Monday, November 28, 2016

COVER REVEAL: One More Christmas by A.M. Willard

Cover Design: MadHat Books
Release Date: December 7, 2016

~Synopsis~

One More Christmas - One Night Series Holiday Edition
In this companion to the One Night Series, we invite you to join Angela and Logan Black for a Tropical Christmas. This special holiday edition will get the heat turned up a few degrees, and we aren't just talking about the Island's sun. It might just get hot enough to melt the snow all the way back home in New York.

Leaving the frigid winter weather and their hectic lives behind, Logan and Angela head to the Islands to celebrate Christmas with their son Graham.

What do you give the man who has everything?
Something money can't buy...
Family. Love. Memories.

Special guest appearances from Tabitha and Carter, because what's a Christmas without your favorite glitter girl?
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~Pre-Order~

one-more-christmas-teaser2

International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard resides in Savannah, Georgia. She joined the Peach State many years ago after leaving the crystal blue waters and sugary white sand behind from the Panhandle of Florida. She's also known for being a wife, mother, and caretaker for her farm animals. A.M. loves anything sassy, glittery, and is a sucker for the Hallmark Channel. That last one might be the reason she believes in soulmates or it could be because she married her high school sweetheart almost twenty years ago.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

EDITORIAL: Book Reviews Matter


Frequently in the book community I see authors reminding readers the importance of leaving reviews as well as readers lamenting how to write one.  So in the interest of both parties I’ve decided to create this post to:

A) Help readers become better reviewers.
B) Help authors get more reviews. 

Hopefully, it’s a win-win situation.

πŸ’•Note: I’ve tailored this post to be applicable to romance publications.πŸ’•  So if writing a review for a different genre, obviously some aspects won't not apply.

 First, let’s address one very important issue when it comes to book reviewing.  Honesty.  If a review, whether a glowing 5 star or a scathing 1 star, isn’t honest and unbiased, then it has no place in the book community. Not only that, but it compromises the whole purpose of the review system. And I'm going to take that sentiment a step further. Withholding reviews that do not meet a certain star level also negates the integrity of the review system. I know some readers feel bad about leaving a negative review or adopt the "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" philosophy, but before you go that route strongly consider how it can be misleading to both other readers and the author who wrote the book. 5 stars lose their luster when handed out too easily. There's nothing wrong with a low star review when written in an honest, constructive criticism manner. Not everyone likes the same things. Just choose your wording carefully. And don't fall prey to these myths:
http://book-bosomed.blogspot.com/2017/05/editorial-mythbusting-book-review-system.html
 This brings me to a second point. It's also important to remember that book reviews are designed to serve two purposes.

1. To help other readers choose books.
2. To provide valuable feedback to the author.

A truly helpful review will and should do both.  After all, simply and only stating “It was AMAZING!” or on the flip side, “This books sucks!” really tells no one anything about why the book was good or bad.  Was it the writing? The characterization? The plot? A helpful review won't leave either other readers or the author scratching their heads trying to figure out the reason for the rating or simply discrediting the review altogether. 

So where to start when writing a review…

& If you have the time, it’s best form to start with a brief explanation of the premise of the book. Not only can this be helpful if the book description or blurb is a bit vague but it can also help illustrate that you possess a basic understanding of the book’s purpose.  To be clear though, this is NOT retelling the whole plot. And if 90% of your review is a summation of the book description, then you aren’t writing a book review but writing a book report.  

& Once you’ve  helped establish what your interpretation of the underlying foundation of the story is in a few simple sentences, it’s time to move on to what you perceive to be the book’s strengths and weaknesses.  If it’s a 5 star, it’s probably all strengths. If it’s a 1 star, it’s probably all weaknesses. And all the stars in the middle are a variation of both.   

Things to consider and include when reviewing romance titles: (You don’t have to include them all in every review, but these are valid points to take into account.)
C or D
  • Are the main characters sufficiently developed?  Did they meet your expectations as the hero and the heroine of the story?
  • Is the romance sufficiently developed? Did the author aptly convey a sense of chemistry between the characters? Did you understand and/or relate with the reasons why they fell in love?
  • Is the story well written?  Overall, is it grammatically correct?
  • Did the plot flow well? Did it make sense? Were there any continuity errors or factual mistakes in the storytelling?  Did you ever feel the need to skim? Was the story so engrossing you couldn't put it down?
  • Are there significant themes to the story and if so, did the author handle them well?

