Category Archives: Teasers

Review: DEFENDING ALLYE (Mountain Mercenaries Book 1) by Susan Stoker

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DEFENDING ALLYE (Mountain Mercenaries Book 1) by Susan Stoker

Publication Date: August 7, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

6BED500B-38EF-4D33-8FA4-BFC0AAD006D4Love is a life-and-death risk for the Mountain Mercenaries in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s explosive series of alpha heroes, hot action, and hard passion… 

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…

For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.

Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

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Donna 4 starsI liked this hot and sexy romance between Allye and Gray. He was all alpha to a sparky, Allye. Both are likeable from the beginning, even though the terrifying action began on page one as well.  It kept me tense and hot-and-bothered through the whole book. The sadistic and horrible actions of the human trafficker were a little too much for me, but I know that some readers are not bothered by that. I for one will be sleeping with the light on. The Mountain Mercenary Team are intriguing and had great interaction. I can’t wait to read the next one. If you like a sizzling-hot romance mixed with pulse-pumping action, this one is it.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

If you have Kindle Unlimited you can borrow this series for Free!

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

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About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

Website | Mailing List | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Review: THE PROTECTOR: Games People Play by HelenKay Dimon

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THE PROTECTOR: Games People Play Series, Book 4 by HelenKay Dimon

Publication Date: July 31, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

79135F1B-270C-4ABA-AB7C-780AF36D2870Salvation, Pennsylvania. The commune located in the small town was advertised as a modern Utopia: a place to live, share, and learn with other like-minded young people. Cate Pendleton’s sister was one of them. Now she’s dead—and Cate won’t rest until she finds out who killed her. Stonewalled at every turn, she approaches a DC Fixer for help and ends up with Damon Knox, a mysterious man with a secretive past. But Cate soon discovers that she not only needs Damon, she wants him, which isn’t good—for the attraction brewing between them will only lead to complications that can turn into danger . . .

Damon has tried to erase the hellish memories and the evil that happened in Salvation ever since he left a long time ago. Still, he can’t turn his back on Cate. As Damon works with Cate to uncover her sister’s killer, he finds himself drawn to her more and more. But how will she feel about him when she learns about his connection to the place?

Joining forces to uncover the truth, they must stay one step ahead of a cunning killer who’s bent on not being exposed.

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Donna 4 stars

I’ve always loved a book that has a lot of group camaraderie, especially in an alpha-male unit. This book fulfilled that wish, so now I must go buy the rest of the series! Thankfully I had no problem jumping into the middle of the series. Damon was ornery and secretive, loaded down with a past guilt that made him standoffish. I didn’t mind that and quickly wanted him to find release. It took me longer to warm up to Cate. She was a touch too argumentative and some of the risks she took seemed a bit improbably. That being said, she grew on me. They matched up into a believable couple, despite the mystery and danger bombarding them. It turned out to be a sexy, exciting suspense – that kept me guessing.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

HelenKay Dimon is a former divorce attorney turned full-time romance author. Odd transition, right? She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin and Penguin, Samhain, Carina Press, and HarperCollins. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Review: HOT ON THE TRAIL by Vicki Tharp

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HOT ON THE TRAIL (Lazy S Ranch, Book 3) by Vicki Tharp

Publication Date: July 24, 2017

Genre: Western Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

2643BB56-0D60-42C6-ACBB-6BFDEFF5659EThe stunning beauty and quiet majesty of the Wyoming wilderness can heal your soul. But one woman will discover that her heart is fair game . . .

The Lazy S Ranch is everything to Jenna Nash. It’s given her family, friends, and a fulfilling career: helping veterans rebuild their lives. She sacrificed a lot to get her equine therapy program off the ground—including love. But suddenly, she’s in danger of losing it all . . .

Joining the Marines was the best decision Quinn Powell ever made, even if he had to go it alone without Jenna. Now his best friend’s death has brought him back to the ranch he once called home—and to the woman who rejected him.

Quinn hasn’t lost his touch—with the wildest horses or with Jenna. Though she’s falling for the brash, impulsive cowboy all over again, Jenna has reason to be wary. But when she and the ranch are threatened, Quinn will put everything on the line to save them both . . .

