Tag: Sweet

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Spotlight featuring Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 by various authors! #onsale #contemporaryromance #boxset #99cents

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Fill your holiday stocking with love and 9 sweet romance novellas, from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and award-winning authors.
Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you heartwarming contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including in snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado, small-town Illinois and South Carolina, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. The Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 bundle features all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit.

*****

Christmas With The Poker Group by Beate Boeker, USA Today Bestselling Author. After losing her beloved grandmother and getting dumped by her boyfriend, Sabrina is left feeling like Scrooge this Christmas. She makes a plan to survive the holidays in Florence, only to realize her grieving grandfather has a plan of his own. One that involves the crazy Mantoni family and the distractingly handsome man she’s determined to avoid. It’s beginning to look a lot like a tricky Christmas.

About the Author: Beate Boeker is a USA Today bestselling author with a passion for books that brim over with mischief & humor. She writes sweet, sophisticated romantic fiction and cozy mysteries, many of them set in beautiful Italy. While “Boeker” means “books” in a German dialect, her first name Beate can be translated as “Happy” . . . and with a name that reads “Happy Books,” what else could she do but write novels with a happy ending?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beate-Boeker-153573758044433/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeateBoeker
Website: http://www.happybooks.de/
Newsletter: http://www.happybooks.de/newsletter


*****
Christmas With The Carmichaels by Christine Bush, USA Today Bestselling Author. Widow and retiree Gabby is ready for a rocking chair. At least according to her daughter. Except maybe she’s not. After getting stranded in a Maine snowstorm with a silver-haired fox, Gabby might find the courage to say “yes” to life once more, and find a Christmas love she never expected.

About the Author: Christine Bush is an award-winning author of many sweet romances, mysteries, and novellas. When she’s not writing, she can be found teaching Psychology at a local college, working as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or (mostly) spending time with her twelve grandchildren.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineabush
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Christine_Bush
Website: http://christinebush.com

 


*****
The Mistletoe Bachelor Auction by Milou Koenings, USA Today bestselling author. When a supermodel with a string of bad news boyfriends “wins” a volunteer firefighter at a charity bachelor auction, Rose and Ryan might both discover they’ve found their perfect Christmas match. A fun and romantic holiday tale set in the fictional town of Green Pines, Illinois.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Milou Koenings writes heartwarming romance novels because sweet stories with happy endings are like chocolate – they bring joy to the world and so make it a better place. She’s lived all over the world, working as an editor and newspaper columnist, but loves staying home with her family most of all. She’s the author of the Green Pines Romance series.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilouKoenings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilouKoenings
Website: https://www.miloukoenings.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/milousnewletter

*****



Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera, USA Today Bestselling Author. Sometimes the best gifts are hiding right under your Christmas tree. His emotions were once trampled flat. Can he throw his heart over the fence toward the ultimate Christmas gift—a future filled with love? A holiday tale about the healing power of love, set in the charming fictional town of Cherish, South Carolina.

About the Author: Author Josie Riviera writes Historical, Inspirational, and Sweet Romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their empty nest with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and an old house forever needing renovations.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josie.Riviera
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Josieriviera
Website: https://josieriviera.com/


*****
Christmas In Paris by Roxanne Rustand, USA Today Bestselling Author. Kindergarten teacher Heather thought all her dreams were coming true—until she was jilted by her fiancé three months before their Christmas wedding. Since the honeymoon to Paris is already paid for, Heather determines to go sans groom and have a great time, no matter what. Love is not part of her travel plans, but when a handsome young doctor literally runs into her on the street, the magic of Christmas in Paris may cause a change of heart.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand is the author of thirty-five traditionally published novels, plus four indie novels. She was a Golden Heart finalist twice, and a Golden Heart winner in 1995. She has won two RT Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and was nominated for an RT Magazine Career Achievement Award. Her earlier books were secular, but she now writes sweet indie romance, and inspirational romance for Love Inspired.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoxanneRustand
Website: http://www.roxannerustand.com
Newsletter: http://roxannerustand.com/newsletter-signup