Other helpful aspects to consider including in your review that may be critical to other readers in deciding if this story is for them:

Romantic Angle:  Is this a second change romance? Opposites attract? Friends-to-lovers?  Does the romance develop quickly (insta love or insta lust) or is it a slow burn? πŸ’‘

Romantic Content:  (I'm  being PC with this heading. Let's face it, if you're reading a contemporary romance then you probably should comment on the steam factor.)  As far as the sex scenes go, is it dirty and erotic? Or is it a clean romance?  Maybe it's somewhere in between, but do your best to rate the smut level. πŸ’

Tone/Mood:  Is this story dark? Is it angsty? Is it light-hearted? Does it have humor? Is it suspenseful?  This might also be where the phrases "I laughed my ass off" or "I had a big ugly cry" could be used. πŸ˜‰

Narration: Is the story written in the first person, and if so is it the heroine’s POV? The hero’s?  Dual POV?  Or is it told from a third person narrator?

Length: Was it too short? Too long?  Is it a novella or a full length novel?

Publication Information: Is this story part of a series? Can it be read as a stand-alone? Or is it part of a serial that must be read in order?

Genre/Subgenre:  Is this a billionaire romance? Step-sibling? Sports? College?  Rockstar? Mafia? Or perhaps most importantly, is the category listed on the retailers website or Goodreads an accurate description of the story?   For example, if there was a lot of drama and little romance, then perhaps the book would be more acutely labeled General Fiction or Fiction-Drama than romance. Helping identify the type of story that’s portrayed can go a long way in steering other readers in the right direction.  Audience is key!

Recommendation:  As you bring your review to a close, you may choose to comment on your recommendations for the book at hand. Is it for everyone who enjoys romance or readers that prefer a specific brand? Are there triggers that could be a turn-off or offensive to other readers? It doesn’t have to bother you yourself in order for you to mention it out of courtesy for others who might. If you truly feel it's could be construed as a spoiler, simply tag it appropriately

 Don't get overwhelmed. Just consider the above mentioned literary aspects and comment on the ones that speak to you most in your review.  The more reviews you write, the easier it will become.

 Always keep in mind that a review is subjective, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. For readers, that means that not everyone is going to agree on the same book. So be respectful of other but don’t be afraid to leave your own review if it differs from your reading friends. For authors, that means the opportunity to use reader feedback to be a better writer—by both focusing on your strengths and improving your weaknesses.  And no matter which category you fall in, reader or writer, it’s always important for everyone to keep things courteous and professional.

As far as major no-no's in the book community go…

N:Readers—Don’t attack other posted reviews. And be careful to not take things out of context. Book discussion is all part of reading, but keep it friendly and polite so it stays fun. If you have been the victim of bullying, don't let it stop you from writing reviews. Use the proper channels to report the offender to the administrators of the site you are using. 


N:Authors—Publicly complaining about negative reviews is very unprofessional, and while it might garner you some drama, it will just as likely turn off not only new readers but existing fans.  Social media is not the place for venting. If you feel a review was truly unfair or has no merit, confide in a trusted personal friend or spouse to let off some steam. 

—Also, requesting that readers and reviewers withhold reviews under a certain star rating is not only unethical, it also constitutes a form of censorship and infringes on free speech. So don't even entertain the idea, yet alone make it a condition of reviewing. 

*Policy note from the blog: This blog does not support authors who behave badly. Review and promotion will not be provided to any author caught publicly posting in an inappropriate manner or requesting readers withhold less than stellar reviews. 


O One last thing I’d like to address because I occasionally see some confusion on this. There is a difference (albeit in some instances slight) between writing a review and providing an endorsement in the publishing world.  Reviews should represent unbiased opinions provided without compensation or rating/reviewing conditions and can be written by anyone from a general reader to someone in the book or publishing field. As discussed above, a review may contain praise; it may contain criticism; and will quite possibly be a mix of both.  An endorsement, on the other hand, is all praise or support for a publication generally written by either an expert in the field, a celebrity, or someone with an affiliation to the author.  It is a marketing tool used to provide accreditation to the publication. Compensation (in various forms) may likely be involved.  Endorsements are subject to FTC regulations.  See HERE and HERE.   Of most relevance to those reading this post, it’s important to keep in mind that if you’ve been offered any kind of compensation (not simply limited to monetary) or if you are somehow affiliated with the author then transparency regarding such relationships and transactions is necessary.


