Spotlight, Review & Interview: For the Longest Time: The Harvest Cove Series by Kendra Leigh Castle

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For the Longest Time: The Harvest Cove Series by Kendra Leigh Castle
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own….

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

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I loved For the Longest Time! This is the first book in Kendra Leigh Castle’s new contemporary series, The Harvest Cove Series. I’m a fan of Ms. Castle’s paranormals and when I saw she was coming out with a contemporary series I grabbed it. I was not disappointed. For the Longest Time is fun romance with great characters and a great storyline. I loved the interactions between the eccentric and sarcastic artist Sam and the sexy town veterinarian Jake. Jake broke Sam’s heart in high school and while she has her guard up I like that she was not afraid to risk it again. They had great chemistry that heated up the pages. Their banter had me laughing. The story flowed easily and made this a great romance to read. Great summer romance to pick up and read by the pool or beach this summer! There were several secondary characters that I’d love to see get their own books as well. I loved the book and can’t wait for the next book in this fun new romance series.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $6.28 http://georiot.co/2Nkf | Amazon PBK $6.61 http://georiot.co/3lcb | B&N (PBK $6.61/ Nook $7.99) http://bit.ly/1sOWolp | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1vkAVfV

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FACEBOOK PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: Paperback copy of For the Longest Time: The Harvest Cove Series by Kendra Leigh Castle. LIKE & COMMENT on FB post to enter. Winner will be announced by 5PM Central Today (7/4).
Go to FB post to enter: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/780928665290664/?type=1&theater

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Reading in Pajamas Interview – FOR THE LONGEST TIME by Kendra Leigh Castle
Cori’s Interview With Kendra Leigh Castle

1. What are you currently working on? Anything else planned for 2014 and 2015?
Oh, I’m always working on something! For the Longest Time is my only release for the rest of 2014, but the sequel, Every little Kiss, will come out in March 2015. That’s finished, and I’m writing the third book in the series, which I’ll turn in this October. I’m also hoping to write a connected novella in the coming months. We’ll see if I manage it!

2. You write both contemporary and paranormal romance. Do you have a favorite?

I thought I would, but I don’t. I love the fantastic element of paranormals, where I can create worlds and supernatural creatures out of thin air. But it turns out that I also love the warmth and realism of contemporaries, and the way I can really focus on the characters’ relationship and bring my sense of humor more fully into the story. It’s been lovely to stretch my writing muscles and try something new, and I have to say I really enjoy both subgenres.

3. I love to read anything that falls in the romance category. Do you have a reading preference? Favorite author?
My favorite romance author is Nalini Singh. Her Guild Hunters series is just amazing, and I’ve already pre-ordered the next book in it. My reading tends to be all over the map. I love romance, but I also read fantasy, horror, general fiction…anything that looks interesting. Mainly I just like to read!

4. Where do your story ideas come from?
I wish I knew! They just sort of arrive. According to my parents, I always had an active imagination.

5. Do you know the full story when you sit down to write a book or do the characters lead you down a different path as you write their story?
No, I never know the full story. I know where it starts, and roughly where it finishes (though the ending has turned out to be a bit different than I expected often enough), but the middle part is an adventure. Every writer works differently, but for me, I think knowing exactly what was going to happen would take all the fun out of it. I like not knowing, and I love the moments where the pieces click together and I discover something new about my characters and the story I’m telling. Those “A-ha!” moments are the best.

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Kendra Leigh Castle is a RITA award-nominated, multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where her love of curling up with a blanket and a good book came early, she penned her debut novel as a Navy wife living in the Nevada desert. Since then, she has managed to continue working in her pajamas while moving around the country. Kendra currently makes her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets. She drinks too much coffee, stays up too late, and loves to hear from her readers, who make this crazy job worthwhile.

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Website: http://www.kendraleighcastle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkendraleighcastle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendralcastle
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1180263.Kendra_Leigh_Castle

SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW: Hot on the Hunt (ICE: Black Ops Defenders Series, #3) by Melissa Cutler

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Hot on the Hunt (ICE: Black Ops Defenders Series, #3) by Melissa Cutler
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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This ex-ICE agent has one last chance with the one who got away — if he can protect her long enough…

Black-ops agent Alicia Troy spent years plotting the perfect revenge on the man who left her for dead…until her plan is foiled by her ex-teammate–and ex-lover–who taught her the meaning of betrayal. She can’t trust John Witter…so why can’t she stop wanting him?

For John, it’s a race to get to Alicia’s intended victim before she does because he’s the only one who can prove John’s innocence, but the race turns into a battle of wits against the woman who believes he deceived her. But when their former agency turns on them both, labeling them “armed and dangerous,” John has a new mission: keep his woman alive.

Hot on the Hunt is Book 3 in Melissa Cutler’s ICE: Black Ops Defenders series.

***
(romantic suspense, action-adventure romance, kickass heroine, former military hero, international setting, fast paced, second chance love, reunion romance, hurricane)

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I love this series! It keeps getting better and better! Great romantic suspense with lots of action, drama, emotion and steamy romance. It kept me on edge and flipping the pages to see what would happen next. I love a good suspense that includes a great love story! I loved the characters and the plot. Melissa Cutler writes a story that really makes the reader feel like they are living the experience with the characters and rooting for them. I highly recommend this series and this book for romantic suspense lovers. Melissa Cutler has become a go to author for me when I’m in the mood for a suspense filled romance.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $3.82 http://georiot.co/1zcq | Amazon Paperback $4.85 http://georiot.co/mSH | B&N http://bit.ly/1mA2fDB | Kobo http://bit.ly/1mRQUjT

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✦ICE: Black Ops Defenders Series by Melissa Cutler✦
✦#1: Tempted Into Danger (June 2013) ➢ Kindle $3.82: http://georiot.co/17Eu | Amazon Paperback $4.95 http://georiot.co/3WNa | B&N http://bit.ly/16edknt | Kobo http://bit.ly/YGpvDg | iTunes http://bit.ly/10zY4k9
✦#2: Secret Agent Secretary (January 2014) ➢ Kindle $3.82 http://georiot.co/2Bw7 | Amazon Paperback $4.95 http://georiot.co/3hwH | B&N (Paperback $5.50/ Nook $4.99) http://bit.ly/19QnMko | Kobo $4.39 http://bit.ly/1kdLnTV
✦#3: Hot on the Hunt (July 1, 2014) ➢ Kindle $3.82: http://georiot.co/1zcq | Amazon Paperback $4.85: http://georiot.co/mSH | B&N http://bit.ly/1mA2fDB | Kobo http://bit.ly/1mRQUjT

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Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy small town contemporary romances, western romances, and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for a variety of publishers, including Harlequin, Kensington Books, Penguin, and Macmillan. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.

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Website: http://www.melissacutler.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaCutlerBooks
Twitter: @m_cutler
Bookshelf: http://www.melissacutler.net/bookshelf/
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/10zEWNY
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/13Sn6gC

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SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: When Day Breaks (A KGI Novel, Book 9) by Maya Banks

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When Day Breaks (A KGI Novel, Book 9) by Maya Banks
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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THE ALL-NEW KGI NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELING AUTHOR AUTHOR MAYA BANKS

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business. Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background. Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Eden is said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her face has graced countless magazines and her body has sold millions of dollars of clothing. But her fame and beauty has earned her more than she ever imagined. Evil is stalking her, determined to extinguish the ethereal beauty forever.

Swanson or “Swanny” as his teammates call him is always up for the next mission. He came back from Afghanistan wounded and scarred. Hardly the kind of man who even belongs in the same room with Eden. And yet there’s something about the quiet beauty that stirs his blood and makes him dream of the impossible. Because Beauty loving the Beast only happens in fairy tales and KGI doesn’t deal in fairy tales. Ever.

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Another great KGI novel. The KGI members still thrill me with how they not only work as a well-oiled machine but also show their closeness with their easy banter and camaraderie. I’ve grown to care about them too, which is why I was anxious for Swanny’s story. Even though the drama and action didn’t start soon enough for me, the tender romance made up for it. It even moved me to tears a few times. A nice addition to the series and has me itching for the next one.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle http://amzn.to/1NE1x5D | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1esgKeq | B&N http://bit.ly/1prBuTC | Kobo http://bit.ly/1jHCeQK

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✿FACEBOOK PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: Winner receives paperback copies of When Day Breaks (A KGI Novel) by Maya Banks. Winner will be announced Friday, June 27th by 5PM Central on Facebook.
Enter on this FB Post: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/775799855803545/?type=1&theater

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When Day Breaks

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Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today and bestselling author of the Surrender Trilogy. Her other chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance. She lives in the South with her husband, three children and a variety of pets. Visit her online at http://www.mayabanks.com, http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMayaBanks, and twitter.com/maya_banks.

✦THE KGI SERIES BY MAYA BANKS ~ READING ORDER✦
✦ Book 1, The Darkest Hour ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/15OVcxI | Kindle http://amzn.to/1dZVOZx | B&N http://bit.ly/1coxIWo | Kobo http://bit.ly/1cZVhmr
✦ Book 2, No Place to Run (December 7, 2010) ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1d4qkyw | Kindle http://amzn.to/15Uj8Pj | B&N http://bit.ly/18bTiOs | Kobo http://bit.ly/1coyz9w
✦ Book 3, Hidden Away ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1dZWheu | Kindle http://amzn.to/17UPIDO | B&N http://bit.ly/193VtlT | Kobo http://bit.ly/1f0myYp
✦ Book 4, Whispers in the Dark ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1dZWvlP | Kindle http://amzn.to/18SL5cn | B&N http://bit.ly/1coy1Aw | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bjXKFC
✦ Book 5, Echoes at Dawn ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1aovaWm| Kindle http://amzn.to/17WVWkp | B&N http://bit.ly/193V5UB | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bjyx1q
✦ Book 5.5, Softly at Sunrise (Novella) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1aovoww| B&N http://bit.ly/1coy9zS | Kobo http://bit.ly/18G62Oa
✦ Book 6, Shades of Gray ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1fX3sAJ | Kindle http://amzn.to/15UkVnv | B&N http://bit.ly/1d24bAj | Kobo http://bit.ly/18G6sEe
✦ Book 7, Forged in Steele (June 25, 2013) ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1aovEMj| Kindle http://amzn.to/15hXOrx | B&N http://bit.ly/1gaQKCY | Kobo http://bit.ly/193VUwt
Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-jh
✦ Book 8, After the Storm ➢ Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/15OQxMl | Kindle http://amzn.to/17i63lF | B&N http://bit.ly/1kg5q1g | Kobo http://bit.ly/1cZUban
Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Sf
✦Book 9, When Day Breaks ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1NE1x5D | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1esgKeq | B&N http://bit.ly/1prBuTC | Kobo http://bit.ly/1jHCeQK
Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1nX
✦Book 10, Darkest Before Dawn (October 27, 2015) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1H6iNii | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1HDUkV6

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: I Want To Hold Your Hand (Green Mountain #2) by Marie Force

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I Want To Hold Your Hand (Green Mountain #2) by Marie Force
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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For the Abbott siblings, the Green Mountain state has always been an idyllic place to call home. But it isn’t until they open themselves up to love that they’ll truly discover how fulfilling life can be…

Almost seven years after losing her husband in Iraq, Hannah Abbott Guthrie isn’t sure she’s ready—or able—to move on, but the attentions of a lifelong friend are making her think about it for the first time. The memory of the sweet kiss she shared with Nolan Roberts hasn’t strayed far from her thoughts, but she also fears that pursuing something with him would mean betraying her husband’s memory.