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Donna review 4.5 stars

This was a fun mystery, clue gathering and adrenaline rushing romance. I liked how Jenna and Quinn handled their reservations about rekindling their romance. It was done naturally and made sense, while keeping me geared up from all the sexual and emotional tension. It just seemed to flow the overall story and added to the fiery climax. I also like that the people around them are close-knit and added depth to the story. This murder mystery isn’t filled with a cowboy storyline, but it has enough to keep those who love horses, happy.  I honestly couldn’t put it down.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

Born with a love for animals, Vicki Tharp pursued a career as a veterinarian, graduating from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. Always an avid reader of romance, mystery, and suspense, she combined her interests and medical knowledge in her book, DON’T LOOK BACK.

She makes her home on small acreage in south Texas with her husband and an embarrassing number of pets. When she isn’t writing, trimming hooves, woodworking, or mucking out the barn, you can usually find her on the back of her horse, enjoying the delightful nasal bouquet of flowers, fly spray, and eau de horse sweat.

Website | Facebook | Amazon

Review: THREAT OF DANGER (Mission Recovery Book 2) by Dana Marton

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THREAT OF DANGER (Mission Recovery Book 2) by Dana Marton

Publication Date: June 5, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

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AD1F2092-E84E-49CC-BD4F-71D6D04F5DF8Falling in love can be a deadly proposition in this pulse-quickening Mission Recovery novel from the New York Times bestselling author.

Jess Taylor and Derek Daley were in the throes of first love in a small Vermont town when they were kidnapped by a serial killer. They escaped his clutches—but not the trauma of the unsolved crime. With their lives changed forever and their romance cut short, they went their separate ways to exorcise their fears.

Jess is living on the edge as Hollywood’s hottest stuntwoman. It’s no longer terror thrumming through her veins. It’s adrenaline. Derek is a former Navy SEAL spinning his ordeals into heart-pounding bestselling thrillers. But when Jess is called home on a family emergency, she must face the past—and face the man she left behind, who is just as haunted and, like her, still so much in love.

Now, as an old flame reignites, Jess and Derek are taking advantage of second chances and putting their bad memories behind them. But here, in the quiet town of Taylorville, a killer is getting a second chance as well.

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Donna 5 Stars

This story kept me captive and wouldn’t let go. I’ll admit that I had my doubts in the very beginning, but then the mystery began to unfold. It was a nice combination of edgy fear and hometown comfort blended together to make a smooth flowing story. Jess and Derek not only had to deal with the psychological impact of their past trauma, rekindling their old relationship, and real-life issues – there was a serial killer on the loose. It all came to a boiling point that had me clenching my teeth. I loved this romantic thriller.

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

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Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Free via Kindle Unlimited. You can sign-up for a free trial here: Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

✦Book 1: SILENT THREAT (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton
Kindle http://amzn.to/2Eq3ENd | Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-ayv

 

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Dana Marton is the New York Times bestselling author of the Agents Under Fire series, the Hardstorm Saga, and the Broslin Creek novels. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers’ Choice Award, and the RITA Award. For more information about Marton and her work, please visit her at www.danamarton.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/danamarton.

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR by Linda Broday

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TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR (Texas Heroes, Book 3) by Linda Broday

Publication Date: July 3, 2018

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Synopsis

53614F0A-7BC4-48F6-9238-FDB8E5F55D28He’ll do what it takes to prove his love

The son of a notorious outlaw, Roan Penny yearns to make his life count…but heroism comes with a price. Left badly injured, only the kindness of a gentle stranger can save him. He longs to be with the captivating beauty—his savior, his Texas star, his Marley Rose McClain—but he knows he’d bring her nothing but trouble.

If only he could convince his heart of that.

Marley’s lived a charmed life, and she’s determined to spend the rest of her days at her quiet hero’s side…but she isn’t what she seems. A life-long secret threatens to destroy everything she knows—and everything she could hope to be. As dangerous men threaten to pull her back into the shadows, a desperate Roan must ride hell-bent for leather to save the other half of his heart…before he can lose her light for good.

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Excerpt

Unable to bear the torture, Roan whirled and crushed his lips to Marley’s.

