Feb 22, 2016 | 2016, Blog, Cathryn Fox, February 2016, Kathy Lyons
The Player Next Door by Kathy Lyons is a sizzling basketball romance story that’s cute, funny and refreshing.
Tori Williams has the perfect job, a family that wants only the best for her and a boyfriend. Too bad the people in her life don’t think so highly of her or trust her not to walk into trouble. A no-fear attitude when it comes to getting the job done, she is willing to tackle just about anything.
Insistent upon renovating a recent inheritance, Tori manages to get herself into the most hilarious and crazy situations, all in the name of home remodeling. Can she get the job done before the end of the summer and prove everyone wrong. Will the time apart from her boyfriend finally give her the courage to make her own decisions?
Mike Giamaria is injured and can’t play in the NBA for a few weeks. In order to stay out of the paparazzi he’s decided to house sit and recover peacefully, out of sight. The rest and relaxation would be great if only he wasn’t next door to Tori.
One look at Tori and Mike has new issues to deal with – she’s hot, always around and most of time needing a little help. Will she let him get close enough or will she push him away?
Mike has a code he lives by and Tori will test him and his sacred code. Will he have to choose between basketball and Tori? When someone close to them discovers a hilarious little secret how will they explain and recover from it?
As soon as you’re finished don’t be surprised if you start walking around the house looking for a few things to fix. Power tools? Hammers? Just make sure you have a ladder and someone to help. 😉
With the heat and intensity in this book I give it 3 Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I loved this book and look forward to Kathy’s next release.
Author Info:
KATHY LYONS writes light, funny, sexy stories for Brazen. She loves the faster pace of category books and that her humor can shine through. She leaves the dark, tortured love stories to her alter ego, Jade Lee. Visit them both on the web at www.kathylyons.com or www.jadeleeauthor.com!
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Betting on the Wrong Brother by Cathryn Fox is a must read from the Entangled Lovestruck What Happens in Vegas series. A romance writer in Vegas, fans and all the craziness of sin city make this book sizzle.
Andi Palmer is a romance author on her way to a meeting and the last thing she’s prepared for is a surprise. When the elevator malfunctions and she finds herself stuck, it provides us with the most hilarious opening scene.
Andi thinks this sexy man, in the elevator with her, is the grown-up version of her childhood crush. The one who devastated her and destroyed her heart years ago. Why doesn’t he recognize her? Is he for real?
Deciding it’s some sort of a game, she hatches her own plan. Too bad Ryan Wheeler is who he says he is and not the man in question. Now it’s game on and he has a few surprises for her too!
Ryan is curious as to what his younger brother could have done so he decides to play along. Andi insists that their time together be just a “Vegas thing” leaving out the clutter of formality. The less they know the better. Will Ryan go along with it or reveal the truth?What will Andi do when she discovers who really rocked her world?
Once again I’m’ hooked on a Vegas story – the series is amazing and I’ve read almost every one. Will our Andi and Ryan find their happily ever after? Or, will the ghosts and convention chaos end their trip too soon?
With the heat and intensity in this book I give it 3 Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
If you haven’t read this series you are missing out on some serious fun! There are thirteen books in this series and I’ve reviewed most of them.
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn has two teenagers who keep her busy and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found laughing over lunch with friends, hanging out with her kids, or watching a big action flick with her husband.
Feb 22, 2016 | 2016, Blog, February 2016, Karen Ranney
An American In Scotland by Karen Ranney is a historical romance rooted in family, tradition and adventure. The MacIain trilogy centers around the cotton shortages, fiber mill struggles and the realization that the American Civil War made it’s way to Scotland. Will the MacIain’s survive?
Rose MacIain has traveled from Charleston, South Carolina to Scotland to save her family despite their cruelty and lack of care for anyone but themselves. Rose a northerner by birth moved to the south with her sister upon her marriage to a plantation owner. What she endures will test her and make her stronger. When the war threatens to destroy the only family she has left, she risks everything to save them.
Misunderstandings, assumption and a raging war in America have sent our heroine to Scotland, but are her secrets safe? Will they destroy her an ocean away? Traveling alone and unchaperoned is brave and bold. Will the MacIain’s of Scotland believe her story?
Duncan MacIain is trying desperately to save his Mill and his family. The war in America has affected the business and threatens to shut him down. Will he find a viable solution to his problem?
When the truth surfaces will Duncan comfort Rose or push her away? Journey with them as they travel from the Scotland to the plantations of the south as the war rages and no one is safe.
This book takes us on a journey where love and the desire to make a change is threaded throughout this series.
While each book can be read as a stand alone it is a wonderful series and with the third installment there is plenty to dive into. Plenty of romance, adventure and heartache to leave you completely satisfied after each and every book.
