Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson - Review








Author: Mary E.Pearson
Publication Date:  7 August, 2018
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Series:  Dance of Thieves, book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 14 and Up
Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 


Book Description:



A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.


My Review:

So here goes the moment that I admit something terrible, I haven't read the series that this is a spin-off of.  It's on my TBR, been on my TBR for ages, but it just keeps getting pushed aside.  Why is this important?  Two reasons:

First and foremost I think is that in my opinion though this is a spin-off and you should be able to read it as a standalone separate series, I was missing a lot of background.  There is an entire world that was built in those first three books and not a whole lot of explanation going into this ew series to make it understandable. I really felt like I had missed some important information that would have made this ultimately a five star read for me.  Now the question is of course, who's fault is that?  Is it mine for not having read that first series, or is it the authors for making a spin-off that is SO closely tied to the original series that it's less a spin off and more fourth book in the same series?  Yes, the main characters are different, but characters from that first series have quite a role in this book as well as just the world in general.  I think perhaps a prologue giving us a little history would have been the perfect way to bring new readers into this world.  Also, and I don't know for sure that it would have made a difference in my enjoyment of the book because I am uncertain if having read the first series would have made it more understandable, but I was confused for the longest time on the header quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  Yes, it does eventually get explained but not until well over half way into the book.  Having that prologue with some background might have also alleviated that confusion on my part.  

Second, I will be going back and finally getting those first three books from the Remnant Chronicles off my shelves and dusted.  I am completely enthralled with this world and need to know everything there is about it.  It is clear that the world building that occurred in those first three stories must have been magical if what Mary E. Person gave me in this book is any indication.  This is one of those stories that you want to see come alive on the big screen because it's depth and richness hold a beauty that goes beyond the imagination.  I can feel the dirty, the ugly, the beauty, the majestic, the wealth, and the poverty dripping off the pages and want to rich out and feel it. It's all right there in my grasp, I just need someone to make it come alive.  It reminded me of almost a tribal version of Leigh Bardugo's Ketterdamn and Rave and if you know me at all you know how much of a fan I am of the Grishaverse, this book brought me back to that feeling so reading those first three books is a must for me now. 

What did I absolutely love about this book besides the world building, (which was a little love/hate) the characters.  I adored the Ballenger's for their faith, tenacity, loyalty, and family ties.  I love that in the end everything they do is about protecting those they love and those they serve.  Does that mean they always make the right choices, no, as you will see in this story, but in everything they do they do it with good faith and with the belief and desire to protect those in their care.  Jase Ballenger, is the perfect YA Fantasy hero.  Is he good, is he bad, is he a little of both? He's handsomely rugged, devoted to his family and role as leader (Patrei), he's a young man thrust into an almost impossible situation but determined to continue his families legacy.  

Kazi, she's an amazing heroine.  She's fierce and independent.  She's bold, daring, beautiful, courageous, righteous in her goals, (not always a good thing) determined, compassionate, caring, and though she won't admit it a little bit broken and lost.  It makes for a heroine that you will absolutely adore and want to cosplay as soon as you can, lol.  She's the girl who takes back her life the only way she can and she makes a meaningful life for herself and though that others by using her abilities to protect and care for them.  She and Jase are so much alike that it leads them through ore than a few difficulties but it makes them even more wonderful as a team.  I loved these two together.  They are just a sweet young couple, both trying to find their way in the world and make their own mark while protecting those in their care.  I loved how quiet they were when they were together, when the outside world wasn't barging in-between them.  How peaceful and loving they can be.  Sadly Mary E. Pearson couldn't just give us that could she, no there has to be suspicion, intrigue, lies, truths, and a whole lot of chemistry thrown in that just makes you swoon and fall for these characters hard. 

All the characters were amazing, the evil ones either smarmy and inept or conniving and nefarious.  You won't love to hate these characters, you'll just hate them and I love a good villain that is simply a villain, one you know is just plain awful and deserves everything they have coming to them.  The other secondary characters, the family of Ballengers, the other Rahtan that are members of Kazi's team, I loved them all.  They are all well written with character descriptions that don't leave them in the shadows, but as true players within the story.  Though Kazi and Jase are the main characters the others play a vital role in almost every aspect of this story.  I am hopeful that with the end of this first book and the way it ended we won't be missing out on seeing more of each of those charters in the future. Clearly we will get more Ballengers, but I don't want to lose out on the rest of the Rahtan either, they were all wonderful members of the story and I need more of them.

