Happy Anniversary, Torquere Press!

We love Torquere Press. Have you read any of their authors? If you have,we think you'd love them too! Whether you've read any of their books yet or you are new to them, NOW IS THE TIME to check them out... it's their 9th Anniversary. And they're celebrating. Join them. Here's a re-post of their anniversary post...

ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY GIFT TRADITIONALLY IS?  

Leather, something near and dear to our hearts here at Torquere Press.

To celebrate our 9th birthday, we're having gift basket prizes, blog posts from some of your favorite authors, and our grand prize, a brand-new Kindle Fire to say thank you for all your support over the years and to highlight our wonderful authors who bring us such amazing stories.

Check our blog,  http://glbtromance.blogspot.com/ where we'll be hosting a new author every day. We'll post excerpts, hang out to chat, and talk about our stories.

In addition to the grand prize of the Kindle Fire, we're giving away gift baskets every week! Some are silly, some are smutty, and all are fun.

What do you need to do to win? Just fill out this online form, and we'll randomly choose a winner for the Kindle Fire from all of the entries. Plus, during the month, multiple readers will have the chance to win a Torquere gift certificate and a gift basket.

NameAdd your nameEmailEnter a Valid EmailReferred ByAuthor's Name

CONTEST RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
ELIGIBILITY: This contest is void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age to enter. The following persons and their dependents are not eligible to enter or win: employees of Torquere Press and their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and the immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) of each of the above. Torquere Press will be allowed to use the name of your choice in their contest winner announcements.
HOW TO WIN: Winners will be randomly selected from all entries per week by the staff of Torquere Press for each gift basket giveaway. One winner will be randomly selected from all monthly entries for the Amazon Kindle Fire month long contest. One entry per person will be counted. Entries must be received before 11:59 p.m. ET on the date each contest is running, or by the end of the last day of the month for the Kindle Fire contest. All winners will be announced by October 3, 2012. Torquere Press Inc. is not responsible for entries lost or delayed or not received for any other reason, or for errors in the entry forms or the rules. Torquere Press Inc. reserves the right to announce the winner on Torquere Press Inc.
PRIZES: Torquere Press Inc. will notify the randomly selected winner. The winner will receive the prizes as defined by contest page.
HOW TO ENTER: At any time while the contest is posted on Torquere Press Inc., go to the Anniversary Contest page of the website. This page will instruct you to fill in the information on the contest form.
ALTERNATE ENTRY: You may also enter the contest by email. Send your e-mail address or name and mailing addressto:contest@torquerebooks.com 
Only one entry per person per contest.

Bared to You, Sylvia Day

Bared to You, Sylvia Day

This month’s book of the month is Bared to You by Sylvia Day.  This is a not your average happy go lucky story but a real look at how life and love can’t always be neat, tidy and wrapped in a pretty pink bow.  If you are the type that likes each book in a series to see the couple reach their happily ever after and then move on to another couple then this isn’t the series for you.  However, if you are looking for a more realistic plot where the couples have to work things out over several books then this might be one to try.

Gideon is the ultimate billionaire playboy.  Never allowing anyone to get close, even to the point where he keeps a separate hotel suite reserved and set up for any possible hook-ups to avoid having to bring someone into his personal domain.  He has too distinct groups of women in his life - friends and one-night stands – never mingling the two.  That is until he meets Eva.  From the moment they meet the sexual chemistry they both feel is soul shattering causing Gideon to proposition her shortly after meeting her.  However, Eva has a troubled past of sexual abuse and needs a personal connection in order to feel comfortable enough to allow someone to get that close.  Which of course is exactly opposite of how Gideon runs his life and so begins their tumultuous relationship.  At first it is a cat and mouse game of Eva both playing hard to get and sticking to her principles.  This causes Gideon to have to really work for the chance to be with her and forces him to look at her as more then a quick romp.  But as their interactions begin to ramp up in intensity the connection between them grows and they are forced to work through some really tough situations.  Just when it appears they are going to be all right the reasons for Gideon’s previous self-imposed isolation begin to surface and the couple has to start facing Gideon’s demons along with Eva’s. 

This story is not for the faint at heart.  The couple uses sex as a coping mechanism so the scenes are often and very hot.  However, the issues they are dealing with also come up often and have the couple in a nearly constant state of drama.  Overall the characters are very likeable and will draw you in from the very beginning.  The story is very well written and the intimate scenes are very detailed lending more to the erotica category.

