Showing posts with label #HarlequinBooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #HarlequinBooks. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Make Me Crave by Katee Robert - Excerpt Spotlight and Giveaway



In MAKE ME CRAVE by NYT Bestselling Author, Katee Robert, Roman Bassani will do anything to close a deal. Even chase down Allie Landers on her Caribbean vacation to make an offer on her company.

Add MAKE ME CRAVE to your TBR pile on Goodreads then keep reading to get a sneak peek excerpt and enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card or one of three (3) ebooks from Katee Robert’s backlist!







Book Description:

“I crave you…”

Can their hunger be satisfied?

Roman Bassani will do anything to close a deal. Even chase down Allie Landers on her Caribbean vacation to make an offer on her company. He expects a challenge—but not their immediate intense attraction. After an accidental one-night stand they agree to put business aside—for now. The island lulls them into a heated sexual journey…but what happens to their opposing interests when they return from paradise?


“Dare is Harlequin’s hottest line yet. Every book should come with a free fan. I dare you to try them!”

—Tiffany Reisz, international bestselling author





Make Me Crave Excerpt
Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert


Allie was so furious, she could barely put two words together. “You don’t get to just decide that we’re having a conversation and haul me out here to do it.”

“If I was going to haul you anywhere, it’d be over my shoulder.”

Her body clenched at the thought of him doing exactly that, but she fought her reaction back. “You are insufferable. Do you know when the last time I had a vacation was? Ten goddamn years ago when I was still in freaking high school and on spring break. Ten. Years. Becka had to twist my arm to get me here, but I was enjoying myself—”

“I know exactly how thoroughly you were enjoying yourself.”

She ignored that because if she tried to deny it, she’d be a red-faced liar. “That changes nothing. The point is that I’m not enjoying myself now, and the only one to blame for that is you.” She went to push him back a step, but her hands had a will of their own. They stayed on his chest, and she sucked in a breath at how warm his skin was. The man might be a corporate suit, but he looked perfectly at home in his shorts without a shirt on here in the growing darkness near the beach. It was almost enough to forget all the reasons she never wanted to see him again.

Allie stepped closer and lowered her voice. “Nothing you say can make me believe you’re anything but a goddamn shark.”

“Who said I’m trying to convince you of anything?” The words brushed her mouth as he leaned down, just a little. “I am a shark, Allie. I’ve never pretended to be anything else.”

She started to call him a liar, but he was telling the truth. He hadn’t tried to seduce her with sweet words to get her into his bed—he’d offered her exactly what she wanted in as many words. Black-and-white. Simple.

It wasn’t simple at all.

“I despise you.”

“You want me.” His hands rested lightly on her hips. “It tears you up inside that you crave my cock, but you can’t fight it no matter how hard you try.” He backed her up, step by slow step, until she bumped a tree. Roman kept coming, the side of his face brushing hers. “Did you think about how good it’d feel to have my fingers sliding into these yoga pants?”

“No.”

“Who’s the liar now, Allie?” His lips caressed her earlobe. “I’d love a private yoga session. Just us. No friends, no instructors, no clothes. How long do you think we’d last before I was on my back and you were riding my cock?”

She couldn’t breathe. Her skin felt too tight, as if it were several sizes too small, and her core pulsed in time with her racing heart. “I would never—”

“No, Allie. No more lies between us. You’re pissed that I’m here—I get that—and you’re even more pissed that you want me. Trust me, I know the feeling. I was never supposed to fuck you, and if I’d known who you were…”

She leaned back enough to look at his face—or what she could see of it in the darkness. “If you’d known who I was, you wouldn’t have gone there with me.”

Roman cursed. “Even if I’d known your name, that wouldn’t have stopped me from wanting you. Needing you.”

She stroked her hands down his chest to the waistband of his shorts. “Do you need me now?”

“I never stopped.”

