Category Archives: romance reviews

Review: My First – Jason & Katie (The Crossroad Series: Book One) by Melanie Shawn

My First – Jason & Katie (The Crossroad Series: Book One) by Melanie Shawn
Publication Date: June 6, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Jason Sloan is known as Harper’s Crossing’s resident Romeo, and he’s never had to work too hard to live up to that nickname. With his easygoing charm, whiskey-colored brown eyes, and sinfully sexy half smile, women just seem to fall all over themselves when he’s around.

Well…most women, anyway. Katie Lawson’s the one woman who isn’t putty in his hands, and she’s the only one he’s ever wanted in his arms.

Katie Lawson left Harper’s Crossing in the middle of the night ten years ago, immediately after her high school boyfriend Nick’s funeral. She left behind all memories of Nick, and she left behind her life-long best friend, Jason Sloan.

Now she’s on the fast track to junior partner at one of San Francisco’s top law firms. She’s made a life for herself that’s all about maintaining order and sticking to the rules. Rule #1 is keeping herself WAY too busy to think about all that she ran away from. If she can do that, after all, she can keep everything under control.

But that rule is about to be broken. She’s headed back home to be the maid of honor in Nick’s little sister’s wedding. It’s time to face the truth she’s been avoiding all these years, the same one that sent her running ten years ago – that maybe she didn’t lose her first love the summer after high school. Maybe her first love has been waiting for her all this time, at home in Harper’s Crossing.
*Intended for Adults 18+*

REVIEW:

Jason and Katie’s story was fantastic. Katie dated Jason’s best friend Nick from seventh grade all the way through high school. A horrible tragedy sent Katie running away all the way across the country. Ten years later Katie’s best friend was getting married and Katie is the maid of honor. Immediately you could feel the love Jason has for Katie, but would Katie be able to put Nick behind her and finally be happy? I love the way the author told Katie and Jason’s story. There was so much emotion in this introduction to this series. It was a fast-paced story and I enjoyed it, but found I had to go back and read a few sections, almost like I missed a part. The author did a great job completing the story. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

BUY LINKS:
$2.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/IB6XmR | Nook http://bit.ly/J7ke7d | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bsiJcX

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✦The Crossroad Series by Melanie Shawn ~ Reading Order✦
✦Book 1: My First – Jason & Katie ➢ $2.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/IB6XmR | Nook http://bit.ly/J7ke7d | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bsiJcX
✦Book 2: My Last – Riley & Chelle ➢ $2.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/18iuqVy | Nook http://bit.ly/18wMuG3 | Kobo http://bit.ly/J7l6bT
✦Book 3: My Only – Alex & Jamie ➢ $2.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/19cgPh1 | Nook http://bit.ly/J7nJKY | Kobo http://bit.ly/19womDR
✦Book 4: My Everything – Seth & Amber ➢ $2.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/IXHYtS | Nook http://bit.ly/1f1Umn8 | Kobo http://bit.ly/18wx0F8

Review: Sweetest Mistake by Candis Terry

Sweetest Mistake by Candis Terry
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When friends become lovers . . .

Firefighter and former Marine Jackson Wilder has tough guy down to an art, but he’s learned the hard way that promises were made to be broken. Abigail Morgan was once his best friend, his first kiss, his first love, his first everything. He’d just forgotten to mention all that to her and she blew out of his life. Five years later, she’s back and he’s battling a load of mistrust for her disappearing act. But for some reason he just can’t keep his lips—or his hands—to himself.

It can lead to disaster or . . .

When her stint as a trophy wife abruptly ends, Abby returns home to Sweet, Texas, and comes face-to-face with Jackson—her biggest and sexiest mistake. Time and distance did nothing to squash her love for the act-first-think-later stubborn hunk of a man, and when he suggests they renew their old just-friends vow, Abby realizes she wants more. She’d cut and run once. Could she do it again? Or could she tempt him enough to break his promise?

