Tuesday, October 4, 2016

The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken. Release Day Blitz (psst...there's a giveaway)

THE BACHELOR AUCTION Release Day Blitz 








ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Bachelor Auction
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: The Bachelors of Arizona #1
On Sale: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Formats: eBook
Price: $4.99 USD (eBook)

Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.
Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . . .

Excerpted from THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken

Jane.” It was a whisper, it was a question, and then his mouth was on hers—harsh, forceful, but so inviting she whimpered at the contact and leaned into him, begging him with her body to take what she couldn’t voice aloud.
It was a bad idea.
He was a bad idea.
Taken.
Ready to be married off.
But here, in this moment, he was hers.
So she kissed him back with as much passion as she possessed, her hands digging into the front of his shirt while his teeth nipped at her bottom lip.
His hands slid beneath her shirt, unhooking her bra with ease as he nudged her thighs apart.
You feel so soft,” he murmured against her mouth. “Perfect.” Another plundering kiss, his tongue flicking hers before his lips slid down her neck. “So damn good.”
With a moan, she pressed as close as she could against him, nearly riding his leg in an effort to get more of him.
That’s it,” he encouraged while she clawed at him.
Brock!” Bentley’s voice pierced the air. “Did you need help?”
Brock froze above her, his face filled with irritation. “Open that door, Bentley, and I’m selling every car you own and replacing it with a Honda!”
Silence.
You don’t mean it.” The knob turned.
Jane’s eyes widened in alarm as Brock quickly moved away from her and tossed the blanket…over her head. Right, like that was going to look normal. She pulled the blanket off her face and tried in vain to fix her bra while frantically pulling her hair back into a ponytail.
Bentley entered, took one look at both of them and smiled. “Clearly this room was dirtier than we thought?” He tilted his head at Jane. “Or maybe not dirty enough?”
Out!” Brock barked.
But—”
Go!”
Fine,” Bentley grumbled. “I’m leaving. I just thought you should know that Grandfather called and wanted to know how the maid was working out. I told him that you’ve been helping her since she sprained her ankle. He was concerned about her finishing the job.”
What did you say?” Brock grabbed Bentley by the shirt and gave a little shake.
Bentley held up his hands. “Chill. I told him that she would make a full recovery, that she refused to sue, and that you were taking care of the situation. Because that’s all you’re doing, right Brock? Taking care of the situation…” He peered around Brock at Jane.
Feeling suddenly more naked than she actually was, she covered herself up with the blanket.
What had she been thinking?
It was beyond unprofessional.
Tears burned the backs of her eyes.
Thanks, Bent.” Brock sighed, running his hands through his already mussed hair.
Bentley saluted him then added quietly. “For the record, any girl that can get Boring Brock to bend the rules is a keeper.”
Brock bit back a curse as Bentley shut the door.
Boring Brock?” Jane asked.
It’s about as bad as it sounds.”
Well, I’m Plain Jane, so…I understand.”
He turned. “You’ve never been plain a day in your life.”
I think you’ve already learned that you don’t need to give me pretty compliments to get me to kiss you.”
You have seven freckles. You press your lips together to keep yourself from saying things you shouldn’t. You hum when you clean, and though I’m not sure what the tune is, it’s familiar. When you eat, you watch people rather than your own food, and I’m just going to come out and say it: you eat like an animal, the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen.”
Jane covered her face with her hands. “It was flattering until you said that last part.”
Brock laughed. “Seeing a woman dig into her food like she hasn’t eaten in weeks? It’s one of the most erotic visions I’ve ever had.”
Emotion flashed across his face as he made his way over to her and kissed her again, pulling away with her name on his lips. “Jane, I want you.”
Thought I was just the help.” The walls around her heart started to slip; she felt it in the way her body rose against him. He’d noticed things about her nobody ever had, he was helping her, and he was beautiful. Was it so wrong to want this? For herself? Once in her life?
You’re more than that, and you know it.” His eyes locked on to hers as his deep voice washed over her.
You’re getting auctioned off in two weeks and you know it.”
He paused, his expression going completely ice cold before he looked away and then back at her. “And if I wasn’t? What then?”
Then…” She bit down on her bottom lip. “I’d ask you to kiss me again.”

THE BACHELORS OF ARIZONA
The Bachelor Auction #1

BUY THE BOOK HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.  She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
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Friday, September 30, 2016

Bedmates by Nichole Chase (Excerpt and review)









From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.



Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.
Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.
When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.


Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16
Amazon | iBooks | BAM B&N

Add to your Goodreads
  

EXCERPT

Have you been crying?” Warm fingers touched my cheek and I jerked in surprise at the sparks that danced through my blood. I couldn’t remember if he had ever touched me except for obligatory dances at celebrations and fund- raisers. “What happened? Are you okay?”
No, I’m fine.” I stepped out of his reach and rubbed under my eyes. Tearing my gaze from his I leaned over and picked up his cane. “It’s allergies.”
We’ve known each other too long for you to lie to me.” He let his hand fall back to his side. I handed him the cane and stepped back. “Someone told you that I was on my way, huh? We all know how much you hate me. I’m surprised you didn’t jump out of the window.”
It was an option.” I rolled my eyes. I guess I wasn’t the only one that remembered our last meeting hadn’t been pleasant. “I also considered hiding in the closet, but was too slow.”
There! Take that, perfect Jake Simmon. I was quick on my feet today.
So, you know why I’m here.” The way his eyes ran over me as if taking stock was obnoxious.
I’m your body guard. When the crazy women start running after you, I’m to dive in the way.” And damn if they wouldn’t come running when they saw how he looked all grown up and rough around the edges.
I’m glad they have a plan.” He scratched his chin. “Getting bombarded with underwear and bras is a health issue.”
If they got to know you, it wouldn’t be a problem.” I rolled my eyes.
What does that mean?” His head cocked to the side.
I thought you lost your leg, not your brain.” My eyes widened, but it was too late to take it back. Why was it that I said the most horrible things around him? Even when we’d been younger I’d had diarrhea of the mouth. Especially around Jake.
He threw his head back and laughed. “I don’t think they’re after my brain, Maddie. Thankfully the part they’re most interested in is still fully functional.”
His lazy smile and sparkling eyes had me swallowing hard.
Heat crept up my neck and I fought to not look away. “Well, good for you.”








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About Nichole Chase:
Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises. 










5 stars(!!!) I've got the FEELS read.

Review: 


I will start by saying that ever since Nichole Chase announced Bedmates it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. 

I mean, who can say know to an enemy to friends to lovers romance? 
the answer is NO ONE. 

And one written by Nichole Chase? 
Well, you'll have to be crazy to decide not to read it. 

Then, I learned it was about the first daughter and as sad as I am to admit, doubts started to creep in.
I love politics and intrigue....but I wasn't so sure that I was up for some likeable characters. 

Then a chance presented itself for a review copy and being a Nichole Chase fan of course I jumped at the opportunity. 

in a warm cozy chair I snuggled and sat down to read my ARC, pretty soon I realized Jake was an army veteran missing a leg (not to talk about the psychological damage he suffered during his employment in Afghanistan).

I should not have worried at all, because as Nichole has proven many times over she writes great, likeable, reasonable, sweet, relateable characters that are just too human. 

Nichole gave us an interesting ride feeled with funny moments, sad moments, heartwarming moments, strong characters, real issues, the light we can find in our darkest moments and the meaning of standing up for what you believe in and standing next to the people that mean most to you. 

What I'm trying to say is that Nichole proved once again why she is such a great author expressing human emotions, dynamics and moments (family, friends. lovers, enemies....everything). 

For me this was a five stars amazing read. and I'm happy for the opportuninty to read it and can't wait to see what Nichole will write next. 

Simply put, I'n in love with Maddie and Jake (Maddie was awesome and great and Jake was truly drool worthy), not to mention the easter egg of the Duchess and Prince of Liliria(!!! can you believe it??).

I recieved an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sharon. 

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Nichole Chase's BEDMATES Excerpt Reveal

bedmatesexcerptreveal  

We are thrilled to get to bring to you the first two chapters in New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase's BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series!

 
bedmates_pb

From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

Pre-Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16

Amazon | iBooks | BAM | B&N

Add to your Goodreads

 
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nicholechaseAbout Nichole Chase: Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories. Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.
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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The Trouble With Mojitos by Romy Sommer


"Turquoise blue waters. Sandy white beaches. Mojitos... Film location scout Kenzie Cole has found herself in paradise. Working in the Caribbean for a week is just what she needs to escape the long line of exes in her closet. Though the last thing she expects is to be picked up at the resort bar by a disgraced former Prince!