If you are a fan of the Remnant Chronicles than I think it is easy for me to say that Dance of Thieves is a must read for you.  You will throughly enjoy this book!  If you have never read the first series, you can pick up this one and dive in but, as I mentioned earlier there is a lot of backstory about the world that you will be missing out on and I highly suggest reading those previous books first, just to make your enjoyment of this book and series all the better.  Also, why do I note 14 as the starting age on this one (remember this is all subjective) it is simply due to a little bit of "Did they do it" talk.  If you've had 'the talk' with your younger readers than I think this would be great for an even younger pre-teen, but if not just know it's in there and comes up a few times.


~ HAPPY READING ~ 







Mary E. Pearson is the NYT bestselling and award-winning author of eleven YA novels and one novella. Her works include the completed trilogy, The Remnant Chronicles, which in a starred review, Publisher’s Weekly called “masterfully crafted.” Her favorite activities as a child were climbing tall trees imagining she was a hero in some fantastical world, or running along fence tops and roofs pretending she was a spy with a bagful of amazing gadgets. She was rarely herself. Amazingly, she never broke a bone until she caught a basketball in gym class. Catching real balls was not her forte. These days she continues to live in make-believe worlds she creates in her books. Her latest 2-book series, Dance of Thieves, allows her do all kinds of dangerous things without breaking any bones. So far. 




You can learn more about Mary and her books at:



Protected by Lexi Blake - Release Day Launch

    

  

AMAZON ~ AMAZON PRINT

Coming to other retailers October 29, 2018



Book Description:
Their first chance at love ended in heartbreak 

Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris when she was the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair, but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school. Those plans changed when Genny broke his heart. Joining the Army gave him a chance to leave that life behind. News that Genny married the town’s golden boy let Wade know that he could never go home again. A chance encounter rekindles an old flame Fifteen years later, he’s found his place in the world and tried to forget the woman who left him standing in the rain. After leaving the Army he forged a new life as a bodyguard at McKay-Taggart, but he still feels incomplete. When his brother’s wedding brings him home to Broken Bend, Texas, he walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved, the town has turned against her, and someone is making threats. Seeing her again reawakens feelings he thought were long gone, and he worries that staying close enough to help her could be too much to bear. Their reunion just might kill them both After an attempt is made on Genny’s life, Wade can’t refuse to help her. Watching over her day and night, it’s clear that having her back in his life could be the thing to finally make him whole. When the danger follows them back to Dallas, their second chance at love could be over before it even begins.    

      

Excerpt:

     “There’s no reason for you to be jealous of Hutch. He gave me a few kisses, that’s all.” He dropped her hand, turned, and started back toward the office. Hutch’s truck was still here. He would kill the little fucker and that would teach him. He would torture him first. Hutch liked computers. Wade would see how much he liked them when they were shoved hard up his ass. “Wade.” Genny ran after him, her laughter a musical sound he didn’t want to hear right now. “Wade, come on. I was joking. He let me raid his desk for chocolate. Those kind of kisses. Please don’t murder him.” He stopped, completely embarrassed. He hadn’t been thinking. She was used to being around a man who took out his temper on her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” She grinned up at him, her hand on his arm. “You didn’t scare me. Why would you… Wade, I know you’re not Brock. I’ve always known that. I’m not terrified of all men. Hell, I’m not afraid of Big Tag. He’s kind of funny once you let him know where the boundaries are.” “You gave Tag boundaries?” He’d been afraid to leave her alone with Ian. Not because he thought Ian would hurt her, but because he could be intimidating at times. Now that he thought about it, Big Tag was actually perfect for Genny to start practicing her newfound sass on because he would like her more if she gave him hell. “Very firm ones, but I also offered him something in exchange. We’re going to get along fine, Tag and I. And Hutch and I are only ever going to be friends. He talks way too much about Game of Thrones, but he does have a lot of candy so it evens out to a nice friendship.” She moved her hand up to his shoulder. “I’m not interested in Hutch, but there is this guy who works in the office I am interested in.” His whole body went on full alert. He had things to tell her, things that were important, but was here really the place to do that? Here was the place to talk about work things and who she was interested in. Interested in seeing? Interested in spending more time with? “Who might that be?” Her eyes met his, heating up. “He’s in the bodyguard unit and he told me once that if I ever want a real kiss, I should ask him.” He could feel the erection coming on like a runaway locomotive. He’d spent the last few months going without. The scene at Sanctum had gotten boring for him. At first it had been filled with excitement, but watching all his friends settle down had made him look at his life in a different way. Having Genny back in it made him absolutely sure he didn’t want casual sex. He wanted a woman who belonged to him, who he belonged to. He wanted disgusting, nasty, utterly committed sex. “Then you should definitely ask.” “Wade, will you kiss me?”   


