Caramel Beach by Audrey O'Conner ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

In Audrey O’Connor’s steamy, stormy follow-up novella to Lessons in Pure Life, Diego and Lia reunite after weeks apart for dance-floor revelations, midnight confessions, and a run-in with the law. Fans of Karina Halle's Racing the Sun won't want to miss this exciting new release published by Tryst Books!

About Caramel Beach:

Title: Caramel Beach

Author: Audrey O’Connor

Publisher: Tryst Books

Series: Lessons in Pure Life #2

Release Date: February 27, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Series Romance

ASIN: B01MUAWZR0

In Audrey O’Connor’s steamy, stormy follow-up novella to Lessons in Pure Life, sun-soaked days melt into restless nights for Diego and Lia, kept apart for weeks by long hours and miles of coastline. When an A-list wedding reunites them in Caramel Beach, the tension is higher than ever.

Over the course of an electric twenty-four hours filled with sugar, sex, and magic, the couple faces their share of personal demons, angels, and unlikely prophets. While Diego confronts his problems with the help of a surf champ and a bottle of whiskey, Lia stumbles into a bathroom-stall seduction and possibilities she never knew existed. Amid the chaos, Lia and Diego try to reconnect. What comes after is a life-altering odyssey into uncharted territory.

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Excerpt:

We meander back to the hostel in the wet sand, the surf to our left. The moon is full and bright, bouncing off the gentle waves that roll into the bay.

My first few months in Costa Rica were rich with the exhilaration of my new environment. I landed in the lap of a whole new life, just like that. After working all month in Pacifica without him, being with Diego again sends those early memories bobbing up to the surface. He’s got this sharp energy beneath the layers and layers that make up a man. Intimidation is what he inspires, followed closely by strange physical sensations that spell your undoing. He triggers an energy in me that could tear the hood off a car. And I’m sure as hell not on flakka.

He slides his arm around my waist like he can hear me. We walk a few steps before he stops and turns to face me.

“I wouldn’t hate it if you’d let me hold you.”

The waves crash endlessly behind us, a soaking wet heartbeat. I’m still strung up in his words when he closes the empty space between us.

“You’re on fire,” he tells me, hands making a ring behind my back so we’re suspended in some kind of stained glass embrace.

“Hey, thanks.”

“You sure know how to put yourself together, gringa.”

Blush.

“I’m not the only one.”

He sighs and I wait patiently. Indecision slows his expression, crystalizing in his delay.

Whatever it is goes away.

“Did you enjoy your time, you know, without me distracting you?” he asks.

“It was busy, but we got a lot done at the new school. I can’t complain.”

“I wish you would.” He pulls me in closer.

That one gets me. His slow kiss disappears everything around me before I’m even sure it’s happening. Lips softer than I remember, the light scrape of his chin on mine. A rugged feeling so welcome it can stay for dessert.

“You’re trouble,” he breathes.

“The best kind of it,” I reply.

“There’s nothing I can do about it, is there?”

“I doubt it.”

Bowing his head, he lowers his eyelids.

“I forgot what this is like,” he laughs tiredly, rubbing his cheek with his hand. “You still take me by surprise.” He tilts his head, considering me tenderly but wincing, like it hurts to admit it.

Watch and see my defenses lower to unprecedented depths.

I press against him, not sure whether I’m teasing him or me. His palm is warm on the back of my leg.

“How’d you get your skin so soft, anyway?” he whispers, stroking my thigh gently until it evolves into a grasp, the tips of his fingers pushing into my flesh.

“Magic.”

“It’s working.”

I laugh, breathless. “So what do you wanna do?”

“Right now?”

I nod.

He pulls me in by the bottom with both hands. “Get to know you all over again.”

Copyright © 2017 by Audrey O’Connor

For a limited time you can purchase Lessons in Pure Life for $1.49! Don’t miss out on this spectacular deal!

