jen again.

Then, tragedy strikes on the war front and an injured Shane is sent back home. The nurse who attends to him is none other than Jen. Not one to accept help from anyone, Shane can’t help but push her away, but Jen is having none of that. She has her own personal demons to conquer and her own health issues, but she vows to help Shane with his recovery.

Shane is devastated when he learns the men of his platoon have major injuries as well. He’s convinced none of them will ever be the same again, but Jen is set to prove him wrong.

This is an emotionally charged book with very real situations that effect military personnel and their families. Jen’s illness is portrayed realistically. Each character in this book was expertly developed. I truly cared about each one. A very touching and heart wrenching story

Readers will find themselves wiping tears of sadness and happiness as they reach through this heartwarming romance. This is Jessica’s first romance book and she has a winner on her hands! I’m excited to say there is a sequel to this book and she has generously offered to give one away on my blog today…skip down to enter the giveaway!

5 out of 5 kitties!

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

Romance Reading Challenge
E-Book Reading Challenge
Men in Uniform Reading Challenge

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I’m thrilled to have the author of “Because of You” Jessica Scott visit our blog today. She has graciously agreed to let me interview her and I’m very excited about this.

Thank you, Jessica. Here we go…

1) My big question is being that you are an Army officer, a mom and an author – how do you find enough hours in the day to do everything?

That is the number one question I get asked:) I’m somewhat of an insomniac and I type fast. That’s really all there is to it. I’m a slave to my calendar and I’m pretty good at time management (though I am ALWAYS on the look out for better productivity tips)

2) “Because of You” and your upcoming release “Until There Was You” are both set in the Army. How much of it comes from your own personal experience and how much is research?

Most of it is derivative from my personal experiences over the years. I’ve deployed to Iraq, I’m currently a company commander, I’ve been both enlisted and officer as well as mom and wife. So I’ve got a pretty broad range of experiences to pull from. And if I am at a loss, I’ve got some good friends who are always willing to let me pick their brains.

3) What influenced you to write these books?

I wanted to write a military romance that dealt with soldiers but without the romantic suspense angle and without doing the former soldier angle. I wanted to write books where the army was still a character influencing my characters’ lives.

4) Do you write any other genres? Do you have any other books published?

Right now, I’m focusing on my romance work but I’m going to be releasing my first book based on my blog from my year in Iraq, hopefully in September.

5) You have two great covers for your books – how did they come about? Did you choose them? Did the publisher?

My publisher gets all the credit for those covers! Aren’t they delicious?

6) How did it feel when you learned your first book would be published?

Surreal. I’d been trying to get published for almost 4 years and the truth be told, no one knew how to package a military romance that was not a romantic suspense (That and I queried waaay to early. I still have a lot of work to do on my craft, the learning never stops)

7) Are you a reader? What are you favorite genres and authors?

My happy place is a bookstore. There is nothing better than an afternoon for me curled up with a good book. I read almost anything. Lots of nonfiction about the Iraq war, politics, religion and of course, I love romance.

8) Did you ever read the old Loveswept line of romances?

You know, I never really did but I’m definitely making up for lost time! I love what they’re doing with the new covers, don’t you?

9) What do you think of the recent trend of social media? Has it been easier for you to connect with readers? What kind of response have you received?

I love twitter. I’m fond of saying that tweeting from Iraq was the smartest professional move I ever made. I’ve learned so much and it’s made some of the most unique connections happen for me. I think social media is a great way for readers to connect with their favorite authors but authors should only do it if it’s something they enjoy, you know? I genuinely enjoy twitter so while yes, it’s a means for me to reach potential readers, it’s also a fun way for me to connect with the world and keep up with the news.

10) Can you give us any sneak peeks of your upcoming books?

I don’t have anything ready to share right now but if you stay tuned to my twitter feed and facebook pages, you’ll catch random snippets from my next book BACK TO YOU, due out at some point next year.

Thank you so much for visiting Socrates’ Book Review Blog and taking the time to be interviewed.

Thanks so much for having me! You’ve got a fantastic site!

Author Bio

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats, three dogs and two escape-artists hamsters, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She has commanded two companies, served in Germany, Korea, Fort Hood and Iraq, and been lucky not to get fired. She is a terrible cook and an even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

You can find her online at

Website: http://www.jessicascott.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jessicascottauthor

From the back cover of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU:

He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.

He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

 You can preorder UNTIL THERE WAS YOU at these ebookstores or wherever ebooks are sold!

 

B & N | Amazon | Powell's| iBookstore

To celebrate the long awaited release of her second book, she's having a super giveaway the UNTIL THERE WAS YOU PREORDER SWEEPSTAKES all throughout September until Oct 7th!  If you preorder UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, you get entered into a chance to win a Kindle Fire or a Nook Color.



She's also giving away a digital eARC of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU to someone today!

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

How would you like to win a copy of the upcoming book "UNTIL THERE WAS YOU"? Thanks to Jessica I can offer a digital eARC of "UNTIL THERE WAS YOU".

Here are the few simple rules:

1) Fill in the form below and include a valid email address.

2) For an extra entry, follow my blog.

3) For an extra entry: Follow me on twitter.

4) For an extra entry: Subscribe to my blog.

5) If you blog about the giveaway on your blog, you get 2 extra entries!

6) For two extra entries, tweet about this giveaway.

The giveaway will begin on Sunday, September 9th at 12:01 AM, est. and end on Sunday, September 16th at 12:01 AM, est. I will contact the winners by email. If I don't get a response within 3 days, another winner will be chosen.

All winners are picked by List Randomizer!

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway