Author Interview and #Review of Stealing Kisses in the Snow (a Rendezvous Falls novel) by Jo McNally w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #contemporaryromance @JoMcNallyAuthor

October 31, 2019October 30, 2019 Admin

Stealing Kisses in the Snow

by Jo McNally

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Maybe “perfect” is over-rated…

Between juggling two kids, two jobs, and a fixer-upper house, single mom Piper Montgomery is so busy she can hardly see straight. But when rugged biker Logan Taggert strolls into the B&B where she’s working, she can’t help but stare. He has bad boy written all over him. She’s promised her kids a “perfect Christmas” this year, and bad boys aren’t part of the plan. But how can she resist?

Once his grandmother is back on her feet, Logan can leave her Victorian B&B get back on the road. It’s where he belongs after all, even if his grandmother’s matchmaking book club biddies try to convince him otherwise. But there’s something about beautiful, spitfire Piper that makes him wonder if kids and commitment might be just what he needs after all.

As Christmas draws ever closer, so do Piper and Logan. Could these two opposites find all they want this Christmas is each other?

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Excerpt Three:

The woman hesitated, glancing back at her daughter. Momma Bear had saved her cub. She swallowed a couple times, then gestured to the door with the mop. Her voice still shook, but the volume lowered.

“You need to go.”

“I’m sorry I startled you. I’ve had a long-ass…” He glanced at the kid and grimaced.

“It’s been a long trip, and I got caught in a rainstorm just south of here. I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s dinner…”

Her eyes softened a fraction, even as she held the mop out firmly. She nodded toward the door. “The Methodist church three blocks over has a food pantry, and the Catholic church does soup and bread every Wednesday for whoever stops in. Father Joe might be able to help you find a place to sleep. But you can’t stay here.”

Logan couldn’t stop his bark of laughter, even though it made her jump. She thought he was homeless? He couldn’t decide if he was offended or impressed. Clearly scared out of her wits, she was still kind enough to offer him a chance at hot food and a bed. Yeah, definitely impressed. It was no surprise she worked for his grandmother, who was also a tough-as-nails woman who cared about others far more than she ever let on. Her eyes started to narrow again, so he tried to clarify that he wasn’t some random vagrant.

“Actually, I can stay here.”

She lifted the cell phone. Not good. His words tumbled out. “I’m Logan Taggart. This is my grandmother’s place. I know I look like Sasquatch right now, but I’m honestly just here to help my grandmother.”

Welcome Jo McNally! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks for inviting me! I write contemporary romance for Harlequin–HQN and Special Edition. My husband and I share the house with our 96 lb rescue dog, Tully. Or I should say she shares the house with us! Sometimes it feels like we’re only here to serve her needs and desires. We’re in the process of moving from North Carolina to Upstate New York, so our lives are pretty busy right now.

Is STEALING KISSES IN THE SNOW a single title, or part of a series?

Stealing Kisses in the Snow can be read as a stand-alone, but it is part of my Rendezvous Falls series.

Please share your setting for (book title). Have you ever lived or visited there? If so, what did you like most?

Rendezvous Falls is a fictional town set in the Finger Lakes wine country of upstate New York. It’s a beautiful area of rolling hills and long glacial lakes. And lots of vineyards and wineries (New York is the third largest wine producing state in the US). I grew up near there and my brother and his wife live in the Finger Lakes now. We love to do winery tours, especially at the wineries where you can sit and sip your wine while overlooking one of the lakes and take in the changing colors of the seasons.

When did the writing bug first bite?

My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Williamson, would put photos on the blackboard from magazine ads, and ask us to pick one and write a story about what was happening in the picture. It felt magical to look at an image and create a whole world around it, and I was hooked!

Who are you favorite authors, book/series?

The answer to this question changes constantly, because I’m always reading. One of my favorite recent authors is Alyssa Cole–I adored A Princess in Theory. I love Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series, Mariah Stewart’s Chesapeake Diaries, and Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Good books. When I want a more intense read, I reach for Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter books–her paranormal books are can’t-put-downable!

Do you have any hobbies or special things you like to do in your spare time?

I haven’t done it as much lately as I would like, but I enjoy golfing with my husband. Himself is a die-hard golfer, but I’m more of a hobby golfer. But I enjoy the slower pace and the beautiful courses we’ve visited in the US and in Ireland.

What is the one thing that you would tell an inspiring writer to do?

I think it’s really important to remember that what works for one writer may not work for you, even if they’re a best-selling author or if they wrote multiple books on the subject. I was intimidated for years by all the craft books that told me I “needed” to write an outline so detailed I’d need a wall-sized whiteboard to contain it all. I mean, that’s fine if it works for you, but it terrified me. As soon as I gave myself permission to write my own way, I felt free. Do your homework, but pick and choose what works for you.

How did I love this book? Let me count the ways.

Logan – I know that Ms. McNally was trying to make him a “bad boy” but he really is a good guy with a heart of gold. Yes, a big ole Marshmellow especially when it came to Piper’s kids. Oh, Lily…she broke my heart at one point in the book but her emotions and reaction were completely spot on. And the way that Logan handled the situation was also spot on. His relationship with Ethan was more complex but also spot on. Ms. McNally really incorporated Piper’s kids in the story and it was completely relatable and honest. Logan, himself, was a dream. Meeting Piper was the punch in the gut that he needed in his life and didn’t really know what to do after that. I enjoyed watching him embrace the inn for what it was and then realizing that he could have it all.
Piper – the single mother that didn’t think she could love another man again. I really liked how McNally wrote her in the book. Fierce, smart and loving but also vulnerable and not sure of herself as a woman. I could understand her feelings of feeling rusty with a man and I love how Logan eased her into a relationship with no strings even if, feelings started getting in the way. She also finally had her say with her mother in law and I loved it. Good gosh that woman was a menace. Look I understand that her mother in law lost her only child but the way that she treated Piper was inexcusable in my book. Near the end when she finally apologized to everyone (separately), did I finally have some compassion for her.
The romance itself – It was a very slow build that I enjoyed. Piper and Logan became friends first, after a shaky start, but I could tell that they felt an instant connection from the start. I know, neither one of them would admit it but I could see it. While this book some semi-closed smexy scenes in it, you could still feel the heat coming off these two. The attic scene is priceless. Just saying…Plus, the sneaking around the kids. Spot on again with those scenes.
Piper’s Kids – Oh my. I swear Ethan could be any kid in any school with an attitude and Lily is just a cutie. She never knew her daddy so they way that bonded with Logan is precious. He knew that he was a goner with her. It took more time with Ethan but I could see the seed planted by the end of the book. Ethan and Lily had their own personalities and they are well written. Ms. McNally doesn’t write them as filler but as true characters that are invested in their mom’s relationship with Logan.
The in-laws – While they are the “villains” in the book, I could at some point understand where Susan was coming from. Unfortunately, she did some things that were unforgivable in my book but it’s relatable. I have an ex-sister in law that behaves like her so I get it. And I don’t like it. Ultimately, she, Piper and Logan finally have it out and it is sad but also heartbreaking in the end.

I remember reading Ms. McNally during her Harlequin days. I loved her books then and I really loved this one. I can’t wait to read Liam and Bridgit’s story next. There is a book before this one but this one stands on its own. You will get an update in regards to that one but you don’t need to read it to fully enjoy Piper and Logan’s story.

If you are looking for a heartwarming, relatable holiday book, pick this one up. Ms. McNally delivers the goods and sets the tone for a “perfect” Christmas.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jo McNally lives in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – her slice of the bed is very small. When she’s not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed…), she can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends, listening to great music. If the weather is absolutely perfect, she’ll occasionally join her husband on the golf course, where she always feels far more competitive than her actual skill-level would suggest.

Author Links

Website: https://jomcnallyromance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoMcNallyAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoMcNallyAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo.mcnally/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15850595.Jo_McNally

STEALING KISSES IN THE SNOW Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1335041486

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-kisses-in-the-snow-jo-mcnally/1129992769

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/stealing-kisses-in-the-snow/id1446004554

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/stealing-kisses-in-the-snow

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jo_McNally_Stealing_Kisses_in_the_Snow?id=vTp-DwAAQBAJ

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Jo McNally will be awarding one print copy of SLOW DANCING AT SUNRISE by Jo McNally and 1 print copy of STEALING KISSES IN THE SNOW by Jo McNally, shipping limited to North American (US and Canada) only to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ”

Excerpt, Giveaways, New Release, Reviews

#Review of The Perfect Lap (a Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance #2) by Sedona Hutton w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @SedonaHutton

October 1, 2019October 1, 2019 Admin

The Perfect Lap

by Sedona Hutton

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line?

AJ Ryan is a publicity nightmare. After a questionable photo surfaces and his biggest sponsor threatens to pull out, the NASCAR champion admits it might be time to hit the brakes. Thankfully, his new no-nonsense image consultant knows just where to start… too bad she revs his engine so loudly he can barely think straight.

Ella Fisher’s career is a welcome distraction from her poor taste in men. Fresh off another easily avoidable heartbreak, rehabbing AJ’s career is just the diversion she needs. But when the pulse-pounding client actually listens to her advice, Ella wonders if there’s more to the man behind the hot mess.

When Ella is granted guardianship of three boisterous children under the misconception that she and AJ are a couple, AJ surprises her by going along with the charade. Before long they find themselves in a make-shift family that feels more real than pretend.

As their professional relationship takes a hard turn for the personal, a single overheard conversation could make it all go up in flames. Will Ella and AJ’s romance hit the wall, or will love take the checkered flag?

The Perfect Lap is the second standalone novel in the Racing Hearts of Serenity romance series. If you like bad boys with a heart of gold, strong women, and love stories with a new age twist, then you’ll adore Sedona Hutton’s fun, sexy tale.

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Excerpt One:

“I bet you have a beautiful smile,” he drawled, then lowered his mouth to hers.

She should have pulled away—she didn’t know this man from Adam. But everything inside her protested. After gazing into each other’s eyes, she felt like she knew him intimately.

His lips were warm and tingly, his kiss pure perfection…and he drew back way too quickly. He blinked those deep blue eyes and gave her a lazy grin. “I knew it.” He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her lower lip. “Beautiful.”

That’s when she realized she was smiling.

He rose, and she gave him a quick once over, taking in the sexy stubble on his face, the taut muscles of his chest, his lean physique. As good old-fashioned lust rolled through her like a quick-moving thunderstorm, she silently bemoaned her situation. This was a hell of a time to have a newly implemented man-ban.

“Keep smiling.” Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he winked at her. “It suits you,” he added in that low, sexy drawl. Then he sauntered off.

Her breath caught as she spun around to gape at him. He’d just kissed her and now he was leaving? She contemplated calling him back, then reconsidered. She had other fish to fry.

Even so, she couldn’t stop herself from tracking his every move as he swaggered toward the party, his backside looking every bit as fine as the rest of him. Pressing a hand to her chest, she let out a slow exhale. Even though she was one-hundred percent committed to her man-ban, she could admit—at least to herself—that the sexy, charming stranger had intrigued her.

This book is just what I needed to read over the weekend. After a brutal week with 1st-3rd graders in PE, outside for 3 days and dealing with it still hot in Texas, I needed to read a feel-good story about a NASCAR driver, a PR woman that honestly got hosed and 3 adorable children that needed to be loved. A book to get lost in, fall in love with and go to bed with a huge smile on my face.

Most people don’t know that I love NASCAR. I have my favorite drivers and I’ve actually been a race weekend near my house. One of the most fun and interesting times of my life. I really loved how Ms. Hutton did her research on the sport. Most people would have glossed over it but she really went all out with it. BTW, my dream track is Poconos. Never been but it’s on the bucket list for sure. A lot of the book was not at a track but you got to understand the lifestyle of the drivers and what their friends and families go through during race season.

AJ is a lot of fun in the book but he is also tired. Tired of having to be right with the sponsors (like no pictures of him eating meat-sponsor is vegan), not having a good time and having things posted on social media and then, just tired of not feeling grounded in his daily life. I understood his need for some stability in his life. His sponge of a stepbrother, a mother that only cares about his ability to pay for things and then seeing his friends find love and feeling left out. So when he meets Ella, he sees a challenge but also a way for him to finally figuring out what he truly wants in life.

Ella could have come off as a doormat but when she finally realizes that she will NEVER measure up to her folks; she takes a stand and lets them know exactly what she thinks. Bravo. It needed to be done and I applaud her for it. Ella and AJ are fun together. They actually communicate with each when it comes what they want from each other and actually learn from one another. Watching them with the kids is awesome. I’m not a New Age parent (I’m old-52) but some of the things that Ms. Hutton talked about makes a lot of sense. I look to incorporate some of that in my classroom.

The kids in the book have had it rough. An absent mother, raising themselves and then being put with Ella and AJ and trying to figure out their lives without there mother. It could have been heartbreaking but once again, Ms. Hutton slowly rebuilds their trust and lives with the love and support of Ella and AJ. And they are cute, too. Not overly but clearly lovable. Was the transition easy? Not but Ms. Hutton did her job and letting the reader know that foster care and placement isn’t always easy.

The romance in the book is a slow build but realistic. Considering that Ella has been burned by men in the past so her trust issues are real. AJ and his inability to not date every one around him and finally deciding to date Ella and try to have a real relationship with her. Again, it was completely relatable and fascinating to read.

I really enjoyed reading Ella and AJ’s story and it was great seeing Nora and Davey again and how they help Ella and AJ with the kids and also their romance. I can’t wait for CC’s book when it comes out. So do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It’s sweet, inspiring, and a love story about two people and 3 children that find hope, their own voice and realize that family doesn’t have to be blood-related.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author Sedona Hutton finds inspiration in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and curly-coated retriever. In addition to writing, she’s a Reiki Master and a certified Chopra Center Meditation instructor. She enjoys reading, yoga, gardening, and experiencing the great outdoors on boats, motorcycles, and Jeeps. Sedona pens a “Peace, Love, & Joy” blog on her website. Visit her at www.SedonaHutton.com, Twitter @SedonaHutton, Facebook @SedonaHuttonAuthor, and Instagram @SedonaHutton.