I hope this post has been helpful!  Happy writing, reading, and reviewing everyone!!!


8 Additional Recommended Reading:

Want a simpler overview of a book review?  Check out How to write English's section on what to include in a book review: HERE

Want a more in depth look at writing a book review with examples? The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill has a excellent section on their website: HERE

Want a few good reasons why simply leaving a star rating doesn't suffice? Check out "Make Your Words Count:" HERE

Monday, November 21, 2016

EXCERPT REVEAL: After We Fall by Melanie Harlow

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Publication Date: November 28th, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

Jack Valentini isn’t my type.

Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.

Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.

But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me for ten days, and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.

His huge, hard muscles.

Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.

And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife three years ago left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.

But he’s wrong.

I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.

“Second chances are not given to make things right, but are given to prove that we could be even better after we fall.” —Unknown

GOODREADSMHAfterWeFallBookCover5x8_BW_300.jpg

~Excerpt~
“Wow,” she said, shutting the screen door behind her. “That was close. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” I crossed my arms, wishing I’d thought to grab a shirt. “Want to tell me what you were doing out there?”
Her cheeks colored. “Um, I was taking a run.”
“Up a tree?”
She laughed nervously. “No. Well, I didn’t start out in a tree. That happened later.”
I cocked my head, unable to resist giving her a hard time. Not so sure of yourself now, are you, Barbie? “Oh yeah?”
“Yes. See, I left the cottage I’m renting without using the bathroom by mistake,” she began, twisting her fingers together, “and I was planning on running a loop around the farm, but it’s bigger than I thought.”
“Ah. So you were looking for a bathroom in the woods?”
“Well, yes.” She swallowed. “Sort of. But then I heard a splash and saw you…” Her cheeks were practically purple now.
I played dumb. “Saw me what?”
“Saw you naked, OK?” she blurted, throwing her hands up. “I admit it—I saw you naked.”
I had no hangups about nudity, but I was damn serious about my privacy, and about people sneaking up on me. But her embarrassment was funny. The two times I’d seen her before, she’d been so polished and poised. It felt good to put her in her place a little. “So you climbed a tree for a better view, is that it?”
Bowing her head, she dragged the toe of one shoe across the wood planks of the porch floor. “Something like that.” Then she looked up at me. Took a breath. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I was—I mean, I got—I couldn’t—” She sighed, briefly closing her eyes. “I have no excuse. Will you accept my apology?”
She was prettier without makeup, I decided. And the way she wore her hair off her face emphasized the wideness of her eyes, the angle of her cheekbones, the arch of her brows. Her lips didn’t need all that glossy crap, either. They were a perfect rosy pink, and I wondered if they’d feel as soft as they looked.
Fuck. I hadn’t kissed anyone in three years.
Clearing my throat, I took a step back. “Yeah. It’s fine.” Now get out of here.
She didn’t move. “So you’re not going to fire me?”
“I never hired you.”
“I know. But I really want this job. I think I can help, Jack. I know I can.”
“Suit yourself. I want nothing to do with it.” My name on her lips was trouble. Needing some distance from her, I started walking toward the dock to get my shoes and socks, but she followed me. God, she was a pest. It reminded me of the way Steph used to tag along after the boys when we were kids, wanting to get in our games.
“Are you going to be like this the entire time I’m here?” she asked.
“Like what?”
“Moody and uncooperative?”
“Probably.”
“Why? Do you hate me that much?”
“I don’t hate anybody. I just don’t see why we should pay some city girl who’s never set foot on a farm to advise us.” We reached the dock, and I leaned down to get my stuff.
“I’m not even asking to be paid, so piss off!” she shouted, her voice carrying on the water.
I straightened. “Oh, you’re working for free?”
“Yes!”
“Then you’re an idiot. Or so rich you don’t need the money.”
“I’m not an idiot,” she said through clenched teeth.
“So you’re rich, then.” I don’t know why I was being such an asshole. But for some reason, I did not want to let her see another side of me, or see another side to her. “I should have guessed.”
She crossed her arms. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you look like you’ve led a charmed life. Like you’ve had everything you’ve ever wanted handed to you. Like you’ve never gotten your hands dirty.”
“So get them dirty.”
I almost fell off the dock. “What?”
“Get them dirty. Teach me about working this farm. I want to learn.”
Was she serious? The last thing I needed was to drag her ass around all day, explaining things. Or stare at her ass all day, imagining things. But one look at her defiant face and I shook my head. “Why do I feel like if I say no, you’ll just keep bothering me?”
She smiled and clasped her hands behind her back, rocking forward on her toes. “Because I will. I don’t like being told no.”
“Of course you don’t.” Jesus, she was trouble. A bad apple—smooth and shiny on the outside, spoiled rotten on the inside. But for no good reason, I found myself giving in. “Fine. Go change your clothes.”