*****
Second Chance Christmas by Kristin Wallace, USA Today Bestselling Author. Ten years ago, Mia Reynolds and Win Barrington spent one magical Christmas together—until lies and manipulation tore them apart, and left Mia to raise a daughter all on her own. Now, both are back in their hometown of Palm Cove, Florida just in time for the holidays. Once they uncover the truth about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover love and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

About the Author: Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational, contemporary and women’s fiction filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith.” Her popular series include the Covington Falls Chronicles and Shellwater Key Tales.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/KristinWallaceAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KWallaceAuthor
Website: http://kristinwallaceauthor.com
Newsletter: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/wMWhn


*****
Ghosts From Christmas Past by Mary Alford, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author. She was the love of his life, until a tragic accident on Christmas Eve left Charlotte Swenson in a coma. For eight years, Sheriff Dylan Parker of Bitter Creek, Colorado has held on to the hope that somehow his love will find a way back to him. And when Charlotte opens her eyes, just days before Christmas, Dylan can’t help but believe a holiday miracle may grant his every wish.

About the Author: Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading such romantic suspense greats as Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith was a challenge, but 2012 Mary received “the call” to publish her first book — a dream come true. Today, Mary writes Christian romantic suspense, and small-town contemporary romances.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAlfordAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryalford13
Website: http://maryalford.net


*****
Christmas Pizza To The Rescue by Jean C. Gordon. When a freak winter storm strands them alone at the Team Macachek barracks in Central New York, champion motocross racer Royce Evans and out-of-work investigative reporter turned pizza deliverer Samantha Linder strike a bargain that benefits them both. But when it appears Sam has broken the agreement, will the spirit of Christmas be strong enough to save their blossoming holiday love?

About the Author: Award-winning sweet and inspirational author Jean C. Gordon writes what she knows best — small-town, happily-ever-afters set in her native Upstate New York.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JeanCGordon.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanCGordon
Website: https://www.jeancgordon.com/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2wFYzPq


*****
The Love Clause by Liwen. Y. Ho. He needs a fake girlfriend to advance his career. She needs a pretend date to keep her mom off her case during the holidays. The solution to both of their problems? A contractual relationship with one clause: neither of them can fall in love. A Christmas tale set in romantic San Francisco that will cause this reluctant couple to rethink the “no love” clause.

About the Author: Liwen Y. Ho writes sweet and inspirational romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots). She lives in California with her family and blogs about life as a recovering perfectionist.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2square2behip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2square2behip
Website: http://www.2square2behip.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bt2nEL

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Excerpt, Giveaways, Harlequin Spotlight, Meme, New Release, Release Week, Reviews

Happy Release Week to A Cowboy’s Pride (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #4) by Karen Rock w/an excerpt & #giveaway! @karenrock5 @HarlequinBooks @PrismBookTours

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Cowboy’s Pride
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #4)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
September 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Old wounds run deep

Only the truth can heal them…

Rancher Cole Loveland has no interest in dredging up the past, but his ex-fiancée, Katlynn Brennon, has other plans. To save her struggling TV show, she’s come back to Colorado to investigate the infamous Cade-Loveland feud. Trusting Katlynn again isn’t easy—she’s already chosen her career over Cole once. But he’s beginning to realize that true love, like legends, never dies.

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EXCERPT

“I forgot how beautiful it is up here!” Katlynn called down to Cole, pausing to watch the sun’s golden orb break across the pink horizon.

Fingers of light probed the valley at their feet. Rays gilded the majestic peaks in the distance and illuminated the sea of trees waving below. There was a magical quality to a Colorado Rockies’ sky that stirred something in her. The sky was bluer than blue, the air fresher. Cleaner. She’d forgotten how heights like this exhilarated her. At this elevation, the weight of her life, her troubles, her worries, dropped away, sandbags cut from a rising balloon.

“I haven’t.” Cole lowered himself onto the thick branch, his back against the trunk. Gripping her hand, he guided her down in front of him so their legs dangled in the air, swinging. His strong arms wrapped around her. They made her feel feminine and safe against his powerful breadth.

She angled her face and caught his stare. “You’re not even looking at the view.”

“I’m looking at you. There’s nothing else I’d rather pay attention to.”

She planted a kiss on his lightly stubbled chin. “It feels so good to be back home.” The wind flowed more briskly up here, swaying the smaller branches overhead. “And didn’t we used to climb higher than this?” she asked.

