Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Review: "A Darkness Absolute" by Kelley Armstrong

The follow-up to #1 NYT bestseller Kelley Armstrong’s acclaimed City of the Lost, Rockton town detective Casey Duncan makes a terrible—and dangerous—discovery in the woods outside of town. When experienced homicide detective Casey Duncan first moved to the secret town of Rockton, she expected a safe haven for people like her, people running from their past misdeeds and past lives. She knew living in Rockton meant living off-the-grid completely: no cell phones, no Internet, no mail, very little electricity, and no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. What she didn’t expect is that Rockton comes with its own set of secrets and dangers. Now, in A Darkness Absolute, Casey and her fellow Rockton sheriff’s deputy Will chase a cabin-fevered resident into the woods, where they are stranded in a blizzard. Taking shelter in a cave, they discover a former resident who’s been held captive for over a year. When the bodies of two other women turn up, Casey and her colleagues must find out if it’s an outsider behind the killings or if the answer is more complicated than that...before another victim goes missing. Casey Duncan returns in another heart-racing thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This series is so cool, I just love it! I didn't like this one quite as much as the previous, but it was still really good overall.

So basically we've got this little town, Rockton, way in the middle of freakin' nowhere, Yukon Territory, Canada. It's completely off the grid and hidden from civilization, and the only people living there are those hiding out from someone, like an abusive ex, or some thing, like the law. Casey Duncan, who was brought in as a detective, doesn't always get the full background on the residents living there, either. She's on a need-to-know basis, and the anonymous council who governs Rockton from afar does not always give up information willingly. That means when a crime is committed, everyone living in Rockton is a suspect. But you also can't forget about wild animals, other settlers living in groups or alone around the area, and the "people" who have gone way off the deep end, otherwise knows as "Hostiles" - they're all suspects, too. Nobody knows what makes the Hostiles so...hostile, but they are so animalistic that Casey questions whether they have the mental capacity to carry out a premeditated crime, like the one Casey discovers when she finds a woman in a cave who has been held captive there for over a year.  Who would do such a thing? Like I said before, just about anyone is suspect.

Obviously I don't want to spoil the outcome, but suffice it to say that I never had a clear idea of who the culprit was. There were many twists and turns along the way to discovery, and I only grew more attached to Casey and Eric Dalton, her love interest. Their relationship is unique, sweet/hot, and awesome!  If you haven't started this series and you enjoy creepy, well plotted, suspenseful reads, you need to run out and start ASAP, because this is the cream of the crop in my opinion.

My rating:
 

Sunday, March 26, 2017

"Meet Me At Beachcomber Bay" by Jill Mansell - Excerpt Reveal!!!

Title: Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay
Author: Jill Mansell
Pub Date: May 2, 2017

International bestseller Jill Mansell weaves a heartwarming tale of love, family and friendship in her latest novel

1. A brief encounter that could have become so much more…if only everything were different
2. Step-sisters, bitter rivals in every area except one—by unbreakable pact neither will ever steal a man from the other
3. A love triangle that starts out as a mess of secrets and mix-ups, and only gets worse from there

Plus!
Friendship, family ties, crossed wires and self-discovery, second chances and first impressions

Welcome to Jill Mansell’s blustery seaside world. Once you step inside, you’ll never want to leave!

With over 10 million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible and funny, poignant and romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Jojo Moyes. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.
    
