Dec 29, 2019 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, December 2019
For many of you, setting goals is easy. For others, you’re still not ready to put pen to paper and commit. I am a little of both sometimes so hopefully however you plot and plan next year will be amazing.
If reading all the books was one of your goals, I hope you finished all the books that were on your bookshelf or in your e-reader that you downloaded. Always wanted to read more but not sure where to start?
Today I’m working on my goals for 2020 and reading more books is on my list. While I read and review for my blog, I want to read with purpose. Ask questions, engage with readers and authors, and hopefully help others discover new genres and authors.
It’s with that in mind that I am excited to announce the first annual 52 Week Reading Challenge. It’s time to step outside the genre you usually read and dive into books that will educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
If you’re still reading I’m hoping you’ve made a choice to commit and participate. Now, it’s time to tackle the following steps to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Start researching so you can either get those books from the library, borrow from a family member or friend, or be able to purchase when a sale hits on your favorite e-retailer.
4. Join The Book Baristas on Facebook to find the post where we’ll be sharing and chatting about the weekly selections.
5. If you’re an author and you and/or your book fit the weekly selection please feel free to contact me for my weekly post.
While there is no rule to reading in order, I will be sharing my weekly selections in the order on the list. If you’re a rebel reader and have a different way, awesome. Hopefully our paths will cross at some point. You are still welcome in the group and I hope that you’ll share your selections with us.
The purpose is to encourage you to read and discover the joy in new book adventures. There are 48 weekly ideas leaving 6 weeks for you at the end to make your own choices as the year comes to a close. I hope this will help reduce the stress and pressure of participating. For many, the holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year is challenging and I want you all to complete the challenges.
I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll pass this along. I plan to chat about the weekly choice in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. Not a member? Join and get ready to take a step in completing hopefully one of your goals for 2020 and make a few friends along the way.
I can’t wait to see what you’re reading. Each week posts will go live on Sundays with my reading selection of the week and a list of other books you may find of interest. If you have suggestions that are not on my list, please comment and I’ll add them to the post.
The reason I chose this book is because many people I know are either survivors or going through treatment now. I wanted to read this book and share the information to those who might find it helpful.ย I will be reading other self-help books if time permits.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
Dec 29, 2019 | Blog, Blog Tour, December 2019, Rachel Van Dyken
The Setup, an all new contemporary romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!
Get ready and mark your calendar. Finn, a notorious Wingmen has 30 days to prove himself to his bosses with a new product they are launching. What happens when he needs to test the product and his partner stirs up feelings he thought he’d never feel every again? The chemistry will test Finn and Jillian. Can they resist? Will his past douse the fire before it has a chance to really burn?
Finn can’t deal with Jillian’s little habits and she can’t figure him out. When she discovers a secret that could ruin his Wingmen status it will propel her to do something she never imagined.
The slow burn is absolutely insane and once again the comedic one-liners and witty dialogue add to this must read series. I’ve enjoyed each and every book in the series and hope you will too.
Finn is charming, sexy, and knows what he wants. Jillian has her own set of goals and desires. Both have secrets and would never dream of jeopardizing the dream jobs they have. Sometimes money isn’t everything but for one, it’s a game changer.
Caution, this scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission. ย
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ-๐
๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฌ & ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
About Rachel:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with Rachel:
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
Dec 29, 2019 | Blog, Blog Tour, December 2019, Rachel Van Dyken
Avoiding Temptation, an all new contemporary romance in the Bro Code series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!
If you enjoy a series that has all the makings of a must watch movie, don’t miss the latest installment of the Bro Code series. The Wingmen are back and this time it’s an all out cat and mouse caper. What happens when you fall for your best friends sister?
Slater suddenly can’t think about anyone except his best friends kid sister, a rule that breaks every code in the book. What will he do when the one woman who he desires threatens to ruin everything he wants? If only he could resist the chemistry and her charm? Something seems familiar but he shrugs it off. When Slater discovers Tatum’s secret it will jeopardize everything.
Slater has a reputation, will Tatum ruin it or further push him into legend status on campus? I laughed with full on tears with the witty one-liners, the crafty and unique situations and slow hot burn from Rachel Van Dyken. The burn is oh so good.
If you haven’t read the Bro Code series one-click now. While each book can be read as a standalone I prefer to savor the series in order. It’s well worth the patience and time.
Caution this scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C. I received an ARC from Social Butterfly PR for a fair and honest review. I can’t wait to read more from this series and I hope you will want to dive in too!
Download your copy today or read free in Kindle Unlimited!
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon affimazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ-๐
๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฌ & ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
About Rachel:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with Rachel:
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
Dec 28, 2019 | Blog, December 2019, J. Kenner
Fan-favorite, Damien Stark, is back in an all-new emotional holiday novella.
Delight Me from New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner is available now!
A cocktail party, a proposal, and intense negotiations in this new short story from J. Kenner. Damon and Nikki will do anything to further their devotion and love, can Damien make her wishes come true this holiday season?
If you love the Stark series, donโt miss this holiday novella treat along with tidbits that never made it into your favorite books along with a fun note to readers from J. Kenner.
Caution, this scorchinย read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C. I received an ARC from Social Butterfly PR for a fair and honest review.
Download your copy today!
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission. ย
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ-๐
๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฌ & ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
Excerpt:
A few moments pass, and I consider going back inside. But I canโt bring myself to do it. All day weโve been surrounded by people, and now that it is just the two of us, I want to wallow in the pleasure of having claimed this man. I want to watch him rounding the side of the house. I want to see the possessiveness with which he approaches it, knowing full well that he owns the property, the house, and everything inside it.