The Sweetest Mistake

REVIEW:

A great story that takes you through a journey of first loves finding each other all over again. Abby and Jackson have known each other their whole lives and have been in love with each other about that long, but not knowing the other felt the same way. Abby came back to town to sell her parents house after her divorce. Jackson came back to town after being in the military. Their attraction sizzled from the moment they saw each other after Abby had left town so many years ago without an explanation. I loved watching these two reconnect their lives and rekindling their past had obstacles that kept me interested. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $4.74 | Amazon Paperback $5.39 | B&N (Paperback $5.99/ Nook $4.99) | iTunes $4.99

Review: It Takes Two (Counting on Love, Book 2) by Erin Nicholas

It Takes Two (Counting on Love, Book 2) by Erin Nicholas
Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

How do you fall out of love with a man who’s all in?

Isabelle Dixon never should have said yes to that first date, but she couldn’t resist Shane Kelley’s larger-than-life personality. Except now Shane seems determined to make their no-strings fling into something more.

If she thought dating Shane was hard work, breaking up is proving to be much harder. Especially since she’s planning on making some major life changes that don’t include staying out all night, Jell-O shots, and a sex toy shop punch card. She needs a restful cabin getaway—alone—to gather her thoughts. And the strength to finally end things for good.

Shane has always prided himself on being the good-time guy. Exactly Isabelle’s type…or so he thought. Yet ever since he suggested her moving in, she’s been pulling back. Thing is, Shane does everything with gusto—including falling in love.

He’s not about to let her get away that easily. Even if it means chasing her heart down a crazy road to prove that no matter what life throws at them, they make a damned good team.

Warning: Contains a strange road trip with several weird tourist stops, some hot sex in a car wash, and two people who are just crazy enough to be perfect for one another.

REVIEW:

Isabelle and Shane embark on a road trip with the goal of trying to decide if they are ready to take the next step in their relationship. Shane wants Isabelle to move in with him. Shane is the happy party guy and he thinks Isabelle is the happy party girl. Isabelle is scared that if she is living with Shane he will see that she is not the happy party girl he thinks she is. Isabelle was recently diagnosed fibromyalgia and is scared that if she can’t keep up with Shane he won’t love her like he does now. Their road trip ends up being a soul searching trip with high emotions as Shane learns of Isabelle new diagnosis and needs to decide if he can be the man for her to lean on. Isabelle makes the road trip exciting with fun games and extra site-seeing stops. Shane and Isabelle can’t keep their hands off of each other and their road trip was made even more fun with the scorching sex in the most unexpected places. Isabelle and Shane started their relationship based on attraction and scorching hot sex, but will that be enough?

This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. It Takes Two is the second book in The Counting on Love Series.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59

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✦COUNTING ON LOVE SERIES BY ERIN NICHOLAS ~ READING ORDER✦
✦Book 1: She’s the One: Review Rated 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Qc ~ June 11, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 2: It Takes Two ~ Sept 17, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 3: Best of Three ~ November 19, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 4: Going for Four ~ February 2014

Review: Gabriel’s Redemption (Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy) by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel’s Redemption (Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy) by Sylvain Reynard
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

REVIEW:

Gabriel’s Redemption is a great conclusion to Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy! If you haven’t read this trilogy yet, it’s a series full of steamy romance, conflict and emotion. Sylvian Reynard’s writes a beautiful story and completely captivates the reader. Gabriel faces a lot of his demons in this final book. The story kept me on edge and flipping the pages to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this trilogy for romance lovers who are looking for a steamy read with a sexy alpha male. You’ll love the professor!