About Lessons in Pure Life:

Title: Lessons in Pure Life

Author: Audrey O’Connor

Publisher: Tryst Books

Series: Lessons in Pure Life #1

Date Released: January 15, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Series Romance

ASIN: B01N5Q2HA1

Freshly minted grad Emilia Noble arrives in Costa Rica to teach English in the tropical community of Pacifica. Its carefree, pura vida lifestyle is a welcome contrast to her dark and wintry origins. Tossing caution aside like an old winter coat, she plunges headfirst into an exotic cocktail of sensory pleasure.

Diego is a local whose surfer body and cool detachment make Lia buzz with a long-lost thrill. Fascinated by her new environment, she can’t help but wonder about the moody inner workings of the boy with triceps like Wolverine and a grimace to match.

Diego seems to have no problem ignoring Lia, though. Caught up in his family’s conflicted attitude toward foreigners, he notices her only when it’s convenient. But as Lia thrives in her new surroundings, Diego might just find reason enough to defy his embattled, insular father. When north and south are mixed together, the results are intoxicating.

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Now on Sale for $1.49 for a LIMITED TIME!

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About Audrey O’Connor:

Audrey O’Connor is inspired by art, science, compassion, and rare moments of transcendence. She writes in Chelsea, Quebec, and enjoys river swims, woodsy gatherings, live music in Wakefield, and a deep, dark cabernet sauvignon.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

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Come Undone by Gabi Moore ~ Review

Title: Come Undone (Bad Boys After Dark #3)

Author: Gabi Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 252 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Source: Review Request
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

WARNING: This book contains dark and disturbing themes, strong language and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers!

Kat Lilith is confident, successful, and supremely organized.

Newly divorced, she’s soon proposed to by a man who ticks all the same boxes she does. He’s everything she knows she should want in a man… so why does she find herself yearning for the first time in her life for something a little …different?

Mark Cane is... different .

Not only does he not tick any of her boxes, he blusters into Kat’s life and tears up her whole list. When she discovers that he runs a successful business, constructing intricate BDSM furniture for his devoted clients, she can no longer contain her curiosity.

Soon, Kat learns that although it’s fun to have control, it’s way more fun to lose it.

Mark is a little wild, a little dangerous… and very good at unraveling her world. But maybe that’s just exactly what she needs…

First, I'd like to note that the warning on this one is a little off. Is there some kinky stuff, yes. Is it what I could call dark and disturbing - definitely not. There's some power play and a little 'daddy' going on, but not to the extent the warning portrays.

That being said, this was a pretty fun book. I liked how straight-laced Kat was.  She seemed to have her new life mapped out, and it was going to be perfect. But she found out that she was wrong - in a big way. The man of her dreams has no spark, no lust, no excitement.

But once she meets Mark, things are very different. I loved how Gabi Moore was able to contrast these two men - from the way they looked, they way they spoke, and what they wanted from Kat. I thought Kat's indecision was very real. Her ideas conflicting with her desires. What she thought was "right" conflicting with her curiosity.

This is a romance - so we can guess how it ends. But along the way, there are grown-up issues brought to light. Dating as a single mom - when to introduce your child to your new boyfriend? How do you handle meeting your girlfriend's kid? This was all written very well, with a good mixture of fear and hope.

I didn't care for the daddy game they played at times. It just wasn't my style. I also had some problems with the way Kat's daughter was written at times. Her age seemed to fluctuate - I couldn't figure out just how old she was supposed to be, and when an age was given, it didn't seem to match her level of development.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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Turn Tables by Stacey Rourke ~ Cover Reveal

Turn Tables
Stacey Rourke
Publication date: March 14th 2017
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

Between private jets, designer labels, and lavish resorts, Tandy Owens should be having the time of her life. Her celebrity author best friend is getting married and all of Hollywood’s elite have turned out for the event. Unfortunately, Tandy’s mood is far from celebratory.

For over a year her heart has been torn between two men: Matthew Cruz, the brilliant, well-educated entrepreneur who makes her feel like a queen, and Mateo, his womanizing musician alter ego, who is known for collecting platinum records, and the panties of his sexual conquests. 