Nolan has loved Hannah for years, but he’d been giving her the space she needed to heal from her devastating loss. Now, when an opportunity arises to show her how he feels, Nolan can’t resist, but he knows earning her love will take more than a kiss. Somehow he has to prove to Hannah that finding love twice in a lifetime is possible—and well worth risking her heart.

Bonus: Exclusive to this edition—a never-before-in-print Green Mountain story

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This was a beautifully woven emotional love story. I Want to Hold Your Hand is the first book I’ve read by Marie Force and after reading it I now need to read all her books! Hannah lost her husband Caleb in Iraq and her story with Nolan includes her struggle with her loss. Nolan is the town mechanic and is the prefect man for her. I just loved them together. He seemed to really help her heal, respect her feelings for her late husband and make her feel comfortable with sharing her grief with him. You could feel their connection. I really loved all the characters in this book. Marie Force writes in a way that really pulls the reader into the characters lives. I can’t wait to go back and read the first book in this series and check out the rest of Marie Force’s books. I highly recommend this book for romance lovers.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $5.65 http://georiot.co/3hai | Amazon PBK $6.06 http://georiot.co/3sns | B&N (PBK $6.14/ Nook $5.65) http://bit.ly/1kfvoa1 | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1hpjR7R

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✿FACEBOOK PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: Winner receives a paperback copy of I Want To Hold Your Hand (Green Mountain #2) by Marie Force. To enter just Like and Comment on the Facebook Giveaway post. Winner will be announced Thursday, June 3rd by 5PM Central on Facebook. Be sure to check back to see if you won. Facebook does not allow me to contact the winners directly.
✦Enter on Facebook Post: http://fb.me/1rn64h96G
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. WINNER IS Linda Henderson.

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We are thrilled to host an exclusive excerpt from the second in New York Times bestselling author Mari Force’s Green Mountain series, I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND. Once you get a taste, you won’t want to stop.
EXCERPT PROVIDED BY BERKLEY/NAL

Pssst… the print edition also includes a bonus short story and teaser!
Excited, confused, intrigued and aroused by his obvious desire to be alone with her, Hannah walked quickly to keep up with him. He kept a tight hold on her hand as they moved briskly on the sidewalk, attracting the attention of several passers-by, who nodded in greeting to her.
At the garage, Nolan dropped the white bag containing the BLT on top of a tall red tool chest. “There’s your sandwich,” he called to Skeeter.
“Hey, boss, Mrs. Andersen called while you were gone—”
“Take a message.”
“I did. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
“Tell me later.” Nolan slammed the office door in Skeeter’s bemused face.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Hannah said.
Like the day before, he pinned her to the door with the weight of his big body pressed against her. “I’ll apologize later.” He tipped his head and dropped a series of kisses along the column of her neck. “I’m addicted to the way you smell, the way you taste.” He dragged his tongue lightly over her neck, making her shudder.
With her fingers curled into his belt loops, she held on for dear life as she felt the sharp bite of his teeth. She gasped and arched against him, desperate for more.
“His truck is here,” a familiar voice said from the outer office. “I know he’s here somewhere.”
“Um, I wouldn’t go in there,” Skeeter said. “He’s . . . um . . . busy.”
“Goddamn it,” Nolan whispered.
“Is that Mrs. Andersen?” Hannah whispered back.
“The one and only. She’s an auto-hypochondriac. Always thinks something is wrong with her car and nothing ever is.”
“She’s got a crush on you.”
He drew back from her. “What?”
“That’s why she makes up problems with her car—so she can see you.”
“That is so not true.”
Smiling, Hannah tugged him by the hair, urging him to kiss her while he still could.
As his lips slid over hers, a loud pounding sounded on the door. “Nolan! It’s Mrs. Andersen. I need to speak with you about Sadie.”
“The car has a name?” Hannah whispered.
He rolled his eyes.
Hannah snuggled tighter against the erection that pulsed against her stomach, drawing a tortured gasp from him.
“Maybe I can help you,” Skeeter said.
“I don’t want you,” Mrs. Anderson said disdainfully. “I want him.”
“Told you,” Hannah whispered.
Groaning in frustration, Nolan stepped back from her and ran his fingers repeatedly through his hair, as if trying to regain his sanity. “We’re still on for tonight, right?”
“Absolutely. I’ll see you after your meeting.”
He sat back against the desk, gazing at her.
“So what did I leave here yesterday?”
“Me.”
Smiling, she crossed the small space to him, stepped between his outstretched legs and put her arms around his neck. “You were right. That was something important.”
“Is it later yet?” he asked with a sigh.
“Not yet, but it’ll be here before you know it, and I’ll be ready.”
He nuzzled a sensitive spot by her ear, setting off a series of tremors that had her nipples tightening. “Don’t forget the jeans.”
“They’re in the dryer as we speak.”
After a groan filled with anticipation and one last tight squeeze, Nolan let her go. “See you soon.”
“Yes, you will.”
“Poor Mrs. Anderson. She’ll be crushed when she sees you come out of here.”
Hannah patted his face. “Let her down easy, and tell her you’re taken.”
He surprised her when he took hold of her hand and touched his lips to her palm. Looking up at her, he said, “Am I?”
“What?” she asked, breathless after the shockingly erotic brush of his tongue against her sensitive palm.
“Taken?”
“Yes, you are.”
With his hands now on her face he kissed her softly. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to be taken by you.”
A shudder of desire rippled through her entire body.
“You’d better go before I forget where we are,” he said gruffly.
“Right.” Hannah picked up her purse and hooked it over her shoulder, her hands trembling slightly. She forced herself to meet his gaze, which was still intensely focused on her. “I’m happy to be taken by you, too.”

