Monday, March 31, 2014

**BT & Giveaway** Take Me Home ~ Theresa Marguerite Hewitt

20140319-110419.jpg
TMH fullcover
Title: Take Me Home (Wakefield Romance Series #4)
Genre:Contemporary Military Romance
Published: March 17, 2014
Author: Theresa Marguerite Hewitt
20140314-091438.jpg
Four months after a life altering decision, Ellie is trying to keep her head above water. She takes it day by day, trying not to lean too much on her friends and family. Fighting her demons from the past, is she strong enough or ready to love again?
Bobby isn't proud of the way he left Wakefield, and Ellie, behind, but he’s trying to make himself a better man. The desert and his security detail hold a lot of twists and turns for Timmons, but he never goes a day without thinking about the feisty woman who has his heart. When he makes it back to Wakefield, will there be enough left between them to mend the broken hearts?
This fourth installment in this loved military romance series brings us some bumps in the road for Chad and Rhea as well. Because, as we all know, no one in the little town of Wakefield, Virginia has it easy in love. Be ready to travel with the characters on a path filled with physical, mental and spiritual healing, along with more than a few HOT tumbles in the hay and one ending that might make your heart melt.
20140319-112839.jpg
43d0e-goodreads-button-with-shadow
20140314-091425.jpg
“Be true to yourself, Ellie Mae. Follow your heart,” she whispers before kissing my cheek, letting our cheeks linger together for a moment after as the side door opens to the guys’ laughter. I can pick my brother out even before I see him, the infectious nature of his chuckle filling the house. I take a deep breath before releasing my cousin and turning around, facing my future head on while holding my head high. “Ellie!” Jack shouts and I don’t hide the wide smile as my brother is throwing his arms open, inviting me to jump into them just like he has since we were little and I don’t hesitate. Walking quickly to him, I take in his built stature. He’s more muscular than I remember, but that goes hand in hand with the work I can only imagine he’s done. “God, girl, you’re skinny! Haven’t you been eatin’?” I punch him in the arm before throwing my arms around his neck as he lifts me off the floor, spinning me around, making me giggle. “I’ve missed you, Jacky.” I joke with the nickname he’s always hated and kiss him on the cheek as he sets me down. He shakes his head at me, moving away and greeting Rhea and little Charlie and I’m suddenly aware of the other person, standing behind me in the living room. I can feel his eyes on the back of my head and my heart feels like it is being rung out by someone with claws for hands. “Hello, Ellie Mae,” he whispers, the smooth voice making me want to melt. But I take a deep breath and hold it all in as I turn, looking up into those hazel eyes. He’s in a jacket and jeans, but he still looks like the same fit Bobby as he was before, his stare roaming over me as I say nothing, just nod at him. He shoves his hands inside of his pockets, shifting from his left foot to his right and I wonder what he’s feeling inside, if anything. “Hello, Bobby,” I say, but not without a little scratch evident and I try and clear it away as fast as I can with a cough, fighting the tears still trying to break loose. I will not cry tonight, at least not in front of him. “Uh…it’s good to see you again,” he stammers out, finally dropping his gaze to his boots, alleviating the pressure and blush that has taken me over. It’s good to see me again? That’s all he can think of to say? I giggle out an incredulous laugh, causing him to snap his eyes back to mine as I’m shaking my head in disbelief. I will not let him see me cry, I keep telling myself as I turn and hear Jack issuing his see you laters to Rhea and Chad. That’s my cue to get out of here. “Jack, you got a place to stay the night or do you wanna stay at my place? It’s not much, but I have a pull out couch and I can fix it up for ya.” I nod for him to follow me as I head for the door and he’s right behind me, followed by Bobby. God, I need the cool fresh air. I wave to Rhea before facing the dark and the borderline freezing air burns in my lungs. “Yeah I’m stayin’ with Timmons right down the street.” I stop at the bottom of the steps and give him a questioning look. He points down the street to the SOLD sign displayed on the old Pullman house. I did notice that a couple of days ago, but Rhea had no idea when I asked her about it. Great. “Alright, well I gotta get home,” is all I say and my brother’s grey eyes seem to invade my thoughts, even now in the dark with the only light coming from the porch bulb. He grasps my shoulder, gently squeezing and I know he knows I’m hurting, but thankfully he just nods, giving me the famous Jack smirk and kissing me on the forehead. “I’ll see ya tomorrow, lil’ sis. Come by and get me and we’ll do breakfast?” He smiles again, poking me in the ribs lightly over and over again, knowing it’ll make me giggle and it does as I try to block his prodding. I nod and he stops, looking between Bobby and me and taking a deep breath, rubbing his hand over the back of his head. “Alright, well…I’ll leave you two, well…I’ll see ya tomorrow, Sis.” He winks at me and grabs a duffel bag from the sidewalk, but I don’t miss the look on Bobby’s face as Jack passes him. He must be issuing one of those big brother warnings because Bobby nods slightly before Jack picks up his pace to a jog, disappearing down the street into the dark. I’m on the edge of breaking down, right here and right now, but I can’t do that. I’m not strong enough to talk to him right now, so I turn and head for the driver’s door of my Berretta. Yanking it open, I freeze when the whiskey-like voice says, “Ellie, wait!” I stop, I can’t help it; his voice has this pull on me like some kind of magnet. His long shadow falls over the stones to my side, but I don’t turn around. The tightness in my chest is almost unbearable and my breathing is uncontrollable. I know he can hear me gasping for breath and I see the outline of his hand come up, reaching out to me; but then it falls back to his side. “I can’t talk to you right now, Bobby. I thought I could, but it’s… it’s just too hard,” I gasp out, the tears finally breaking through and running down my cheeks, hot and fast. I’m shaking as I grip the door handle and I hate myself for being such a sniveling weakling right now. Just turn around and talk to him! Yell, scream, it doesn’t fucking matter, just don’t run! “Okay,” I hear whispered from behind me, sounding so defeated and small and I can’t take it. I throw myself into my car and bring it to life as fast as I can. The tears are flowing like rain as I pull out from the street and step on it, not caring about my speed right now. I can’t fucking breathe.
20140319-112902.jpg


