Feb 16, 2015 | Blog, February 2015, Sawyer Bennett
Garrett: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel (Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Book 2,) by Sawyer Bennett, is a hot and sexy follow-up in her latest series. Garrett Samuelson has a reputation for being a playboy and a non-commitment kind of guy. For this sexy player life is all about hockey, hot women and one night stands. In fact, he’s earned quite a reputation for loving women and showing them a great time with no chance of a repeat performance. No one has lasted more than three dates and his teammates are convinced he’s destined for that first place trophy in non-commitment. Little does he know that his rules are about to challenged.
Garrett didn’t anticipate meeting Olivia Case, his team mate’s cousin, at a dinner celebration. Once he discovers her identity the banter and adventure begins! Olivia is not buying into his shtick and that’s what makes this so charming and unpredictable. There is no way she’s going to give in to his smooth and seductive charm, or will she?
Unfortunately Olivia had a rough day after receiving some life-changing news and is slightly pre-occupied at the party. However, how she manages Garrett and responds to him is refreshing. All Garrett desires is one wild night. Olivia has no intentions of getting involved with anyone, even if he’s insanely attractive and most probably amazeballs in bed. Or at least that’s what the rumor is. Garrett is relentless in asking for just one date, what harm could happen?
Olivia is caught in an awkward situation and can’t bring herself to be completely honest with Garrett. Now she has a few decisions to make. If she tells him the truth, he’ll want nothing to do with her. Is it possible he’d actually still pursue her? Could there be more to his interest or is Olivia just another pretty woman on his score card?
Not only does this story have secrets, it has unexpected twists and turns that will leave you elated one minute and frustrated the next. It’s a wild rollercoaster filled with lust, excitement, spice and sexy hockey players! Once again Sawyer has written a steamy and sizzling story that is totally unpredictable and will keep you in suspense until the very last page!
Lucky for you dear reader there is more Carolina Cold Fury hockey to come. Zack’s story is next and I look forward to reading it! These hot and sexy bad boys of Carolina Cold Fury are fabulous. Thanks’ Sawyer for another exciting and satisfying book. I received this ARC for a fair and honest review.
** I gave this spicy latte post:
Just enough sizzle to make you tingle.
For mature audience, 18+
BIO:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey series.
Sawyer Bennett
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Feb 13, 2015 | Blog, February 2015, Historical Romance, Jade Lee
Engaged in Wickedness by Jade Lee is a spicy and refreshing tale of a young woman whose only desire is to be kissed and kissed well! This spicy little novella is a wicked start to a steamy series that is included in the first collection of A Dozen Rakes and Rogues, Oh My!
Lady Gwen finds herself in a precarious and dangerous situation when she witnesses a young girl and a disastrous glass of punch. The commotion and distraction are a welcomed distraction. Barron Edward Murray wants to get close to Lady Gwen but has no idea how to approach her. So, he devises a plan. His dear friend, the same lady who meets the glass of punch, is in on the plan.
Barron Edward has an agenda and plans to lure Lady Gwen into a trap. But, is it a trap if she wants to be caught? Both are playing games. Will they give in to their desires? What is it that they truly want? All Gwen appears to want is to be kissed. However, Gwen tests him because she’s craving something else and he’s determined to figure it out. Will it cost him everything?
Unfortunately she has an agenda of her own and is looking in the most unusual places to find it. Will she? Can she wait to find a man who will excite and love her? How does Edward fit into this? When she realizes that there is more to this scheme, she becomes frustrated and feels manipulated. What will happen when they realize that the one thing they both want might be more attainable than they thought? Will these secrets push them apart or bring them together?
This novella is the beginning to Jade Lee’s Bridal Favors Series and is included in the collection: A Dozen Rakes, Renegades and Rogues, Oh My!: The First Collection. It is a must read and this new series is definitely on my reading list! Nothing says love anytime of the year like a few spicy and romantic stories for my e-reader.