~Pre-Order~

iBooks   Nook 

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Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

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COVER REVEAL: On Thin Ice by Carrie Aarons

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: December 7, 2016

~Blurb~

Nathan Rush is a small town man who has never dreamed of a bigger life.

Until, that is, the only surviving heiress of America's richest family lands on his doorstep. Nathan is the groundskeeper at Hollis House, the Valon family's upstate New York mansion just outside of Harlin Falls, the quiet, sleepy town he was raised in. He's an honest, hard-working man who wants nothing more than a beer and a hockey game on TV at the end of the night. Except, when the ice princess starts to melt, Nathan pictures his future in a way he never has before.

Camille Valon's life has taken place in the spotlight.

Until, that is, her parents are murdered in a mysterious Christmas Day fire. Now all she wants is to flee the prying news cameras and slow-moving investigation. She's an upper crust ice princess who is good at keeping everyone at arm's length. Grief-stricken and still fearing for her life, Camille arrives at her family's safe haven estate with secrets and a chip on her shoulder. What she didn't count on was the kind, ridiculously attractive man who caters to her every need.

As the months go by, and an impending threat grows closer to discovering Camille's location, the line between employer and employee becomes dangerously blurred. Nathan and Camille could be each other's saving graces, if only they'd put aside their visions of a perfect life and take the chance fate has put right in front of them.

Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations


Author of romance novels such as Red Card and the Captive Heart Duet, Carrie Aarons writes sexy, swoony and sarcastic characters who won't get out of her head until she puts them down on a page.

Carrie has wanted to be an author since the first time she opened a book. She loves spinning tales that include dapper men, women with attitude, and the occasional hunky athlete.

When she isn't in what her husband calls a "writing coma", Carrie is freeing up her jam-packed DVR, starting her latest DIY project, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, who is more than happy to watch sports while his wife plots love stories.

Friday, November 18, 2016

COVER REVEAL: Dancer by Jamie Schlosser

Cover Design: Star Bound Books
Series: The Good Guys; Book 2
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 8th, 2016


~SYNOPSIS~

BRIELLE

Technically, I’m not a stripper. As a cage dancer, I don’t take all my clothes off and no one gets to touch me. I’m just the eye-candy.

And I can feel their eyes on me. I know they’re watching, but I don’t do this for them.

This is my time.

My life may not have turned out the way I thought it would, but I’m not complaining. From 9pm to 1am several days a week I get paid to feel sexy, to feel desired, to do what I love.

I always knew I wanted to be a dancer—I just didn’t realize I’d be doing it in a cage.

COLTON
Erectile dysfunction—two words that can cause a collective cringe from men everywhere. The doctors can call it ‘performance anxiety’ all they want, but that’s just a fancy way of saying my dick doesn’t work.

Just when I start to think there’s no hope for me, I see her. She’s gorgeous, sexy, and goofy as f*ck. She also looks really familiar but I can’t put my finger on it.

When I find out who she really is, my world is turned upside-down and everything seems to fall into place.

She’s not gonna make it easy for me, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. She’s convinced I won’t stick around.

I’ll prove her wrong.
I’ll show her I’m one of the good guys.

*Although Dancer is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

~PRE-ORDER~

~OTHER BOOKS IN THE GOOD GUYS SERIES~
TRUCKER, BOOK #1 
AMAZON

A Trucker Christmas: A Romantic Short Story by [Schlosser, Jamie]
A TRUCKER CHRISTMAS: A Romantic Short Story
AMAZON

Jamie Schlosser grew up on a farm in Illinois surrounded by cornfields. Although she no longer lives in the country, her dream is to return to rural living someday. As a stay-at-home mom, she spends most of her days running back and forth between her two wonderful kids and her laptop. She loves her family, iced coffee, and happily-everafters. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

COVER REVEAL: Duplicity by Lisa J Hobman

Estimated Release: December 2016

~Synopsis~
Fin Hunter has spent his life striving for his father's elusive love and approval by following a life path set out for him and not of his own choosing. However, when he is yet again blamed for something out of his control, he snaps. Deciding to stand on his own two feet, he chooses to follow his true passion - music. But will he find real happiness?