20140314-091429.jpg


20140319-112850.jpg
Other Books in the series:
Two Weeks With a SEAL (Wakefield Romance #1)
TWWAS cover

Blurb:
Her life isn't glamorous, but Rhea Griggs does her best. In her small town of Wakefield, Virginia she lives the life she has been given, but loving your older brother's best friend is always a gamble. For Rhea, it's an unspoken truth. Chad Payne is a sailor, a SEAL, and he loves his job, but the danger and unknowing is starting to weigh on his heart and soul. He's ready to settle down, but confessing his love for his best friend's little sister is easier said than done. When heartbreak and loss find Rhea, Chad knows it's now or never. Is two weeks enough for them to share the love of a lifetime? To mend two hearts into one? Can Rhea handle what comes with loving a SEAL?
Contains rowdy country fun, heart warming love and one heart wrenching farewell that will leave you speechless.
0e6cf-add-to-goodreads-button31


Coming Home (Wakefield Romance #2)
CH cover
In the sequel to "Two Weeks With a SEAL" we find Rhea left behind by Chad's deployment. When she's faced with a surprising obstacle, she misses him more as every day passes. Her friendship with fellow SEAL wife, Rosa, grows and they lean on one another for support. Chad wants to protect his brothers and loves his job, but he's ready to be a civilian again and to be home with the love of his life. Can he keep himself and his brothers safe long enough to get home to Rhea? Will trusting someone who hurt her and believing that they can turn over a new leaf cost Rhea everything? Book 2 is filled with happy surprises, devious rednecks, tearful conversations and one heart pounding event that will cause you to scream.
0e6cf-add-to-goodreads-button31

I Never Asked You To Save Me (Wakefield Romance #3)
INAYTSM cover
Ellie Mae Griggs-Heart is trying to escape, trying to find a place where she can finally be 'home'. She can't seem to shake her physically and emotionally abusive, soon to be ex-husband, Jake Heart. Refusing to take hand outs from her cousin Rhea Payne and her husband, former Navy SEAL Chad, Ellie has to moonlight at a job most would consider taboo to make ends meet. She lives day to day with the pain of a choice she made to try and be free of Jake. Navy SEAL sniper and notorious play-boy, Bobby Timmons, has never been the type to be tied down by a woman, filtering through them like it was his job. Ellie is different. She strikes a different chord and makes Bobby think twice about treating her like the other women in his past. He hates that she feels trapped by her ex, but as a SEAL his life is unpredictable and he is shipped off just as he's getting to know her. When tragedy and mistakes fill both of their lives, can they lean on each other for support? Or will their pasts destroy everything they could have had?
a3593-goodreadsbutton