I adore these historical romance books and loved it from start to finish. I received an ARC of this novella from the author for a fair and honest review and am glad she did. I’ve read a few of the Bridal Favor books and love them! If you’ve never read Jade Lee then this is the perfect novella to introduce you to a fabulous writer! Treat yourself this holiday weekend!
Just enough sizzle to make you tingle. For mature audience, 18+
BIO:
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. And as a Taurus, she lives to pit a headstrong woman against a tortured hero just to watch them butt heads on the way to true love. Flesh wounds are rare, but the healing and laughter are real.
Now an author of more than 30 romance novels, she finally gets to set these couples in the best girl-heaven of all: a Bridal Salon! This way she gets to live out all her wedding fantasies, one by one. (Let’s be honest, what girl has only one idea for her dream wedding?) For more on the Bridal Favors series, visit Jade on the web at her website, Facebook or Twitter.
And don’t forget Jade’s other name, KATHY LYONS. That’s Jade’s lighter, contemporary side. She writes for Harlequin Blaze merging hawt sex and funny relationships into really great reads.
Feb 12, 2015 | Blog, Coffee With, Courtney Milan, February 2015
First, if we were meeting at a Coffee Shop I’d be drinking a Latte. What would you be drinking? I actually (blush) don’t like coffee. So you’d probably see me with a tea (English breakfast with milk in the morning, or mint in the afternoon), or if it was really cold out, a chai latte.
Thank you so much for taking time to sit down and answer a few questions. Congrats on the release of A Right Honorable Gentleman that’s in the anthology from Romance Writers of America ® , what a great collection of fabulous authors. Who’s idea was it to publish a collection like this? Romance Writers of America had the idea to put out a “romance sampler” so that fans of the genre could try multiple other sub-genres and authors. I think Sylvia Day, the editor, is the one who came up with the idea in the first place, but I’m not sure.
It’s barely the beginning of February and you’ve already had two stories published and Once upon a Marquess is due out this spring. What inspired you for this new series? Any “peek” into the book for your readers? The inspiration for this series was the idea of a family ruined by treason, and the aftermath of that. I’m holding out on peeks until I’m fairly confident that anything I say won’t change. The thing about the way I write is that I’m never sure that anything I say will actually end up in the book.
On your website you have two books and a novella, how many in total can we expect to see? I’m not going to say how many you’ll see, even though I know that number. There are five Worth siblings, and at least four of them are known to be alive. There will be books in the series where one of the major protagonists will not be a Worth sibling. That means you’ll get at least five full-length books, not counting novellas. At least five, less than ten. How’s that?
I must add that the covers on your books are fabulous. Do you design them or have any input? For the covers…now that I’m self-publishing my own books, I do all my covers myself. I wouldn’t advise it for everyone, but I really enjoy the process and find it soothing.
Thank you so much!
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
1. A Must read book and why? This week my must-read book is Radio Silence by Alyssa Cole, which is post-apocalyptic story about Arden Highmore, who lives in Rochester, NY, and who decides to travel to her best friend’s cabin when the power, the radio– everything, really–goes out without explanation. Her best friend’s elder brother, Gabriel, though is disapproving. And hot. I really enjoyed this one!
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Well, I live in Denver, and we’re nestled right up against the Rocky Mountains. I think you should go for a walk in them. Whatever the season, however long you have. They’re beautiful!
3. When you plot out your book do you know how it will end or do you figure it out as you go? It varies a lot. I don’t plot, and I don’t write in order. I just have some idea that there are some scenes that will end up in my book, and I write them, and then put them together. Sometimes I know the ending first. Sometimes I don’t know the end for a while. Sometimes I think I know the end and then I write something else and realize I need to change it.
4. What’s your guilty pleasure? Ice cream. Always ice cream.
5. Castles or Beaches? Definitely castles! I love castles. They have so much more “scope for the imagination,” to quote Anne of Green Gables.
6. When you are traveling do you road trip it or fly it? It depends. If we’re bringing along the dog, we road trip it. We’re willing to road trip quite a ways if it means our dog can come along. Otherwise, we’re definitely flyers.