​A hunger so powerful that it hurt to breathe spread through him, rushing along his limbs and touching off a whirlwind inside him. He stood in the storm and let the emotion wash over his body, healing his ragged spirit and muzzling his fear.

​A raspy moan escaped. His heart beating like a thundering herd of buffalo, he held Marley so tightly against him that he expected her to complain. If he could somehow open himself up and draw her inside, he would. He’d protect her with every bit of strength he had and carry the beautiful woman with him forever.

​Dear, God, he wanted her. Wanted her more than anything in the world. His hands roamed over her curves, memorizing every indentation and soft swell. She seemed to be learning every inch of him as well, and the way she clutched, kneaded, and caressed him spoke of a great need of her own.

​The air seemed to vibrate with this craving that swept through him. His senses filled with her, Roan deepened the kiss and backed her against a work table where they repaired harnesses and saddles. Tightening his grip, he lifted her onto the planks. She reached for him, knocking off his hat and it tumbled to the floor.

​His heartbeat roared in his ears and drowned out everything except this overpowering desire for her.

​How long they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, he didn’t know. He was barely conscious of where they were, or of the dawn breaking. Men and children would spill out any second and find them.

It took everything he had to break the kiss. He tenderly brushed a tendril of hair from her eyes and studied her dark eyes. “You’re like those shooting stars we watched. You blaze across a man’s life with such a streak of color and pageantry it steals a man’s breath. You’re my Texas star, Marley Rose McClain. That is if you don’t object to the title.”

​His Texas Star. Yes, that’s exactly what she would always be.

​Marley’s breath hitched. “That’s beautiful. I’ve never been compared to a shooting star before.”

“Well, you are. I don’t know what the future holds or if I’ll ever see you again,” he mumbled against her mouth. “Keep shining, Texas Star, for as long as you live.”

​“I will.” Marley’s glistening gaze met his and she ran a fingertip along his jawline. “No promises, no regrets.”

​“None.” The rooster finally crowed, reminding Roan he’d best hurry. “Maybe you’ll write a story one day about me and how you saved my life one frosty morn.”

​Tears bubbled in her eyes. “You’d better come back or I’ll come looking for you.”

​“You will, huh?”

​“I’ll brave a den of snakes and go through a hail of bullets to get to you, and you can count on that.” Marley straightened his collar and picked a piece of lint from his coat. “You’re a handsome man, Roan Penny. Women are going to chase you, but it doesn’t mean you have to let them catch you.” Her voice broke.

​Roan swallowed a lump in his throat. This was tearing him up inside.

With a cry, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him close for another kiss.

“I’ll pray for you, Roan,” she whispered.

“Save your prayers for those who believe in their power.”

​Before the banked fire had a chance to flare again, Roan stepped away from her and issued a stern warning. “Don’t come after me. I mean it. You don’t know the danger waiting in San Saba. If they knew I cared for you, they’d kill you. Promise you’ll stay here. You have topromise not to come after my sorry hide. Go on with your life.”

​Marley shook her head, her dark eyes large in the low light. “I can’t do that.”

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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Giveaway

5 Copies of Knight on the Texas Plains

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author

Linda Broday_newAt a young age, LINDA BRODAY discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She resides in the Texas Panhandle and is inspired every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: CHARMED AT FIRST SIGHT (Charmed in Texas) by Sharla Lovelace

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CHARMED AT FIRST SIGHT (Charmed in Texas, Book 4) by Sharla Lovelace

Publication Date: July 10, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

11F3543F-EB4F-46BC-8962-44EB3C3F99DCA hot mess runaway bride and a smokin’ hot biker lock eyes at a red light. Lord have mercy . . . is our little town of Charmed, Texas ready for this?

Never one to do things by the book, Micah Roman couldn’t just chalk it up to bridal jitters, or even quietly call off her wedding to her long-time fiancé. No, she has to high-tail it out of the church sporting a dress that cost more than her car, and jump on the back of a smoking-hot stranger’s motorcycle. Her knight in all-black is headed to a town called Charmed, so that’s where she’ll go and try to lay low. Except their appearance raises plenty of eyebrows . . . and a sudden, intense attraction she has no business exploring.