Matthew assures her that Mateo’s antics are all a show. Even so, with her being the only one to witness his softer side, Tandy begins to wonder which persona is truly the act.
In the sizzling heat of Miami, Tandy reaches the breaking point with their secretive romance, and finds herself asking if a hidden love is truly worth fighting for?

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Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012 

Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013 

Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015 

Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. 

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Blindsided by Ava Ashley ~ Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Blindsided
Ava Ashley
Publication date: March 6th 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Sports

One night, two men and a parting gift…

I’ve always wanted to scoop the hot stories, not become one of them. But that’s exactly what happened after I spent a hot and steamy night with bad-boy football star Lennox Hardy. Just a one-night stand and move on, right? Wrong. Now I’m carrying his baby and my life just fell apart. But the worst thing?

Lennox had nothing to do with it.

Suddenly, I’m not dealing with just one man, there are TWO! One who doesn’t give a damn about anyone but himself and another who always fixes his brother’s mistakes.

One night, twin brothers and whole lot of secrets and drama. Things can’t get any more complicated than this, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought too… until I fell in love with one of them.

Damn… what's a girl to do now?

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EXCERPT:

Carefully, I slip out from under the covers and drop to my knees on the floor. Maybe I can find some sort of evidence before he wakes up. Something that will appease Giselle, but not something that could hurt Lennox in any kind of way. I slowly turn and start to crawl away from the bed. Lennox rustles behind me. I freeze. I dare a slow head turn in his general direction.

The rise and fall of his chest is steady. Even. Rhythmic. A peaceful, contented smile curls along the edges of his mouth. For a half a second, I take a little bit of pride that I may be at least partially responsible for putting it there. He has one arm crooked, hand tucked beneath a tousled mop of sheepdog blonde. Long, golden lashes brush his high cheekbones as he sleeps undisturbed.
I exhale a heavy, but quiet, sigh of relief and continue my subtle egress. I get halfway across the room when I freeze in my tracks.
What am I doing? This isn’t me! What are you going to do? Dig through his trash? Root through his mail?
On hands and knees in the middle of the floor, I start to give myself a well-deserved mental ass chewing.
“Well, now there’s a position I could get used to.” Lennox’s voice teases in a sleepy drawl behind me. My head droops in embarrassment.
Lennox yawned like lion as he stretched his toned arms over his head. “So, I’ve heard of the ‘walk of shame’, but I gotta admit. I’ve never seen a ‘crawl of shame.’ Where are you off to?”
Alright, Sloane. Suck it up.

Author Bio:
Amazon bestselling author Ava Ashley may look like the girl next door, but her steamy romances reveal a very naughty side. Raised in small town Ohio and now living in Homer, Alaska it’s amazing that she hasn’t increased the average temperature in her area of the state with her steamy writing. And she loves reading new adult romance novels as much as she enjoys writing them.
Ava likes spending time outdoors and does a lot of hiking and cycling with her husband and four children. When she can get away on her own, she’ll often take pen and paper along, find a secluded spot and let the environment inspire her. Of course, that inspiration frequently results in characters tearing each other’s clothes off, but you would expect nothing less from a romance writer.

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GIVEAWAY!

Ava has 3 SIGNED PRINT copies and 3 eCopies of Blindsided up for grabs right now.

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The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight ~ Book Spotlight and Giveaway

Courtship was never so scandalous

Out Feb 21st – Regency Romance, The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight, book two in the Craven House series.

Title: The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis

Series: Craven House (Book Two)

Author: Christina McKnight

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Release Date: February 21, 2017

COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS

The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.

Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.

But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Haven’t started the series yet?
The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One) is on sale for just 99cents!