Star Mendoza is living her dream in Edinburgh, a place she discovered in British novels while growing up in a small USA town. Now working in a city coffee shop, the tattooed, pink-haired young woman fantasises about the handsome businessman she serves on a daily basis. He's totally out of her league but a girl can dream. Suddenly he stops calling in only to show up again in the most unlikely of places. Could her fantasy now become a reality? Or is the attraction of opposites doomed to fail?

Cover Designed by: JC Clarke of the Graphics Shed



I'm a happily married mum with two crazy dogs and a thing for men with tattoos! In May 2012 I relocated from Yorkshire to my favourite place in the world, Scotland. The time since then has been a rollercoaster! I love writing, singing and I'm very passionate about music. My tastes are quite eclectic. My debut novel Bridge Over the Atlantic was shortlisted in the 2014 RoNA awards and I have written many more since!

Monday, November 7, 2016

BLOG TOUR: Will by Kerry Heavens

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Series: Not Your Average British Romance, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary romance

~Synopsis~
Will Middleton has no clue how much I want him.
He looks at me like I’m an angel,
And all I can think about is how he would look tied to my bed.

He’s the perfect gentleman.
Amazing considering he’s related to The Spencer Ryan.
He is everything Spencer is not. Sensitive, considerate, and unassumingly handsome.
I’d like to show him that’s a good thing.
But he broke my heart once,
and I don't know if I can let him do it again.

Mags Goldsmith is a beautiful, confident heiress and she seems to want me.
Although she really shouldn't. I'm not what she needs.
She’s a goddess. And when I say goddess,
I mean erotica writing siren, who knows more than one use for a riding crop

Everything I thought I knew about her has been rewritten,
And now she’s got me tied up in knots.
She's everything I've ever wanted and more,
I just have to prove I’m worthy.

This is not your average British romance.
It's a tale of second chances, strap-ons, and of course sex oranges,
All bound up and tied to a bedroom door.

GOODREADS

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~Book Review~
4 Stars

If you’ve read Spencer (and if you haven’t I recommend it for lots of sexy fun) then you’ve met Spencer’s cousin, Will Middleton, and Jazz’s friend, Mags Goldsmith. While this story can be read as a standalone, there are places that will make far more sense and you’ll have a fuller picture of the characters if you’ve read Spencer first.

Told via their dual alternating first person POV, Will is your average guy, running his own business, and struggling with the feelings and attraction he has for his ex, Mags once they become friends again. With a lot of insecurities and a beta personality, Will doesn’t think he’s good enough for Mags, who’s been raised in an upper-class, high society lifestyle. But when Will discovers the type of erotic books that Mags has been authoring, and Mags discovers that there’s more to Will than she dreamed possible, a second chance might just be on the horizon.

“I feel all the power I ever fantasized about having, right at my fingertips.”
So Will and Mags embark on a little sexual exploration. I’ll admit their brand of kink is not my thing, but it does seem to work for Will and Mags, and I liked how they were flexible with their roles.
“The dominant deep inside me pinches me to let me know that this kind of thing wouldn’t wash in a real D/s relationship, but I shut her up. What does she know?...She has never had to handle this shit in real life.”
Will is swimming in his own insecurities and while he might not be a guy I’d fantasize about in real life, it was immensely refreshing to read a scenario where the roles were reversed and it was the man who was the weak one and the woman who held the confidence, helping him find his way. I also give the story major points for focusing on the inner struggles that the characters needed to overcome and avoiding the typical OW/OM romance angst. I always enjoy when a romance plays out as a journey rather than a melodrama fest; I think there’s so much more to take away from the story. The messages of being honest and forthcoming with your feelings and fears as well as building your confidence are important in any relationship, and it was featured here in a positive way.
“There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. It’s called humility.”
There are also some fun twists in this story. Though not as laugh out loud as Spencer, Will does boast it’s share of humorous encounters. 
“‘A selfie? You want me to take a picture of my dick?’–Will
‘Yep.’ –Mags
‘I think you’re confusing me with Spencer.’”–Will
Speaking of Spencer, he and Jazz are also an integral part of the story, infusing both drama and laughs, and I adored reading about them once again. While I’m not sure it’s what she intended, the author definitely whetted my appetite for a bonus story on them. Hint, Hint, Kerry Heavens. I’m dying here for a little baking adventure novella for those two. I think you know what oven I’m talking about! ;-)


~Excerpt~
She stares at me. I feel like I've bared all and she's still giving me no clue. I'm just about to pull my arm out of her grasp and walk away, when she leans in and presses her lips to mine.