            


 
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ 

WEBSITE ~ AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

 

Craven House Collection by Christina McKnight - Release Day Celebration




Mayfair just got a lot more wicked...and a lot more fun. 

Available July 31st– Craven House Collection box set by Christina McKnight.





Book Descriptions:

Scandal is second nature to the children of London’s most notorious madame. Growing up in the unconventional Craven House, these four sisters become independent, determined women, perfect matches for the roguish lords that love them. Mayfair just got a lot more wicked
...and a lot more fun.


The Thief Steals Her Earl, Book 1

To save her family from bankruptcy, Miss Judith Pengarden must be very bad—but when she breaks into the stalwart Earl of Cartwright’s home, it’s not just his family heirlooms she steals, but his heart too.

The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis, Book 2

The Marquis of Ridgefield longs for tradition and routine, two things which the rebellious hellion Miss Samantha Pengarden can’t provide. Then why does he feel so drawn to her?


The Madame Catches Her Duke, Book 3

Longstanding secrets and deception have made Marce Davenport and the Duke of Harwich enemies. But when their agreement ends and they face a change to the lives they’ve known, they’ll discover the line between hate and the love of a lifetime is finer than they ever thought possible.

The Gambler Wagers Her Baron, Book 4

Miss Payton Samuels knows that the only person she can rely on is herself, until she becomes governess to Lord Ashford’s rambunctious children. A gambler knows not to wager it all, yet the longer Payton stays with Lord Ashford and his family, the more willing she is to risk it all for her happily ever after.





Follow the tour and enter to #win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!





Author Bio: 


USA TODAY Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with rebellious women and maverick heroes.
Her books combine romance and mystery, exploring themes of redemption and forgiveness. When not writing she enjoys coffee, wine, traveling the world, and watching television.


You can visit her online at the following places: 

Monday, July 30, 2018

Dr Strange Beard by Penny Reid - Release Day Launch!

DSB_RBBANNER  

Dr. Strange Beard, an all-new standalone in the bestselling, romantic comedy Winston Brothers Series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Penny Reid, is LIVE!

DRSB_LARGE


Book Description:

Hunches, horse races, and heartbreak
Ten years after Simone Payton broke his heart, all Roscoe Winston wants is a doughnut. He’d also like to forget her entirely, but that’s never going to happen. Roscoe Winston remembers everything—every look, every word, every single unrequited second—and the last thing he needs is another memory of Simone.
Unfortunately, after one chance encounter, Simone keeps popping up everywhere he happens to be . . .
Ten years after Roscoe Winston dropped out of her life, all Simone Payton wants is to exploit him. She’d also like some answers from her former best friend about why he ghosted her, but if she never gets those answers, that’s a-okay. Simone let go of the past a long time ago. Seriously, she has. She totally, totally has. She is definitely not still thinking about Roscoe. Nope. She’s more than happy to forget he exists.
But first, she needs just one teeny-tiny favor . . .

Dr. Strange Beard is a full-length romantic comedy novel, can be read as a stand-alone, and is the fifth book in the USA TODAY bestselling Winston Brothers series.


LIVE02



Meet Penny Reid:



HeadshotPenny Reid is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.
Connect with Penny:

Friday, July 27, 2018

Envy by Rachel Van Dyken - Review and Excerpt

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, comes ENVY, a new novella in her Eagle Elite Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights

Be sure to grab your copy today!

 

Download the Free Kindle App

Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Publication Date:  24 July 2018
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc
Series:  Eagle Elite, book 9.5
Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: 18 and Up
Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Eagle Elite series…

Every family has rules, the mafia just has more…. Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to. Do not make eye contact unless you want to die. And above all else, do not fall in love. Renee Cassani’s future is set. Her betrothal is set. Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that. He’s a man who doesn’t take no for an answer. And he only wants one thing. Her. Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying. Good thing Vic has a firm hand.