Cole peered up. “Yep.”

“Guess we were more agile then.”

“Or had less sense.”

She laughed. “True. But I like this spot. Let’s carve our initials in it. Leave our mark.”

He swept her hair from her shoulder and dropped his chin to it, snuggling her close. The warmth of his body seeped through the thin cotton of her shirt. “You’re so beautiful. I haven’t been able to think of anything but you since you came home.”

Her cheeks flushed as he lowered his lips to her neck and trailed kisses to the sensitive skin just beneath her ear.

She ran a hand through her hair. “I’m sure I look a mess. I didn’t have a chance to brush my

hair, put on makeup—”

“You look like heaven to me, Katlynn.”

The sound of his deep, raspy voice sent her heart careening in her chest. She closed her eyes and gripped his knees. “You called me Katlynn.”

His mouth was working magic on the curve of her neck, sending goose bumps down her arms.

“Watching you at work, seeing your professional side,” he murmured against the hollow at the base of her throat. Her pulse throbbed. “It’s impressive. You’re good at your job. Guess I’m getting used to Katlynn.”

“Can you care for her?” She twisted around to better see his face.

“I love her,” he said simply. He looked down at her with a smile so genuine and full of emotion that it stole her breath.

“I—I love you, too.”

Joy exploded on his face. “You make me so happy.” He took her in a needful kiss, leaving her weak-kneed and giddy. Her mind spun a dozen ridiculous what-if fantasies.

What if they got married like she’d wanted? A big wedding, full of friends and family, one where they’d broadcast their love, not keep it only to themselves like he’d wanted… And then what if they had kids? Two. No. Three. And a dog… Cole would ranch and she—she’d do what? Her happy thoughts wobbled. Raise children? Keep house? Those were important responsibilities, and extremely rewarding, but somewhere, deep down, a sense of claustrophobia squeezed the thought. Would such an insular world be enough?

“God, I missed you,” Cole murmured against her temple when their lips drew apart. “Every day you were gone was a drop down a dark well.”

Years of longing and regret brewed in her belly. “I missed you, too.”

“We’re soul mates.” He rested the side of his head atop hers when she faced forward again. “Destined to be together. The only question is how?”

I have to admit that I’m conflicted when it comes to this book.  On one hand, the romance was a bit bland for it being a Loveland book but the mystery is brilliant.  Let me explain.

  1.  Mystery – Perfection.  Finding out about the feud once in for all and seeing the conclusion was exceptional.  Did it fix anything?  Not really but at least we know the what, why, when and how to it and I can’t wait to read in future books the repercussions and how it will all work out.
  2.  Second chance romance – There are two in this book.  Joy Cade and Boyd Loveland, the ill-fated couple from the past to their rekindling romance and marriage.  OMG!!  Their love story is epic.  To finally hear what exactly happened to them when they were younger just broke my heart.  I had tears and after all the books before, I really wanted to slap every one of their children for the treatment of their romance.  These two never fell out of love with one another but their children were just too caught up in the feud to see that.  The second romance is Cole and Katie Lynn.  This one felt a bit flat for me.  Why?  Because of Cole.  I really wanted to not just slap him but hit him in the face.  I get the whole she left but he never quite got the “why” she left.  It wasn’t about him but her.
  3. Katie Lynn – She had so much growth to go through before she could truly be with Cole in the end.  Body issues.  Career issues.  Somewhat ashamed of her upbringing but in the end, she finally decided what she really wanted out of life and it was touching.  The interactions with her family were great.  She needed to see that despite what she thought, they were proud of her and what she had accomplished in her life.
  4. Cole – Again, this man.  Ooooo!  He really needed to get over himself and in a hurry.  He almost let the best thing in his life walk out AGAIN!!!  In the end, though, I liked him but he still has some growing to do.  Especially with his own family.  And that’s all I’m going to say.
  5. History – OMG!  Finding out about the stone and where it had been all this time.  Wow!  Just wow!  Ms. Rock did an excellent job with this aspect of the story.  I really felt sorry for Maggie and how she was treated not only in the past but also in the future.  Someone needed to pay and I believe they did.