All my resolve, all my hesitation goes out the window and I have her under me in a split second, pushing my tongue between her parted lips. It’s so unlike me, but I’m only human, I can only take so much longing before I break. Taking what I have needed for so long, I try to put my doubts out of my head. I know I’m not who she needs me to be and I can’t ever be, but right now I don’t care. 

I’ve been alone without her. I can’t do it anymore. I need her. 

“Thank God,” she gasps when I let her breathe. “I thought you didn’t want me.” 

“Feel how much I want you now?” I grin, pushing the hard fact of my arousal against her. 

“Uh huh.” She giggles, pulling my face back to hers. 

I let myself relax into her, loving the feel of her body pressing against mine and kiss her, taking my time. I’ve wanted to do this for so long. Her hands find their way under my t-shirt and her nails lightly draw across my back sending a shiver down my spine. 

I pull back from her lips, smiling as she opens her eyes. The light from the TV doesn’t do justice to the searing flecks of gold in her green eyes, but I have that indelibly marked in my memory, I don’t need to see it right now. There are however, things I do want to see. This might be a one shot deal and I’m not walking away from this wishing. Lifting off her enough to find the bottom of the t-shirt she’s wearing, I help her off with it, burying my face in her neck. She smells just like I remember and I want to eat her. 

Holy shit! I didn’t mean eat her, eat her…but fuck, I could, if she’ll let me. 

Hers was the first clit I ever licked and I think even back then I was pretty good at it. It’s worship in it’s purest form and I doubt any man has ever worshiped her like I did…do…and now I could remind her. I try to take my time making my way down, I want to bury my face between her legs like, yesterday. I'm aware that I'm rushing, a couple of kisses here and there as I ease down her body, but I can't slow down. 

Reaching her underwear, I'm already intoxicated by her heady scent. I grasp her knickers in both hands and peel them down, stopping dead in my tracks when I see that she is completely bare and as if this isn’t almost more than I can take right now, she has the word ‘Focus’ tattooed, just…there above her…you know. Like she knows she will have an intoxicating effect on whoever is lucky enough to read the word. I’ll be honest, it’s the one thing I can’t do right now. I think I might have swallowed my tongue. 

I can’t describe what this does to me. I’m sure it has some deep meaning, but fuck…what was I doing? Oh yeah, I was about to worship her like she has never been worshiped before. Show her that anyone else who has tried was simply pretending, because this is from the heart. Except now, I have performance anxiety. I mean, look at her. Stunning, and so boldly confident in her sensuality, that she has an instruction tattooed right by her perfectly waxed and ready…Je-sus! I can’t even think the word.


~Check out Spencer, Book 1 in the Series~
Amazon US   Amazon UK   iBooks   Nook   Kobo 

Sparkle, kink and all things ink. That's what Kerry Heavens is made of.
Writing smutty, sometimes funny romance, with a touch of kink.
Real characters and best friends you wish you had.
A little ink thrown in here and there.
HEAs guaranteed.

Friday, November 4, 2016

COVER REVEAL: Unraveled by A.S. Teague

Series: Undisputed #2 (Standalone)
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: November 17, 2016

~Blurb~
I had it all––until I didn’t. 

When my job, my livelihood, and my passion are suddenly snatched away from me, I’m left scrambling to keep my head above water. Desperate, I’m forced to walk into the last place I ever thought I’d go. Little did I know that I’d come face-to-face with the woman who would help me pick up the pieces of my unraveled life.

Rebecca Toler’s living the dream––or so I thought.

Beautiful, funny, and tough as nails, she answers to no one. In other words, she was born to be mine.
One problem—she hates me.

It’s time to take my life back, and I’m starting with her.
But, as I’ve learned over the years, sometimes the toughest fight of your life is outside the cage. 