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Author Bio:
Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Follow the tour and #enter to #win one of 5 paperback copies of The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One)

Feb 20^th
I Love Romance – Review
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Spotlight
Life, Books, & Loves – Spotlight
What Is That Book About – Spotlight
Caitlyn Lynch, Author – Review
Jen's Reading Obsession – Spotlight
It's All About the Romance – Spotlight
Sour Puss Reviews – Spotlight
Books, Dreams, Life - Spotlight

Feb 21^st
Lisa's Loves (Books of Course) – Spotlight
Bitten by Romance – Spotlight
Making It Happen – Spotlight
Rainne’s Ramblings - Spotlight

Feb 22^nd
Barbara's Book Blog – Spotlight
Home of A.L. Kessler – Spotlight
Yah Gotta Read This – Spotlight
Reese’s Reviews – Spotlight
OMG Reads - Spotlight

Feb 23^rd
WTF Are You Reading? – Review
The Avid Reader – Spotlight
Warrior Woman Winmill – Review
Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm – Spotlight
Celticlady's Reviews – Spotlight
Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Guest Post
Romance Reviews Today - Spotlight
Becky on Books - Spotlight

Feb 24^th
The Sassy Book Lover – Interview
Twinsie Talk - Review
Sportochick's Musings – Review
Kimmie Sue's Book Review – Review
The Romantic Fanatic – Spotlight
Rising Indies United - Spotlight

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Spies & Sinners by Annika Martin ~ Series Cover Reveal

Spies & Sinners #1-4
Annika Martin
Publication date: February 16th 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

COLE
She hates him. And now she has to play his girlfriend.
Deadly abs. Deadly aim. Deadly brilliant. Cole is one of the Association’s top agents, but he’s never come up against a psycho like Borgola…and he’s running out of time.
Then he catches Angel cracking the man’s uncrackable safe. He’ll blackmails her into helping him. He can’t worry about her safety. She’s just some criminal…right?
But the deeper they fall into Borgola’s web, the more innocent Angel seems…and the more real those fake kisses start to feel.
MAC
Where do you hide when your ex is the world’s most dangerous psycho?
Laney fled to Bangkok—new life, new identity, new everything. She keeps mostly to herself until the night she meets arrogant, gorgeous Professor Peter Maxwell and the sparks fly. He shatters her defenses—along with her pride when she discover he only seduced her to steal some secrets.
Just hours later, she finds him shirtless and sweaty, chained up in the hotel basement. He’s some sort of undercover agent. She should probably leave him there after what he did to her, maybe even kick him for good measure. But her pscyho ex is on his way back—she can feel it in her bones—and she could use a dangerous friend.
THORNE
He’s gorgeous. He’s a killer. And he can never discover he’s Benny’s father.
Nadia fell for the most feared hitter on her late father’s payroll, but she’s not sorry; without Thorne she wouldn’t have their beautiful boy. Now Thorne’s burst back into her life, arrogant and demanding, making himself right at home. She can’t let him figure out Benny is his…so she enlists a friend to play their son’s daddy.
Thorne knows exactly how Nadia sees him—as a brute and a killer just kinky enough to play her sexy games. And that’s how it has to stay. Leaving her two years ago was the hardest thing he ever did, but it was the only way to protect her. Now his undercover mission has thrown them back together…and it drives him crazy to see her with this other man, this new family.
HUGO
What do you do when dangerous criminals win your twin sister in a card game? Trade places, of course.
Zelda and her sister grew up with identical faces, but their paths went in opposite directions—Zelda became a secret agent while her sister got caught up in drugs. Zelda will do this one last thing to save her sister. She’s handled lethal men before…she can do it again.
But things don’t go as planned. Zelda ends up getting traded deeper and deeper into South America. Suddenly she finds herself at the beck and call of a domineering and mysterious new captor. Is he just another criminal? Or is could this be the legendary killer she spent so many years hunting back in her secret agent days?

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Author Bio:
Annika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who lives with her awesome husband and two cats in a home full of plants, sunshine and books. She’s heavy into writing love stories about criminals--some of them are dirty and fun, others are dark and intense. She also writes as the RITA-award winning author Carolyn Crane. Get on Annika's private email list here: http://eepurl.com/qzztT

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Once Upon a Valentine with His Moonstruck Wolf by Heather Long ~ Release Blitz

HIS MOONSTRUCK WOLF by Heather Long

When a matchmaker gets toasted at the after party, she finds the perfect wolf for her in the most unlikely of places. Of course, the last thing he wants is a mate, much less a matchmaking one.