Overall, I really liked the book.  Just because we find out the mystery and how it was solved by Katlynn, doesn’t mean its over.  There is so much more than the feud over water.  What’s going to happen now that both families know about it?  What is going to happen if a Loveland marries a Cade?  And no, I’m not talking about Joy and Boyd.  There is definitely a couple that has been brewing since the beginning.  Ms. Rock has done it again with the Loveland’s and Cade’s.  I can’t get enough of them.  Just don’t wrap it up too neatly.  I believe there are still more mysteries to solve.

 

 

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.

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Tour Schedule

September 4th:
Launch
Reading Is My SuperPower
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Jorie Loves A Story
Deal Sharing Aunt
September 5th:
Hearts & Scribbles
The Power of Words
E-Romance News
Andi’s Book Reviews
September 6th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Harlie’s Books
Getting Your Read On
It’s All About the Romance
A Slice of Life
September 7th:
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Teatime and Books
Handcrafted Reviews
Splashes of Joy
September 8th:
Locks, Hooks and Books
Book by Book
Remembrancy
Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews
September 9th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
– Open internationally
– Ends September 13th

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Category Thursday, Excerpt, Giveaways, Meme, New Release, Reviews

#Review of Mischief and Mayhem (a Whiskey Sisters novel #2) by L.E. Rico w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #contemporaryromance @RadioRico @entangledpub

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L.E. Rico will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to Mayhem, Minnesota, home of the Knitty Kitty, The Little Slice of Heaven Pie Shop, and O’Halloran’s Pub—owned by the four young women known as The Whiskey Sisters.

In the wake of her divorce, Jameson O’Halloran has gone man-vegan. And this is one diet she’s determined to stick with. Even when her long-lost ex-brother-in-law shows up looking like two scoops of double dutch dipped in chocolate… She’s not giving in. Been there and still wearing the messy T-shirt.

It’s been a decade since Scott Clarke left his family and his hometown, never to return. But when tragedy strikes, he finds himself dragged back to the land of gossip, judgment, and the one woman he absolutely, positively, without a doubt can never have. His brother’s ex is off-limits. He just needs to keep repeating that to himself until it sinks in.

Read an Excerpt:

The shelf is a little too high for my short self, and I’m only able to brush the dishes with my fingertips.

“Oh, here, let me help you with that…”

Before I can object, he’s standing behind me, reaching over me to get the dishes. For a brief second, his front is pressed against my back. His broad, muscled, perfectly sculpted front. I feel a wave of unwelcome warmth beginning under my collar and creeping up my neck.

“Thanks…” I murmur awkwardly, keeping my back to him for a moment longer in an attempt to quash my blush.

“Okay. I’m just going to grab a shower before my brother gets here, if you don’t mind.”

“Nope. Not at all,” I say quickly. “You go right ahead.”

Once he disappears around the corner, I silently smack my palm to my forehead.
What was that, Jameson? Why the blush? He’s just your ex-husband’s brother, that’s all. This is insane. I’ve got to stop this childish behavior. No. More. Men. Remember? No thinking about men. No looking at men. No fantasizing about men.

Especially not that man!

I’m still shaking my head and silently berating myself when I hear him behind me.

“Hey, Jameson, do you happen to know if my dad keeps an extra toothbrush around? I dropped mine in the toilet and…”

I don’t hear the end of his sentence because, when I turn to face him, I suddenly can’t hear anything. I’m too entranced by the sight of him wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.

Oh, crap, oh crap, oh crap… I am in so much trouble here. No men. No men. No men… I repeat the mantra over and over again in my head, but clearly the rest of my body isn’t getting the memo.

Where do I start?  I mean really.  It’s like I waited FOREVER for this book in the series.  If you want a recap of my review of Henny’s story here you go: Hennessey’s Review.  So I won’t go into the sisters again in my review but let’s just say that they all play a very big part of this book and it is wonderful how Ms. Rico is able to use them in nonintrusive ways.  Bailey and Jameson’s side plot is brilliantly played out, even if my heart broke a bit.  Very realistically written and heartfelt.  Remember that Jameson is the oldest and Bailey the youngest.