If you have read other reviews out there about this book there are multiple comments about stalker and seemingly odd behavior on the part of both characters.  In writing this review I tried to think back on the book as a whole.  As your reading the book some of the behaviors seem beyond creepy at the time.  But once looking back, both characters make it very clear on multiple occasions that their pasts make them struggle with trust, self-esteem and boundaries.  The second thing to consider as that these aren’t your normal characters they are the mega-rich and are therefore going to guard their privacy and research those around them for potential threats.  As a normal person who doesn’t have access to those kinds of resources it would be hard for any of us to comprehend their situation or their need to know as much as they can about those around them.  Any billionaire would have to by crazy to go into a relationship not knowing as much as they could about someone and their potential risk to their empire.  It makes sense that Gideon would find out as much as he could about her – even if to the average person it seems hyper-suspicious and invasive.

All in all this is a very good book.  If you enjoy a suspenseful dramatic love story then this won’t disappoint. 

Rating:  Four chocolate dipped strawberries

Humpday Hello to Sylvia Day!

Greetings and salutations my humpday nation!  I am so stinkin tired....again!  I know we hit the halfway mark but after working the weekend, an unpleasant medication reaction and the struggle of getting two teens back into the swing of things (aka waking up for school ON TIME)...it's been a week!  My salvation: Guilty Indulgence Numero Uno....a really good book.  I was so bummed to miss bookclub this month due to illness, but I definitely read the book!  Anyone riding the Fifty Shades wave needs to drop that thing and check this one out!  And just in case you were hungry for a snack before you settle down for a nice read, have a little eye candy! Mmmmmm - our favorite calorie free treat!!!!

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness...

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily... 

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

Like a professional surfer, just waiting for the perfect wave, Sylvia Day most brilliantly releases her own trilogy - the Crossfire series which takes the genre of erotic romance and brings it out of the closet.  While this reader appreciated that Fifty Shades managed to take the "dirty little secret" of erotic romance and toss it out on the coffee tables of every woman in America (it seems), aficionados of genre know there is more out there.  Sylvia Day happens to be one of those gifted authors who can spin story magic, weaving a web around the reader that holds one in thrall.  

At first glance, the characters seem like stereo-typical "perfect" people - he is a multi-gazillionaire and she's a gorgeous assistant to an ad agency located in one of his many NYC buildings - how can they not meet and fall in love?  However, these are not your momma's romance - the characters are edgy, broken, fighting to maintain a functional foothold in both business and love.  Even the secondary characters are flawed beyond belief. Frustrating, captivating, completely engaging, Bared to You reads like a modern Grimm fairy tale set in the city that never sleeps.

Day doesn't shy away from the pain that comes from making oneself emotionally vulnerable. In fact, that both are abuse survivors, makes their connections that much deeper, happen that much faster, develop much more intensely.  And, let us not forget, the sex...that much more, well, sexy.  As a woman who is taking control back, her initiation of sex in his limo and Gideon's reaction to it is delicious.  Gideon and Eva's chemistry rockets off the charts and burns on the page.  My main frustration lies in the fact that Ms. Day cleverly holds tidbits of information back for the following installments - and I have to wait!

Well written, fluid and sensual with interesting story twists, emotional and yet somehow hopefully redeeming. This is a super read for anyone prepared to fall down the contemporary erotic romance rabbit hole. Enjoy the ride!

RATING: 4  Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Well school is back in session, both for my kids and at JMU where I work. There are some disadvantages that come with working on a college campus, parking being the worst and then traffic and insane pedestrians that don't look before they cross the street. But later this afternoon when all the hot guys are jogging with no shirts on it's funny how quickly I will forget about the bad things.

And speaking of hot guys (like my segue?) This months book club selection is Bared to You by Sylvia Day. Gideon Cross is hot in the "I am so rich I can buy the world but I am a total head case kind of way". But DANG that so worked for me in this book.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness...

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily... 

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...


This book was very easy to get lost in. The characters are very well written and even when they are completely frustrating they are likable. The story was engaging and very much had that non-stop aggressive New York feel to it. It's funny how much the city fit the tone of the book and it wasn't something I realized until I sat down to write this review.

"Is it possible for two abuse survivors to have a functional romantic relationship?"

I think that one line tells you more about this book than any other. This is not an emotionally easy read, but it is completely captivating and will make you forget the world around you.

I liked that both characters had their demons. So many times it's one character that needs to be saved but in this book they are helping each other. I also liked the fact that they were both honest about being screwed up. Gideon may not have shared exactly where his demons come from but he acknowledges they exist. And I have to say that Eva is one of the strongest female leads that I have read in a while. Their flaws make them real.