*Each book in the Undisputed series can be read as a complete standalone novel

Cover Design: Covers by Ashbee Designs

~Excerpt~

For the next three hours I’m swamped answering calls—thankfully no more real estate agents—and helping anyone that comes in while trying to finalize the boys’ events for the next month. When that damn bell chimes for the hundredth time today, I plaster a forced smile on my face and glance up. When my eyes finally focus on the man walking through the door, the smile vanishes and my jaw falls open.

What the actual fuck?

His head is high as he looks around, studying the room. After giving the gym a quick onceover, his gaze finally lands on where I’m seated behind the desk. Our eyes meet and my heart hammers, the pounding so loud I fear he can hear it from across the room. I tear my gaze away from his and scan his body, surprised at the physical reaction I’m having to him.

With a slight shake of my head, I slap my palms on the paper-covered wood, and shove out of my chair, causing it to shoot out at least ten feet behind me. “You have some nerve walking in here.”

He stops in his tracks and blinks at me before an easy smile crosses his face. “Rebecca Toler. Shoulda known I’d see you here.” He drawls as he continues walking toward me.

My pulse is pounding in my ears and my stomach is practicing its floor routine for the Olympics as I stare at the man in front of me. Taking a minute to appreciate his strong jaw line that’s covered in scruff, I notice that his hair is in desperate need of a trim as it falls across one eye.

Fuck, he’s sexy.

He always had been. Regardless how much it pains me to admit it. Though his looks weren’t why I wanted to full body hurl him from the building. Memories of our last interaction flood my mind, along with the hurt and anger I’d felt.

“How ya been, Reb?” he asks with a familiarity he doesn’t have.

His use of my nickname, a familiarity he doesn’t have––or deserve––causes me to snap childishly, “Who said you could call me that?”

He grins, but doesn’t reply.

Fuck, that grin is hot.

“What are you doing in Atlanta, Ryker?” I ask, attitude still thick in my voice.

He takes his time looking me over and my body betrays me by flushing at the attention. His eyes are appreciative of what they see, but strangely enough, it doesn’t feel like he’s ogling me.

He steps forward and shoves his hands in the pockets of his washed out jeans that hang low on his hips. “Well, I was in town and thought I’d stop in and say hello to my buddy Breccan. Seeing you is an unexpected bonus.” His lips tip up in a smile and my stomach flips again.

“Your buddy?” I hiss through clenched teeth while attempting not to let my gaze linger on his pants any longer. The thought of Ryker and Breccan ever being buddies would have been funny, if I wasn’t too shocked to laugh.

His gaze finally makes it back to mine and he nods once.

For a few moments we simply stare at each other, him smiling while I scowl.

~Also Available~
99c for a limited time!!!
AMAZON US / UK
Free in Kindle Unlimited


A.S. Teague enjoys the warmth of South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. The stereotypes about peach cobbler and sweet tea are not overstated. After years in the medical field, she is now enjoying every minute of being a stay-at-home mom. She loves wine, the beach, wine on the beach, and crying at Disney movies. When she doesn’t have a book in her hand, she can be found pestering her husband with pictures of animals she wants to rescue, as well as debating whether to exercise or take a nap.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

BLOG TOUR: Arrogant by Jenika Snow


~Synopsis~

Even a bad boy can wear a suit and tie…

Noah
All it took was one look at Harley to know I wanted her.

It wasn’t about the deliberate sexual dry spell I was going through either … the one I voluntarily participated in. No, there was something about her innocence and her vulnerability that had possessiveness running through my veins.

I wanted her as mine, and I’d have her. I’d show her that although I could be cruel to those who went up against me, when it came to her, I’d make the world bow down at her feet.

Harley
The intern position I had been offered was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it also came with working for a man who had the most notorious reputation in the city.

Noah Wright was anything but Mr. Right, especially not with his arrogant, unforgiving, and tyrannical attitude. He was wealthy and gorgeous, but he struck fear into people with just a look. They knew who held the power when he was in the room. So did I.

And I was now working for him and getting an up close and personal experience with his cold, hardened, and abrasive personality … and it turned me on.

But there was something else under the frigid demeanor he showed everyone, a slice of warmth he showed only me. I knew if Noah wanted me, he could easily have me, because putting up a fight was not what I planned on doing.

I wanted him, but I wouldn’t be just a conquest. I wouldn’t make this easy for him.


Warning: Love insta-everything in a book? Like over the top sugary goodness? Want your stories dripping with cocky and possessive alpha heroes who only want one woman? Get a fan and a cold glass of water ready, because this story will definitely heat you up.