Title: His Moonstruck Wolf (Once Upon a Valentine)

Author: Heather Long

Release Date: February 14, 2017

Series: Wolves of Willow Bend

Genres: Paranormal Romance

Format: Digital

ISBN: 9781540104427

Synopsis:

Hugo Ferrar is one busy Hound. Acting as a messenger for his alpha, he spends more time out of New Orleans than in it. Home in the Big Easy for only three days, Hugo has a strict schedule to adhere to—celebrate his brother’s mating, eat and drink his fill, and find a lovely wolf at the masquerade for a fling.

Lesley-Anne Saucier is drunk on life and one too many hurricanes. Her masquerade is just the kind of party Delta Crescent needs, especially since they are celebrating the mating of a popular couple—a match she helped to make. Avoiding her eager fans, Lesley-Anne is bowled over by a wolf in the garden—a stunning, male, perfect for her. The moon is full, the masquerade is in full swing, can the matchmaker find her own perfect mate?

His Moonstruck Wolf is available in the anthology Once Upon a Valentine on sale February 14th.

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About Once Upon a Valentine:

100% of earned royalties go directly to the American Society of Autism to help fund programs that support families with children on the spectrum. Help us educate and make a difference one dollar at a time.
BRAND NEW BOOKS from some of your favorite paranormal and contemporary romance authors! 

                                                               

Accidentally In Love (Bad Boys, Billionaires & Bachelors)(Somewhere, TX) - Emma Roman --A client who won't listen and a matchmaker who won't give up.

Love, Honor, and Ink (A Montgomery Ink Novella)- Carrie Ann Ryan  --A wedding planner and her neighbor. Falling in love with your best friend is never easy.

Secrets of a Silver Moon - Jodi Vaughn --Some Valentine secrets are too hot to handle.

Loving Hallie (Vegas Mates #6) - Krystal Shannan --One kiss will change her life.

Highland Valentine - C.A. Szarek

Wrong Valentine Date - Geri Foster --Cupid comes knocking on the wrong door.

Kiss of Her Dragon - Julia Mills --Dragon kisses, bear hugs and evil wizards…Valentine’s Day should come with hazard pay.

Cupid Stupid - Sylvia McDaniel --When three women dance naked around Cupid’s fountain, there will be consequences.

His Moonstruck Wolf - Heather Long --When a matchmaker gets toasted at the after party, she finds the perfect wolf for her in the most unlikely of places. Of course, the last thing he wants is a mate, much less a matchmaking one.

Death by Chocolate - Gwen Knight --Love is death...but so is being single on Valentine's Day.

Valentine Kisses (A Fada Shapeshifters Novella) - Rebecca Rivard --Jenny's just looking to spice up her life when she says yes to a date with a sexy Latino shifter. But there's magic in a Valentine's kiss...

Heart of A Hero - Camryn Rhys --A Valentine's Accident, an ancient spell, and Paul Banfield will never be the same.

Read an excerpt from HIS MOONSTRUCK WOLF:

“Running away already?” The husky masculine voice wrapped around her like a leash seeking purchase.

“Hardly.” She lifted her drink. “I came out to cool off and have a drink. You?”

“I came looking for you.” What a pity he delivered the hope-inspiring-line with such practiced ease. Even knowing he possessed all the right scent markers, declaring him her potential, the smoothness with which he declared he’d come in search of her suggested his goal was more a warm body for the night rather than a heart seeking shelter.

 “I see. It doesn’t seem as though you have to look very hard.” She didn’t bother to disguise the challenge in her voice. She didn’t want an operator, and while wolves might be highly charged and very sexual creatures, it didn’t mean she had to accept whatever life had to offer. Mate potential didn’t mean mate acceptance.

“How do you know I haven’t searched the whole of the bayou for you?” Playful flirtation seemed to shimmer within every syllable.

“Because there’s not a speck of dirt on your very shiny shoes.” He was lucky she didn’t snort in his face.