     

My Review:

What can I say, except every book I pick up from Eagle Elite the more in love with the series I fall.  I'll always be up front and tell you guys that when this series first began I wasn't the biggest fan.  It wasn't that it was bad, I just didn't connect all that much, but wow over time Rachel Van Dyken has taken this crew from boys playing at being men, to men and women simply being badasses!  Envy is just another fantastic addition to what has become one of my favorite series out there.  

You will fall immediately in love with these two characters.  I adored how Renee was/is about of the antithesis to everything these families are. She's grown up not naive about the world around her but sheltered from it.  She doesn't want the life she sees around her, the life that the mothers and fathers of the children she nannies have.  She wants quiet and peace.  She wants to go to college and get a job, settle down to a 'normal' suburban life.  Of course what we want isn't always what we need or what we get.  Vic, I honestly don't know exactly what to say about Vic, except I LURVE HIM!  He's a big ol' teddy bear wrapped up in a tough and grumble veneer. No doubt he is one of the baddest (as in badass) of the bunch, he's THE ENFORCER for the families....just think on that, one enforcer, 4 families!  He has their world on his shoulders and he takes that role with an unparalleled seriousness. The families trust him, they have put their lives in his hands...but maybe they've asked a bit too much.  

These two characters together are wonderful to watch (not to be puny, which you will only get once you read the book) and root for.  There is some complication in trying to keep up with who's doing what and who is in charge of what, but this world is complex and Rachel Van Dyken does an amazing job of weaving these stories and keeping us on our toes.  I love the way she always gives us a twist in each story.  Just when you think you know, she blows your mind and takes you down a completely unknown direction.  

I will say that like all 1,001 Dark Nights novellas this one can be read as a standalone, but I almost feel like you really need the entire backstory to understand the dynamics of this family...you will at least most assuredly be adding the entire series to your shelves after reading this book.  As with most novellas I don't want to go into much detail, but be assured that if you are a Eagle Elite fan you want this book and if you have never read an Eagle Elite book, don't hesitate to pick this one up...all I can say to you then is Blood In, No Out.  Welcome to the Family!  


~ HAPPY READING ~



     

Excerpt:

I tasted his fear.

It mingled with his lust.

His desire.

I wanted him.

So I took him.

Because waiting for him to snap was like watching someone slowly burn from within until they lash out at everything around them. He felt the attraction. We were heat, we were untamed, we were greedy. 

He reached for the front of my shirt and ripped it with his right hand. I gasped as he exposed my bra and then ripped that too, like I could go out and find another one just like it.

It would be easier if he was clumsy…

If he didn’t know exactly what he was doing when his tongue slid past my lips and teased every inch of my mouth.

He knew.

He knew my body better than I did.

I arched into him wantonly.

He responded by lifting me with one arm and bracing me against the tree, running his wicked mouth down my neck and licking one nipple, only to go to the other like he’d been waiting to do it all day.

Each moan was swallowed by more deep kissing.

More, more, more.

“You’re bad for me,” he whispered against my neck. “I want you anyways.”

“You’re bad for me,” I admitted. “I’ll take you any way I can get.”

He growled against my mouth, and the vibration of it sent shivers down my spine. Abruptly he pulled away.

I wanted to protest, to tell him not to run.

I didn’t have to.

He threw me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing and carried me into the house, slamming the door behind him, locking it to keep bad guys out—or maybe to keep the baddest of them all…

In.

He tossed me onto the nearest couch and attacked. His mouth came down hard, next his body, until all I knew was him.

Vic’s scent.

His taste.

The weight of him pressed against me.

I opened my mouth to him as he deepened the kiss. His rough hands cupped my breasts, weighing them, squeezing, as he sucked my tongue with his lips, bit down with his teeth.

Heart racing, I couldn’t even form a logical thought beyond how good he tasted and how hot his skin was.

“This happens once.” He pulled away abruptly. “Promise me.”

I gulped.

“Renee.” It was his tone, the sound of my name falling from his lips like he was tortured by my name—by me. I knew that kind of torture, I knew what it was like to kiss my enemy and want him in my bed.

To hate myself for wanting the murderer.



 


   
About Rachel Van Dyken: Rachel Van Dyken is the New York TimesWall 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!


Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter


   


Rachel Van Dyken’s ENVY – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
July 25th
All about reading – Review
Booknerdingout – Review & Excerpt
Ceej's Life Reads – Review & Excerpt
Fun Under the Covers – Review & Excerpt
Lost to Books – Review
Marta Likes do Read – Review & Excerpt
The Bookish Sisters – Review & Excerpt
July 26th
AMPed Up Books –Review & Excerpt
Bobo's Book Bank – Review & Excerpt
Bookworm Misfit – Review & Excerpt
iScream Books Blog – Review & Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt
S3OC – Review & Excerpt
July 27th
A Fortress of Books – Excerpt
BJ's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Book Freak – Review
East Coast Book Chicks – Review & Excerpt
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
Smut Book Junkie Reviews – Review & Excerpt
The Book Disciple – Review & Excerpt
Wicked Cool Flight – Review & Excerpt
July 28th
Ariella’s Bookshelf – Excerpt
Bookaholic Confessions – Review & Excerpt
Ginreads – Review
Melena's Reviews –Review & Excerpt
Two Book Pushers – Excerpt
July 29th
All Things Dark & Dirty – Review & Excerpt
Life with Lesley – Review & Excerpt
My Book Filled Life – Review & Excerpt
Musings of the Modern Belle – Review & Excerpt
Novel Grounds – Review
Three chicks and their books – Review & Excerpt
July 30th
Brittany's Book Blog – Excerpt
Jenn Avery Romance Lover – Review & Excerpt
Joandisalovebooks – Review & Excerpt
Kick Back & Review – Review & Excerpt
Lover of Big Books Cannot Lie – Review & Excerpt
My Girlfriend's Couch – Review & Excerpt
Thestarslisten – Excerpt
July 31st
Cup of Tea Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Ebook Indulgence – Review
Lisa Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
The Heathers Blog – Review & Excerpt
August 1st
3 degrees of fiction – Review & Excerpt
Between The Lines – Review & Excerpt
Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt
Naughty and nice book blog – Review & Excerpt
The Book Boyfriend Addict – Review & Excerpt
August 2nd
Babbling Chatter Reads – Review & Excerpt
Jax's Book Magic – Excerpt
Kiss and Tell Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
One-Click Chocolate Chick – Review & Excerpt
Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Romance Schmomance – Review & Excerpt
Sentranced Jem – Review & Excerpt
August 3rd
Naughty Mom Story Time – Review & Excerpt
Nightbird Novels – Review
SA Clayton – Excerpt
The Divas Book Lounge – Review & Excerpt


 

Moore Than A Feeling by Julie A. Richman - Release Day Launch and Excerpt

   

Just when you thought there wasn’t any MOORE…

From USA Today bestselling author Julie A. Richman, comes a companion title to her Needing Moore series. MOORE THAN A FEELING is now available! Grab your copy of MOORE THAN A FEELING today!

 

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ iBooks ~ Barnes&Noble ~ Kobo


Book Description:

"Holly and Aiden broke up? Seriously? No way. Not those two." 

Dumped.  No, not only dumped. Blindsided and dumped. 

I thought that Aiden McManus was my forever, my soulmate, That was until he told me he was still in love with his ex.

I didn't want to believe him. So, I convinced myself that our break-up was because of his upcoming deployment, and not because he didn't love me. Believing that, helped me get through those first months.

But after a while, I realized I just might be lying to myself. And it was time to move on...

So, I moved on. Or tried to move on, anyway. But that didn’t work out so well for me, either. And it practically got me disowned from my family.

After that, I finally started to get my life back together, I had everything back under control… …Or so I thought.

Until I found out Aiden was back 

And now he’s everywhere I turn, Still pushing me away, telling me he doesn’t want me.

But every time he calls me Angel or reaches out to touch my cheek, I know what he's not admitting to himself – He still loves me.

And I'm going to prove it to him. 