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $7.99 | Amazon Paperback $9.41 | B&N (Paperback $9.41/ Nook $7.99) | Kobo $9.99

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✦Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy by Sylvain Reynard ~ Reading Order✦
✦Gabriel’s Inferno ➢ Kindle $8.89 | Amazon Paperback $12.28 | B&N (Paperback $12.52/ Nook $8.89) | Kobo $8.89
✦Gabriel’s Rapture ➢ Kindle $8.89 | Amazon Paperback $12.62 | B&N (Paperback $12.87/ Nook $12.99) | Kobo $8.89
✦Gabriel’s Redemption ➢ Kindle $7.99 | Amazon Paperback $9.41 | B&N (Paperback $9.41/ Nook $7.99) | Kobo $9.99

Review: A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
Reissue Publication Date: November 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A classic heartwarming tale for the holidays from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

The cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. An injury has forced her to return home to her estranged family. So she won’t add to the awkward scenario by falling for the charms of her brother’s best friend, no matter how tempting he is. When she’s recruited to stage the winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move on, anywhere but here.

Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the town he now calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his office is more than he can take. When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for their searing attraction. Evie is his best friend’s sister—off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is dangerous, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

REVIEW:

A wonderful love story. A Fool’s Gold Christmas had me hooked from the first page. Dante and Evie’s story had every element I look for in a great romance. I love how Susan Mallery can write a story and make you feel like you are right there in it.

Dante was captivated by Evie from the moment he saw her and Evie was hanging on by a thread. She was also Dante’s best friend and business partner’s little sister. Which meant she was off limits. Their attraction smoldered. They both agreed they were not into relationships, but a strictly sexual relationship was okay. Evie had to focus on the production of the annual Christmas dance. Dante had to focus on not falling hard for Evie. At least Evie was successful.

I love the small town feel of Fool’s Gold. Perfect to get you in the mood for the holidays!

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $6.15 | Amazon Paperback $7.19 | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $6.49) | Kobo $6.59

Note: You can buy the older kindle version for a lower price.
Publication Date: October 1, 2012 – Kindle $4.28

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✦FOOL’S GOLD SERIES BY SUSAN MALLERY ~ READING ORDER✦
✦1: Chasing Perfect (May 2010) http://amzn.to/14Ayv05
✦2: Almost Perfect (July 2010) http://amzn.to/13sOrE1
✦Novella: Sister of the Bride (August 2010) http://amzn.to/17ZblXh
✦3: Finding Perfect (September 2010) http://amzn.to/13sP3cO
✦4: Only Mine (August 2011) http://amzn.to/17ZbYzW
✦5: Only Yours (September 2011) http://amzn.to/13sPQdW
✦6: Only His (October 2011) http://amzn.to/1aftWg6
✦Novella: Only Us (November 2011) http://amzn.to/17NlB0V
✦Novella: Almost Summer (May 2012) http://amzn.to/14Ayj0L
✦7: Summer Days (June 2012) http://amzn.to/1aVrcqT
✦8: Summer Nights (July 2012) http://amzn.to/14ABi9z
✦9: All Summer Long (August 2012) http://amzn.to/14ABu8M
✦9.5: A Fool’s Gold Christmas (October 2012) http://amzn.to/14twlVi
✦Novella: Halfway There (May 2013) http://amzn.to/15Holky
✦10: Just One Kiss (June 2013) http://amzn.to/19ulaK8
✦11: Two of a Kind (July 2013) http://amzn.to/13sTdBC
✦12: Three Little Words (August 2013) http://amzn.to/1epKN2t
✦Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold Cookbook (September 2013) http://amzn.to/1afwYkn
✦12.5: Christmas on 4th Street (October 2013) http://amzn.to/1afx1wH

Review: Full Throttle (Fast Track) by Erin McCarthy

Full Throttle (Fast Track) by Erin McCarthy
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Easing into the turns…

As one of only two girls on the tween racing circuit, Shawn Hamby has always run with a fast crowd. But now at thirty-two, she doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. And she definitely doesn’t need a man bossing her around off of the track…

Putting the pedal to the metal…

But after a silly girls’ night at a fetish club, Shawn can’t get Rhett Ford out of her mind. He’s younger than her, and he’s her best friend’s brother-in-law, which should be red flags. Rhett is looking for someone to lead in bed, but he can’t imagine that Shawn would ever submit to him. Boldly surrendering is more her style. And with Rhett behind the wheel, it’s going to be one wild ride…