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✦Green Mountain Series by Marie Force✦
✦Book 1: All You Need is Love ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/2clr | Amazon PBK http://georiot.co/2jfY | B&N http://bit.ly/1blc7hy | Kobo http://bit.ly/1ej3OFM
✦Book 2: I Want To Hold Your Hand ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/3hai | Amazon PBK http://georiot.co/3sns | B&N (PBK http://bit.ly/1kfvoa1 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hpjR7R
Book 3: I Saw Her Standing There ➢ Coming November 2014

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With more than 2.5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published McCarthys of Gansett Island Series has sold more than 1 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press, as well as the Treading Water Series and numerous stand-alone books. All You Need is Love, book 1 in her new Green Mountain Series from Berkley Sensation, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller in February. The second book, I Want to Hold Your Hand, will be out in June, and the third book, I Saw Her Standing There, is coming in November. In 2014, Marie will have eight mass-market print releases—the first five Fatal Series books from Harlequin and the first three Green Mountain Series books from Berkley. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie.

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Website: https://marieforce.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarieForce
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marieforce/

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Shield of Winter (A Psy/Changeling Novel, #13) by Nalini Singh

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Shield of Winter (A Psy/Changeling Novel, #13) by Nalini Singh
Release date: June 3, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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“The alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) draws us back into her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world, a world torn between violence and peace, passion and ice…

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to suffocate her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…

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Shield of Winter is a great addition to Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series. I loved it! It is such an incredible paranormal series. I have been looking forward to the assassin, Vasic’s story since he was introduced and I was not disappointed. I really loved the heroine in this series as well. Ivy was willing to fight for not only herself, but for Vasic. This series is full of intrigue, passion, emotion, action and sizzling romance. The storyline and the futuristic world that Nalini Singh creates is just amazing and unique. If you haven’t read this series yet, I recommend you start at the beginning because it’s a complicated and detailed series that you should follow from the beginning to understand everything that is going on. I highly recommend this book and this series for paranormal romance fans. It’s a favorite of mine!

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $10.99 http://georiot.co/41F1 | Amazon HBK $15.26 http://georiot.co/45yF | B&N (HBK $15.26/ Nook $10.99) http://bit.ly/1hNbWf4 | Kobo $12.99 http://bit.ly/Sxcpff

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I’ve been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There’s no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated frequently).

So far, I’ve worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer’s mill.

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Website: http://www.nalinisingh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNaliniSingh
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NaliniSingh
Free Story & Teasers: http://www.nalinisingh.blogspot.com/

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FACEBOOK PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: Winner receives a paperback copy of he first book in Nalini SINGH’S Psy/Changeling Series, Slave to Sensation. To enter just LIKE this post and COMMENT and recommend a romance book. What’s the last book you read that you want to tell everyone to read? Winner will be announced Thursday, June 5th by 5PM Central on Facebook. Please be sure to check back to see if you won. Facebook does not allow me to contact the winners directly. /Cori
✦Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/763760347007496/?type=1&theater

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PSY/CHANGELING SERIES LIST: http://www.nalinisingh.com/psy.php
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1kN2GHK
1. Slave to Sensation
1.5a “The Cannibal Princess” – free short story
1.5b “The Shower” – free short story
2. Visions of Heat
3. Caressed By Ice
3.5 “Miss Leozandra’s” – deleted scene
4. Mine to Possess
5 “A Conversation” – free short story
6. Hostage to Pleasure
6.5a “A Gift for Kit” ~ free short story
6.5b “Movie Night” – free short story
7. Branded By Fire
8. Blaze of Memory
9. “Christmas in the Kitchen” – free short story
10. Bonds of Justice
11. Play of Passion
11.5a “Wolf School” (deleted scene from Play of Passion)
12. “Clean and Dirty” – free short story
13. Kiss of Snow
13.5 “Stalking Hawke” – free short story
14. Tangle of Need
15. Heart of Obsidian
16. Shield of Winter (2014)
17. Untitled (2015)

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PSY/CHANGELING NOVELLAS
1. “Beat of Temptation” in An Enchanted Season
2. “Stroke of Enticement” in The Magical Christmas Cat
3. “Whisper of Sin” in Burning Up
4. Wild Invitation (featuring Beat of Temptation, Stroke of Enticement, Declaration of Courtship, and Texture of Intimacy)
5. “Secrets At Midnight” in Night Shift

Chronological Order:
1. “Beat of Temptation” in Wild Invitation
2. “Whisper of Sin” in Burning Up
3. Slave to Sensation
4. “The Shower” – deleted scene
5 “The Cannibal Princess” – free short story
6. Visions of Heat
7. Caressed By Ice
8. “Miss Leozandra’s” – deleted scene
9. “Stroke of Enticement” in Wild Invitation
10. Mine to Possess
11. “A Conversation” – free short story
12. Hostage to Pleasure
13. “A Gift for Kit” – free short story
14. “Movie Night” – free short story
15. Branded By Fire
16.”The Party” (deleted scene from Branded By Fire)
17. Blaze of Memory
18. “Christmas in the Kitchen” – free short story
19. Bonds of Justice
20. Play of Passion
21.”Wolf School” (deleted scene from Play of Passion)
22. “Clean and Dirty” – free short story
23. “Declaration of Courtship” in Wild Invitation
24. Kiss of Snow
25. “Naya’s Most Important Visitors”* (newsletter short story)
26. “Stalking Hawke” – free short story
27. “Texture of Intimacy” in Wild Invitation
28. “Pancakes”* (newsletter short story)
29. Tangle of Need
30. “Dancing with Cooper”* (newsletter short story)
31. “Poker Night”* (newsletter short story)
32. Heart of Obsidian
33. “Sunday Morning”* (newsletter short story)
34. “Making Dinner”* (newsletter short story)
35. Shield of Winter (June 2014)

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: GIMME SOME SUGAR (A Pine Mountain Novel) by Kimberly Kincaid

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GIMME SOME SUGAR (A Pine Mountain Novel) by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter. . .

Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite–or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits. . .

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes–except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds. . .and thirds. . .and fourths. . .

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This was a fun light romance that has one of the best “lovers meet” scenes. I can so see that happening and had to laugh. I usually get frustrated when books dwell too long on the reluctant love theme, but the storyline moved along so well that it worked. The romance itself was nice and steamy and the book just made me feel good. A very enjoyable addition to the Pine Mountain series and I can’t wait for the next book. We all love Kimberly Kimcaid’s books at Reading In Pajamas.

*Review copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $4.61 http://georiot.co/1T41 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/3pPO | B&N (Paperback $5.14/ Nook $5.49) http://bit.ly/1r3fL9e | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1idZKny

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Giveaway Info:
• $20 Gift Card (Amazon or Barnes & Noble) + Swag Pack
Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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https://www.dropbox.com/sh/js8kyd6chuj7pkx/AAB3DWGvhevWVaS4cyzyNoCXa

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Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love– usually the hard way– and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly’s writing journey has led down some bumpy roads (that first manuscript is under the bed, where it is very likely to stay), but there has been some fresh pavement too (her second manuscript earned her very first contest final, and landed the fantastic Maureen Walters at the Curtis Brown Literary Agency). One thing is certain — the wild ride of being a writer is a lot richer in both its ups and downs because of friends and readers along the path.

When Kimberly’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to eclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.kincaid1
Twitter: @KimberlyKincaid
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/KimberlyKincaid
Website: http://www.kimberlykincaid.com/

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Pine Mountain Series by Kimberly Kincaid
✦Book 1: Turn Up The Heat ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/1sFP | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/4Bg8 | B&N http://bit.ly/1fTlwPy | Kobo http://bit.ly/OQgkT0
Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-13Z
✦Book 2: Gimme Some Sugar (June 3, 2014) ➢ Kindle $4.61 http://georiot.co/1T41 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/3pPO | B&N (Paperback $5.14/ Nook $5.49) http://bit.ly/1r3fL9e | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1idZKny
✦Book 3: Stirring Up Trouble (October 7, 2014) ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/2fK8 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/YQr | B&N http://bit.ly/SvQm8R

Review: Heated: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner

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Heated: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

I knew better than to risk my heart.
But fierce passion comes at a high price.

I grew up believing in right and wrong, good and evil, black and white. I knew better than to trust. And then I met Tyler Sharp.

Bold, charming, and dangerously sexy, Tyler always gets what he wants. But his smile can be deceiving, his dealings sordid, his ambitions ruthless. I thought I was the one woman strong enough to resist him, but our need for each other was too urgent to deny.

One look and I was in trouble. One touch and I was hooked. One night and I became his.

And now that I’ve fallen, there’s no going back.

Heated is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

INCLUDES THE BONUS STORY “TAKE ME”

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Heated? Hell, I nearly caught on fire! Sloan is a detective out on medical leave when she finds herself in Chicago trying to find a friend that has suddenly gone missing. Sloan figures the best place to start is by meeting the owner of the exotic dance club where her friend last worked. Sloan believes Tyler ran several shady businesses. She figured her best chance of getting to know him is by seducing him. He is breathtakingly handsome, and Sloan knows right away that if she not careful she could easily fall under his spell. What Sloan doesn’t know is that Tyler already knows Sloan is a cop. He wants her and is not going to stop her from using her wiles to try to seduce him. He’ll take her anyway he can have her. Tyler pushes Sloan to discover a side she didn’t know she had and after the hottest sex either of them has ever had, they both know one night will never be enough. As they continue to burn up the sheets they also get to know each other. As Sloan searches for her missing friend, Sloan and Tyler grow closer everyday while both knowing her time in Chicago draws closer to an end. Would they be able to resume their lives without each other or would they be willing to risk it all to be together? I highly recommend this erotic romance for readers looking for a hot romance with a great plot.

*Review copy provided by Random House LLC in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $7.99 http://georiot.co/3MPW | Amazon PBK $8.84 http://georiot.co/3yXR | B&N (PBK $8.82/ Nook $7.99) http://bit.ly/1kfqYjv | Kobo $9.99 http://bit.ly/U5M5tU

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✦MOST WANTED SERIES BY J. KENNER✦
✦Book 1: Wanted ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://georiot.co/2UXl | Amazon Paperback $11.64 http://amzn.to/1h0YXK4 | B&N (Paperback $11.64/ Nook $4.99) http://bit.ly/1bBeOYv | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1f6j220 | iTunes $4.99 http://bit.ly/17Jg7sD
– Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-SQ
✦Book 2: Heated ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://georiot.co/3MPW | Amazon Paperback $8.84 http://georiot.co/3yXR | B&N (PBK $8.82/ Nook $7.99) http://bit.ly/1kfqYjv | Kobo $9.99 http://bit.ly/U5M5tU
✦Book 3: Ignited (Releasing August 26, 2014) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://georiot.co/13mW | Amazon Paperback $10.26 http://georiot.co/27Wi

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Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures.

Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries.

J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.