I received this ARC for a fair and honest review.
Excerpt #1
My darling sons,
When you each came into the world, I marveled at the miracle that created you. I held you in my arms and knew I would cherish you until the breath left my body.
Now I must bid farewell to all three of you at once.
The Almighty has indeed challenged me this day.
I know you go on a great adventure and do so with eagerness and enthusiasm. The Highlands offer less opportunity to you of late. I know this and mourn the circumstances of your leaving even as I know you will do honor to the MacIain name.
When someone asks me about my sons, I’ll speak proudly of you. My eldest son, I’ll say, remained in Scotland, a few days’ journey away. But one of my sons traveled to England to make peace with the conqueror, while the other set sail for America.
You will have children of your own, each of them carrying the MacIain blood and name. Tell them about our history, how we dreamed of an empire. Tell them about the place from which we came, a corner of Scotland known for its men of greatness and nobility.
Mention your mother, if you will, who bravely relinquished her sons to the future.
The Almighty has not given us the power of foresight, but I cannot help but think years from now, your children and your children’s children will be proud MacIains, as formidable as their ancestors
Love sometimes means sacrifice, and I feel that truly on this day. I sacrifice you to honor, to your heritage, and to a future only you can create. Go with God, my darling sons. May your dreams be realized and may He always protect you.
Anne Summers MacIain
Scotland
June, 1746
Chapter 1
Glasgow, Scotland
May, 1863
Rose thanked the driver as she exited the carriage and made her way down the path to the door. She didn’t know what she expected, but the three-story structure with its curved front surprised her. The bay windows, one on each side of the house, were curved as well. She had the thought that it was a friendly place, that the windows were almost like eyes. The two columns on either side of the front steps created an open mouth, almost as if the house were saying: Who are you? A stranger? Welcome anyway.
What if he refused to see her? What if he sent her away?
That couldn’t happen. She couldn’t allow it to happen.
She’d come so far.
Scotland surprised her, almost as much as its people. Everyone, from the porter to her fellow travelers on the train, had been a delight, genial and exceedingly helpful. While it was true they were curious, almost intrusively so, she didn’t mind repeating that, yes, she was an American. Yes, the war was a terrible thing. Thankfully, most of the discussions of her country ended there. She didn’t have to explain where she came from, what she truly thought about the war, and why she wore mourning. Because she was unaccompanied, no doubt most assumed she was a widow.
Assumptions were wonderful things. They kept her from lying.
Rose had expected a country filled with unique vistas: tall, craggy mountains and heather bedecked glens. She saw those and more, heart-stopping bridges that arched over gorges and rivers crashing over rocks to settle in placid pools. Sections of Scotland were green and verdant. Other places were brown, gray, and black.
When they arrived in Glasgow, her opinion of Scotland underwent a transformation.
Here was a place as bustling as New York. Cranes and spires filled the horizon. The sound of hammering and shouting obscured the call of the seabirds overhead. Docks and ships, long buildings and bustling people, wagons and carriages, all gave the appearance of frenetic activity.
She had no idea Glasgow was so large, so hilly, or so crowded.
After carefully consulting the letter in her reticule, she gave the hired driver the address to the MacIain house.
How odd that after all these weeks, all she felt was an incredible urge to sleep.
The voyage from Nassau to England had been relatively swift, and a great deal less stressful than running the blockade from Charleston outward to the Bahamas.
The train from London had been a marvel of speed and efficiency. Had she been on a different errand, she would’ve enjoyed herself immensely. As it was, each day sounded like a gong in the back of her mind, a deep-throated noise to alert her to how long she’d been gone.
Time was not on her side.
*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****
Winners will be notified by Tasty Book Tours and/or the publisher and are not selected by Books I Love A Latte.
ICYMI: My previous review of In Your Wildest Scottish Dreams
Author Info:
USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, Karen Ranney began writing when she was five. Her first published work was The Maple Leaf, read over the school intercom when she was in the first grade. In addition to wanting to be a violinist (her parents had a special violin crafted for her when she was seven), she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and, most of all, a writer. Though the violin was discarded early, she still admits to a fascination with the law, and she volunteers as a teacher whenever needed. Writing, however, has remained the overwhelming love of her life.
Feb 18, 2016 | 2016, Blog, February 2016, MK Meredith
I’m excited to bring to you a message from Entangled along with fabulous must read reviews, giveaway and more!
Haven’t read a Lovestruck yet? Take a peek inside…
Drunk on You (A Bourbon Boys Story) byTeri Anne Stanley is the perfect must read with a batch of Brown Dog Balls and a glass of your favorite bourbon, sinful and satisfying.
Allie McGrath believes in her family distillery business but wants to change a few things. Experiment? Take a risk? Why would Allie risk everything to branch out on her own?