There are some great secondary characters, I loved every scene that  Eva's boss Mark and his partner Steve were in. And Cary, Eva's roommate and best friend, dysfunctional as he may be added more layers to the storyline. I didn't really like Eva's mom, but totally understood her over-protectiveness. It would have drove me crazy if it was happening to me but I understood where it came from.

Now let's talk about the sex, BABY! It is scorching hot and I strongly suggest you do not read this book in public because you may just find you need some private time after certain scenes. But I am sorry and I do have to call bullshit on one thing.....there is NO WAY anyone can go to the gym and work out after 9 orgasms in one day! Hell I don't even think I could order pizza to be delivered let alone run on a treadmill or do a Krav Maga work out. That being said, I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series and the varied and multiple ways and times that Gideon and Eva have sex.

Strong, likable, flawed, real characters. Great, fast paced storyline. Melt the pages sex. Sounds to me like Ms. Day has hit the trifecta in erotic romance.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

BOOK TOUR: Sugar Walls

Sugar Walls

by Author Mysti Holiday

BLURB

When Emilie is dumped by her boyfriend, best friend Jack Voss offers a shoulder and a place to live--the other side of his duplex. He’s always there, fixing her problems, her car, her sink. Emilie doesn’t know what she’d do without him, or with the feelings she’s having for him. His shoulder doesn’t just offer comfort anymore; his touch is a turn-on. Their shared wall is the only thing keeping them from sharing a bedroom—and fanning the flames might risk breaking something that Jack can’t fix. 

EXCERPT

Emilie hadn’t lied about the leak in her pipes.  Just  like she hadn’t broken her dishwasher, or the leg off her couch, or the alternator in her car on purpose. But, to be honest, it was almost a relief when those things happened, because they gave her an excuse to see Jack.
She’d called him first thing this morning when running water for her coffee had resulted in puddles beneath the sink. He’d come over the first chance he’d had and now he was on his hands and knees on the linoleum looking at the pipe that oozed moisture, oblivious to the woman behind him who was also soaking wet, albeit for an entirely different reason.
His ass looked good enough to take a big bite out of. Emilie couldn’t help herself; it was right
there, sticking out from under her kitchen sink, and she had to clench her hands into tight fists
to keep from grabbing it. Still, that didn’t keep her mind from wandering, and when one of his
hands reached out for a wrench, she pictured it on her, cupping her breasts, thumbs circling the
rosy buds. Instantly her nipples puckered, as tightly clenched as her hands, and her crotch dampened even more.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Mysti Holiday is the pseudonym of a very busy SAHM who dreams of warm climes and hot bodies.  Most people know she writes, but not what she writes about:  sexy men and the wanton women who love them. 

She's married to a wonderful man who happily sacrifices himself for research, and she spends most of her days dreaming of interesting and unusual situations in which to place her characters.  But most of all, she's a sucker for a happy ending.

Publisher:  http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=89

Website:  http://www.menagerieauthors.com/

Blog:  http://www.menagerieauthors.blogspot.com/

Author Giveaway
The author will be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one random commenter and to one random host at the conclusion of the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning!

Mysti's tour stops can be found here!

Spicing It Up

The Spice It Up series is just that – it’s Spicy. Hot – hot – hot. The characters are hot, the sex is hot, the chemistry is hot. And mixed in all this heat are sweet stories of couples falling in love. Author Jennifer Labelle just released the three stories together in a print anthology if you prefer to rock it old-style. And maybe you want to hold the deliciously indulgent cover in your hands! Or you can buy them on-line… her buy links were in yesterday’s guest post. Go back and check that out if you haven’t read it – the author brings along her characters to talk with us and they were lots of fun!



REVIEWS

Spice It Up is book one in the Spice It Up series. In this first book, Heidi’s roommate Nathan gives her the simple advice to “spice it up” but when push comes to shove, Nathan really just wants her to spice it up with him. They attempt keeping it casual but feelings get in the way – there’s some bumps in there – and they discover what they have is anything but casual. The heat builds when readers learn Nathan is bi-sexual. Heidi, an open-minded woman who I couldn’t help but admire, invites their neighbor to join them. Though it doesn’t work out exactly how she intended, Heidi did open the door for the beginning of something great.