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SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website: http://juliekenner.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jkennerbooks
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/juliekenner
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/juliekenner/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/juliekenner

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NEW COVER REVEAL: So Right With You (The Girlfriends Series) by Maggie Kaye

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So Right with You
Book one of The Girlfriend Series –Chloe’s Book

In the work place, we all know there are boundaries. One of those boundaries is Never Date Your Boss, especially if he is a playboy and you just had your heart broken. When Chloe Lambert finds herself down on her luck, none other than her hunky CEO boss, Garrett Nolan, steps in to rescue her, offering her temporary shelter at his ranch. Now, her boss is looking more appealing, and her friends can’t agree on whether she should sleep with him or not. Don’t even mention the fact she just learned he has a soft spot for kids and is using the ranch to help sick kids. What’s a girl to do when it feels so right?

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Review: So Right With You (The Girlfriends Series) by Maggie Kaye ➢ http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-ZC
Publication Date: Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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Amazon US $2.99 http://amzn.to/1cSzBvF
Amazon UK £1.87 http://amzn.to/1nQD1U1
Amazon CA CDN$ 3.28 http://amzn.to/1fsSbbO
Amazon Global http://georiot.co/ZDQ
Smashwords $2.99 http://bit.ly/1imisuH
B&N $2.99 http://bit.ly/1w4Xp7X

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When Maggie Kaye was in college, she and a friend attempted to write their first romance book. They actually never reached the writing part. Mostly, they lay in the sun, brainstormed, laughed, and snacked, typical behavior for young college students with short attention spans.
Maggie went on to earn a teaching credential in special education and a career in teaching. Although they never completed that first book, the desire to tell stories remained with her. Eventually, she took out a writing pen or in her case a notebook computer her hero (husband) bought her to pursue her dreams and wrote the end.
Today, Maggie lives in the Southern California with her husband, two children, and two cats that sometimes share the keyboard with her. She enjoys writing stories with plenty of heart, humor and a bit of steaminess.

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Website: http://maggiekayeauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.kaye.376
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kaye_maggie
Goodreads: http://https//www.goodreads.com/book/show/20570534-so-right-with-you

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PG 13 – Parents arrive morning after.
So Right with You Excerpt 1:

Garrett lay across Chloe like a tapestry, his arm across her back and his leg pressed firmly against her rear. It would have been a dream waking up next to Garrett if it weren’t for the realization that his parents and sister had arrived for their planned weekend. She could hear them moving around downstairs, talking. It was only a matter of time before they decided to climb the stairs and locate him.
“Shoot, shoot, shoot,” she muttered under her breath.
If they didn’t get a move on, there was a good chance his family would find the two of them in bed together.
Chloe gave Garrett one last lingering look.
“Garrett. Garrett,” Chloe whispered. When he didn’t respond, she gave him a hard shove to the shoulder.
“Ouch. What was that for?” His eyes cracked open as he rubbed the spot.
“Your parents are here.”
“What?” Garrett asked, scratching his head.
“I said your parents are here. They’re downstairs,” she muttered a little louder.
“My parents are here?” Garrett sat up, slowly taking in the situation.
“Yeah, and if you don’t want them to find us in bed, you’d better move.”
She gave him a look of frustration and another push that was harder than the last, practically sending him skidding off the mattress. She shot out of bed, grabbing jeans, T-shirt, and underwear from the dresser before running into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
“Jeez, Red. You were much nicer last night. So much for the afterglow,” he grumbled.
He heard the sound of voices coming up the stairs.
He had hoped for a repeat of what they had shared last night, some early morning delight. Instead, he had to make a quick escape to avoid being caught by his parents like a teenager with first lust. He gathered his clothes from the floor and crept out of the bedroom.
His parents and sister were rounding the curve in the staircase. His father was carrying the luggage, and his mother was behind him chatting incessantly. His teenaged sister was occupied with accessing her text messaging. Luckily, none of them had spotted him yet. He slid past the stairwell, raced to his room, skidded to a stop inside, and slammed the door behind him just as they reached the landing.
That was close. Too close.
Then he remembered.
They always stayed in the room Chloe was in.
“Damn.”

Shower Scene – Definitely R
Excerpt 2: So Right with You
Garrett arrived home. It was almost ten o’clock. Her car was outside but the house was quiet. He wondered where she was. He’d missed her. After taking Patches out for the last time that night, he went upstairs to shower. It had been a long day and he wanted to relax. Heading down the hallway with Patches at his heels, the distinct sounds of water running reached him. It was coming from the direction of his master bath. He quickened his pace. Reaching the bedroom, he looked at Patches, who had followed. “Sorry, boy, not tonight.” He closed the door between them.
She was home and in his shower. When he reached the bathroom, he could see her behind the glass doors. Stripping his own clothes quickly, he grabbed the knob to join her. Opening the shower door, surprised elation and desire swept through him.
Chloe was holding her breasts with one hand while touching herself with the other hand, obviously bringing herself to completion. The sight of finding her pleasing herself made him grow hard instantly.