In addition to her job, the notion of letting things go doesn’t exist. Especially when it involves her childhood crush. Justin Morgan was her brothers best friend who never recognized just how deep her feelings were.
Justin survived a few tours in Afghanistan but isn’t exactly prepared to “handle” Allie. Riddled with guilt and promises made to his best friend, will he give in or shield her from what could be a messy and complicated encounter? When an injury forces them together it leaves time to explore and act on those feelings. Will Justin retreat when he discovers just how hot things get?
Torn between family expectations and dreams these two have a lot to discuss. Discover Kentucky, bourbon, love and family in this sexy book from Teri. I fell in love immediately with her characters, the dream and the idea that sometimes love is better when aged a few years. Sweet, smoky and complex – it’s exactly what’s in store for Allie and Justin.
This three pepper spicy latte has content that might offend and is for 
mature readers 18+. You’ll look at a glass of bourbon in a whole new way and proceed with caution when sneaking up on an unsuspecting sleeping man after reading this Spicy Latte must read.
I’m absolutely in love with the McGrath/Morgan family and can’t wait to see what happens to Justin’s brother? I hope he’s next, I look forward to his adventure 😉
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review and am thrilled that it’s part of the birthday event. Cick here for more information –Drunk on You (Bourbon Boys)
Don’t forget to check out Teri’s website where you’ll find a yummy recipe of those Brown Dog Balls. Yes, they do exist 😉 After you’ve made a batch or two, be sure to thank her on Twitter 🙂 It’s on my list of things to bake this weekend. ** Thank you in advance Teri 😉 **
Author Info:
Teri Anne Stanley began her writing career with scientific articles—followed by a three-ingredient recipe column, but wasn’t allowed to write naked parts for them—so now she writes romance.
She’s also worked as a fashion designer for female body builders and a sex therapist for rats. In her spare time, she’s a neuroscience research assistant. Along with a variety of offspring and dogs, she and Mr. Stanley live just outside of Sugartit, which is—honest to God—between Beaverlick and Rabbit Hash, Kentucky.
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Gambling on the Bodyguard (a What Happens in Vegas Series) by
Sarah Balance is a super H-O-T Vegas series that delivers adventure, fun and lots of fabulous characters.
Ellie Montgomery has traveled to see the hottest cover model that has ever graced her favorite romance books at a national convention in Vegas!
Jax Mathis is tired of all the women who will stop at nothing to meet the man he’s hired to protect. When Ellie misplaces her ticket to gain her access she makes a deal with a seductively charming bodyguard to gain access . Will he agree to his demands?
What would you do for a chance to meet a cover model? If he’s half as sexy as Stuart Reardon well…I think many readers would make a deal or two 😉.
Both Jax and Ellie have painful pasts and working through it together might be more difficult than they both anticipated. This mountain will be their black diamond slope to overcome. Who is he really protecting?
I love the banter between them and the intense chemistry just sizzles. Download your copy now here – Gambling on the Bodyguard (What Happens in Vegas)
and see why I love Sarah Ballance. While you’re there check out her backlist – they’re amazing too!
This three pepper spicy latte has content that might offend and is for mature readers 18+. You’ll never look at Vegas or a romance book cover the same way. Both sizzle in this fabulous must read 😉 !
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
*** review originally posted review on 1/23/16 ***
Author Info:
Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids, but nevertheless, you’ll find her writing sexy contemporary romance for Entangled Publishing until they throw her out. To learn more, visit https://sarahballance.com.
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Seducing Seven (What Happens in Vegas) by MK Meredith has just the right amount of comedy, drama, romance and sizzle that I would expect from a Las Vegas contemporary romance story.
It’s Friday and a quick trip Vegas is in order. A little excitement from the lights and sounds of those famous casinos is the perfect way to start the weekend. The attention to the little details is magical and draws you in. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to book a trip to Vegas soon 😉.
Seven Michaels is in Las Vegas for a Romance convention for work and has somehow found herself in an uncomfortable predicament. Desperate for a fast escape Seven uses her available resources, will he play along?
Blake Turner is in Vegas for a business meeting and has no time for romance. Can Seven convince this non-believer that romance books have merit? Blake isn’t convinced and makes a crazy bet with Seven that involves seduction, it is Vegas after all. What will it take for him to understand why readers are believers, and that they are a must for everyone?
Seven believes in her work, otherwise her books wouldn’t connect with her readers and she’d be out of a job. Can she convince Blake that romance is real? Will he discover that perhaps her rules aren’t so silly?
A book and series centered around romance writers, a convention and fans is brilliant! MK has taken secret crushes, convictions, handsome strangers and romance, mixed it with the thrill of sin city. Perhaps there is more to their instant chemistry .