He chuckled then tugged off his filigreed mask. Oh, she could have wished he hadn’t done that. Hugo Ferrar. Really? She wanted to take her wolf out back and shake it. Hugo Ferrar was a Hound, second only to Jerome, and exceptionally well known in the pack—both for his reputation as a fighter as well as a lover,

Though she and he had not crossed paths previously—she wasn’t an idiot. If Jerome was Serafina’s right hand, then Hugo was her left. If she needed it done, Hugo would make it happen. It didn’t matter what the job was, Hugo took them all. For several months, he’d been babysitting the Three Rivers pack. Rumor had it, Serafina tasked him with a new assignment—one which kept him on the move.

Lesley-Anne only knew about the latest because his brother had let it slip. Christopher Ferrara wasn’t supposed to be in the know, but Hugo was his beloved elder brother and he worshiped the ground the Hound walked on.

“Maybe I searched the house and the Quarter.” Though even he winced on the last.

This time Lesley-Anne and didn’t bother to disguise her snort. One hand on her hip, she simply shook her head. “You stepped outside to cool off. When you saw a lady alone,  you thought to yourself, ‘She doesn’t appear attached. I’m home for a bit, so I think I’ll get laid.’” She didn’t hide the disdain in her voice.

“Your teeth are very sharp, pretty one.” Hugo closed the distance between them. Instead of being deterred by the sharpness of her tone, he seemed rather intrigued. “To what do I owe the honor of your ire?”

“To what ire are you referring?” She took another drink, this time draining what was left of her hurricane. She’d need the alcohol to steel herself for this conversation. Her wolf wagged its tail, as desperate as a puppy for attention.

Really? For Hugo? Don’t you think we can do better?

She didn’t want a mate who was always gone, or a mate whose lothario-like reputation with the ladies served as grist for the pack’s rumor mill. In fact, all she really wanted this evening was to celebrate the end of a very fruitful engagement, which led to the mating of Christopher and Rachel, as well as to celebrate the survival of Delta Crescent into a new year. Was that too much ask?

“I get the distinct impression you’re very unhappy to see me.” Hugo set his drink down on the stone balustrade. With the nimble grace of their species, he leapt to sit next to it. A man in a top coats and tails shouldn’t look so comfortable atop a stone railing, yet he could have been lounging in a King Louis XVI chair.

“Not that I like to accuse anyone of paranoia, but worrying about whether or not I approve of you…particularly at our first meeting? That’s a little paranoid.” What Lesley-Anne desperately needed was another hurricane. Or perhaps to return to the party. 

About Heather Long:

National bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.

Connect with Heather: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Cover Inspirations ~ Fangs and Fists: Bolt by Kate Hill

Title: Fangs and Fists: Bolt

Author: Kate Hill

Gere: Paranormal/Sci-Fi Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2017

Publisher: Changling Press

Blurb: In a futuristic world ruled by demons, werewolves are enslaved to fight in gladiatorial matches for the amusement of their evil masters.

Kiara remembers what life was like living free -- before she was taken by demons and bred to gladiators so that the new generations of wolves would retain their ferocity but forget their freedom. Mated to top gladiator Grit, she has a son with this surprisingly gentle lover who is also planning their escape. When Grit is killed in the arena, his close friend Bolt upholds his promise to protect Kiara and the cub.

Bolt and Kiara have loved each other from the moment they met, but they buried their feelings because she was mated to his best friend. When Grit dies, despite their guilt, Bolt and Kiara surrender to their desire for each other. Will their love be strong enough to help them win freedom from their evil masters?

Kate Hill's Inspiration

My story combines a lot of things that I wanted reflected on the cover. It takes place in a futuristic world that has both magic and modern technology. The werewolves in the story are different than other species because they have taken pride in living with few modern conveniences and basically staying away from magic. Now that demons have taken over, they're finding that their old fashioned lifestyle is harming them because demons have no problem with using both magic and tech to control the world. I wanted a cover that reflects the wolves' spirit and their loyalty to their past. I also wanted one that pictured someone who looks like the hero, because to me it's important for any people on a book cover to reasonably resemble characters in the story. In addition, I hoped for a cover inspired by gladiators/warriors because in the Fangs and Fists world, demons use werewolves for entertainment in gladiatorial sports. While I don't have final say on my covers, Changeling Press allows authors a lot of input. The cover image used for Fangs and Fists: Bolt, was one of my top choices.