GIVEAWAY
Jill Mansell book bundle and a British summer tumbler
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EXCERPT
By two o’clock, they’d arrived in St. Carys, where the third of the shortlisted properties was situated.
“Here we are then.” Jumping out of the rental car and shielding her eyes from the sun as she peered up at the third-floor apartment, Belle said, “It’s like ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears,’ isn’t it? The first place was too boring, and the second place was too interesting. Let’s hope this one is going to be just right.”
Obviously Belle wanted it to be the one Sam chose. Then he’d be right here in her own home town. Clemency, who wasn’t so sure how she felt about it, was torn. It went against the grain to not want to sell a property, but just seeing Sam again today had been unsettling. Did she really want him to buy a place in St. Carys? Yet the apartment was stunning. Once he clapped eyes on it, was there the remotest chance he’d say no?
Five minutes later, she discovered the answer to that question. The views were fantastic. Everything about the place was about as perfect as any potential owner could want. The wraparound balcony was big enough to throw a party on…
Which was apparently what was happening right now, in the penthouse apartment directly above their heads.
In fact, it was sounding like quite an intimate party. Oh God.
“Listen to them,” Belle exclaimed, slow on the uptake. “What is going on up there?”
Sam, who wasn’t slow on the uptake, said wryly, “I think it might be some kind of exercise class.”
As a real estate agent, it wasn’t the first time Clemency had overheard something she’d have preferred not to overhear during the course of a viewing, but this was without a doubt the loudest.
And appeared to involve the largest number of…well, participants.
OK, this was officially awkward.
“Oh!” The penny finally dropped and Belle clapped her hands over her mouth. “Oh my God.”
Overhead, the gasps and shrieks appeared to be escalating. Belle said, “I don’t believe it! Clem, make it stop.”
“Seriously?” Clemency looked at her. “How do I go about doing that?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Marching out on to the balcony, Belle bellowed, “Hey you! Up there! We can all hear you, you know…You have to stop making that noise this minute!”
They heard laughter amid the other sounds, followed by the pop of a champagne cork, which sailed over the edge of the balcony. A male voice called out, “We like it best when we know people are listening.”
“Well, you’re disgusting,” Belle yelled back, “and you should all be ashamed of yourselves.”
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it,” a female voice shouted down to them. “Come up and join us if you want. Don’t be shy! The more the merrier!”
As they were leaving, they encountered the occupier of the flat below the one they’d just viewed. Clemency stopped the middle-aged woman. “Hi, excuse me…do you happen to know if the people in the penthouse apartment are the owners? Or is it rented out to vacationers?” Because if they were only going to be staying for a week or two, it wouldn’t be a problem after all.
“You mean the Carters?” The middle-aged woman rolled her eyes. “You’re from the real estate agency, aren’t you? And this is the first time you’ve heard them having an orgy? Well, all I can say is, lucky you. They bought the place in January and they’ve been inviting their so-called friends around most afternoons ever since.”
“Oh.” Clemency’s heart sank.
“The Jeffersons didn’t happen to mention that to you, I’m guessing? Thought they wouldn’t. Why else do you suppose they’re so desperate to move out? God only knows how you’re ever going to sell that place. Those new people are a living nightmare.”
Oh dear. The Jeffersons should have told them. Not only had Clemency failed to find Sam a suitable property to buy, they were going to have to drop the price of this one.
“Maybe you could offer any buyers a lifetime’s supply of industrial earplugs,” said Sam.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Review: "Kaleidoscope" by Kristen Ashley


When old friends become new lovers...anything can happen. Sexy, gifted, and loyal, PI Jacob Decker is a tall, cool drink of perfection who had Emmanuelle Holmes at "hello." His relationship with Emme's best friend kept them apart for years, but things have changed. Now that a case has brought him to Gnaw Bone, Colorado, the road is wide open for Emme and Deck to explore something hotter and deeper than Emme dreamed possible. So why is she sabotaging the best thing that's ever happened to her? It isn't easy to catch Deck off guard, but Emme does just that when she walks back into his life after nine long years. The curvy brunette had her charms back in the day, but now she's a bona fide knockout . . . and she wants to rekindle their friendship. Deck, however, wants more. Emme's always been the one; she excites Deck's body and mind like no other woman can. But a dark chapter from Emme's past overshadows their future together. Now only Deck can help her turn the page-if she'll let him . . .

My thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book.

Well, I liked "Kaleidoscope" more than the only other Kristen Ashley book I read, "Jagged", but I still think I"m missing something as far as this author goes.  The writing style didn't annoy me as much as before - maybe I'm getting used to it? - and the characters were well-developed and likable enough.  I think my main issue with "Kaleidoscope" was the plot.  There was a bit of a side story that either needed to be more fully developed, or dropped completely.  It was wrapped up so quickly at the end, it was almost an afterthought.  Honestly, I think the book would have been better without it.

Anyway, I've already purchased Rock Chick, so I think I will give that a try before I give up on this author completely. Wish me luck!