Definitely a lot – and I mean, a lot – of sex with the story being just the icing. I’d recommend to anyone who loves erotica and to those wanting a sweet romance. Spice It Up is a unique blending of the two – with this level of heat, you don’t often get that blend of sweet love.
RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Finding His Something Spicy is book two in the Spice It Up series. It sticks with the same characters but adds a fourth – and I do mean adds the fourth! You’ll need your oven mitts again for this one because it is hot-hot-hot. The sex abounds from the very first scene.

With Heidi and Nathan now married, their neighbor Rafe needs more than their arrangement is giving him – he wants his own something spicy. And who better than Heidi’s BFF Zoey? She has an open-mind and is able to embrace the lifestyle Rafe lives with Heidi and Nathan. With a bird’s eye view into just how well Zoey fits in, this book provides every combination of sex a reader could crave. If this isn’t an indulgent lifestyle, I don’t know what is!

There’s no angst, no dilemma, no struggle – but Finding His Something Spicy is again a sweet love story with a whole lotta steamy hot sex. Most striking is that the author has been able to make it all seem so natural, as if a foursome happens every day but this book would most appeal to the more adventurous readers who enjoy erotica.
RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Lyrics & Lust is the third book in the Spice It Up series. It’s the best yet. With the introduction of two new characters but a link back to those from the previous books, the book feels familiar but brings in some new flavors.

Nathan’s cousin, Meagan moves in with the foursome after going through a tough breakup. She feels like the fifth wheel until she makes a few new friends at her new job that just happens to be the bar the foursome often hang out. When Meagan meets the sexy Lyric Cooper who owns the club and sings in the band, she is head over heels. They play it slow for a while until an attack pushes them together and they realize they both want the same thing – to be each other’s something spicy.

Still hot –can Jennifer Labelle not write hot??- this books adds an element of suspense which served to capture my attention. Though I wished that storyline was played up a bit more because there seemed to be lost potential, the love story was genuine and sweet. And having all the characters together felt a bit like a homecoming.
RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These books were given to us by the author. Many thanks to Jennifer Labelle, Secret Cravings Publishing.

CONTEST ALERT!
MAKE A COMMENT to be entered to WIN one of Jennifer's books. IT'S SO SIMPLE - so why not just do it? Heidi would! ;)

Guest Author: Jennifer Labelle

My Guilty Indulgence

When I was asked to write this post for the feature here, I was asked to talk about my guilty indulgence. As both a reader and writer, I’m sure you can guess that my number one would be books whether reading or writing them, I’m absolutely addicted.

I’m sure all of you can relate, so in light of that, I’ve decided to let you all get to know my ‘Spice It Up’ characters a little better since these next couple days will be dedicated to the trilogy. I hope you all enjoy the interview.

Jennifer: Good morning everyone.

Heidi: Hi Jennifer, it’s a great morning isn’t it?

Zoey: Good morning.

Nathan: Hey.

Rafe: It would be even better if you came back in an hour or two. OUCH! What was that for?

Zoey: I’m sorry he’s normally such a charmer. It was a late night, and Rafe apparently isn’t fully awake yet.

Rafe: Yeah sorry, I’m used to a little more beauty sleep.

Lyric: *chuckles* Hello, Jennifer. *extends hand to shake*

Meagan: *shakes head at Rafe* Hi Jennifer, it’s a pleasure to see you again.

Jennifer: Likewise, so would you all care to tell us how it feels to finally have your happily ever after, after all of this time?

Meagan: Amazing! Lyric has literally saved me from myself, among other things. First with a job when I needed one, an amazing friendship when I had none, and then with…*clears throat* Let’s just say I noticed him instantly, and I haven’t been able to let go ever since.

Lyric: Aw, Meagan, me too. *Lyric reaches over to pull Meagan closer, and wraps an arm around her.* I love you, baby.

Meagan: I love you too!

Nathan: Yeah, yeah, we’re all happy for you, primo. *grins* It’s bliss for the four of us too, and only gets better.

Heidi: It’s better than anything I could imagine. I’ve been in love with Nathan forever, and I’ve been blessed with not only him but the love of Rafe and Zoey too.

Rafe: Yep, and if it wasn’t for me putting the moves on Heidi when I did Nathan may have never wisened up and married the red-headed beauty. *winks* The three of us were dynamite together, and then I met my love, Zoey, and we became perfect as a foursome.

Jennifer: Sounds to me like you’re taking credit for things getting started between the four of you.

Rafe: Damn, straight. It’s one of the reasons why everyone loves me so much.

Zoey: *snort* We certainly do love Rafe, but as you can see one of his many charms is his humor. I actually think it was Heidi that brought all of us together. She was the glue that held your threesome together and then chose to introduce us when you needed more. Thank you, Heidi.