Sedona’s debut novel, Cloud Whispers, was a Finalist in the 2018 Readers’ Favorite Contest, an Official Selection in the 2018 Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary, and Shortlisted for the Books Go Social Best Book of 2018.

Links:

Website: https://www.sedonahutton.com/

Blog: https://www.sedonahutton.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SedonaHutton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedonaHuttonAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedonahutton/

Amazon page: www.amazon.com/author/sedonahutton

Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17837575.Sedona_Hutton

Short link to Goodreads Author page: https://bit.ly/2GxDDQ7

Book purchase links:

Amazon Purchase Link for Cloud Whispers: https://goo.gl/N9aC38

Amazon Purchase Link for Nora’s Promise: https://tinyurl.com/y7vqz3t9

Amazon Purchase Link for The Perfect Lap: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Lap-Racing-Serenity-Romance-ebook/dp/B07R92KSFX

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Sedona Hutton will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ”

Giveaways, New Release, Release Day, Reviews

Happy Book Birthday & ARC #Review of The Librarian’s Vampire Assistant #3 by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @MimiJeanRomance #Mystery #Humor

June 18, 2019 Admin

The Librarian’s Vampire Assistant, book #3

Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Synopsis:

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes an uncomfortably hilarious Mystery with a heaping help of sexual frustration, THE LIBRARIAN’S VAMPIRE ASSISTANT, Book Three. (Yep! It’s a STAND-ALONE. But why not read them all because…fun!)

FALLING IN LOVE WITH A LIBRARIAN JUST CAN’T GET MORE AWKWARD…

Michael Vanderhorst is not your usual vampire. For starters, he works in a library, is in love with Miriam, his hot nerdy human boss who has no clue what he is, and he looks like a college student.

In reality, Michael is an ancient deadly vampire, an ex-assassin, and is currently the de facto king of his kind ever since their ruling party disappeared. To where? He doesn’t know, but if he wants his life back, he’ll have to find out. (Mystery!) Especially because a civil war is brewing, and being king makes his librarian a mark for his enemies. She is, after all, his biggest weakness.

With a global uprising about to explode, Michael must give her the protection of his army. Only one problem: She must become his queen first. But every attempt he makes to tell her the truth is met with extreme hostility. “Vampires aren’t real. That’s crazy talk, Michael!” Clearly, the topic frightens her.

With time running out and her life on the line, Michael is left with one option: Marry her. Without her knowing.

Can he pull it off? And what will happen when the fight comes to their door?

I have to admit something. I almost didn’t finish this book. Oh, I got pissed off about more than halfway through it and had it put it down. That’s why the review is late. I’ve read this series from the beginning and fell in love with it. But Ms. Mimi did something that I felt didn’t need to be in the book and bam…pissed off a reader. Now, a couple of chapters later, all is forgiven and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Let’s talk about this series, shall we? There is a NEW mystery in every book. It is SOLVED by the end of the book. Is the romance the overall arc of the book? Absolutely. Ms. Mimi has written a paranormal, cozy mystery with romantic elements that is the best that I’ve ever read. Period. The book makes me laugh, swoon, tense up and keeps me flipping the pages to see what in the heck is going to happen next.

This book is truly the top of the arc for me. It wraps up some looser threads but opens up other possibilities with past characters that I can’t wait to see what happens with them and Michael. I have really warmed up to Miriam. I love her now. She is harboring a HUGE secret in this one and I was just floored. FLOORED!!!! I wish I could share but that’s a huge plot point in the book and you will just have to read it to find out. Ms. Mimi has pulled off a brilliant plot twist that had some great dialogue between her and Michael that is spot on. Oh and the romance FINALLY heats up in this installment. Again, ABOUT TIME!!! Listening to Michael moon over Miriam and never acting on it was frustrating. Not just for Michael for this reader as well.

This is one of the best books that I’ve read so far this year. Ms. Mimi just keeps getting better and better with this series. And Nice makes an appearance or two and he is hell-bent on the book series Fanged Love and it’s a hoot and a half. Please, please give this series a chance. It’s PG-13 at best but more PG. The characters are well rounded, the romance is plausible, if not frustrating and the mystery is fabulous.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU | AMAZON Other

KOBO | NOOK | iBOOKS | PAPERBACK

About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling romance author with over a million books sold worldwide. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dream. Mimi lives with her Latin Lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and the rat terrier duo, Snowflake and Mini Me, in Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.