20140317-100236.jpg

20140314-091433.jpg



Theresa Marguerite Hewitt is a very laid back person; enjoying the simpler things in life more than most sometimes. She grew up in a very, VERY small town in Central New York and she will always be a Redneck Woman. She loves reading, writing, taking long pointless drives and long dusk time walks. Fall and winter are her favorite times of year and she spends more time outside then than in the summer. She loves hearing from fans and isn't above fan-girling on those that show her tons of support. She donates the profits from the Amazon sales of her military series, The Wakefield Romance Series, to various military charities including; Wounded Warrior Project, Red Circle Foundation, Boot Campaign and others. She is addicted to the cheap Harlequin romances you can pick up in most drug stores and can't go in and out of a store without picking up at least one. She resides in Buffalo, NY, for now.
Social Media Links


20140319-110439.jpg
Hosted by :
Image-1 (1)
Read more ...

Friday, March 28, 2014

**Review & Giveaway** What a Woman Wants ~ Judi Fennell



What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman wants... 

Resort entrepreneur Sean Manley was all set to buy an historic mansion at a great price, making a name for himself while making millions, when the seller and a poker bet change the game. Now he’s in the place as a hunky male maid and there’s one more complication: Livvy Carolla.

The house is Livvy’s inheritance. Her plan? Unload it to the highest bidder and use the cash to start her own bakery business. One look at "the help” and she’s hot to take him with her. Until she finds out he’s got a secret agenda.

But when Sean falls for the free-spirited, strong-willed Livvy, he has new ideas for the estate—and Livvy’s part in it. If all goes well, they’ll both be getting what they want. And then some.



Judi Fennell delivers a winner with her new series. The first book in the Manley Maids sets the grounds for Mac, owner of Manley Maids winning a bet with her three brothers. If she won the game of poker, they'd owe her four weeks of housekeeping duties. 

Livvy, inherits a huge monstrosity that's been in her family for years, unfortunately, it comes with strings attached in the form of a scavenger hunt in order to teach her some things about her heritage. Livvy is an organic nut, coming home with her very own barnyard of animals. Fun, crazy mishaps happening all over the place with her babies. 

Sean, who dreams of turning it into a bed and breakfast, is undeniably attracted to Livvy and can't decide if he wants to make love to her or choke her and her babies. He's got a hidden agenda, he needs to figure out what the stipulations of the will in hopes of turning things in his direction so he can continue on with his plans. Livvy and their attraction stands in his way. 

A sweet, romantic, funny, contemporary read it captivated me immediately. I was drawn in by all the crazy going on and get me going until the end. I can't wait to see what else Mac has drawn her brothers into. If it's anything like this first book it's going to be a ton of fun!! 


I have been writing for as long as I can remember, winning my first writing award in a second grade Caldecott Medal contest. Readers' Digest gave me my very first publishing credit in April, 1994, and I was hooked. I seemed to have followed writing contests around, being a finalist in such online contests as American Title III, sponsored by Romantic Times BOOKreview Magazine and Dorchester Publishing, and two First Chapters contests, sponsored by Gather.com and Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.
My imaginary friend was Casper the Friendly Ghost. The little ghoul even had a special place set for him at our dinner table and got blamed for many of my childhood mishaps. I grew up watching Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie and The Addams Family--my mom looked like Elizabeth Montgomery and I had a special Barbie outfit that looked like Morticia Addams' dress. My favorite books are Bewitching by Jill Barnett and A Knight In Shining Armor, by Jude Devereaux, so it should come as no surprise that I like to write tongue-in-cheek lighthearted paranormals. 
I love pop culture and manipulating language, so you'll find lots of puns, double entrendre, plays-on-words, alliteration, clichés, and twisting of phrases, as well as several one-liners in my stories that give me a few chuckles. I studied Spanish at Penn State (Go Lions!), lived in Spain and traveled throughout that beautiful country. 
I've always written and still have my journal from fourth grade where, even then, my stories were full of fantastical creatures, whimsy and magic. I wrote my first romance in 9th grade and still have that story in my memory chest. Even back then I dreamed of being a writer.
Now with kids, a husband, a house, a social life (Go Survivor Girls!), and two cocker spaniels named Vixen and Raven, I get to live my dream of being a writer!

I've also published, under the name J.A. Fenn, a horror anthology. Yes, a bit different from light-hearted romance, but just as much fun to write. Hope you check out Off The Beaten Path, A Terrifying Tales Anthology.





a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more ...