GOODREADS
~Book Review~
1 Star

Why 1 star?  Because it didn’t feel like a complete story, not even a short story. This is just a collection of scenes strung together by “Two months later… Several months later… A year later…” You get the picture?  That’s not a finished manuscript; it’s a very rough draft (or lazy writing). And it shows. 

There’s no background on either of the characters, the plot is trite and flimsy, and the opening where Noah Wright and Harley Alexander met felt vaguely familiar to Anna and Christian’s first meeting in his office in 50 Shades of Grey/Grey.

All in all, the inner monologues and dialogue read like cheesy porn; there’s very little elements of actual romance; and at times Noah uses terms that don’t sound like something a man would say. He also spends a lot of time in these short pages rambling about his bodily fluids—spunk/jizz. Ugg! There’s an overload of flat dirty talk that just feels stale.

While the blurb warns that it’s insta-lust, that might be fine if you could feel the chemistry between them, but the scenario is so stereotypical that connecting with the characters is a difficult task.  Noah and Harley getting to know each other, yet alone falling in love, is never depicted and the reader is forced to assume it happens in the missing pages (i.e. the months of their lives that isn’t written).

Told via Noah and Harley’s first person POV, there’s just no character development, and that’s a basic element of fiction needed for the reader to care about the characters. Basically the blurb tells you all you’re going to get about these two so my recommendation is just stop there. 


~Excerpt~
I knew this job would be challenging, but I’d had no idea working for this man would have me on the verge of drinking every single night. And it didn’t have anything to do with the fact he was so arrogant.

This had to do with the fact my libido was out of control where Mr. Wright was concerned.

He annoyed me, got under my skin, but the way I caught him watching me, looking at me like I was this sweet little morsel he wanted to get his claws into, had my body feeling like it was on fire.

But then again, he was so hard on me, and right now knowing I’d screwed up the file he’d presented to his team made me feel like shit.

He stood just a few feet from me, staring at my mouth, making me even more aware of his presence. He had me so on edge I felt like flames licked through my veins, and I stood on this ledge, waiting to crash down. I wanted him so badly, but I knew I could never have him.

He was my boss, and I certainly didn’t need an overbearing, career-driven man like him in my personal life, right?

“You can leave now,” he said, and I forced myself to take a step back. Could he tell I wasn’t only nervous but also aroused? I couldn’t help it. Being in his presence had my blood pressure rising to dangerous levels.

And the way he smelled … God, the scent was so masculine and intoxicating.

For a second I stared at him, knowing I needed to get out of there, breathe some fresh air, and get my thoughts in order. But I couldn’t move. Instead I took in the three-piece suit he wore, the dark blue material almost appearing black. His deep blue tie was in perfect place, and the white shirt beneath the vest was stark, crisp.

I’d never seen a man so masculine, the epitome of what I craved and wanted, but with Noah Wright I saw that, felt that, so much. It was like I was going to combust.

“Something else, Harley?” He lifted an eyebrow, his eyes heavy-lidded.

God, the way my name—my first name that was so inappropriate it made me hotter—rolled off his tongue in that sexual timbre made me instantly wet. I prayed the suit jacket I wore covered my shirt and that my nipples were hard. Hell, if it didn’t cover my breasts, I knew he’d see how tight the tips were.

And as if he had read my mind or I’d said the words aloud, he glanced down. The urge to cover my chest, to hide my body’s reaction to his presence, was strong. I didn’t want to, but I found myself doing it on instinct. I grabbed the edge of my jacket, closed it slightly, but all I felt was my breasts pressing together.

I saw the way he swallowed, the way his throat worked, and the way his entire body seemed tense.

God, the sexual chemistry I felt with him was so strong, but for the last two months, I’d kept busy, not about to try and let those emotions and feelings consume me.

I’m doing a shit job.

And I was. God, I was doing a shit job.

“No, Sir,” I finally said, smoothed my sweaty palms down my thighs, turned, and left. I swear I felt his eyes on me, and when I reached his door, grabbed the handle, and was about to open it, I looked over my shoulder. I don’t know why I did, but I caught him checking out my ass. He slowly lifted his gaze to mine, seemingly unashamed or apologetic that he’d just gotten caught.

No, he seemed pleased I’d seen him.



Jenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author that lives in the northwest with her husband and their two daughters. Before she started writing full-time she worked as a nurse.