This was the worst idea. She needed her head clear, and it was nothing but muddled around Roman. He was too big, too beautiful, too overpowering. Even now, she leaned forward, the few inches between them too much distance. He let her, his hands on her hips branding her—but not trying to guide her. Allie inhaled deeply. “Do you drug your cologne? Because, seriously, how am I supposed to think straight when you smell so good?”

He chuckled. “I’m not wearing any.”

He was gorgeous and a god in the bedroom, and he had to smell good naturally. Because of course. “I don’t like you.”

“You don’t know me.”

She could argue that, but it didn’t feel completely accurate. Allie traced the waistband of his shorts with her fingers. She shouldn’t…but she was going to. She unbuttoned his shorts and slipped her hand in to grip his cock. “I don’t have to know you—I know this.”

“You’re playing with fire.”

“Maybe.” Definitely. If she was smart, she’d release him, walk away and spend the rest of her vacation in as close to bliss as she could get, throwing herself into relaxation before she had to go back to reality. She stroked him again, liking the way his body went tense but his hands stayed still on her hips.

As if he was waiting for permission.

The realization sent a thrill through her. She kept stroking his cock, teasing him. “Did you really think it would be that easy?”

“What would?” He spoke through gritted teeth, and her body gave another thrill of pleasure.

“Getting your way.” She squeezed him around the base and nudged his pants down a little farther so she could cup his balls with her free hand. “You thought you’d show up here, interrupt my vacation and, what? I’d fall all over myself to give you exactly what you wanted?”

Roman released one of her hips and braced his hand on the tree behind her. The move brought him closer to her, but not so close that he impeded her movements. She stroked him harder as he slid his cheek against hers, his breathing hitching with every downstroke. He nipped her earlobe. “Isn’t that exactly what happened last night?”

She glared and gave his balls a squeeze that was just shy of vicious. “You’re awfully cocky for someone who’s got their nether bits in my hands.”

“They’re very capable hands.” He shifted to press butterfly kisses along her jaw and down her neck even as his hand on her hip squeezed her. “Don’t stop.”

“I should.” She didn’t. “I should stop right now and leave you with a wicked case of blue balls.” Why was her breath coming as harshly as his? He’d barely touched her, but having his cock in her hands and him so close… Intoxicating. There was no other word for it.

Roman gave her collarbone an openmouthed kiss and dragged his hand up her side to palm her breast. “I’ll just go back to my villa and jack myself off thinking of your sweet pussy. Not as good as the real thing—nothing is—but you gave me more than enough inspiration to get the job done.” He tugged the strap of her tank top off her shoulder. It was one of those things with a built-in bra, so the motion freed her breast. He repeated the move with the other side, and she shivered as the breeze coming in off the water teased her nipples. “Beautiful,” Roman murmured.

“You go overboard with the compliments.” She kept up her leisurely stroking. It was like the rest of the world ceased to exist outside their little sphere. It was just her and Roman, driving each other crazy.

“I give credit where credit is due.” He bent and sucked one nipple into his mouth. The position meant she had to let go of his cock, which she did with reluctance. He cupped her through her yoga pants, the coolness of the tree against her back only highlighting how warm his body was. “If I slipped my hand in here, would I find you wet and wanting? I think so.” He traced a single finger up the seam of the pants—right over her clit. “I think having my cock in your hands turned you on as much as the fact that we’re ten yards away from the bar and anyone coming up from the beach will get the show of their life.”

She pushed back against him even as her hips rolled into his touch. “That’s not true.”

“Liar.” She felt more than heard the word as his breath caressed her neck. “You get off on this as much as I do.” Another stroke through the fabric. “Would you take my cock right here, right now?”

She started to say yes, but common sense reared its ugly head. “I’m not fucking you without a condom.”

“Mmm.” He kissed her neck. “I know.” Roman pulled her pants down in a swift movement. She started to protest, but he went to his knees in front of her and yanked her foot free. Oh. He looped one leg over his shoulder and she caught the glimpse of white teeth when he grinned. “Have a little faith, Allie. I’m not a complete monster.” And then his mouth was on her pussy and she didn’t have the breath to argue.



Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card or one of three (3) ebooks from Katee Robert’s backlist!












About Katee Robert

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it 'a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension." When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. 


Connect with Katee at: 
Website ~ Facebook ~ 


Thursday, June 28, 2018

Tempting the Laird by Julia London - Review and Excerpt

   

From New York Times bestselling author Julia London, comes TEMPTING THE LAIRD—the fifth standalone novel in her Highland Grooms Series!

TEMPTING THE LAIRD is now available where all fine books are sold. Grab your copy today!

   

 

GoodReadsKindle ~ Barnes&Noble ~ 

Nook ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ 

B-A-M ~ IndieBound ~ Powell’s

Author: Julia London
Publication Date:  26 June, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Series:  Highland Grooms, book 5
Genre:  Historical Romance
Age Recommendation: 16 and Up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 



Book Description:

Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish Highlands

Unruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when Zelda’s legacy—a refuge for women in need—comes under fire. When her quest puts her in the path of the disturbingly mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, Cat is soon caught up in the provocative rumors surrounding the dark duke. Never one to retreat, Cat boldly goes where no one else has dared for answers.

Shrouded in secrets, a hostage of lies, Hamlin must endure the fear and suspicion of those who believe he is a murderer. The sudden disappearance of his wife and the truth he keeps silent are a risk to his chances at earning a coveted parliamentary seat. But he’s kept his affairs tightly held until a woman with sparkling eyes and brazen determination appears unexpectedly in his life. Deadly allegations might be his downfall, but his unleashed passion could be the duke’s ultimate undoing.


     


My Review:

This is one of those books in a series that you anticipate from the very first book, yet have to wait until the end or near end to get it, but it is always so worth the wait.  Catriona, the outspoken, determined sister of the Mackenzie clan finally get's her story but not with out great cost to her emotionally.

I adored this story because it gives us a headstrong woman who is not afraid to live her life by her own rules.  A woman who is not afraid to fight for those she loves and for those who can not fight for themselves.  She is a woman who has a gentle soul, a woman who fears that she will never have the dreams she aspired to as a young woman, but will create new dreams for herself and will not be put 'on the shelf' just because she is a grown woman with no wanted prospect for marriage.  I also love that her family standby her though they worry for her.  There could not be any easy love for dear Catriona, it would take a man just as head strong, just as compelling, just as beautiful inside and out to capture this characters heart and wow do we get him, Hamlin, the Duke of Montrose!

Hamlin, is a man who is living a lie...a lie that he allows to be perpetuated because he can not tell the truth.  While a dark cloud may surround him do to secrets untold Hamlin is a bright spot in this story. I instantly fell in love with his heart and soul, his compassion for his ward and the people who rely on him.

Hamlin and Catriona's story is one of fighting against their times societal expectations, rules, and norms.  It was at times heartbreaking to see their love suffer because of the ideals of other people but I love how they still managed to come together, to find a way to make not only their love work but also their dreams for the future of their country and it's people, especially the disenfranchised.  I loved the passion of these two, both that they had for each other and also that they had for making their world a better place.  It's hard to really put into words how wonderful I think this story is for not only the romance but for what the author is showing us about the shaping of society, as well as a reminder of how we need to be more gracious in our own dealing with people who have 'lost all' and have no one left to turn to, especially toward the ones that deserve your grace the least..though I will say my vindictive side wouldn't have minded a little less happiness in the end for a certain some one, but again, this book is a nice reminder of why I need to set that little devil on my shoulder to the side. ;-)

On top off all that there is Uncle Knox, oh Uncle Knox, how I adore you.  His gregariousness, his love for his family, his honor, his generosity...but even more now, how I love him for what he gave up.  I wish that we could see him getting an HEA especially knowing now all that he walked away from so he could be the man he is 'today'.  It is a bit heartbreaking in truth and I wonder how much pain he hides behind his boisterous personality.