My rating:


Thursday, March 23, 2017

Review: "Until We Break" by Jamie Howard

When Sloane Avery stops to help a stranded driver, she finds more than a broken down car on the side of the road. Luke Evans is faster and sexier than her Maserati, but with her heart still on the mend, she’s not interested in taking him for a test drive. Despite their initial disdain for each other, emotion and passion simmer, complicating their fragile friendship. But when a tragic loss and devastating betrayal send them spiraling, their growing love isn’t enough to save them. That was five years ago, practically a different lifetime and definitely a different Sloane. Before she’s been hardened by booze, sex, and as much distance as she could get from the past. Now, called home on a family emergency, she’s determined to hold onto her heart the next time she sees Luke. Except Sloane’s not the only one who’s changed. Luke’s turned his life around. Only the reappearance of Sloane and the reminder of his biggest mistake can put a dent in his plans. Luke is set on fixing what he’s broken. But with her emotions boiling to the surface, Sloane needs to decide if falling in love is life’s greatest gift or its cruelest joke.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
When I picked this book up, I was expecting a typical New Adult read, one with mediocre writing, a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, some instalust/love, and a lot of sex. And sometimes, to be honest, that's all I'm looking for. I am very much a mood reader. Still, the "typical" New Adult read, for me, anyway, is fun while it lasts but forgettable once it's over. They don't often leave a lasting impression. 

There are exceptions to this rule, and I'm happy to say that "Until We Break" was one of them.  The way this book led me to believe it was going one way, and then ended up turning in a completely different direction, kept me fascinated! I really was not expecting to be surprised! And I was, so that is great!  

Let's see, where do I start? Oh how about Luke? Yes, Luke and I did not get off to a great start. To put it mildly, I hated him! He absolutely revolted me, and I did not think there was any way he could be redeemed in my eyes. But, I guess I have more forgiveness in me than I thought, because once I found out why he was such an ass, he started to worm his way into my heart. As for Sloane, she was even more surprising than Luke!!! All innocent and as Mary Sue as they come, she did a complete 180 degree turn part way through the book and my reading experience was forever changed. So yes, if you are like me and enjoy the occasional surprise, you will love what happens here! 

There's quite a bit of angst and drama when Luke and Sloane are reunited after five years apart, and although I didn't love every aspect of how it all went down, I was still rooting for these two to get their happily-ever-after. I'm so happy I gave this new author a chance, and I'm looking forward to diving into any new books by Jamie Howard I can get my hands on!

"Wicked Grind" by J. Kenner - Cover Reveal!!!

We are very excited to bring you the cover from New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author J.Kenner for WICKED GRIND. This is a brand new standalone releasing on July 11, 2017.

Wicked Grind - cover reveal banner     WickedGrind_Ecover_FINAL_R    

WickedGrind_Ecover_FINAL_R

Sometimes it feels so damn good to be bad

Photographer Wyatt Royce’s career is on the verge of exploding. All he needs is one perfect model to be the centerpiece of his sexy, controversial show. Find her, and Wyatt is sure to have a winner.

Then Kelsey Draper walks in. Stunning. Vibrant. And far too fragile for a project like this. Wyatt should know—after all, he remembers only too well why their relationship ended all those years ago.

Determined to break free from her good girl persona, Kelsey wants spice. Adventure. And she’s certain that Wyatt is just the man to help.

But when Wyatt agrees to give her the job only if he has complete control—on camera and in his bed—Kelsey can’t help but wonder if she’s in too deep. Because how can a good girl like her ever be enough for a man like Wyatt?

All Wicked novels stand alone

 

PREORDER

Amazon | iBooks

          julie-j-kenner-author-photo
J.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck. Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats. 

Monday, March 20, 2017

Review: "Second Chance Summer" by Jill Shalvis



Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it's the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there's an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . . The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Wow, my first Jill Shalvis book! Where the heck have I been? I've been hearing about this author since I joined Goodreads almost five years ago, but for some reason I didn't try any of her titles until now.  What a shame! I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more, especially about these Kincaid brothers!

I loved the small town feel of this book, and the fact that both Aidan and Lily are regular people with relatively regular jobs. No rock stars or royalty here! That said, I didn't feel like Lily's occupation really suited her personality. Knowing that Lily loved to be outdoors, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, I couldn't picture her being a cosmetologist, at all. Aidan's career, however, seemed to suit him perfectly. Forest firefighters are so appealing, and I say that with the utmost confidence since I married one!