Including me.
I want to see the heat that will flare in his eyes when he sees that Iโm waiting for him, and I want to feel the brush of his lips on mine when he kisses me.
I want itโand Damien doesnโt disappoint.
The moment I see him, I feel the breath catch in my throat, his impact upon me no less intense after having been married now for years. He walks with a casual confidence, his body straight and strong, his chin high. He radiates power and control, but at the same time there is an easiness to him. A weekend quality that suggests that even though he can command a board room, he is equally skilled on a tennis court or the ski slopes.
Or in a bedroom.
I shiver, thinking about his particular skills in that area, and when his eyes meet mine and he flashes that slow, easy smile, Iโm certain he knows exactly what Iโm thinking.
โWhy, Mrs. Stark,โ he says, sliding one hand around my waist and pulling me to him. โYou look like a woman with something on your mind.โ
โI am,โ I admit. Iโm breathless now, my skin tingling in response to his touch.
โWhatever could you be thinking about?โ
โYou,โ I admit, then rise onto my toes to meet his mouth. The kiss is deep, claiming, and I melt against him, more than willing to surrender to his touch.
I want to simply let go. To lose myself and the rest of this afternoon in his arms.
About J. Kenner
ย 
Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, โchicklitโ suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a โflair for dialogue and eccentric characterizationsโ and by RT Bookclub for having โcornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.โ A six time finalist for Romance Writers of Americaโs prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Connect with J. Kenner
Website: www.jkenner.com
Dec 28, 2019 | Blog, Blog Tour, December 2019, Rachel Van Dyken
Seducing Mrs. Robinson, an all new contemporary romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!
When the Captain of the Football team has the hots for his high school teacher it will change his outlook on everything.ย Leo Blackwood is not a man willing to watch a woman be taken advantage of. When the one woman he wants is unavailable it will send him into the arms of Wingmen Inc.
Ready to help women build up their self-confidence he will run into the one woman he always wanted and couldn’t have. When their paths cross, who will be the one to seduce?
This story is sexy, charming and full of tension, you can feel it leap through the pages. The story burns hot and wild in a daring and bold adventure. Will Leo finally seduce Mrs. Robinson?
Caution, this scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C. I received an ARC from Social Butterfly PR for a fair and honest review.
Download your copy today or read free in Kindle Unlimited!
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission. ย
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ-๐
๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฌ & ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
About Rachel:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with Rachel:
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
Dec 28, 2019 | Blog, Blog Tour, December 2019, Kate Meader
When Theo Kershaw meets Elle Butler she will test his strength both off and on the ice. There is nothing more fun than a hot cocky hockey player who wants the one thing he can’t seem to have.
Trust, hope, and the ability to determine truth from fiction will challenge Theo and test Elle. Family secrets will attempt to derail their budding relationship.
Kate writes a world that’s fun, exciting, and with a sexy team like the rebels, guaranteed to have a happy ever after that sizzles.ย Full on charm, witty dialogue, lots of tension and added surprises for an exiting story with lots of heat!
Caution, this Scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C. I received an ARC from XPresso Book Tours for a fair and honest review.
Grab your holiday gift cards and one-click today. If you love sports romance and hockey don’t miss this adventure. It’s always exciting when the Rookie Rebels are in town and this is definitely worth the read ;).
Books Iย Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission. ย
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ-๐
๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฌ & ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
EXCERPT:
โYes, Iโve seen those billboards for your underwear.โ
โFender bender when you did, right?โ
โOh, I have epic self-control. But seeing them made me realize that youโre a bit too pretty. I kind of like โem rougher.โ She placed a finger under his chin and tilted it for inspection. โYou ever get into a fight? And I donโt mean those phony ballets you perform on the ice for your fan base.โ
โIโm more a lover than a fighter.โ
She scoffed, reluctantly withdrawing her touch. โThought as much. Wouldnโt want to risk getting that perfect nose broken.โ
He didnโt take offense. She wondered what in the world would ever bother The Theo Kershaw.
โSo weโve established Iโm not manly enough for you. Any other comments?โ
โOh, Iโd never be one to criticize.โ
He waved a hand. โHelp me out, Elle-oh-Elle. Give me some pointers on how to win a real woman such as yourself.โ
She thought about it for a moment, her blood fizzing with the fun of sparring with him. โYouโd need to be a completely different person. But donโt fret, your current vapid personality is probably cleaning up so donโt change a thing, โkay?โ
He didnโt look put out, probably because her jab carried no heat. They both knew she wouldnโt be talking to him like this if she really believed he was dumb and vain.
โYeah, good thing Iโm doing okay. Itโs just youโre here and Iโm here โฆโ The implication being that only proximity would force him to lower his standards.
She patted his chest and suppressed a groan at how hard it felt under her fingertips. โI know you canโt help yourself. Youโve got a penis that seeks out the nearest vagina like a diving rod. Itโs really not your fault.โ
โTrue. I canโt be held accountable for my incorrigible flirting.โ
He grinned and she grinned back, and that fizz in her veins bubbled bright. Heโd figured out her game, matched her quip for quip. They understood each other and now they were โฆ friends?
How odd.
And surprisingly sweet.
Theo Kershaw was smarter than he looked. Confusion must have registered on her face because he seemed to be closer, more present. A rush of awareness overtook her, not just of him, but of them and the sparking connection being formed in this sizzling moment, more powerful than mere sexual attraction.
Author Bio:
Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