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

**Double Review & Giveaway** Ride & Thrash ~ Bayonet Scars 1 & 2 ~ J.C. Emery


Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather.

Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the future her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can't take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life.

Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover.

Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike —or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross.

Love is never more tempting than when it’s forbidden.






Just finished up Ride by J.C. Emery, the first book in the Bayonet Scars series. First off I have yet to connect the title an subtitle of this book to the story itself. There's zero mention of "Bayonet Scars" in the storyline. I can slightly connect Ride, as the MC take a ride cross country, but other than that, nothing. I feel like it would have been better titled "Trigger - A Forsaken MC story". Just my opinion. 

J.C. Emery gives us a new twist on the MC storyline. Instead of pitting MC vs MC, she's done MC vs Italian Mob, and it worked out very well. Alexandria is the princess to the Italian Mob, she's also so much more, but has no clue. On a desperate attempt to help her twin brother, she unknowingly trusts the wrong person and throws her life on a tailspin. Ryan, is a high ranking member of the Forsaken MC, and one of several brothers dispatched to hide her and keep her safe. 

Ride traverses the US in hopes of protecting Alex from the ones she's called family. Alex is a meager 19 year old thrust from one world of chaos and control into another of an entirely different sort. As Alex attempts to keep her emotions controlled, shes desperately hoping for Ryan's attention. Ryan, knowing she's off limits, goes to extremes to push her away. But when push comes to shove, Ryan is the only one who can save her. 

There was a quick turnaround of Ryan's feelings for Alex. Going from trying to get her to hate him, to being the only one who will stand up for her. I think seeing a bit more of Ryan's internal struggle would have helped me out here. I would have definitely liked to have seen a bit more intimacy between the two of them, more quality time spent without sex or fighting. 

J.C. Emery has the start of a really good series here. One thing I immensely enjoy about MC novels is that there is no rules. Each MC is built solely on the author's creativity, and how he/she sees fit. I'm anxious to read Duke's story in Thrash. 


Loneliness suffocates the heart. Acceptance breaks down walls.

As a Lost Girl to the Forsaken Motorcycle Club, Nicole Whelan knows how to party. She’s not cut-out for relationships and her life is way too complicated for anything more than casual encounters. But one night when she falls into Duke’s bed at the clubhouse, he sees something in her that he can’t let go of—no matter how many times she tries to run.

Having been left to raise her teenage brother, Jeremy, she’s already got her hands full and isn’t looking for anymore complications. But Duke’s just watched his best friend fall for the only girl he couldn’t have, and then almost lose her so shortly after, shaking him to his core. Faced with his own loneliness, he’s more determined than ever to break down Nic’s walls and show her that he can be good for her; but he’s got a bad track record and she’s got a bad temper. Changing his ways isn’t easy when he’s not sure what he’s even changing for.

The violence and turmoil are at an all-time high, and Forsaken is in a vulnerable place when a twist of fate breathes new life into the club. It’s a much-needed beacon of hope for the embattled biker family, even if everyone’s not exactly on board. With Duke and Nic’s relationship already on shaky ground, and something even more important at stake, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club will fight like hell to keep their family together and whole.

Love is never more precious than when it’s new.





Once again, I find I'm confused about how the title and subtitle relate to this story! That's very frustrating for me. There's no rhyme or reason  or connection that I've been able to find to explain "Bayonet Scars" or "Thrash".

Duke's story was FANTASTIC. Title aside, it was so beyond fantastic. It run along side of Ryan's story from Ride, so we see a lot of the same situations from a different POV. And that was fabulous. I loved that. Duke is tough when needed, hot always, and a dick most of the time. But when it counts it counts. I loved that the two characters were able to convey how they felt about one another without the use of the words "I Love You".

Nicole's a very strong female character. I enjoyed seeing her softer side, as well as her hard lines when needed. She refused to back down from Duke, and he needed that. I also enjoyed getting an inside look at how Duke handles things and how Nicole dealt with life on a day to day basis with her brother. A couple of things I would have like to have seen but didn't. A look at Nicole's friendship with Alex from her POV. Also, as they story went along, Nicole's job kinda vanished into the background. And I would have loved to have seen Duke lose it on the club for failing Nicole and Jeremy.

Despite my repeated issues with the title, I am anxious to see the next book in the series and fingers crossed it's Ian. I want to see inside his head. That boy has some major crap going on, and I want to be in the know.





a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more ...