The relationships shown here are great! I loved how Aidan and his brothers were so rowdy and rambunctious with each other, but they always had each other's backs when times got tough or they needed to be serious. I also loved the boys' relationship with their mother - too funny!  And Gray and Penny were hysterical - have they had their own book in another series? I couldn't seem to find anything, but I would totally read that book if it was ever written!

What else? I liked pretty much everything about this book, but if I could change anything, I would have loved to see more of the history between Lily and Aidan. If memory serves correctly, they were a bit friendly in high school, shared one kiss, and ended up pining over one another for ten years. Really? There must have been more to it than that, but aside from the odd little mention, we don't learn a lot about their connection before Lily left town. Still, I liked the steam and banter between them. It was obvious they each cared for the other a lot.

I'll definitely be reading more Jill Shalvis books in the future. If "Second Chance Summer" is any indication of her brand of romance, I have a ton of good titles to check out soon!

My rating:

Friday, March 17, 2017

Cover Reveal: "The Hot Shot" by Kristen Callihan

Happy St. Paddy's Day! What do you think of this cover from Kristen Callihan? I think it's smokin'!!!

the hot shot release date       TheHotShot Amazon-2            

TheHotShot Amazon-2

First we were friends. Then we were roommates. Now I want more…

What can I say about Chess Copper? The woman is capable of bringing me to my knees. I know this about five minutes after getting naked for her.

No one is more surprised than me. The prickly photographer my team hired to shoot our annual charity calendar isn’t my usual type. She’s defense to my offense, a challenge at every turn. But when I’m with her, all the regrets and darkness goes away. She makes life fun.

I want to know Chess, be close to her. Which is a bad idea.

Chess is looking for a relationship. I’ve never given a woman more than one night. But when fate leaves Chess without a home, I step up and offer her mine. We’re roommates now. Friends without benefits. But it’s getting harder to keep our hands off each other. And the longer we live together the more I realize she’s becoming my everything.

Trick is… Now that I’ve made her believe I’m a bad bet, how do I convince her to give this player a true shot at forever?

Pre-order on Amazon


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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000040_00005]               KCauthor
Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
 

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Review: "Playing the Player" by Amy Andrews

After a long history with crappy guys, high school teacher Em Newman is going man-vegan. Four months of revirginization has opened her eyes to her doormat imitation but, baby’s got spine now, and some smooth-talking—even if he is sinfully hot—rugby player, won’t be adding her as a notch anytime soon. Lincoln Quinn loves rugby, women, and poker. And he likes to win at all three. When his team mates bet him he can’t break through Em’s resolve, he’s more than up for the challenge. But this lady has a shoebox of stipulations before she’ll even go on a date with him, much less use that mouth for kissing instead of giving orders. Something’s gotta give but this time Em’s not settling. And Linc’s questioning everything he ever knew about matters of the heart.



Many thanks to Entangled Publishing via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mmmm, there's just something appealing about those hot rugby player types, I don't know what it is exactly. Maybe the itty bitty shorts? Anyhoo, after reading "Playing it Cool", the second in this series, in under two days and loving every minute, I was super stoked to pick up "Playing the Player". Did it live up to my lofty expectations? Uh, not quite. Let me explain:

The good:

  1. This was a speedy read, with fairly quick pacing.
  2. I appreciated the lack of angst. For example, when Em found out about the bet, she realized it was a silly, stupid mistake on Lincoln's part and didn't hold it against him for long.
  3. The banter between Em and Linc was great, and I loved it when Lincoln was trying to guess what "Em" was short for - I never would have guessed in a million years!
  4. I liked that Em was a really smart science geek and loved her teaching job. Probably someone I would like to be friends with.

The not-so-good:

  1. There honestly wasn't much of a plot here. I mean, Lincoln and Em didn't really do a whole lot together, besides the sexy times, but I think the not-sexy times were my favourite. For example, the Nerd Girls show could have been elaborated on, as well as the time Linc did a rugby clinic at Em's school. Any details of these happenings were simply left to the imagination, but I think by leaving out the details, while reducing the reading time, also cut down on the amount of character and relationship development.
  2. I felt Lincoln's transformation from player to devoted boyfriend happened a bit too quickly for me to believe. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, I just think his complete 180° turn might happen 10 degrees at a time over the course of a year or so.
  3. I just didn't like "Playing the Player" as much as "Playing it Cool", and I think it's because Linc and Em were lacking the same amount of character development as Harper and Dexter had.  
So although I didn't love this one as much as I'd hoped to, I still liked it, and I am definitely wanting to check out the rest of the Sydney Smoke Rugby series when I get a chance. Fans of Amy Andrews or steamy sports romances won't want to miss "Playing the Player", either!