Heidi: *blushes* You’re welcome.

Nathan: *laughs* Hey man, she’s got you there.

Rafe: *shrugs and then pulls Zoey closer to him* Love you, baby.

Jennifer: So Lyric, it must have been a big change for you when Meagan walked into your bar and was reluctant to give you a shot at first, considering you have women swoon at your feet on almost a nightly basis while you’re on stage.

Meagan: *laughs* oh yes, the groupies. It’s actually comical at times to watch. Sorry, ladies, he’s now spoken for.

Lyric: What do you mean comical? *feigns a wounded look, and then smiles* It was, I guess, but completely worth the wait. I love performing, and my music even more, but I’m past the meaningless trysts of my youth, and wanted to settle down for some time. Meagan made that happen for me, and there will never be anyone else.

Jennifer: Do you write your own songs, Lyric? I mean I know the answer to that, but humor me, 

for those readers out there who have yet to read Lyrics and Lust.

Lyric: I do, but I get the odd request to sing other’s as well, so I’ve done that from time to time.

Meagan: Wait till you hear the one he wrote for me. *smiles* Read the book people, you won’t be disappointed.

Nathan: Yes, you should read the whole trilogy in order. Jennifer certainly knows how to spice up the pages. *winks*

Jennifer: *blushes* I may have written your stories, but it was all of you who knew how to heat those pages for my readers. We’ve got a sexy threesome, turned foursome in the first two stories, and then a sexy rock star /knight in shining armor who rescues the beautiful damsel in distress in the third. Did I leave anything out?

Rafe: Only the part where the beautiful author decides to join us in the fourth installment turning the foursome into a fifthsome…

Lyric: Fifthsome? *laughs* dude, I don’t think that’s even a word.

Zoey: *shakes head* Come on Rafe quit putting Jennifer on the spot. She’s as red as a tomato right now.

Rafe: Sorry, Jennifer.

Jennifer: *giggles* It was certainly a pleasure writing it for you. I’d like to thank you all for letting me interview you today. I loved telling your stories, and am really looking forward to when ‘Three Words to Bliss’ the paperback version of all three stories comes out later this month.

Heidi: Thank you for having us today.

Nathan: It’s been a pleasure.

Zoey: We’re looking forward to it too.

Rafe: Although next time I’d prefer an afternoon interview, it’s always great to see you Jennifer.

Meagan: Rafe!

Rafe: What? A man needs his beauty sleep too. *chuckles*

Lyric: Thank you, Jennifer. I hope you keep in touch.

Jennifer: I definitely will. In the meantime, I hope our readers enjoy the blurbs below and enter for a chance to win Spice It Up, the first in the trilogy.

~SPICE IT UP~

Heidi Taylor has fallen in love with a man who’s off limits. He’s her best friend and she’s afraid to tell him how she really feels, that is until Nathan suggests she needs a little spice in her love life, and designates himself as her something spicy.

BUY LINKS:

SecretCravings Publishing  |  ARe

~FINDING HIS SOMETHING SPICY (Spice It Up 2)~

Rafe Zakas had no intention of settling down until he met and fell hard for his two closest friends, Nathan and Heidi. But, their perfect trio fell apart when Nathan got a job offer he couldn’t refuse, relocating them. Rafe soon realizes there’s something missing in his life, and decides he needs to find his own something spicy to fill the void. She’s got to be open minded and love him for him, kinkiness included, and he hopes to soon turn their trio into a quartet with Heidi’s help.

Zoey Appleby was content with being single, until her good friend Heidi sets her up with this gorgeous Greek Adonis named Rafe. He awakens desires in her she never knew were there, and introduces her to a whole new lifestyle. Shy at first Zoey has some choices to make, will it be a new love, or the life she’s used to?

BUY LINKS:

Secret Cravings Publishing  |  ARe

~Lyrics and Lust (Spice It Up 3)~

Meagan Morales hits a rough patch in life, and in love. Moving to a new city with the help of her cousin, she feels like the fifth wheel once Nathan welcomes her into his home. You see, Nathan not only has a newly-wed wife but two lovers who live there with them, making Meagan worry that she’s intruding.

She gains new friends, employment, and surprises herself when she opens up to the very sexy, Mr. Lyric Cooper, but danger lurks in the shadows and she may need to risk her heart again to survive it.

Lyric Cooper lives for music. He’s got a successful business, his own band, and a regular audience. Lucky in life, but unlucky in love, Meagan suddenly walks into his bar and he knows she’s something special. Now if he can only convince her to think the same about himself...