7. What are you afraid of? True fact: Everyone in my family has recurring dreams about our teeth falling out. Mine are so realistic that I wake up and have to check all of my teeth to make sure they’re still there, and sometimes, I will “remember” that time my teeth fell out, and then remember that it didn’t actually happen.
8. Do you like to cook or go out to eat? I love cooking. I end up eating out when I’m really busy, but if I had all the time in the world I’d cook every day.
BIO:
Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.
Before she started writing books, Courtney experimented with numerous occupations. She has trained dogs, written legal briefs, sold newspaper subscriptions, and written computer programs. Having given up on actually being able to do any actual things, she’s taken to heart the axiom that “those who can’t, teach.” When she isn’t reading, writing, or sleeping, she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.
Courtney loves hearing from readers. You can visit her on the web and find out more about her and her newest releases at https://www.courtneymilan.com.
Feb 11, 2015 | Blog, Collection, Courtney Milan, February 2015
A Right and Honorable Gentleman, by Courtney Milan, is sexy, exciting and filled with lots of passion! Catherine Hooks is a Governess for The Right Honorable Mr. Edward Glennon, and is caring for his son. When his son, who is her student, is ready to leave for boarding school she will no longer have need to be at his home. She should be relieved to no longer deal with a man who prefers to use his temper to intimidate his employees. Yet, there is something that tugs at her when she approaches him even when he is in a foul mood.
Unfortunately, most of his employees and those who know him perceive him to be an uncaring, stern and stubborn man. Is Edward really the villain he’s appears to be, or is there more to the taunting and testing that has happened between them? What will happen if she admits her feelings? Is there a chance he might actually reciprocate?
The tension between them is electrifying and the banter is superb. There is only one way for Cat to handle Edward and she’s not sure she can go through with it. Can she live with her choice? Her deception is driving him crazy as he’s not used to a woman, especially one that works for him, showing him the error of his ways.
I absolutely enjoy reading Courtney’s books and if you enjoyed this, rest assured there are plenty more stories to keep you entertained!
BIO:
Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.
Before she started writing books, Courtney experimented with numerous occupations. She has trained dogs, written legal briefs, sold newspaper subscriptions, and written computer programs. Having given up on actually being able to do any actual things, she’s taken to heart the axiom that “those who can’t, teach.” When she isn’t reading, writing, or sleeping, she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.
Courtney loves hearing from readers. You can visit her on the web and find out more about her and her newest releases at https://www.courtneymilan.com.
Feb 10, 2015 | Blog, Coffee With, February 2015, Jade Lee
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte 🙂 What would you order? I usually drink a soy latte, but I’ve given up caffeine. 🙁 On the up side, I’ve temporarily replaced it with sugar just to get over the doldrums. Or because I like sugar! So…it’ll be a decaf mocha or creme brulee or something amazing except for the no caffeine part. You know, I feel like I’m not nearly as sharp without the caffeine kick, so any tendency to ramble is completely blamed on that. Or because I generally babble…
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. You write so many different series, which one do you find the most challenging? I really enjoy the Bridal Favors Series – will there be any more books? If so how many books do you anticipate in this series? How much research did you do for this? What can we look forward to in 2015?
What I find challenging is staying in one genre for more than two books in a row. I guess I get bored easily. Historicals are more lyrical, slower paced, and really get deep into the characters. I’m also moving more funny with them, so it’s a real challenge to mix in humor without losing the epic feel. My Kathy Lyons contemporaries are light and fun with more action and less depth. They’re a good switch up before diving back into a lush historical.
And yes, I’m staying in the Bridal Favors world, but not calling it that. The next book is FIFTY WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE. It’s probably the best book I’ve ever written. It’s funny and sexy. They’ve given a new series name to it–Not Quite Ladies–and it’s the beginning of the new funnier Jade Lee. But it’s still got some favorite characters from the Bridal Favors series. Clear as mud? Oh, and there will be at least 3 more books, but probably more beyond that as well. Lots of people to make sure find love!