Who knew picking up a damsel in distress would lead to lust at first sight? Leo McKane headed to Charmed prepared to deal with some family secrets–including his status as long-lost brother. This runaway bride is an unexpected distraction his set agenda and loner lifestyle doesn’t include. She’s everywhere he turns, getting under his skin with her quirky, headstrong ways and eyes he can’t forget. But when Micah’s jilted ex comes looking for her and opens up his shady past, Leo knows he has a choice to make.

They both do.

Run to safer ground again? Or take a leap that their untrusting hearts are wary to take.

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Donna 4 stars

This is a lovely little contemporary romance with some suspense thrown in for thrills. I connected with Micah right off and loved the panicked confusion driving her. Since it was told in Micah’s point of view, I had to guess at Leo’s motivations and thoughts. Because a lot of the suspense involved his past, it would have been nice to hear his thoughts as well – it would have made the pace of their relationship clearer also. I enjoyed the townspeople, the emotional undercurrent and the romance. It’s a fun summer read that will leave you with a smile.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

imageSharla Lovelace is a bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. A proud Texas girl through and through, she lives in southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two rambunctious dogs. Author of five stand-alone novels and the Heart of the Storm series, she loves connecting with readers; find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, or subscribe to her newsletter at www.sharlalovelace.com to keep up with new releases.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: ALL-AMERICAN COWBOY by Dylann Crush

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ALL-AMERICAN COWBOY (Holiday, Texas Series Book 1) by Dylann Crush  

Publication Date: July 3, 2018

Genre: Western Romance

Synopsis

B5D8FA18-51BF-4236-83C5-D02AD92C33A6This city boy has it all figured out…

Until he goes toe-to-toe with a fierce cowgirl

who’s snagged the home field advantage.

Holiday, Texas is known far and wide as the most celebratory town in the South—and no shindig is complete without one of its founding members. It’s a real shame the last remaining Holiday is a city slicker, but what’s that old saying about putting lipstick on a pig…?

Beck has no intention of being charmed by some crazy Texas town, but the minute he lays eyes on his grandfather’s old honky tonk—and Charlie Walker, the beautiful cowgirl who runs it—he finds himself wishing things could be different. Life’s gentler in Holiday. Slower. More real than anything he’s ever known. And when he looks into Charlie’s eyes, Beck may finally discover what it’s like to truly belong.

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Donna 4 stars

This was a lovely contemporary romance. It isn’t a ranch-type story, but rather set in a little Texas town and revolves around the landmark honky-tonk. I loved how Beck handled being a fish out of water when he first arrived from New York City. It was humorous without being overly stereotyped. Charlie was strong and capable without being bitchy. She and Beck made a nice couple struggling through their different backgrounds. There were no surprises with the townspeople, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t fun an interesting, they added a nice layer to the book. Everything flowed nicely into a smoking romance filled with miscommunication and tension. It was a nice feel-good story.

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

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Excerpt

The man approached the driver’s side, his mouth curled into a sheepish smile. She forced a tight grin and leaned out the window. “What seems to be the trouble?”

“Thank God. I was starting to think I might die right here on the side of the road.” He rested one of those sinewy forearms on her door. A hint of expensive cologne wafted off his skin. “I seem to have lodged my rental in the ditch.”

Charlie ignored an uptick in her pulse and peered past him. “You did a nice job wedging yourself in there.”

He glanced toward his SUV, then back at her. “Yeah, I don’t really do things half-assed. Lucky for me you came along.” He offered another apologetic grin.

She didn’t reciprocate. Might be lucky for him, but her luck had apparently run dry. Who the hell had she pissed off recently to deserve a day like today? First she had to deal with Baby Back and now this city boy.

He waited a beat for a response that didn’t come, then tapped his hand against the doorframe. “So, yeah, something ran across the road, and I had to slam on the brakes. I’ve got Triple A. Does your cell phone work? I’ve got no service out here, but if yours works, I can call for a tow truck. I’m sure they’ll have me out of here in no time.”

The Yankee continued to spout off about cell towers and roadside assistance while she slid out of the truck. She turned her back to him and walked to the edge of the road. “There’s only one tow truck in town,” Charlie finally interrupted. “You’re welcome to give him a call. But I heard he went fishing. Depending on how the fish are biting, might take him a while to tear himself away.”