BUY LINKS:

SecretCravings Publishing  |  ARe

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.jenniferlabelle.com

Blog: http://labellebooks.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/1JenniferLabell

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292#!/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649930.Jennifer_Labelle

Best wishes,

Jennifer Labelle

Sweet & Sassy BLISS

Bliss Launches this Saturday, August 25th!  Find your bliss during this amazing launch celebration. Win an eReader from Entangled Publishing and prizes from the following author sponsored contests!  LUCKY BREAK by Kelley Vitollo GET YOUR LUCKY BLISS BREAK For readers and their sweethearts! We are inviting couples to share their love story with Bliss. Two winners will receive the following prizes: A cameo appearance in one of Kelley’s upcoming novels and a free signed copy of Lucky Break (via Kindlegraph), or a set of his and hers Lucky's beers mugs. THREE RIVER RANCH by Roxanne Snopek SHOW YOUR WILD SIDE & WIN! Service dogs and horses are a big part of Roxanne's story so we're asking readers to share their favorite picture of their pooch or horse for a chance to win one of the following prizes:  A cameo appearance in one of Roxanne's upcoming novels or a gift card to Pet Smart! SUGAR RUSH by Rachel Astor TEMPT US & WIN! A chocolate competition is at the heart of this novel and we are asking readers to name a decadent chocolate confection. Entrants have the chance to win a gift certificate to Godiva ! Contest details will be announced on the Entangled in Romance Blog , author websites, and social media outlets beginning Tuesday, August 28th!  Share the spoils with your readers! Follow and friend the authors to stay connecected during the launch celebration. Cover Reveal, review copies and blog tour sign-ups coming soon!  Find your Bliss at Facebook and on Twitter And now a message from Stacy Abrams, Editorial Director of Bliss, the newest digital imprint from Entangled Publishing! Dear Reader, You’re busy. I get it—I am, too! I barely look up from my computer long enough to hit “Start” on the microwave dinners I force my husband to eat most nights. The most quality time we spend together is catching up on Breaking Bad episodes on Netflix. Romance is dead. Or is it? We founded the Bliss short romance line at Entangled specifically for busy people like you and me: people who want to find their bliss on their lunch break, on their commute, on the delicate wash cycle, on a two a.m. feeding. People who want a fully developed, satisfying story in a 200-pages-or-less package. I’m so excited to be imminently launching the Bliss line, not just because of the emotional, funny, spicy stories we’re telling and the talented authors we’re launching, but because of what I feel is a unique product the line is offering. These are contemporary, modern, fresh tales of women and men finding love, finding a sexual connection, finding their happily ever after in small towns or close-knit communities, with the support of their best friends, parents, children, or all of the above. On their lunch break or their commute, even! The books read like romantic comedy movies set to the page: Love, Actually for the romance reader. Though the focus lies on the characters’ emotional journey, at Bliss we like to say our heroes and heroines still jump in the sack…it just then fades to black. And who knows, if I can get my husband to pause the Netflix long enough to read one, maybe romance isn’t dead after all! Enjoy finding your bliss… Stacy Cantor Abrams Editorial Director Bliss, an Entangled imprint Kelley Vitollo Author of Lucky Break! Connect with Kelley on Facebook Twitter Goodreads Website Roxanne Snopek Author of Three River Ranch Connect with Roxanne at Facebook Twitter Goodreads Website Rachel Astor Author of Sugar Rush Connect with Rachel at Twitter Goodreads Website

Finally hooked up Friday

It's Friday and I couldn't be more happy. I can't believe the end of August snuck up on me like that. I have lots of house cleaning to do and room switching. Not to mention back to school shopping to do. On a positive not I finally have a green light on my Kindle after it's dip in the bath tub. Going to call Amazon and see if there's a reset button or something. My usual fix isn't working. fingers crossed. Thank goodness for good old paper books.....


The Saint by Monica McCarty

Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain, and best even the most ferocious enemy. Called “Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus’s war name hides a far more painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.
A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret of her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s not the kiss of a saint, but a sinner, that can save them.

Holy cow! I didn't think these two would ever get themselves together! Just went I thought they were on the same page one of them would screw it up. I know during that time period things went a little differently but these two were killing me. I couldn't help but laugh. Helen would decide yes I want to be with Magnus then Magnus would turn away then he would reconsider and then Helen would turn away and vise versa. It was a great story. I loved watching them run from each other both knowing it was useless. I love this series!