It was lovely getting a small glimpse at all the couples that came before Catriona, to see how they thrive and continue to grow.  I have come to love this little Scottish (or not so little) family, their loves, and their trials.  Tempting the Laird is a truly sweet romance, with a touching story that transcends the 'simpleness' of romantic love and gives us a story of suffering and triumph over other's expectations.  If you are a fan of Historical Romance these books are a must read and they can be read as standalone, though as I often say, you might as well start at the beginning because when you finish this one and fall in love with these characters you'll want to go back and read them all.


~ HAPPY READING ~


       





TEMPTING THE LAIRD 
by Julia London

“Criosd, Cat, no one has spoken ill of you!” Rabbie said. “But for the last few months, you mope about and drink your fill of wine and brandy every night, aye?” Rabbie said. “You donna attempt to have any society about you.”

“What society?” she exclaimed loudly. “Where is it, Rabbie, do point me in that direction, aye? And in the course of it, perhaps you might point to something that I might do.”

He frowned. “Do you no’ see what we all see? You’re letting your life slip between your fingers, you are.”

She felt strangely exposed. Uncomfortable. Not angry, really, but…but she didn’t like this, not at all. What did they expect of her? None of them had ever been a spinster, with nothing to look forward to, without any hope of ever being a mother, or a wife. “What would you have me do? I’ve no occupation, no’ a bloody thing to do with my time but mope about and drink wine and brandy!” She felt on the verge of tears. She felt annoyed, she felt betrayed, she felt as if they’d all left her behind. Every one of them had families and loves and occupations, and purpose, for God’s sake, but she, by virtue of being born female and at a time when suitable men were scarce, could do nothing but float from one gathering to the next, looking for something to do with her time.

The only meaningful thing in her life at present was the abbey. Zelda had given a purpose to Catriona’s life, and they would take it away?

Blast it, but the tears began to slip from her eyes again.

“Diah, I didna say it to make you cry,” Rabbie said gruffly.

Her mother walked to Catriona’s seat and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “Go to your uncle Knox, allow him to help you, and please, darling, take a bit of time to care for yourself.”

“I canna leave them,” she said tearfully, and took the handkerchief Daisy offered her and blew her nose.

“Aye, Miss Catriona, you can.”

Catriona stilled. The mutiny was complete, then. “You, too, Rhona?” she asked in a whimper.

Rhona colored slightly. “We’ll be quite all right for the summer, aye?” she said nervously. “Your lady mother, she…well, she’s right, she is. You deserve happiness, Miss Catriona. You’ve no’ had it at Kishorn.”

Catriona wanted to argue that she was happy, but it was a lie. She was desperately unhappy with her situation, and apparently, in spite of her best efforts to hide it, they all knew it.



   

About Julia London: Julia London is the New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling author of more than thirty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Cabot Sisters historical romance series, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch and The Perfect Homecoming. She has over 100,000+ Facebook followers, is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. You can visit her website JuliaLondon.com. She lives in Austin, Texas.    

 


Julia London’s TEMPTING THE LAIRD – Review & Excerpt Schedule:
June 27th
Tania’s Book Blog – Excerpt
June 28th
Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
June 29th
All about reading – Review & Excerpt
TBR Book Blog – Excerpt
June 30th
Sofia Loves Books – Review
July 1st
NightWolf  Book Blog – Excerpt
July 2nd
Bookishly Yours – Review & Excerpt
Jax's Book Magic – Excerpt
July 3rd
Feel the Book – Excerpt
KatyaRath – Review & Excerpt
Romance Reviews and More – Review & Excerpt
July 4th
Books 2 Blog – Review & Excerpt
The Book Addict's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
July 5th
Travels N Reads – Excerpt
Vagabonda Reads – Review & Excerpt
July 6th
3 degrees of fiction – Review & Excerpt
My Nook, Books & More – Excerpt