Luckily for Kenzie, exile is suiting the man formerly known as Prince Fredrik very well. And it’s not long before his rugged, pirate charm is proving hard to resist.

But Rik’s been spending his time in paradise exorcising demons of his own and he has danger written all over him. If Kenzie was sensible she’d run a mile instead of lose herself to lust - although, they do say sometimes you have to get lost before you can be found...."



4 stars!

Review:

So apparently this is the second book in a series, but fear not, you don't need to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. I say that from experience. 

This story begins with a prolog that tells the story of how the island Tortuga came to be abandoned. A princess came to the island of Los Pajaros to marry it's governor, but once she arrived she met a pirate and the two fell in love and ran away together to Tortuga, the governor chased them but when he failed to retrieve his bride he cast a spell on the island, a curse that says that those that come to Tortuga would suffer from misery and a horrible death.

Now, I don't know what about you, but when I hear Pirates, Curse, Romance and the Caribbean my imagination runs wild (The Pirates of the Caribbean wild).

Even so, I'll have to warn you: This is a nowadays romance story, which means that despite it's very original beginning the Curse and the Pirates play little part here.

But you know what? The Caribbean plays big part here, and was it beautiful! But before I start raving and stop to make sense I think I should go to the beginning.

Kenzie Cole is a thirty-something single, beautiful, talented location scout that needs to find some locations to an upcoming film production. Kenzie has been through a lot in life- really, I thought her problem was some relationships with bad boys go wrong. But I didn't expect what actually happened.  

Rik is a thirty-something exiled prince (exiled on his own decision) after living his entire life in a lie- grooming himself and dedicating himself to his country and position as king he learns something that changes his life forever. Now he spends his time in Los Pajaros drinking himself to oblivion, looking like a pirate and a bad boy and mourning his lost life. His secret is not surprising.

The two meet when both drink in a bar, and strike a deal that Rik would help Kenzie with her locations scouting. The electricity between them is high, and the attraction is almost tantalizing. Soon, a Caribbean romance begins. As in every book, they think it would be only for a short while but they find forever. 

The big question is: what makes this book a 4 stars book? First of all the writing. Sommer's writing is light, funny and well done.  Her descriptions of the Caribbean- the weather, the sun, the sunset, the smell, the wine, the trees and the turtles is so rich you can see it in your mind's eye. I haven't though much of the Caribbean as one of the places I must visit before, and now I do!

The sexual tension and the sex scenes are an added bonus. As well as the fact that some of the usual drama is avoided- there is not even once something like "you want me for me money and my title" and it was so very refreshing.

Closer to the end there's a little drama that shows just how much Kenzie had been through, and you know what? Rik didn't flinch, he chased her, he accepted her, he supported her and he loved her. And what a chasing scene that was! I wish for a flash mob and exotic flowers too! Sommer knows how to write her HEAs perfectly.

Also Sommer surprises with Kenzie's best friend Lee, and each chapter has a tweet. Some are really funny: 
"@KEnzieCole101: in most fairy tales the bad boy turns into a prince. Just once I'd like to kiss a prince and have him turn into a steady dependable guy"

Yes, this book is falling to some tropes of the genre- the love interest is rich, there are secrets, and the immediate attraction as well as the fact that they fall in love within a week's time, even the ever so perfect HEA. But it never claimed to be different, it just promised me a good time and a smile and it delivered that promise.

So, as I already said- if you want to read light romance that would keep a silly smile on your face with exotic setting and likeable characters (don't forget the sex) this is your book! it even had it's funny moments (and tweets!)

An ARC was provided by HarperImpulse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

Some favourite quotes (because I like to share):
"She was done with men who needed fixing. Besides, her plane ticked was booked for three days from now. That wasn't enough time to fix whatever was broken with Rik My-Name-Doesn't-Matter. Even if she hadn't already had her fill of bad boys"

"Three times she had already got it very, very-wrong, and no one ever said 'fourth time's the charm"

"This morning you said you'd do anything to see me shirtless in public. Your wish is granted."

 *Original pre-review*
and THIS is how you write a HEA (including a wonderful chasing scene)

full review to come soon, but just so you'll know right now: if you want to read light romance with exotic setting and likeable characters (don't forget the sex) this is your book! it even had it's funny moments (and tweets!)