My rating:


Tuesday, March 7, 2017

"Blush For Me" by Kristen Proby - Release Day!!!

BLUSH FOR ME - header banner    

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a steamy new standalone romance in her bestselling Fusion Series

 

BLUSH FOR ME!

    BLUSH FOR ME - Cover

About BLUSH FOR ME:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby continues to delight the senses with the latest novel in her delectable Fusion series.

As the take-charge wine bar manager of Seduction, Portland's hottest new restaurant, Katrina Meyers is the definition of no-nonsense, and she isn't afraid of anything. Well, almost anything: she hates to fly. When she's forced to travel on a death trap with wings, the turbulence from hell has her reaching for any safe haven—including the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to her.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie hasn't been able to get his sexy seatmate out of his head. The way she clung to him stirred something inside him he didn't think existed: tenderness. As the owner of a successful wine touring company, Mac thinks he's got a handle on what life can throw at him and he's not prepared for any surprises, especially in the feelings department. And when he brings a tour into Seduction, he sees the petite spitfire he just can't forget.   Mac is determined to discover what else they have in common besides fine wine and the inability to keep their hands off each other. But what will it take for two stubborn people to realize that what they have is so much more than a hot chemistry between the sheets and to admit to falling in love…?    

Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

        Fusion Series banner    

And Don’t Miss the First Two Standalone Novels in the Fusion Series!

LISTEN TO ME CLOSE TO YOU

        BlushForMeShareImg           EXCERPT:   “Have you flown before, Kat?”   “No.” I swallow hard and tighten my hands into fists.   “Okay, take a deep breath,” he says. He’s not touching me, which is good because I’d have to break his nose, and this is already stressful enough. But his voice is soothing. “Good. Take another one. Miss, can we get a bottle of water, please?”   I just keep breathing. The flight attendant returns with a little baby bottle of water, which Mac uncaps and holds out for me.   “Take a drink of this. Just a small sip.” I comply, the cold water feeling good on my throat. I feel ridiculous. This flight is full of people who are not having panic attacks.   “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “This is my biggest fear.”   “I can tell,” he says gently, and I raise my gaze to meet his. He’s a handsome guy, his short hair styled nicely, his jaw firm, eyes direct. He’s tall, with long arms and legs and a lean body. “How are you feeling?   “Better,” I reply, surprised to find it true. “The water helped. Thank you.”   “No problem. Are you going to Napa Valley on vacation?”   “Work,” I reply, shaking my head. “I’m attending a conference.”   “So you’re a wine enthusiast then?”   “You could say that,” I reply with a smile. “I own a wine bar in Portland.”   His eyes narrow for just a moment. “Really? Which one?”   “The one inside Seduction.” “I’ve heard great things about that place.”   I smile widely now, intensely proud of the restaurant that my four friends and I have built from the ground up. Seduction is our baby, our pride and joy.   “That’s nice to hear,” I reply. “You’ve never been?”   “Not yet, but I’ll make a point to go the next time I’m in the area.”   So he doesn’t live in Portland.   Bummer. Mac is one guy I wouldn’t mind running into again.           ShowMeYourBlush- graphic    

"Wicked hot, charming, and wittingly captivating. Kristen Proby made me blush several times reading this sexy love story."

~Audrey Carlan, #1 NYT Bestselling Author

     
        BlushForMe_RDL_Teaser_1           Author Pic - Kristen ProbyAbout Kristen Proby:   New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.   Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.                

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BLUSH FOR ME Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

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Saturday, March 4, 2017

"Blush for Me" by Kristen Proby: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway!

BLUSH FOR ME - header banner  

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a steamy new standalone romance in her bestselling Fusion Series

BLUSH FOR ME!