REVIEW:

Shawn assumed her grandfather would leave the dirt track to her in his will, considering she had been a part of the track her whole life. She had no idea there would be a stipulation. Shawn would have to marry to inherit her dream. The only man she had any interest in was Rhett. He was years younger than her and her only encounter with him had been a brief chance meeting in a bondage club. When Rhett runs into Shawn, she gives him an offer he can’t refuse. Marriage in exchange for money as long as they stay married for a year. Rhett would agree to the offer only if he reaped the rewards of being married to Shawn. He wanted total control in the bedroom, and she could have it every where else. The sex was blazing as they learned their attraction to each other might be more than either of them bargained on. I have loved all of the books in the Fast Track Series and this one did not disappoint.

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

BUY LINKS ➢ Kindle $5.99 http://amzn.to/1fU0DF7 | Amazon Paperback $5.03 http://amzn.to/18e9hX4 | B&N $7.99 http://bit.ly/ImVDKM | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1b6Wr00

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✦Fast Track Series by Erin McCarthy ~ Reading Order✦
✦Flat-Out Sexy ➢ http://amzn.to/1dIxD35
✦Hard and Fast ➢ http://amzn.to/Inbb1n
✦Hot Finish ➢ http://amzn.to/1867Hd0
✦The Chase ➢ http://amzn.to/1gty7Yl
✦Slow Ride ➢ http://amzn.to/1dIxJHN
✦Jacked Up ➢ http://amzn.to/1ajWxOk
✦Full Throttle ➢ http://amzn.to/1fU0DF7

Review: A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/vDonna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

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Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection!

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, ’tis the season for giving love a chance . . .

REVIEW: A cute little feel-good story. Although predictable, it still made me go all teary-eyed one moment and smile the next. I enjoyed this quick read with its steamy romance.

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don’t come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . .

REVIEW: This lovely story was about 24 hours of a CHAOS family Christmas. For those who have read the books, it is Shy and Lan’s first happy family Christmas since they were children. The story was warm, heartfelt and still packed in some hot romance. I loved it.

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.

REVIEW: This was a rather melancholy story with a happy hopeful ending. If you like stories about fate and destiny, then you will like reading how they found not only each other on Christmas Eve but that dreams do come true.

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who’s set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . .

REVIEW: This was a cute little story showing how opposites do attract. I liked it, but wish the characters were more developed.

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn’t mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

REVIEW: This was one of those little romances that make you go awww and leaves you smiling.

NOTE: Each author also added an excerpt from their upcoming novels. They were a nice little peek into what is coming.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
( $1.99) Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Review: There All Along by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart

There All Along by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

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Bestselling authors Lauren Dane and Megan Hart deliver two stories of longing, lust, and love in futuristic worlds where love comes first—then survival…

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“Land’s End” by Lauren Dane…The Land’s End highway is one of the most dangerous places in the universe. The constant peril of brigands keeps Verity Coleman stuck in Silver Cliffs, dreaming of the open road—and of Loyal Alsbaugh, the tall and silent highway patrolman. When her town is attacked, Verity has a chance to win over Loyal’s muted heart. But will his wounded past make him leave her along the road, or can she convince him to take her along?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story of a confident and capable woman who yearns for more and Loyal, the sexy lawman who wins her heart. I liked them both right away and the world they live in. The author managed to bring me there right away and wrote just enough danger to make it exciting. The romance was hot and very enjoyable. I only wish the story was longer and hope that she writes more about this world.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“By the Sea of Sand” by Megan Hart…Captain Kason Reed was willing to give his life to the Sheirran Defense Forces, but now he can’t remember anything but bits and pieces of the war. When his sexual attraction to his caregiver, Teila, causes him to make advances toward her, she becomes the aggressor, urging him with her body to explore the memories of his past—memories that all seem to draw him back to Teila…