I give this book 4 chocolate dipped strawberries and a class in communications for Magnus and Helen. LOL

Jaz Primo - Gwen Reaper

Gwen Reaper, Jaz Primo, Rutherford Literary Group LLC (release date: August 18, 2012)

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness." John Keats, English romantic poet I never thought that my first exposure to real beauty would be tinged with the threat of oblivion… ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When high school junior Scott Blackstone is forced to move from his childhood home in Springfield, Illinois to small-town Custer, South Dakota, he expects nothing less than to languish in complete disappointment. Instead, he discovers a beautiful and mysterious seventeen-year-old girl named Gwen, who captivates him from his initial, adrenaline-laced sight of her on the shores of Stockade Lake. Scott’s pursuit of the elusive Gwen sweeps him into the midst of a potentially lethal family heritage that was birthed in hope, only to be passed into a legacy of guilt and death. Scott engages in a journey of discovery, tinged with both angst and danger. Like many dire legends throughout history, he is unprepared for the untimely revelation that both love and despair are often two sides of the same coin. 

Gwen Reaper killed me!  Alright, actually she killed the grass...alot, but even girls with freaky abilities and pet alligators deserve a special someone.  Completely captivating, cleverly crafted, Gwen Reaper draws the reader into the very ordinary world of a teen boy who moves to the middle of nowhere at the worst possible time.  A tragedy for most high schoolers, Scott Blackstone holds no hope for a successful transition to a new high school in his junior year until the day he spies a teen girl with an alligator in a local lake. No big deal except they live in South Dakota!  Fascinated, bordering on obsessed, Scott makes it his mission to get to know the reclusive beauty and uncover the secrets she's hiding from the entire town.

A super foray into the YA world Jaz Primo, more commonly identified with his Sunset Vampire series, continues to craft strong female characters. Interestingly, however, is the fact that the story is told entirely from Scott's perspective which draws the reader into his world immediately and together we suffer the wait, the angst, the need to discover Gwen's elusive secrets. Their angsty beginnings have such a natural progression that the reader follows along, page after page, hoping that the two will finally connect and that Gwen will find the strength to open up about her family's heritage, the tragedy that holds her back and chance to move forward together. The superimposed fantasy elements into the ordinary world, along with an intensely action-packed suspenseful plot takes this YA romance to a whole new level.

With YA fiction being the new, hot thing, the flood of stories on the market has exploded much to teens' and teens-at-heart's desire.  The keys to success seem to lie in generating that perfect balance between reality and fantasy, strong characters who adapt to the circumstances of their world and have that quality of being universally relatable.  With superstars like Rachel Caine, Jennifer Estep, Richelle Mead, Cassandra Clare to set the bar, Jaz Primo may find he's definitely a contender if he continues to create characters and stories like Gwen Reaper!

This book releases on August 18, 2012 - keep your eyes peeled for it and snag a copy as soon as it releases!

I give this debut treat four chocolate dipped strawberries.  If you haven't checked out his adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy series The Sunset Vampires, you're missing out: butt-kicking heroines, snappy dialogue and action packed fun!

This book was provided by the author for an unbiased review.  Many thanks!

BOOK TOUR: Everlasting Love

Everlasting Love

by Rosemary Indra

BLURB

When Miranda Cummins borrows a friend’s cabin to finish writing her long overdue book, she’s surprised to find the one-room retreat already occupied by Kevin Mathews. Though she feels a spontaneous attraction for Kevin, Miranda has recently escaped a controlling husband and isn’t ready for a long-term relationship.

Unsatisfied with his occupation, Kevin is at a crossroads. Miranda understands and encourages him to look at the direction his life is going. Fired up by her encouragement, Kevin returns to Forest Ridge to resume his firefighting career.

When Miranda is threatened by her ex-husband, Kevin realizes he will do anything to protect her. Miranda has shown Kevin a new passion for life. Can he fan the flames of passion into an Everlasting Love? 

EXCERPT

In a small town he had to be cautious. Driving too close to his intended victim would be obvious. He’d lagged back allowing more distance between his car and the one in front of him. When several vehicles exited the highway, he hung back even farther. His prey was no longer insight but he knew the Chevy was still there. He gripped the steering wheel tighter and tried to be patient.

As the city gave way to the mountainous forest, he saw his opportunity; pressing on the accelerator he started to close the space between them. Now, in this isolated wildness, he needed to move in for the kill.

No one would find a body or the missing vehicle for some time. This was the perfect set up. No witnesses. No surveillance cameras. For once and all, he could loosen the chain around his neck and live a carefree life again.