 
BLUSH FOR ME - Cover
About BLUSH FOR ME:
New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby continues to delight the senses with the latest novel in her delectable Fusion series.
As the take-charge wine bar manager of Seduction, Portland's hottest new restaurant, Katrina Meyers is the definition of no-nonsense, and she isn't afraid of anything. Well, almost anything: she hates to fly. When she's forced to travel on a death trap with wings, the turbulence from hell has her reaching for any safe haven—including the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to her.
Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie hasn't been able to get his sexy seatmate out of his head. The way she clung to him stirred something inside him he didn't think existed: tenderness. As the owner of a successful wine touring company, Mac thinks he's got a handle on what life can throw at him and he's not prepared for any surprises, especially in the feelings department. And when he brings a tour into Seduction, he sees the petite spitfire he just can't forget.   Mac is determined to discover what else they have in common besides fine wine and the inability to keep their hands off each other. But what will it take for two stubborn people to realize that what they have is so much more than a hot chemistry between the sheets and to admit to falling in love…?

Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

        BLUSH FOR ME - preorder graphic

Preorder BLUSH FOR ME, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Early Excerpt from Kristen Proby’s EASY MAGIC (Book #5 in her bestselling Boudreaux Series) and an exclusive Seduction restaurant menu after Release Week!

        Fusion Series banner

And Don’t Miss the First Two Novels in the Fusion Series!

LISTEN TO ME CLOSE TO YOU!

BLUSH FOR ME - Tour teaser 2

 

Don't miss all the stops on the BLUSH FOR ME Tour!

Kristen Proby’s BLUSH FOR ME – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
February 27th
BFD Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Books,Dreams,Life – Excerpt
East Coast Book Chicks – Review & Excerpt
Happily Ever After – Review
I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt
The Heathers Blog – Review & Excerpt
February 28th
Aaly and The Books – Review & Excerpt
Heather's Book Ramblings – Review & Excerpt
Romance Schmomance – Review & Excerpt
Same Book, Different Review – Review & Excerpt
March 1st
Bridget's Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt
Emmbooks – Review
IrishdaisylovesRomance – Review & Excerpt
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews _ Review & Excerpt
March 2nd
Abigail Books Addiction – Review & Excerpt
Book Babes Unite – Review
Krista's Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt
Melena`s Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Nerdy Soul – Review & Excerpt
Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt
T & G Book Boutique – Excerpt
March 3rd
BFF Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
I Heart Romance &YA – Review & Excerpt
Lili's books – Review & Excerpt
Marieke's Books – Review & Excerpt
Pervy Ladies Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
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        BLUSH FOR ME - Tour teaser 1

          Author Pic - Kristen ProbyAbout Kristen Proby:   New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.   Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.            

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BLUSH FOR ME Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

Excerpt:

“You look like you’re feeling better.”
 Mac. That’s Mac’s voice in my ear. A shiver runs through me as I turn around and look up, way up, into his green eyes.
 “I am,” I reply and take a sip of my wine. Was he that good looking on the plane? “I didn’t realize you were attending this conference.”
 “You had other things on your mind earlier,” he says smoothly and motions for the bartender. “I’ll have what she’s having, and another for her as well.”
 “What if you don’t like pinot?” I ask and tilt my head to the side.
 “I like it all,” he says with a wink.
 Oh my.
 “Do you know many people here?” he asks, nodding toward Sally who has moved on to chat with another group of people.
 “A few. I’ve not met most of them in person, unless they were up in Washington or Oregon. How about you?”
 “Same,” he says with a grin. “This is my first conference down in Napa Valley. And it’s off to a great start.”
 “Right.” I laugh and shake my head. “Dealing with a crazy chick on the plane is exactly the best way to start your trip.”
 “It is,” he says and looks me dead in the eye. “She wasn’t that crazy. She was scared. There’s a difference.”
 “Well, she’s fine now.”
 “I’m glad.” His lips tip up into a smile and my stomach clenches. He has a dimple in his left cheek. 
 I want to lick it.
 I take a sip of my fresh glass of wine and smirk to myself. Perhaps Mac fits the sexcation bill.
 “What just went through that gorgeous head of yours?”
 “I’m not drunk enough to tell you yet,” I reply honestly. Mac’s eyes widen briefly, and then he simply smiles at me.
 “There’s a lot of wine in this place.”
 “Thank God for that.”
 A few hours later, after chatting with many people, new and those I already know, including Mac, he escorts me up to my room.
 Sexcation.
 But when we reach my door, he leans in and kisses my cheek. Just the cheek. I frown up at him.
 “This is supposed to be a sexcation, not a fucking dating game.” It’s a grumble, but I’m shocked to hear it actually leave my lips, rather than stay in my head where it’s supposed to be. 
 “A what?” Mac asks.
 “Nothing.” I shake my head and pull my key card out of my handbag. “Good night.”
 “Kat?”
 “Yeah.” I look back at him and sigh a little at the sexy dimple in his cheek and the way his shirt pulls against his shoulders as he leans on the doorframe. 
 “I’ll see you in the morning.”
 “It’s already morning,” I remind him.
 “It won’t be too long, then.”