Beckett wiped away the sweat beading at his brow and shook his head. “Damn.”

He probably deserved to get stuck here all day waiting on a tow. She almost climbed back into her truck. But something about the way he cocked his hip and funneled a hand through his hair reminded her of Sully. Dammit.

With her hands clamped on her hips, she nodded toward the bed of her truck. “Why don’t you hand me a rope and I’ll see if I can pull you out?”

“You sure?”

“Unless you want to sit in the ditch all day.”

“No, ma’am.” The dimple on his left cheek practically winked at her as he climbed onto the bumper and stepped into the bed.

She ran her gaze over his classy khakis, catching a glimpse of bare ankle at the hem. Loafers with no socks? Seriously? The local boys were going to chew this guy up like a wad of Skoal and spit him out before he even had a chance to settle that fine-looking ass onto a barstool.

“Will this work?” He held up a coil of rope.

“That’ll be fine. If you toss one end down here, I’ll tie it up.”

The whole truck rocked as he climbed over the edge and hopped out. “I can do that for you.”

She smirked at the chivalrous offer. “Just toss me the rope. I wouldn’t want you to get your fancy shoes dirty.”

Beckett glanced down at his feet before shrugging and tossing her the rope. “I guess nobody told me loafers weren’t fit for Texas.” He was so easygoing about it, she almost felt bad for poking fun. But then she thought of all the years Sully had waited for some word from his family out east, and it made her want to shake him up even more.

“Boots aren’t a requirement. But they do come in handy when you find yourself wading through the tall grass to rescue a city boy in distress.” The end of the rope sailed her way and she snagged it out of the air, then scrambled down the embankment to secure it underneath the front bumper.

“I’ll try to avoid any further trouble.” He offered her a hand as she climbed out of the ditch. “I sure do appreciate your help.”

Charlie opted to take it. Warm, firm grip, smooth… Not like the hands of the men who worked on her family’s ranch. Those were callused and rough.

“Plus, they help keep the ticks away.” She reached the road and reclaimed her hand, not wanting to admit to herself how nice it felt to be touched by a man. Even if it was this man.

He paused. “Ticks?”

“Yep. Ticks like to hang out in the weeds.” Charlie brushed her hands against her thighs, trying to wipe away the tingles of contact before she bent down to secure the other end of the rope to her trailer hitch.

“Then I’d better keep my car on the road from now on. So what do we do next?” Beckett shifted his weight, gesturing to the SUV. “Do you think this will work?”

Standing, she squinted up at him. “Now you put it in drive and aim for the road, and I pull you out of the ditch.” She directed a pointed look to the SUV.

“That easy, huh?”

Charlie angled her hip. “Helps if you get in the car.”

He let out a deep laugh, and she had to bite back her grin. She didn’t want to admit to herself how much she was enjoying their little exchange. It had been a long time since she’d made a man laugh.

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Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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5 Copies of All-American Cowboy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Dylann Crush writes contemporary romance with sizzle and sass. A romantic at heart, she loves her heroines spunky and her heroes super sexy. When she’s not dreaming up steamy storylines, she can be found sipping a margarita and searching for the best Tex-Mex food in Minnesota. Although she grew up in Texas, she currently lives in a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul with her unflappable husband, three energetic kids and a canine who doesn’t think he’s a dog. She loves to connect with readers, other authors and fans of tequila. You can find her at www.dylanncrush.com.

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Review & Giveaway: OFF THE GRID (The Lost Platoon) by Monica McCarty

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OFF THE GRID (The Lost Platoon, Book 2) by Monica McCarty

Publication Date: July 3, 2017

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

195F4014-DEF5-4966-ADE9-5091092093C7A hunt for dangerous secrets leads to explosive chemistry in this exhilarating romantic suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Going Dark.

A team of Navy SEALs go on a mission and disappear without a trace—they are The Lost Platoon.

Investigative reporter BRITTANY BLAKE may have stumbled upon the story of a lifetime in her search for her missing brother. When he seemingly disappears overnight, she refuses to accept the Navy’s less-than-satisfying explanation. She begins her own investigation, which leads her to top-secret SEAL teams, covert ops, and a possible cover up…

JOHN DONOVAN is having trouble biding his time, waiting for his Commanding Officer to figure out who set up their platoon. John’s best friend and BUD/S partner, Brandon Blake, was one of the many lives tragically lost in the attack against his team. When Brandon’s sister, Brittany, tracks John down, looking for answers, he realizes that she may be their best bet–or bait–for finding out who is targeting SEAL Team Nine.