When Seven and Blake first meet, their encounter has one of the best one-liners I’ve read in a long time. I was hooked and didn’t put the book down until the very last page. Fantastic writing, attention to detail and characters that will leave you wanting more long after the last page make this a perfect way to start the weekend.
I’ve read a few of the What Happens in Vegas books and I’m absolutely hooked. This was the first story I’ve read by MK Meredith and I’m a forever fan.
This 2 1/2 pepper spicy latte read may offend some readers and has mature content for those 18+. 
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. A must read -don’t miss out!
Author Bio:
MK Meredith writes single title contemporary romance promising an emotional ride on heated sheets. She believes the best route to success is to never stop learning.
Her lifelong love affair with peanut butter continues. Only two things come close in the battle for her affections: gorgeous heels and maybe Gerard Butler…or was it David Gandy? Who is she kidding? Her true loves are her husband and two children who have survived her SEA’s (spontaneous explosions of affection) and live to tell the tale. The Meredith’s live in the D.C. area with their two large fur babies…until the next adventure calls.
*** Originally posted review on 10/16/15 ***
Feb 10, 2016 | Blog, February 2016, Naima Simone
The Millionaire Makeover (Bachelor Auction) by Naima Simone is a passionate modern ugly duckling tale that sizzles from the cover to the very last page. Be prepared to cry, laugh and forget about that pesky list of tasks as you devour this story in one sitting.
Niall Hunter is used to being in control and is about to discover that when it comes to love his rules will be tested. This time, he can’t control everything and that’s a good thi.
Devastated over the loss of his best friend and riddled with guilt it’s been a struggle to survive. When a letter is discovered and the contents reveal one simple request, it will force him to make a difficult choice. One that could destroy the heart of the one woman he truly needs.
Khloe Richardson can’t get over what Niall did to her three year ago and it’s affected every decision she’s made. Struggling to be noticed when your confidence is shattered makes it difficult to approach a crush. Watching how Khloe handles her anger and slowly transforms is magical.
All Khloe needs is a fairy godmother or in this situation, a BFF/co-worker who has the means to intervene. Will it be enough for her prince charming to notice her now?
A bachelor auction to acquire a date is crazy AND perfect, Khloe reluctantly agrees. When the winners meet the bachelors and the masks are untied, Khloe’s worst nightmare has come true. Niall is her prize and she’d rather have a date with Lucifer.
Nialls touch once ignited a fire deep within Khloe and now all that burns between them is the bitter anger over why he left her without a word. Is the raw, intense passion still there between them?
When Niall discovers Khloe is attempting to make her crush jealous who will fall first for the “new” Khloe? Will Niall finally give in to his feelings despite the promise he made to her brother all those years ago? Can he admit the reason he left her and tell her the truth? How will she handle the news?
Life is full of challenges and when it comes to love, we all want a happy-ever-after. Khole has hidden behind her simple appearance and it’s prevented her from truly being “seen” and taken seriously to get what she wants. Will a makeover work?
I will proceed with caution near dressing rooms after reading this Naima ;)! Wow. Niall is one strong alpha-male who will surprise and tease. Ladies watch out, he’ll capture your heart too!
If you’re a reader that judges a book by it’s cover then you will LOVE this one. The sexy bachelor in a suite with a hint of color just radiates mystery and seduction. Discover how much fun a bachelor auction can be! Especially one filled with secrets, surprises, and second chances.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I look forward to reading the next installment to find out who the next lucky bachelor will be.
This super sizzling three pepper read is for mature readers 18+. Proceed with caution, it’s pretty hot and may offend.
ICYMI: Beauty and the Bachelor
Author Bio:
Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights— creating stories of unique men and women who experience the first bites of desire, the dizzying heights of passion, and the tender, healing heat of love.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
Feb 8, 2016 | Blog, February 2016
Dear Readers and Authors,
If you’ve sent me a book please know that I appreciate you thinking of me to read and review them. I look forward to sharing them with you soon.
While I’m busy with heroes and heroines being seduced, enlightened and tamed, I hope that you are having your own wild adventures both in and out of your great reads.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery -“I think you may be a kindred spirit after all.”
Happy Reading
Feb 7, 2016 | Blog, February 2016
To those who are headed out tonight to celebrate may your team win, the commercials be memorable and the conversation plenty.
I’m looking forward to a day filled with friends, family, laughter and fun.
Menus are set, food is cooking and you’ve finally tucked away the clutter to get the house ready.
Now you can dive into a book filled with football or rugby to really get you in the mood for tonight’s game. Check out Jaci Burton, Bella Andre, Rachel Gibson, Kat Latham, and CM Doporto to name a few. Have a great football story to recommend? let me know.
Have a great day!
**clip art from google clipart