**********

Kat Hill's cover really captured the gladiator feel. When I look at him, I see a determined warrior ready to take on the world. What do you think?

You can find more about Fangs and Fist: Bolt at:

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You can connect with Kate Hill online at:

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Beauty and the Wiener by Casey Griffin ~ Review

Title: Beauty and the Wiener (A Rescue Dog Romance #2)

Author: Casey Griffin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A TAIL AS OLD AS TIME…

Addison Turner has scripted a perfect future for herself, complete with a fairytale ending. She will become the name in doggie fashion design and live happily ever after with the husband of her dreams—and her dachshund, Princess, by her side. Just when her plan is on track and she’s gaining recognition at the local dog show, Addison is hit with some Oscar-worthy drama. A group of prize-winning show dogs are stolen from under her nose, and she’s stuck asking for help from Felix Vaughn, an infuriatingly hot bartender who is the exact opposite of Prince Charming.

When more dogs go missing—and Felix becomes a suspect—the two team up to clear their names. Although Felix and Addison fight like cats and dogs, there’s an undeniable spark between them. And as the trail to the missing dogs heats up, so does their red-hot chemistry. Can Addison be persuaded to throw away her script to find an ending that just might be better than she ever expected?

This series is so cute! I love the addition and fun that the dogs add, and being able to re-visit the all the characters in the next book really help bring them to life. Our attention has turned to Addison this time. She's on the fast track to making her high-class grooming salon the next big thing in the dog show world. But it wouldn't be much of a story if something didn't go wrong.

The show dogs are kidnapped right out from underneath everyone's noses and Addison is being blamed. Her business is suffering and the annoying know it all bartender, Felix, isn't willing to help her. But when he gets roped into the blame game, he doesn't have much of a choice. More dogs are gone and no one seems to trust anyone else.

Felix was awesome!!! I want him. He is one of the best romance heroes I've had a chance to 'meet' in a long time. He's sweet and he really has his priorities in order. He also saves the day in the most perfect way and throws a good bit of humor into the dialog.

It was Addison I had a bit of trouble with. She's quite a judgemental person and a bit of a gold digger. But she loves Princess, her dachshund, and the little dog helps to ground her in a strange way. Princess is a bit of a diva herself, so they are a perfect match.

Felix and Addison come together while they try to clear their names. They both have to grow a bit (Addison a bit more than Felix) and there's some great tear jerking moments near the end. I will definitely be picking up the next book as soon as I can!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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A Rescue Dog Romance

Must Love Wieners #1

Retribution by Shana Figeroa ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

RETRIBUTION by Shana Figueroa (February 7, 2017; Forever Yours eBook; $4.99; Valentine Shepherd Book 2)

V is for vengeance . . .

Private investigator Valentine Shepherd plays by one set of rules: hers. She's haunted by dark, cryptic visions of the future, not to mention an aching hole in her chest where her heart---and the love of her life, Max Carressa---used to be. But when Val's search for a missing woman leads to her own night of terror, the only thing on Val's mind is revenge.

In the months since Val walked away from their relationship, Max has tried to move on. Yet, when she asks for his help tracking down her attacker, he knows resistance is futile; he'll do anything for Val. Even sacrifice himself to save her.

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About the Author

Shana Figueroa is a published author who specializes in romance and humor, with occasional sojourns into horror, sci-fi, and literary fiction.

She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two young daughters, and two old pugs. She enjoys reading, writing (obviously), martial arts, video games, and SCIENCE---it's poetry in motion! By day, she serves her country in the US Air Force as an aerospace engineer. By night, she hunkers down in a corner and cranks out the crazy stories lurking in her head.

She took Toni Morrison's advice and started writing the books she wanted to read. Hopefully you'll want to read them, too!

Social Media Links

www.shanafigueroa.com

www.facebook.com/shanafigueroaauthor

www.twitter.com/shana_figueroa

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