This review alos appears on:BookLikesGoodReadsAmazonAmazon UK

Through the Smoke by Brenda Novak


"A shocking betrayal…

Riches. Power. An ancient heritage of pride. The Earl of Druridge wanted only for an heir. So when he learned that his wife was carrying another man’s child, he was filled with a thirst for vengeance.

But he wasn’t the one who caused Katherine’s death. Or was he? To his horror, he remembers nothing of that dreadful night, when their last confrontation ended in scorching flame and cold blood.

A forbidden love…

Rachel McTavish, the beautiful daughter of a coal miner, knows something about the fire that took Lady Katherine’s life. In secret, the strong-willed girl strikes a bargain with the desperate earl: he must send his physician to help her dying mother or he may go to the devil—and the scaffold. He agrees, but she is still unsure that her revelation will be enough to save him when so many wish him dead.

Passionately drawn to the nobleman, despite all the doubt and mystery that shrouds him, Rachel wonders if he can really be a murderer. Or if he is the only man who will ever own her heart…"


5  stars!

Review:

Before I start this review I need you to understand something, while reading this book a few things happened to me:
I walked on the street with my nose stuck to me phone (where I read the book), I lost sleep, I got on the right bus but missed the right station to get down on and held to walk all the way back, I was late for class, I missed some classes and I hardly listened in the ones I was in. 

In short, I was so immersed by the book I forgot about the people around me and the things I needed to do, my full attention was on the book (thus all those mistakes I made). 

It has been a long time since I was this caught up in the book- up until now I was sure it was my great discipline and self-control, I was fooling myself to think so. 

Brenda Novak says in the introduction how she wrote this book inspired by the gothic feeling of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Only time will tell if she accomplished her goal. But your humble servant here thinks she did but she also managed to create something entirely her own!

This historical romance is written so very beautifully, and sometimes it had maintained a gothic feeling, but even when it didn't it was still chilling heart wrenching or heartwarming and completely terrifying, especially the last few chapters that had me so nervous and afraid!

I have to give you a fair warning- unlike Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights or any historical romance that was written at that time, this book, influenced by these day and age, had sex in it. At first I found it somewhat weird, since I thought that if the author aimed at a certain style she would not write such thing. But she did and I'm glad she did, because despite my love for Jane Eyre I found it lacking in sexual tension and I didn’t know that it bothered me until I read the sex scenes in this book, that are wonderfully and tenderly written. 

Both main characters- Rachel and Truman (the earl), might not be likeable at first (though I loved them in first read). They are full of pride, and property and passion. Sometimes they can be found a bit cruel or naïve, full of prejudice. They can appear somewhat cold- but they stay true to themselves and their ideals through the whole story, not wavering even once.

Rachel with her naiveté, pride, stubbornness and honesty- showed her strong will enduring all the hardships in the village. I could not belief the lengths to which she went to keep her brother safe and to provide to him, her actions were truly admirable. 

And Truman, with his determination to find his wife's killer, his will to protect and help Rachel, his love for her and the way he noticed every little change in her.  He was truly a noble man.

The mystery is not that much of a mystery though some of the reasons behind things were surprising, and even when I suspected who the "bad guy" was, Mrs. Novak managed to have me wishing it wouldn't be him. 

This book avoids all the tropes historical romance book are so well known of. The things I usually find annoying in these books- like a lousy excuse for a lady/lord- you won't find here. Both characters are smart and act accordingly. And all the things there is to love about historical romance- like the time and the love in the etiquette- are all presents here. Oh, the time, Mrs. Novak did a wonderful job describing the work in the mines, the poverty in contrast of the high social standing of the earl and all his money. The village life just sprang to life out of the book- with the brothel and how many didn't know how to read, the rumors and the fact the each and every character was more than the sum of her actions and what she seemed to be. Mrs. Tate and Mr. Linley were wonderful side characters and very loyal it was touching. And Geordie (Rachel's brother) was such a sweet kid. 

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book, even when I thought it might break my heart and when I was so afraid, so very afraid of what was to come.

A copy was kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!


*Original pre-review*
*Looking around in a haze, damn, I missed my bus station! oh well, at least I finished the book* 

Review to follow shortly, but trust me, you want to read this book.


This review is also posted on:BookLikesGoodReadsThe Book DepositoryAmazon