Anyways, I’m here to tell you how much I just ADORED this book.  In some ways, it supersedes the first one and I’ll tell you why:

  1.  Jameson is the oldest sibling and feels like a failure.  In her marriage, in helping her sisters and at times her son, Jackson.  Jackson is hilarious in this book.  Unca Scott and beddy-bye are just two of his sayings.  Jameson carries some guilt when it comes to her mother’s death and still misses her. But what was great about that is she was finally able to “see” her mother when it came to the butterfly exhibit at the fair.  Trust me, I had a tear.  She fights for what she wants and doesn’t let her douche bag of an ex-husband take it from her.  Also, she cares deeply for her father in law and the feeling is mutual.
  2.  Scott.  I swooned.  Yes, swooned and pictured Josh Lucas as my Scott.  Just think Sweet Home Alabama and you’ll understand.  Anyway, I loved him from the start and when we finally understand why he left and then the fallout later in the book, my heart literally broke.  How could someone be that cruel to another human being?  I know, there are plenty of people out there but in the end, they don’t get their way.  Just the last scene in the bar spoke volumes to me in the sense that a certain douchebag will never get his way.
  3. The Pie Lady is back and spookier than ever.  She scares me.  Seriously.  Ms. Rico has written a secondary character that is funny, fun but reminds me somewhat of a fairy godmother.  In a spooky way.
  4. The celebrity cat scenes.  Laugh out loud funny.
  5. The mystery in regards to Win and Scott.  I really liked that plot point.  It showed me that the Clarkes were made of a certain character and didn’t back down.  Too bad Win didn’t get the same message.  Ungrateful little snot.
  6.  With this story, we didn’t have an outsider trying to take over something.  I love Brynn but this one was more about two childhood friends that made a pact that they both forgot about.  It’s about finding that true love when you think that you will never get it.  For finding that someone that makes you feel alive when you don’t think you deserve it.  For finding the peace in the reasons why you leave and but then find reasons for never leaving again.

Ms. Rico has written that rare second book in a series that really makes you think.  I’m not sure if I could have coped with what Scott went through all those years ago.  Jameson had to finally get her backbone when it came to Win and his ways.  Douchebag.  Yes, I will continue to say it.  It’s still a story about sisters but in the end, it’s about being true to yourself and fighting for what you truly want in life.

About the Author:

L.E. Rico didn’t set out to be an author. In fact she’s made a name for herself as a classical music radio host—doing her best to make the music and the composers relevant by putting them into a modern context. It was just a few years ago that she discovered a passion for writing that blossomed into an entire novel. And then another. And another. And, while she still spends plenty of time on the radio, telling the stories of the great composers, she spends even more time composing her own great stories.

https://www.laurenrico.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LaurenRicoAuthor
https://twitter.com/RadioRico
https://entangledpublishing.com/author/l-e-rico


Name the Nanny Contest

In addition to the tour wide Rafflecopter, the author is offering an additional special contest: “Name the Nanny!”

Create a quirky character and they could be featured in Lauren’s next book!
Contest page link: http://www.LaurenRico.com/Name-The-Nanny-Contest

A Note From the Author:

Name Mayhem, Minnesota’s newest resident!
Welcome to Mayhem, MN where the cats wear sweaters, the priest gives love advice, and you can find your fortune under a slice of pie.

Mayhem is filled with all kinds of quirky characters and I’m looking for one more!

In honor of the release of Mischief and Mayhem, book two of the Whiskey Sisters series, I’m in the market for a brand new character—a nanny who will fit in with the wacky bunch who live there.

Can you help?

Fill out this form and tell me about the nanny YOU think should become Mayhem’s latest resident! Name, physical features, and, most importantly, what makes them so quirky? Bonus points for snippets in the character’s voice and dialogue with existing characters from book one, Blame it on the Bet.

If your character is selected, he/she will be featured in an upcoming Whiskey Sisters storyline and you’ll get a shout-out in the acknowledgements!

All entries will be evaluated by myself in consultation with Entangled Publishing, LLC.

In the event that there are an insufficient number of viable entries, as determined by me, then I’ll create an assortment of characters—one to be chosen by popular vote with all voters entered in a random drawing. In this event, the winner will help select the character’s name & physical description and will receive a mention in the acknowledgments.

Haven’t read Blame it on the Bet yet? What are you waiting for?  Start getting acquainted with the Mayhem of Mayhem, Minnesota!

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