REVIEW:
This was an “other-world” “ steampunkish” story showing that returning disabled war veterans and their problems can span all worlds. If you enjoy a lot of flaming hot sex, this novella will certainly appeal to you. It is not my favorite genre but the writing was well done, smooth and made me hope for their happily-ever-after.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $7.99 | Amazon Paperback $12.32 | B&N (Paperback $12.07/ Nook $9.99) | Kobo $9.99

Review: She’s the One (Counting on Love, Book 1) by Erin Nicholas

She’s the One (Counting on Love, Book 1) by Erin Nicholas
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Sometimes you see love clearly. And sometimes it has to smack you in the face.

When a stranger walks up and punches him, Ryan Kaye assumes there’s a good reason. But he’s stunned to learn it’s over a one-night stand that never happened —with his friend’s sister, straight-laced Amanda Dixon. When Ryan confronts her about the lie, Amanda apologizes, but Ryan realizes he doesn’t want her to be sorry…he wants the night they supposedly spent together.

Amanda’s not looking to add anyone to her long list of commitments, so she was only trying to let a nice guy down easy by telling him a fling with Ryan broke her heart. So what if the fling only happened in her dreams? But when Ryan Kaye tempts her with the chance to go crazy and fulfill a few fantasies, she can’t resist. Thank goodness one night isn’t enough time to fall in love…

Warning: Contains a hot paramedic who knows how to get a girl to let her hair down, a girl who thinks she prefers her hair up, some naughty laser tag, some naughty role-playing and a lot of falling in love.

REVIEW:

Amanda believes it is her responsibility to take care of her 4 adult siblings. She has always been the dependable sister, except for one time. That one time left her believing she has to be all business, all the time. Amanda has fantasies about Ryan, who happens to be one of her brothers best friends. Amanda also knows that Ryan is a safe fantasy, believing he would never be interested in her. Amanda’s sister’s birthday wish is that Amanda spends one weekend risking it all and Amanda knows there is only one person she would ever want to make that happen with….Ryan. But would he be interested? She already knew Ryan didn’t do permanent so he would be perfect for one night.

I loved this book from the first page and could not put it down. You could feel the passion sizzling between Amanda and Ryan right away and I couldn’t wait to see how it would work out. I love the way you got to know each character without losing focus on Amanda and Ryan’s story. Ryan wasn’t the playboy Amanda thought he was and Amanda wasn’t the perfect, good girl he thought she was. The passion was off the charts and the sex scenes were smoking hot as Amanda and Ryan got to know each other. This book is part of a series that left me drooling for book two.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59

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✦COUNTING ON LOVE SERIES BY ERIN NICHOLAS ~ READING ORDER✦
✦Book 1: She’s the One ~ June 11, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 2: It Takes Two ~ Sept 17, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 3: Best of Three ~ November 19, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.59
✦Book 4: Going for Four ~ February 2014
✦Book 5: Up by Five ~ April 2014

Spotlight & Review – Gifts of Honor: Starting from Scratch\ Hero’s Homecoming by Stacy Gail and Rebecca Crowley

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Unsung Military Heroes

First off, I’d like to thank Cori and Donna for allowing me to bounce onto their blog to let me chat about my latest release, STARTING FROM SCRATCH! This novella is one half of Carina Press’s holiday duology, GIFTS OF HONOR (and in case you’re interested, the fabulous Rebecca Crowley’s HERO’S HOMECOMING makes up the other half—yay! ^_^ ).