**CR & Giveaway** I Won't Give Up on You ~ FL Jacob



I Won’t Give Up on You
FL Jacob



Sabrina’s dreams are slipping away in the wake of the shooting. She’s lost trying to cope with the new reality of her life. Can Caston help her see that the scars on the outside haven’t changed who she is on the inside?

Caston’s true past comes to light, bringing his present crashing down around him. In a life full of betrayal, how will Caston cope when the truth is revealed? Can Sabrina be the constant Caston needs to help him make the life changing decisions he needs to in order to move on?

When the web of lies is torn apart, who will be left standing? Will the right person take the fall?

Follow Caston and Sabrina through the aftermath and find out what happens when they each vow I Won’t Give Up on You.

*PLEASE NOTE* This book is for 18 years and older. This book contains sexual encounters and graphic language that some readers may find objectionable. Contains graphic material that is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18



I Won’t Give Up on You
FL Jacob
(Book 2, Black Hollywood Duology)
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Release: APRIL 2014




Book 1 Information:

Have I Told You
FL Jacob
(Book 1, Black Hollywood Duology)
Genre: Erotic Suspense




I am a mommy of two, wife to an amazing man, and full time employee. Life is crazy and busy! I started writing again for a group of women I met last year. They brought back the passion for writing I haven’t seen since high school. Starting this process was tedious and nerve-wracking, but my amazing ladies and my fabulous husband have inspired me to take my love for writing to the next step.







TEASER~

     I wanted her here with me. Please, come back to me, Sabrina.
     Bre and I were connected. Our souls were one. We were both fucked up and broken, but together we made each other whole again.
     I couldn’t stay away, I sat on the side of the bed, took her hand mine, and started stroking my thumb over her knuckles again. I wish I could hold her in my arms, pull her into me, and place a deep kiss on her tender lips. I wanted to feel her heart beat on my chest as I held her close to me, snuggled safe in our bed.
     The door swung open, bringing me out of my thoughts. Jon walked in carrying food and a change of clothes. He set a stack of paperwork down on the windowsill and turned toward me.
     “Caston, you need to go home, get some rest. You can’t live by her side. The doctors aren’t sure when, or if, she will wake up.”
    My head snapped up, and I stared him down. “Are you fucking kidding me right now? Can you honestly tell me that if this was Sara you’d leave her alone like this? Do you know she moved today?”
     His eyes widened, and he moved closer to her bed. “I know, buddy, but maybe you just thought she did. I mean they said that muscles twitch and shit when people are in comas.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more ...

**CR & Giveaway** Love, Tussles, and Takedowns ~ Cactus Creek #2 ~ Violet Duke

LoveTusslesTakedowns Banner
Title: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns (Cactus Creek #2)
Author: Violet Duke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 30, 2014
add-to-goodreads-button31


LoveTusslesTakedowns_Final3-23_EBOOKedit


He’s a better fighter...
Hudson Reyes has been a fighter for as long as he can remember, with enough scars to last several lifetimes. After his combat injuries retire him from the life he wasn’t ready to give up yet, Hudson forces himself back on his feet, building a new post-military career as a fight scene and weapons specialist in the film industry, spending his carbon copy days doing what he knows best: surviving. Until he meets her. The one woman that makes him want to live again. The one woman with hidden wounds as deep as his…and a wicked roundhouse kick that almost knocks him out the day he finally learns her name.
…but she has all the weapons.
An antique arms authenticator by day and a self-defense instructor by night, Liana Lin has made a living turning the demons of her past into the passions that fuel—and fill—her life. So when the unjustly handsome man she’s been unable to get out of her head literally takes her to the mat with fighting styles unlike anything she’s ever seen, and pins her with nothing more than a molten hot stare that promises things she won’t even let herself imagine, Lia makes damn sure the barbed wire fence around her heart is closed up tight. Because if one man could find a way to disarm her carefully-built defenses, it’d be him.    

Pre- Order on iTunes
Love, Tussles, and Takedowns is available for pre-order on iTunes at a special price of just 99 cents (reg. $3.99).
   
Love, Chocolate and Beer (Cactus Creek #1)
love
add-to-goodreads-button31




violet
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. Her books have been Top 10 bestsellers on Amazon, B&N, and iTunes, and have been featured on USA Today, IndieReader, and GalleyCat as breakout hits. When she’s not arguing with her story characters or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai’I with her two cute kids and similarly adorable husband.  
 


thumbnail
Read more ...