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Donna review 4.5 stars

Another exciting installment in the Lost Platoon series. The author managed to give good insight into John’s situation and personality without resorting to an info-dump (much appreciated). I rather liked his brooding attempt to keep from getting attached to Brittany. I related to her rather quickly and loved how their sexy romance ebbed and flowed through the turmoil. I wish the platoon wasn’t so dispersed, so they could have more of a group dynamic to the stories. I want to be pulled in deeper to them as a group. That being said – I loved the mystery, danger, romance and edge to this book.

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

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Excerpt

Read an Excerpt Here: http://monicamccarty.com/books/grid.php

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

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Check out Book 1:
 GOING DARK (The Lost Platoon) by Monica McCarty
✦Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-9G1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Kindle http://amzn.to/2qtdF55
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Giveaway

Paperback Copy of OFF THE GRID (The Lost Platoon) by Monica McCarty.

★ENTER FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY HERE★

Winner will be selected (7/14) by 6PM EST. Reading in Pajamas is responsible for this giveaway. Paperback was provided to Reading in Pajamas by Berkley Romance.

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About the Author

Monica McCarty is the bestselling author of The Arrow, The Raider, The Hunter, the Highlander trilogy, the Campbell trilogy, and more. Her interest in the Scottish clan system began in the most unlikely of places: a comparative legal history course at Stanford Law School. After a short but enjoyable stint as an attorney, she realized that her career as a lawyer paired with her husband’s transitory life as a professional baseball player was not the best match. So she traded in her legal briefs for Scottish historical romances with sexy alpha heroes. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two children.

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Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: BUILT TO LAST (Black Knights Inc.) by Julie Ann Walker

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BUILT TO LAST (Black Knights Inc. Book 12) by Julie Ann Walker

Publication Date: June 26, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

00A45B69-78C6-48F7-A187-CBA837D9DCECIn the epic conclusion to the BKI series, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker delivers her biggest bombshell yet!

Welcome to Black Knights Inc.

What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world’s most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they’ll steal your breath and your heart.

After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin “Angel” Agassi to change his identity, he’s determined to bring down the world’s worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That’s going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.

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Donna review 4.5 stars

I was so looking forward to Angel’s story and am glad that it explained his past while forming his future. To do this, the book kept flashing back to his previous life, illustrating the impact on his and Sonya’s relationship. I’m not a big fan of the back and forth, so thankfully the story itself kept me enthralled. Sonya was someone I liked and could relate to. Her personality made the romance in an unheard of situation believable. Lots of action + smoking hot romance + close-knit friends = a good BKI story! Of course, all the people I’ve grown to love in the Black Knights world were involved in the usual mayhem, making me smile even when the tensions were high. I’m saddened to think this is the end of BKI, but excited for the hint of things to come.

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

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Excerpt

“Angel,” she whispered, coming up for air.

The way she said Angel, with such longing and desperation, was perfect. Except it wasn’this name. Not his real name, anyway. And the fool in him longed to throw caution to the wind and tell her the truth, if only to hear her call him Mark one last time.

Years of unquenched desire rode atop his shoulders. A decade of dirty words fell from his lips as he kissed his way back to her ear.

“Tell me you want me,” he commanded, nipping her earlobe.

The way she groaned captured him. Trapped him. Except the truth was, she’d owned him since the moment she opened her mouth beside his table at that café in Paris and asked if he was Mark Risa in sweetly accented Hebrew. He was hers. Always had been. Always would be.

Instinct was his ruler now. Instinct and the memories of all the things she liked. All the things that made her yelp and purr and beg for more. Cupping her breast through the soft cotton of her T-shirt, he thumbed over her nipple, delighted to discover the peak already ruched tight with desire.

She was as responsive as he remembered. Possibly more so.

“Tell me you want me,” he demanded again, needing to hear it. Needing her to admit it.

“I want you. God help me, I do.”