He sped up and still no sign of the other tail lights. The driver must have turned off to another road. He’d passed countless side roads since entering the highway. Finding which road the other vehicle used would be impossible.

He wiped his hand across the back of his neck. Pulling over to the side of the road, gravel crunched beneath his tires. He pounded his fist on the steering wheel. He’d quit his search for now. He’d find his victim another time. Then he’d free himself from his burden.

WE ASKED: What is Your Guilty Indulgence?

The first thing I thought of was chocolate. Then I decided that was too easy. Yes eating as much chocolate as I do is a guilty indulgence. However, I decided I needed to look at another aspect of my life.

I’m a bookaholic. There I said it. I love books.  I’m a compulsive book buyer. New or used, online or in person, a New York Times bestselling author or a first time author, it doesn’t matter a book is a book. When I find an author I like, I need to buy the back issues and the complete series. Now I’ve added to my indulgence by buying audio books which I listen to as I drive to work. I’ve even convinced my husband to listen to books on CD during his commute, but he prefers Tom Clancy to romance books. The love of books I’m sure in a common occurrence for writers, however, this hasn’t always been true for me.

When I was little I struggled to read. So I don’t have a favorite children’s author or a hoard of children’s books. I only have a couple of books from my childhood. I actually hated reading, especially when I had to read aloud in school. This rated right up there with my writing in school. My papers had so much red on them they looked as if they were hit with buckshot.  Sorry I’ve regressed. After I graduated from high school my mom gave me my first Harlequin to read. I remember looking at that book and wondered how I would ever finish something so long, especially since there were no pictures. A lot of people make fun of the older Harlequin books but they taught me the enjoyment of reading for pleasure.

Even now I’m a slow reader but I don’t allow that fact to hinder my writing or love of reading. I feel my early years of struggling to read added to my compulsion of buying books. Unfortunately, I’m unable to save every book due to space but I now treasure books and the especially the ability to read.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Ever since her mom gave her a romance book when she was a teenager Rosemary has enjoyed happier-ever-after stores. She has been writing most of her adult life. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and crafts.

She has two grown children and four adorable grandchildren. Her and her husband live in a small town in Oregon.

website:  www.rosemaryindra.com

CONTEST
Rosemary will be awarding a signed cover flat to a commenter at every stop and a $20 Starbuck's GC and their name in her next book to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. One randomly drawn host will receive a $10 Starbuck's GC.

Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! The tour dates can be found here.

Worth Fighting For, Sondrae Bennett

Worth Fighting For, Sondrae Bennett

Alpine Woods Shifters Series, Book 4

Neighbors of the wolf pack from the first three books, this exciting new addition to the series features the fox’s that helped save Jason’s mate from the half-breeds.  This story's timeline runs along side the other book's giving a different perspective on the events.  From Samantha’s appearance in Vulpes Creek to the wolves sisters attempted kidnapping, this story adds a new depth and perspective to the world of the Alpine Woods Shifters.

As leader of a fox skulk, Cody is used to feeling protective of his people and most importantly his best friend Misty.  But for reasons he can’t understand his feelings of protectiveness towards her have started to grow.  So when his skulk is called to aid in rescuing Julie, the wolves sister, and Misty gets attacked during their rescue attempt the panic he feels has nothing to do with duty. Suddenly, he’s noticing Misty as a woman instead of the girl he grew up with.  But he is reluctant to risk what they have for the hopes of more.

Misty has loved Cody for years, but he’s always viewed her as one of the guys. She’s tried everything to show him how perfect they would be together, without success. Now, he’s looking at her like she always dreamed he would. But every time she gets close, he pulls away.  Regardless, she is determined to not give up.

Neither see the danger lurking in the background. Someone is plotting against the foxes, leaving them all in jeopardy…especially Misty.   Can Cody overcome his fears in time to save the woman he loves?

Featuring two childhood friends who finally find their way past friendship too passion – this story is very moving.  The added element of the danger that lurks around them and the growing threats towards their community add a tangible level of excitement to the story.  Although the characters from the other three stories make appearances throughout the story line, this is more of a separate book since it focuses on the fox skulk.  However, the story has a nice lead in to the next book featuring one of the wolf brothers.  The passion between Misty and Cody is hot with some very imaginative funny scenes….lesson learned – when watching something naughty on TV change the channel before turning it off because if someone turns it back on before you your secrets out – of course then you might luck out if they like the same show…

Simply…a great story and a uplifting summer read.

RATING:  Four chocolate dipped strawberries.

Many thanks.