* * *

When a publisher calls for manuscript submissions, I’m usually all over it the same way girls are all over a cologne-wearing dude in those lame AXE commercials. So when an open-call at Carina Press came out for a holiday romance collection, I was thrilled!… at first. Military homecoming holiday romance was how this particular submission call was described. At first all I could think was, “Crap, I don’t know anything about being in the military.” I was so convinced this sub call wasn’t right for me that I put it out of my mind. Or at least I tried to. The thing is, I might not know what it’s like to survive on the battlefield as a soldier, but I have plenty of friends who know the strength it takes to hold down the fort here at home. So instead of focusing on battles and guns, I chose to write what I know, and that’s about the courage of the loved ones who are left behind. Courage like the kind my friend Celyne has, when her Marine husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the line of duty. Courage like my sister Cindy displayed, smiling every day despite the fact that she hadn’t heard from her Air Force son for eight long weeks due to an information blackout. Courage like my friend Stacy “Jr.” showed, falling asleep every night with the phone in her hand while her new husband was in the Middle East.

If you have someone you care about who’s in the military, I decided to write this for you, because your strength is nothing short of inspirational.

I was genuinely shocked when STARTING FROM SCRATCH was accepted, because let’s face it—I’m a rebel, and I didn’t exactly give them what they’d called for (even went waaaaay over on the damn word count *sigh*). But my editor got it. She understood that there are all kinds of heroes, both on the battlefield, and here at home. Sadly, the loved ones of a soldier never get ticker-tape parades or shiny medals to celebrate their bravery, but at least they’re getting this book.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH is my thanks to all of you who serve right along with your loved ones in the military. I might not know who you are, and we’ll probably never meet. But I’m aware you’re there behind the scenes, holding the world together with the strength of your will alone. So please believe me when I say thank you. You’re amazing, you beautiful and brave unsung heroine.

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BLURB:
Christmas is the perfect time to start from scratch

Lieutenant Sully Jax saved his unit during an IED attack, but he couldn’t save his marriage. He can’t even remember it. Recovered from his injuries, he’s come home to the family and friends he knows—and an ex-wife who’s a stranger to him.

Lucy Crabtree was heartbroken last Christmas when Sully announced his plan to go on one last tour of duty, and devastated when he asked for a divorce after he awoke in the hospital with no memory of her. She’s finally moving on from her hurt and from losing the man she loved more than anything, and her cookie-baking business is taking off just in time for the holidays. But now Sully’s back, and she can’t deny she still loves him. But how can she trust her heart to someone who breaks it every time she sees him?

Sully might not remember Lucy, but something inside won’t let her go. With every bite of her cookies, he finds a new love for Lucy, and he soon realizes he wants to rebuild his life… with her by his side.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | iTunes |Google Play

Goodreads Reviews

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About Stacy Gail:

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A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.

To take a peek at Stacy Gail’s upcoming projects, find her at:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Hey there! Do you like gift cards? Cookies? Ebooks? Then you’re going to LOVE my giveaway. ^_^ Why don’t you enter and help me spread the word about STARTING FROM SCRATCH in the process? C’mon, you know you want to. ;P

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Gifts of Honor: Starting from Scratch\ Hero’s Homecoming by Stacy Gail and Rebecca Crowley
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

I’ll be home for Christmas…

A batch of special Christmas cookies helps a wounded ex-Ranger remember the love of his life. A surprise phone call reunites a woman with the soldier who once broke her heart. There’s no place like home for the holidays, and there’s no better way to spend them than with the one you love.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail
Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley

REVIEW:

Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail
This is a story of Sully, a wounded soldier returning home with partial amnesia and Lucy, the woman who loves him. This heartfelt romance was touching and at times tense as they work their way through their love and constant longing. I thought the author did a good job making it realistic and compelling with just the right amount of heat.

Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley
This is a story of Chris, a wounded soldier’s returning home and with out knowing what his future will bring. He is unexpectedly in need of help from Beth, the woman whose heart he broke months ago. This story was at times gut-wrenching, but also quite touching. The anxiety and apprehension was realistic in showing how they both overcame the obstacles and gave in to their undeniable passion.

Both stories were thought provoking and provided a glimpse into what many in the military go through on a daily basis.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $3.82 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.39 | iTunes $4.99