If he’d only heard the desperation in her voice, he might have kept going. Except…overshadowing that desperation were hard notes of guilt.

Reality check.

He pulled back to discover her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. Everything inside him stilled—his heart, his lungs, his blood. Everything except his mind. It raced toward a conclusion he didn’t want to face.

“Are you still crying for him?” he whispered. “This man from your past?”

“No.” She shook her head. Then shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. It’s just that you remind me of him sometimes. The way you walk. The way you pop your jaw. The way you kiss except…”

He wanted nothing more than to keep contact with her. But she had withdrawn from him emotionally, and the gentleman in him—a guy he rarely let out to play—demanded he withdraw from her physically. When he stepped back, breaking the connection of their bodies, it felt like everything that was important inside him stayed behind. Stayed with her.

“Except what?”

“Except you’re better at it than he was. I didn’t think that was possible,” she was quick to add. “Because he was the best. The absolute best. And yet it is possible. And I feel so…so…” She swallowed and searched his eyes. “Guilty for admitting it.”

Angel shot a victorious fist in the air. Or, at least, he imagined he did.

Couple of things here… One, good to know that for her, and up until now, he’d been the best. And two, he had learned a thing or two since the tender age of twenty-four. He looked forward to demonstrating each and every new skill.

“Sonya, you are not wrong to want me. Your man is dead.” The lie tasted sour in his mouth. God, don’t strike me down. Not now. Not yet. “But you are still living. Still breathing. You have needs.”

She frowned before ducking her chin and staring at her bare feet. He glanced down too and found, much to his delight, her toenails were painted a familiar hot pink.

So there is some of the old Sonya left…

“It feels wrong to want you.” Her blond hair had fallen over her shoulders like the halves of a curtain. “I don’t even know you.”

He didn’t mistake her words. They were essentially the ones he’d given her earlier. Except the difference was that in his case, he had known he was lying.

She lifted her chin, staring into his eyes. “Why? Why do I feel this connection with you? Is it because we’re in the same boat? Because Grafton has us both by the nose?”

“I cannot say.” Another lie. The pile was becoming unwieldy. “But I can tell you I feel it too.”

He thought she would be happy to hear it, but she pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead and blew out a gusty sigh. “I’m tired. I should go to bed. We leave for Moldova in six hours.”

Whoa. What? That was it? She was going to abandon the conversation when it was getting good?

“Good night, Angel,” she said a little breathlessly.

Stay, he wanted to tell her.

No. Screw that. He didn’t want her to stay. He wanted to toss her over his shoulder, cart her upstairs, and throw her on his bed and undress her. He wanted to kiss every inch of her naked body until she begged him to put himself inside her.

Instead, he took a step back and lifted a hand, wordlessly indicating she was free to go.

It took everything he had not to reach for her when she slid past him. Instead, he satisfied himself with watching her hips sway to the feminine rhythm of her body as she walked to the end of the kitchen island. She had filled out some over the years. Not that she’d ever been stick thin. God had smiled the day he made her and blessed her with curves. But what little angularity youth had given her was gone now. Her hips were fuller. Her breasts heavier. Everything about her screamed woman.

At the doorway, she swung around, a question in her eyes.

“Was there something else?” he asked.

“I know you think I’m broken.” The misery in her voice hit him in the place where his shattered heart used to be.

Oh, Sonya. What happened to you?

He wanted so much to take her in his arms and remind her of what she once was. Of who she once was. But all he could give her was one simple truth. “The light only truly shines through people who have been broken.”

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Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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Black Knights Inc. Series by Julie Ann Walker – Amazon Series Link
✦1. HELL ON WHEELS ➢ Kindle
✦2. IN RIDES TROUBLE ➢ Kindle
✦3. REV IT UP ➢ Kindle
✦4. THRILL RIDE ➢ Kindle
✦5. BORN WILD ➢ Kindle
✦6. HELL FOR LEATHER ➢ Kindle | Review 5 Stars
✦7. FULL THROTTLE ➢ Kindle | Review 5 Stars
✦8. TOO HARD TO HANDLE ➢ Kindle | Review 5 Stars
✦9. WILD RIDE ➢ Kindle | Review 5 Stars
✦10. FUEL THE FIRE ➢ Kindle | Review 5 Stars
✦11. HOT PURSUIT ➢ Kindle | Review 4.5 Stars
✦12. BUILT TO LAST ➢ Kindle