Many thanks to the publisher via InkslingerPR for the free review copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is a fairly new author for me - I have only read one other book by Kristen Proby, and it was the first book in this series. As soon as I finished "Listen to Me", however, I was definitely in for the rest! The idea of five young women going into business together to open a trendy new restaurant was appealing to me. Each girl is unique in her own way, and brings her own talent or specialty to the business, so after watching Addie and Jake fall in love, I was more than ready to see who would capture Kat's attention!

Kat is that sassy, feisty redhead we all wish we had for a best friend. Loyal to the end, she'll tell it like it is and is a bit of a ballbuster! I really enjoyed her attitude and sense of style. She's more than your average bartender, though, being that she has an aptitude for wine and is some sort of certified genius. All part and parcel of what makes her so cool, in my honest opinion.  She hasn't been in a relationship for quite some time, however, so who will be the perfect man for her? Well, why not start with a man she meets at a wine tasting conference?  Actually, Kat first meets Mac seated beside her on a plane to Napa Valley for said conference. He soothes her through a major panic attack, and although they part ways in the airport, through the magic of fiction, they meet again at the wine tasting tour.  Must be kismet!

From here we get to see them start up a fling, for lack of a better word. They are both in Napa Valley for the week, so why not have some no-strings-attached fun? This is mutually agreed upon, as well as the fact that once the week is over, the fling will also be over. They try to keep things light and noncommittal, but come on! The chemistry between them is smokin' hot! This kind of connection, is this really the type of thing you just throw away after a week?

Well, both Kat and Mac try to forget about the other once their time in paradise is up, but eventually, contact is made and a more serious relationship is initiated - yay! I liked that there wasn't a whole lot of angst between these two, except a little bit in the beginning when Kat thought Mac was lying to her about who he really was. Fortunately, Kat was quick to realize she was wrong, and from there, they both fell hard and fast, but in a very believable way.

I also liked that the conflict in this story was due more to external factors, for example, Kat's and Mac's families, rather than a lack of communication between the two of them. So many times in contemporary romance novels, I want to yell at the characters and say, "Just talk to each other, dammit!" For the most part, in "Blush for Me", Kat and Mac had pretty decent communication between each other, so that was great.

There were, however, a few plot elements I didn't love, including one that occurred very near the end. I don't want to reveal too much for fear of spoiling things, but I thought this whole circumstance felt forced and was resolved way too quickly and neatly. There was also a bar scene near the end that I didn't really like. I'm not sure what purpose it served except to show that Kat knows how to throw a punch and is a loyal friend. However, the behaviour displayed by both parties involved in the conflict was a bit extreme and did not really endear me to the owners of Seduction the way it was supposed to.     

I also wanted a bit more background info on both Kat and Mac. For example, why did Mac find himself steered towards the wine business? There was a little bit of explanation, but no real passion behind any of it. Why did Mac like to call the shots in the bedroom? Was it something to do with his past? I have no clue. What was the significance of Kat's tattoos? Mac asked her about them, but she  said something rather dismissive like, "They're personal." Why did Kat dress like a 50's pinup? Did she love the attention, or was she an old soul, believing she'd been born in the wrong decade? People don't dress that way without a reason, and I wanted to learn Kat's reason but never did. 

All in all, this was a great read, with never a dull moment, lots of action, and steam galore. I'm not so patiently waiting to borrow the second book in this series, "Close to You", from my online library, and I will definitely be reading the other two Seduction owners' stories when they come out, too. If you love contemporary romance and you haven't read any of Kristen Proby's titles, you better get on that because she is certainly an author to watch!

My rating:


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