   

  EXCERPT:  

 “Busted,” he whispered in her ear, coming up from behind, just as Holly sent a text to Mia saying, Anything? Sticking her phone into the back pocket of her worn jeans shorts, Holly smiled at Jenna’s very handsome older brother, Pierce. Man buns were not usually her thing, and pulling one off was reserved for seriously hot men, but this guy totally rocked it. With a casual, laid-back vibe, a few days’ scruff, a very colorful full-sleeve of ink on his left arm, and hazel eyes that leaned more toward green than brown, rimmed in enviably long, dark lashes, this man was hard not to notice. Holly immediately felt eyes on them — from everywhere. The glare of all the other single women at the party felt like an undertow of bitchy female energy, making Holly feel more alone than she already did. Alone in a crowd was not an alien feeling to her, though it would probably surprise most people. It generally took Holly a long time to find her crowd, and it typically wasn’t what people might expect her to gravitate toward. “It’s a party. You gotta mingle.” His accent was thick New York. He took a swig of his beer. “Or I could just keep you to myself,” he flirted. Feeling self-conscious, she changed the subject to neutral ground. “This is my first time in Carroll Gardens. I’ve been in Brooklyn a bunch of times, mostly in the Heights. We have a close family friend there, but I’ve never walked this far down. I love all these brownstones, and the outdoor space your sister has is amazing. Do you live nearby?” She was rambling, and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was so uncomfortable or because he was so good-looking. Jenna’s ground-level-floor-thru apartment had exclusive use of the small rectangular yard, which held enough space for a grill and fifteen guests. At the very back of the yard she had a plastic blow-up kiddie pool filled with water. Holly wondered if, as the afternoon heat and humidity climbed, the party-goers would be stepping in to cool themselves off. Taking a swig from his beer bottle, Pierce shared, “Not too far. I’m in the Slope. No private backyard, but I’m not too far from Prospect Park.” “That must be nice.” Trying hard to stay in the moment, Holly searched her brain for something to say to this handsome, seemingly nice guy, and her mind just blanked out. “So, let me ask you a question,” he began, filling in the silence. “My sister tells me you’re not involved with anyone. How is that possible?” Holly smiled, Pierce had obviously been inquiring about her. New Yorkers were so direct. That had initially taken some getting used to, but it was actually refreshing, and moved things from superficial to real at warp speed, and that was something she liked. “Bad break-up. Still recuperating.” “Is he fucking nuts?” Pierce took another swig. Watching his throat muscles and Adam’s apple in motion was oddly erotic. Maybe it’s the sheen of sweat covering them, Holly thought, followed immediately by the memory of Aiden’s salty skin waking the taste buds on her tongue. “I’ll volunteer to be your transition guy,” offered Pierce with a smile. “Thanks. Appreciate the offer, but you’re a little late to the party.” Holly laughed. “Well, he’s not here, what happened to that guy?” Pierce was persistent. Reaching out and taking the beer from his hands, Holly took a swig. “I think we’re going to need some Jack for that story.” “You, I like.” He laughed. “I don’t think my sister’s got any, but there’s a liquor store up on Court Street, we can take a walk up there and get a bottle.” “Let’s do it.” Holly wanted to get away from the stare of female eyes that were taking on an increasingly hostile glare, especially those of a brunette who was going to regret her dark microbladed eyebrows when, in a few years, she looked back at pictures of herself. As they walked down Second Place, Holly asked, “So, what’s with you and the lady in the revealing pink halter.” Pierce started to laugh and began to cough. “Holly, that ain’t no lady.” “No? Now I’m intrigued. I’ll bet you have a lot better stories than I have.” “I don’t know how she got an invite today. She’s my version of a stalker.” “Did you deserve it?” He thought for a moment. “Yeah, probably.” “Drive-by?” “Yeah, I couldn’t pull out fast enough.” Holly’s eyes widened, as she looked at him, the front of her sandal catching on the uneven sidewalk. Reaching out and catching her shoulder, Pierce steadied her. “Oh shit, that didn’t come out the way I wanted it to.”  


 



About Julie A. Richman: 
 USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie A. Richman is a native New Yorker living deep in the heart of Texas, home to great music, BBQ, and awesome Tex-Mex.  An award-winning nature photographer plagued with insatiable wanderlust, Julie spent many years scratching the travel itch while helping non-profit organizations and corporations with their marketing and advertising programs. Currently, Julie has published Searching for Moore, Moore to Lose, Moore than Forever, Bad Son Rising, Needing Moore:The Complete Series, Henry's End, Slave to Love, The Do-Over and Love on the Edge of Time. She has works included in Pink Shades of Words 2014 & 2015, Tempting Fate Boxed Set, Intense Boxed Set, Intense 2 Boxed Set and the Cocktales Anthology.  