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
1. A Must read book and why? Oh lord…I hate answering questions like this. People hand me books all the time and tell me that I must read this book because of one reason or another. But if I’m not in the mood or don’t like the topic, it’s not a must read for me. Going back to the classics, I loved THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING. But then I also adore the Dresden books by Jim Butcher. Want romance? I’m going to tell you that my books are the best because for me, they are. After all, who is my first reader? MYSELF! So I told myself a great story! How about mystery? Well, don’t look at me. I haven’t a clue. Which means — I’ve got no answer for you! Just read!
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Worse and worse! I live near the University of Illinois which offers a huge variety of whatever thrills you. Pick a Big 10 sport –we got it! Want culture? Both the U of I and Parkland Community College offer theater, choral, and orchestral events. I love custom jewelry. So I often go to gem shows at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry. They’re fun just to hang out and browse. And then we have a couple big movie theaters and a ton of stuff I haven’t even thought of yet. What’s your pleasure? You can find something like it around here. We are the cultural capitol of the cornfields!
3. Castles or Beaches? Beaches! Sand, sun, and hot surfers to ogle. What’s not to love?
4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you. I went pro in racquetball for two weeks before blowing my knees. I never even filled out the paperwork, but in my mind, I was a pro athlete. For a very short period of time…
5. What is your guilty pleasure? Plants vs. Zombies 2. OMG, I play too much of it. It’s an addictive game/ap. I’ve even sucked others into the addiction.
6. What are you afraid of? A meaningless life. Seriously. I’d like to have a positive effect on the world. Don’t know that I do that by writing romance, but I’d like to think so. I feel called to write–joyously and creatively–so hopefully that means something. Or it might just mean I like writing about happily ever after with a lot of hot sex…
7. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? I love the movie experience, but honestly…I’m a middle aged woman. I have to pee a lot. I love pausing the movie, going to the bathroom, then probably visiting the kitchen afterwards for some chocolate. (I’m a chocoholic). Plus, I have a cat who likes lap time while I watch. Can’t get warm lap kitty in a movie theater! So all in all–at home movies!
8. Do you love to cook or go out to eat? It would be hard to express how terrible a cook I am. Flat out AWFUL. So…out to eat whenever possible. Otherwise it’s hot dogs and yogurt cups. Sounds disgusting, huh? Yeah. That’s how bad I cook.
Bonus Tidbit- thank you 🙂
9. If you could invite 3 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would you invite? It could be anyone past or present. I would love to sit down with Joss Whedon. OMG, he’s brilliant. As is Steven Moffat (BBC Writer/producer for Dr. Who and Sherlock) And then I’d love to add in Johnny Depp because he seems to be so eclectic in his art. I’d love his perspective. In short — three of the great artists of our day. I want to talk to them about their work. How they work. I want to learn from them. I want to absorb their ambiance. I want to get all fan girly on them. And then I’d just like to listen.
BIO:
Bio:
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. And as a Taurus, she lives to pit a headstrong woman against a tortured hero just to watch them butt heads on the way to true love. Flesh wounds are rare, but the healing and laughter are real.
Now an author of more than 30 romance novels, she finally gets to set these couples in the best girl-heaven of all: a Bridal Salon! This way she gets to live out all her wedding fantasies, one by one. (Let’s be honest, what girl has only one idea for her dream wedding?) For more on the Bridal Favors series, visit Jade on the web at her website, Facebook or Twitter.
And don’t forget Jade’s other name, KATHY LYONS. That’s Jade’s lighter, contemporary side. She writes for Harlequin Blaze merging hawt sex and funny relationships into really great reads.
Here’s the link to her Bio Page: https://jadeleeauthor.com/bio
Feb 8, 2015 | Blog, Collection, February 2015
Take a look at a few “Spicy” reads and discover some fabulous tales… Just a reminder that some of these are tales are shorter than others but are a must read and a must own collection! Also, there is a running theme that all of the stories in the collection involve a wrong number and are between 5,000-7,000 words. Just enough to whet your appetite for more!
As Premier: A Collection of Romantic Tales from Romance Writers of a America is a sampler of some amazing writers, the stories in this review have M/F and M/M stories. Since I keep my reviews clean, I have a rating system only for these posts to let you know how sensual the books are. I will still review it but again, keep it clean with just enough details that you’ll hopefully want to read it.