*~*

Startled at the sound of the door opening, she dropped her hands, self-conscious at having Garrett find her in a private moment.
She couldn’t say what had prompted her to use Garrett’s bathroom, other than that she had been missing him. The woodsy, evergreen smell mixed with a scent that was solely Garrett to permeate his room. The next thing she had known, she was in his shower, using his products and fantasizing about him, which had led to Garrett walking in on one of her more embarrassing moments.
“Don’t stop,” Garrett said in a husky voice.
“I can’t.” She blushed.
“Please, for me?” His eyes pleaded. “You look so beautiful.” He reached into a drawer in the vanity and retrieved a condom. Coming into the shower, he pulled the door shut behind him.
Chloe trembled with nervousness at the thought of what he was asking of her. She had never satisfied herself in front of a lover before, not that she’d had that many, only Trevor and now Garrett. She released a nervous breath. She wasn’t sure she could go through with it. Looking into his eyes, which were smoldering with desire, she felt compelled to try.
Hesitantly, she reached back up to touch her breasts and stopped. Her nerves got the better of her. “I don’t think I can.”
Setting the condom down on the shelf, Garrett took her other hand and placed it over her mound. His gaze held hers while he began to move her hand through her folds with his hand on top. Realizing she had been holding her breath, she released it. It came out breathy. The water continued to pummel against them, making the sensations even more intense.
With Garrett directing her hand, her orgasm remained just out of reach. Taking control, she moved it to where her greatest need lay. “Here.”
“There, baby. Go ahead,” Garrett said, encouraging her to explore her own sexuality.
As she began to touch herself more deeply, Garrett released her hand and reached for the condom. She whimpered as she neared her completion.
She had no idea how powerful her own seduction could be. His body surged with a feral desire for her.
Her body arched as she neared an orgasm. He leaned forward, ready to take her when she came. At the pivotal moment, Garrett reached for her and kissed her hard on the mouth. Her mouth opened under the pleasure, and his tongue swept inside, connecting with hers. She moaned. When he was ready, he pulled back and roamed down her body, raining kisses on it as he went. Taking a nipple into his mouth, he sucked on it, bit it, and sucked on it again. He reached his hands down to grip her ass and lifted her onto his hard-on. She wrapped her legs around him. He thrust into her and she bowed back. He wedged her between his body and the hard tile. He eased out all the way and pushed in again.
“Oh, God! It feels so good.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
She moaned as he gripped her ass tighter and sank deeper into her. He thrust repeatedly, bringing them both to a fever pitch.
Reaching between their bodies, he massaged her clit until she rocketed over into an orgasm. He thrust into her a few more times until he exploded in his own release. He held her a moment, then slowly pulled out. She unwrapped her legs from around his body and slid them down until her feet reached the floor. He kissed her lips softly.

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Using Music to Inspire Your Writing
For me, music plays an important part of the stories I write. First of all, I use songs to help me focus on the mind set of my characters. What are they thinking? It can help me push the plot along. They can even appear in the book. A few of these did. Sometimes, I use song titles to help me come up with the title for the book. In the end, I did not choose a song for the title. But along the way “So Right with You” did go through some title changes, including Her Secret Santa, Just a Kiss (Lady Antebellum) and More than a Kiss (Tommy Conwell). This last song was a great song for thinking about the mind set of Garrett. I still love it. Here is the playlist for Chloe.

CHLOE’S *PLAYLIST
Wake up call * Maroon 5
Part of Me * Katie Perry
Satellite * Peter Conway
Ain’t No Other Man *Christina Aguilera
Heaven*Bitter Sweet
Breathless *The Corrs
Falling Even More in Love with You*Lifehouse
More than a Kiss*Tommy Conwell
She’s Everything*Brad Paisley
Dream*Cranberries
Lead Me On*Gloriana
Beautiful*Mariah Carey
You’re Going to Fly*Keith Urban
Hip to My Heart*Band Perry
Eternal Flame*Bangles
The Way You Look Tonight*Harry Connick Jr.
It Had To Be You*Harry Connick Jr.
Daylight*Maroon 5
Sad*Maroon 5
Truly, Madly, Deeply*Savage Garden
Marry Me*Train

Secrets of Writing Sex Scenes
Have you ever wondered how authors prepare to write those sizzling hot scenes in their novels? Where do they come up with their ideas? From personal experience, I can tell you it isn’t quite the scenario you might expect. When I wrote the first seduction scene in “So Right with You,” it was late at night. The mood was set with the TV on for background music, and Zombieland was playing. Yes, I wrote my first seduction scene to Zombieland. Now, you need to understand my teen daughter had informed me that she was the most sheltered child in the world, because her parents had not allowed her to watch a horror flick. She was the only kid in her class who had never seen a monster movie. I had asked her, “What do you want to see?” Her response was: “Zombieland.” That night, as I sat there surfing through channels for something to watch, I found it on, so I wrote my first steamy scene to the cult classic. You know, I was actually doing research on whether Zombieland was an appropriate movie for my teen daughter. I have to admit I was entertained by the movie, but there was no way in hell she was going to see it, not for a while anyway.
Now, that scene was a bit let’s say anti-climactic; basically no climax. The scene is in the book if you would like to read it. Anyway, I had to persevere in order to bring my fictional couple much needed satisfaction. So buckling down, I proceeded to write my first full-on sex scene. I sat on my sofa in broad daylight with again the television on for background noise and tried to write it. My problem with the scene was it was a bit messy, literally. My couples much to my disconcertion ran rue with my book and were engaging in hot, messy, sticky sex. I personally had a problem with this. I wanted to clean it up. Things were melting on the nightstand. After sleeping on it, I again took out my computer notebook and finished the scene. To really give my scene the push it needed, I gave myself permission to write freely and without embarrassment, well mostly. I reminded myself that the scene was not about me but was what Chloe, my heroine, would do. One little tidbit about me is that I tend to read what I write out loud as I do it. You can imagine how hard it was to write a scene like this with my two children in the house. I learned to whisper read quickly.
When the scene was finished to my satisfaction and of course my couples, I texted my neighbor to see what she thought. She arranged that night for her fiancé to take their young daughter out to the movies. Over wine and bottles of water, I read her my first sex scene. I think I did a good job. At one point, I looked up from fixing some typos and found her staring at me with what could only be described as sexual frustration. I stopped fixing my errors and finished reading the scene. At the end, she told me she was afraid when I asked to get her opinion on the scene that I was a bad writer and she would have to be put on the spot. My bad. I had never shared with her my work or that I was a writer before. And of course, I chose this piece to break her in.
So the secret about writing sex scenes is this: write it however it works for you and don’t allow your own embarrassment or thoughts about what you would or wouldn’t do hold you back. Just write it!
Maggie Kaye

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SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: GIMME SOME SUGAR (A Pine Mountain Novel) by Kimberly Kincaid

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GIMME SOME SUGAR (A Pine Mountain Novel) by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter. . .

Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite–or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits. . .

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes–except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds. . .and thirds. . .and fourths. . .

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This was a fun light romance that has one of the best “lovers meet” scenes. I can so see that happening and had to laugh. I usually get frustrated when books dwell too long on the reluctant love theme, but the storyline moved along so well that it worked. The romance itself was nice and steamy and the book just made me feel good. A very enjoyable addition to the Pine Mountain series and I can’t wait for the next book. We all love Kimberly Kimcaid’s books at Reading In Pajamas.

*Review copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $4.61 http://georiot.co/1T41 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/3pPO | B&N (Paperback $5.14/ Nook $5.49) http://bit.ly/1r3fL9e | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1idZKny

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https://www.dropbox.com/sh/js8kyd6chuj7pkx/AAB3DWGvhevWVaS4cyzyNoCXa

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Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love– usually the hard way– and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly’s writing journey has led down some bumpy roads (that first manuscript is under the bed, where it is very likely to stay), but there has been some fresh pavement too (her second manuscript earned her very first contest final, and landed the fantastic Maureen Walters at the Curtis Brown Literary Agency). One thing is certain — the wild ride of being a writer is a lot richer in both its ups and downs because of friends and readers along the path.

When Kimberly’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to eclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.kincaid1
Twitter: @KimberlyKincaid
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/KimberlyKincaid
Website: http://www.kimberlykincaid.com/

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✿FACEBOOK PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: Winner receives a paperback copy of Gimme Some Sugar and a signed copy of book 1, Turn Up the Heat! To enter go to Facebook post and comment to enter. Winner will be announced on Monday (5/26) by 5PM Central.
Go to: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/755798877803643/?type=1&theater

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Pine Mountain Series by Kimberly Kincaid
✦Book 1: Turn Up The Heat ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/1sFP | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/4Bg8 | B&N http://bit.ly/1fTlwPy | Kobo http://bit.ly/OQgkT0
Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-13Z
✦Book 2: Gimme Some Sugar (June 3, 2014) ➢ Kindle $4.61 http://georiot.co/1T41 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/3pPO | B&N (Paperback $5.14/ Nook $5.49) http://bit.ly/1r3fL9e | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1idZKny
✦Book 3: Stirring Up Trouble (October 7, 2014) ➢ Kindle http://georiot.co/2fK8 | Amazon Paperback http://georiot.co/YQr | B&N http://bit.ly/SvQm8R

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$1.99 SALE ➢ Turn Up The Heat: A Pine Mountain Novel by Kimberly Kincaid
Kindle: http://georiot.co/1sFP
B&N: http://bit.ly/1sJRwdR
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1jdfI6J
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1nKgjfw

Spotlight & Review: It Happened One Wedding by Julie James

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It Happened One Wedding by Julie James
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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SHE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO SAY “I DO”

After a humiliating end to her engagement, investment banker Sidney Sinclair is done with commitment-phobic men. But when her sister winds up engaged after a whirlwind courtship, Sidney is thrown into close contact with exactly the kind of sexy playboy she wants to avoid—the gorgeous best man. She’s stuck with him, for better or worse, until her sister walks down the aisle, but that doesn’t mean she has to give in to his smooth advances, no matter how tempting they are…

BUT HE MAKES IT HARD TO SAY “I DON’T”

Special agent Vaughn Roberts always gets his man on the job and his woman in bed. So Sidney’s refusal to fall for his charms only makes him more determined to win over the cool and confident redhead. Only what starts out as a battle of wills ends up as a serious play for her heart. Because the one woman who refuses to be caught may be the only one Vaughn can’t live without…

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I love Julie James’s books and this one was no exception. She has a great writing style that is easy to read. It sucked me in right from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Sidney and Vaughn meet in a coffee shop and Sidney writes him off as a typical bachelor playboy, but then she finds out her sister is marrying his brother and they will be spending quite a lot of time together. The sparks fly between these two, but since Sidney has her checklist in what she is looking for in a man and Vaughn doesn’t meet the her requirements, she decides Vaughn will be a perfect Mr. Right Now as she waits to meet Mr. Forever. The sparks ignite and I couldn’t wait to see where this would go as they continued to insist they were only a temporary thing. Sidney continues looking for Mr. Forever, not even considering Vaughn might be the guy for her. I loved their story and I highly recommend this romance book.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $5.99 http://georiot.co/2G3t | Amazon Paperback $6.41 http://georiot.co/2BIg | B&N (Paperback $6.41/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/1umBSH2 | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1iS2syg

Related books in this series: http://juliejames.com/books/related/

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Excerpt from It Happened One Wedding

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After graduating from law school, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals. She then practiced law with one of the nation’s largest firms for several years until she began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of her scripts, she decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time.

Julie’s books have been listed on the American Library Association’s Reading List for Top Genre Novels, Booklist‘s Top 10 Romances of the Year, and have been featured as one of Cosmopolitan magazine’s Red Hot Reads. Julie’s novels also were chosen as the Best Contemporary Romances of 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 in the All About Romance Readers’ Polls. Her books have been translated into sixteen languages and Julie’s seventh novel, It Happened One Wedding, hit bookstores and on-line booksellers this spring on May 6th.

Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago, where she is currently working on her next book.

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Website: http://juliejames.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-James/37947493958
Twitter: http://twitter.com/juljames