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Thursday, July 26, 2018

Catch Him If You Can Jennifer Shirk - First Look Spotlight




In Jennifer Shirk’s newest installment in her Accidentally Yours series, town widower Wade Roberts is being bombarded by Cape Harmony's matchmaking mamas. His only way to stop them: pretend to be in a relationship with his sister's best friend, Arden Pearson. But when what started as an act begins to shift into something more, it might take a village to convince Wade that Arden’s his perfect match.




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Book Description:

Veterinarian Wade Roberts is done with love. But try convincing the elderly folk of Cape Harmony who are determined to play matchmaker. Now the young single women in town are bombarding him with baked goods and love notes, and being “taken” is the only way to stop the meddling grannies—which is why he needs a fake fiancée. Fast.

Arden Pearson loves planning weddings. Other people's weddings, that is. After her own engagement ended in disaster, she prefers to live vicariously through her work. But when she needs to persuade a big client that she’s capable of planning the celebrity wedding of the year, she’s willing to go as far as pretending to be engaged herself to her best friend’s older brother.

Soon their ruse has everyone in town believing they make the perfect couple—including Arden. She’s always been nothing more than a kid sister to Wade, and it might take a village to convince him otherwise...






Excerpt: 
Copyright© 2018 Catch Him If You Can 
Jennifer Shirk 


“I don’t understand what difference it makes if you’re married or engaged or whatever on how you do your job,” he said. 

Her shoulders slumped. “Normally, it wouldn’t make a difference, until I received that bad press a few months ago.” 

“The Bahamas Bolter?” 

“Yes,” she grumbled. “Anyway, it’s a long story, but these particular clients were hesitant to sign until I kind of sort of blurted that I was engaged.” 

Wade snorted. “Seriously? It’s not like my clients think I need to own a pet to be a good veterinarian.” 

“Exactly! Thank you.” She bit her lip. “Normally, I’d dismiss clientele who thought like that. However, they are pretty big clients, Wade. Huge. Huge enough that if all goes as planned, everyone will easily forget that wedding snafu I had a few months ago. I had no choice but to tell a teensy lie. And, well, since you had wanted me to pretend to be your girlfriend earlier, I figured…” 

“You figured I could be your fake fiancé.” 

“Yes. Will you?” 

“Uh, here’s the thing. I wanted a girlfriend,” he said, folding his arms. “I didn’t say anything about a fiancée.” 

“Oh, Wade, really?” She spluttered. “What’s the difference?” 

“What’s the difference? It adds a whole other element to the charade. And besides, don’t you think you’re moving a little fast in our fake relationship? I had no idea you were so pushy. Fake boyfriends don’t like to be—” 

“Okay, I get it!” She huffed. “So sorry I didn’t fulfill your time requirement to be fake courted properly, but like I said, this is an actual emergency.” 

He took a bite of banana bread and chewed, pretending to think it over. “I don’t know…” 

Arden planted her fists on her hips with a harrumph. “What don’t you know, Wade? Whether you actually missed out on the fake wooing or how unreasonable you’re acting right now?” 

“Now, now. A short temper is not something particularly attractive in a fake girlfriend slash fiancée.” 

“Well, maybe when a person’s career is in jeopardy and she asks a friend for help and gets turned down flat, she wouldn’t feel the urge to punch the fake boyfriend slash fiancé in the throat.” 

He wanted to grin but didn’t dare. It was rare to have the upper hand with Arden—and he found he was quite enjoying this sudden little nuance, along with her begging him for help.





Catch Him If You Can First Look Giveaway:
Jennifer is offering one lucky grand prize winner a $10 Amazon Gift Card and five Runner-ups an eCopy of Bargaining with the Boss, book #1 in her Accidently Yours series! To enter for your chance to win one of these exciting prizes, please fill out the Rafflecopter link below:






Jennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Montlake Romance and Entangled Publishing. Her novel, FIANCE BY FATE—a 2015 Readers' Crown Finalist—became an Amazon #1 best seller for Series Romance. And recently, Wrong Brother, Right Match, WON the Sweet Traditional category of the 2017 Golden Quill Contest and became a #1 Amazon bestseller for Holiday Romance.

She resides in a beach resort in NJ, so when she's not writing or working on her tan, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter and puppy (Sox).




Check out her website for News and Links: www.jennifershirk.com

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