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668768D3-6BA9-484F-8B53-1284009D6CFFBKI Series Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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IMG_7397Julie Ann Walker is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling Author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She’ll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Excerpt Tour: GETTING SCHOOLED by Emma Chase

GETTING SCHOOLED by Emma Chase

Publication Date: June 26, 2018

Genre: Romantic Comedy/ Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

B4CBD1E8-ECE3-4628-9B3A-D12B80D96EFFHead of the class…

Garrett Daniels has this whole life thing figured out.

The cocky, charismatic former high school star quarterback is an idolized football coach and “cool” teacher in the hometown where he’s not just a golden boy — he’s platinum. He has good friends, a great house on the lake, and the best damn sidekick a man could ask for: Snoopy, the albino beagle.

Then…Callie Carpenter comes home.

And knocks him right on his tight end zone.

Back to school…

Callie has a pretty sweet life herself…on the other side of the country. But circumstances — that she’d prefer to never speak of again — have brought her back home, helping out her parents and substitute teaching at her old high school.

Now she’s facing bickering, raging hormones, constant gossip, awkward weirdness, and drama galore…and that’s just the teachers.

Just like old times…

When Garrett offers to show his former high school sweetheart the secrets of his winning teacher ways, Callie jumps at the chance – and then has to stop herself from jumping him.

Good friends are all they can ever be.

Or…these teachers just might end up getting schooled — hard — by love.

Includes a special bonus interview with the author!

©2018 Emma Chase (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

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Excerpt

High school parking lots are one of the most dangerous places on earth. I don’t have statistics to back that up…but I know it’s true.

I pull into the school parking lot Monday morning in my Dad’s giant, newly repaired mint-green Buick, with Back in Black by AC/DC blasting from the speakers. I feel tough, powerful—like I’m driving a tank.

I’m a badass teacher—I’ll run you down even if you’re a student—I’ve got twenty-nine more in class just like you.

The outfit helps too—leather boots, blue jeans, a starched white blouse and a black leather jacket. It’s my armor. The morning air is cool and crisp today, but I barely feel it. I’m locked and loaded and ready to roll.

As I march towards the main entrance, I spot Garrett and Dean and Alison Bellinger outside the doors. They pause when they see me, waiting.

“Damn,” Dean chuckles. “Callie’s got her shit-kickers on. Did you dig them out of a mosh pit from 1993?”

Garrett crosses his arms. “Somebody’s channeling Michelle Pfiefer in Dangerous Minds.”

He looks fantastic. His hair is tousled from the breeze and kisses his brow, and he’s wearing a dark blue sweater that’s snug around his biceps and soft, worn, light blue jeans. I remember his arms around me yesterday on my parent’s porch. The wonder and exhilaration of the moment.

Of him.

The intensity in his eyes, the desire and possessiveness in the grasp of his hands. The scorching feel of his mouth, his wet talented tongue that made my stomach swirl and my head spin.

So much for not complicating things.

But I’m not going to play head games with myself or Garrett—we’re too old for that shit.

I have feelings for him—I always have—our break-up had nothing to do with either of us not wanting each other desperately. But these aren’t just leftover echoes of a sweet, first love—this is something new. A throbbing, breathless attraction to the amazing man he’s become. I want to be near him. I want to know him, inside and out, all over again.

And he feels the same way. Garrett wants this version of me as much as he always did—maybe even more. I heard it in his whispered words and felt it in his kiss.

I don’t know if we have a future, if it can go anywhere. We have separate lives on opposite ends of the country. But I’m not going to worry about that—for now, I’m going to take each day as it comes and enjoy every moment we can.

Except for now. Now is not the time for enjoying or worrying or relationship building…now is the time for focusing. Now is the time to be ice and steel—don’t smile, don’t waver.

“Little fucknutters don’t know who the hell they’re dealing with,” I growl.

Allison pumps her fist. “That’s the spirit.”

Garrett opens the door for me. “Go get ‘em, Gangster’s Paradise.”

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

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About the Author

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

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