All of these tales have a range of hot peppers and my pepper scale is as follows:
For full on no holds barred and go for it sensuality & situations
For NSFW, NSF Metro, proceed with caution it’s pretty hot and may offend
Just enough sizzle to make you tingle
Definitely for mature audience, 18+
I’ll leave it up to you dear reader to determine where these rate on your scale.
Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson is a super hot, super sexy, super Geeky read that is absolutely fabulous! When Vivian accidentally sends a scene that she’s written to her friend at work, but accidentally sends it as well to the other Jamie “Jamie Two” – at work, she assumes he’ll delete the message. What will she do when she discovers that not only did he read it, but that he can’t stop thinking about it? Thoughts of her desires consume him. Now he just needs to show her that he isn’t the Geek she thinks he is. If you are a fan of Vicki’s Nerd Series then you will be screaming for more when you are finished with this little treat! Hopefully we will see more stories with a Geek or two :).
Hard to Breathe by Sylvia Day is hot and spicy! What’s an angel to do when she’s fallen for her Commander? Cadet Annalise can’t be in Commander Gareth’s squadron and needs to remedy the situation fast. Realizing that she’s unable to be near him and perform her duties that are worthy of a great Angel, she requests a transfer. However, she omits a few pieces of information and hopes that no one finds out the truth. Unfortunately, no matter how well you disguise the truth, it always surfaces. What happens when her feelings are exposed? What will Gareth do when he learns the truth?
If you love paranormal romances then you will love this scorching tale of a conflicted angel and the Commander she can’t let go. Sylvia Day is a master when it comes to showing us deep characters with lots of layers and hearty appetites!
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine is a steamy M/M story about a college crush re-connected in the most unexpected place. Trey Beaumant assumed that he’d never see Jordan Smithson when he graduatied from the University of Washington. Both men played on the same football team and never said a word about their sexual preferences. Trey had always hoped, but wasn’t sure. So when fate tempts him with a second wedding invitation, addressed to Jordon, for the same friend’s wedding in his mailbox, he must now face his past.
When did Jordan move into his building? What were the odds they would end up on the same floor? Was he married, single or in a relationship? There was only one way to find out and it starts by knocking on Jordan’s apartment door. What happens when they stand face to face and recognize each other is unexpected. Their responses are exciting and heated as they discover the truth about their sexual preference.
This is the first time I have read a story from Lex Valentine and thought her writing was passionate and her characters believable. It’s always refreshing to read a new author and if this genre is what you are looking for then you won’t be disappointed.
The Fallout by Harper St. George refreshing, sexy and loveable story of two misunderstood young adults. For four years, Elena Black has had radio silence from her husband, Dexter Thomas Harrington. A man born into wealth and groomed for success. When his lawyer visits Elena at her lab in college, he catches her unawares. Divorce? Now?
When she refuses to just read and sign the contract the lawyer is a bit flustered. Elena decides she must read it and tells the pushy man, no! Forgetting she’s supposed to be going out on a date she backs out of it when he picks her up. After he insists on driving her home he’s not completely convinced and when he notices Dex standing across the street both of them are now in for a surprise.
No one knows she’s married and his presence immediately stirs up old feelings. Something is up and she needs to figure out what. When she can’t find her house keys and his still work, she knows she has to finally tell him the truth. What will he do?
Harper St. George delivers a fantastic contemporary romance tale about a relationship built on love before these young lovers know who they are. I loved her characters and found the story believable and refreshing. I am disappointed that it ended as I want to see more! It’s always refreshing to read a story by an author I have not read before. I’m especially excited because she normally writes historical romance fiction, but for this collection she wrote a contemporary tale. Super happy that she did! Now go onto Amazon and see what other tasty stories she’s got – it looks like there are plenty!
I congratulate RWA for including both M/F and M/M stories to appeal to a variety of readers. I will continue to post reviews this week of the other stories as this collection is a must read!
Just enough sizzle to make you tingle.
