Category Archives: Promotions

Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase: Pre -Order Promotion, Excerpt and Giveaway

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UNTIL THERE WAS US by Samantha Chase: Pre-Order Promotion Excerpt  and Giveaway

For a limited time Pre-Order UNTIL THERE WAS US (The Montgomery Brothers #7) by Samantha Chase for only $5.99

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iTunes

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iTunes

KOBO links to come

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Megan Montgomery has always been the careful type. Except…one time at her cousin’s wedding when she threw caution to the wind and had the steamiest hook-up of her life. But that was two years ago— why can’t she stop thinking about it? So when Megan accepts a job at her cousin’s company, she does everything she can to avoid Alex—knowing he’ll shake up her carefully crafted world.

Alex Rebat’s been living a good life. He loves his career and friends, but like Megan, hasn’t been able to stop thinking about their passionate encounter. And once Megan moves to town, Alex makes it his personal goal to show her that maybe it’s time to start taking a few more risks…

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iTunes

Fifteen minutes later, Megan felt like a wet noodle as she slid into Gabriella’s car. They’d already called in the massive dinner order, and really, all Megan needed to do was hold the box in her lap until they got to Summer’s. There were worse ways to spend her time.
Once they arrived, Megan was surprised to see that the guys were there already. Zach came out to greet Gabriella, and Alex came out to take the food. When Megan didn’t immediately move to get out of the car, Alex looked at her curiously.
“You okay?” he asked. “Shopping wear you out?”
She laughed softly. “You have no idea. Those two are lethal.”
Zach and Gabriella had already walked into the house when Ethan came out. “Everything okay?”
Alex handed him the box of food with a laugh of his own. “It seems like shopping took a little more out of her than she expected.”
For a minute Megan considered arguing that he didn’t need to talk about her like she wasn’t there, but she was too tired to.
“I can believe it,” Ethan said. “Next time, pace yourself. Summer and Gabriella are like Olympic medalists where shopping and girls’ days are concerned.” With a smile and a quick wave, he was gone.
Alex crouched next to the open car door. “You gonna make it?” he teased.
With her eyes closed, Megan couldn’t help but smile. “Go. Eat Chinese food. Save yourself. Just leave me here to sleep for a day or two.”
“No can do,” he said softly. “If you don’t join everyone inside for dinner, I’ll have to carry you in.”
Turning her head to the side, she opened her eyes and looked at him.
And almost forgot how to breathe.
Damn, why did he have to be so attractive? Here he was after moving furniture and painting all day, and he looked too good for words. She struggled to keep from leaning forward and tasting him. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her because Megan was fairly certain her memory of how Alex tasted and kissed was being overexaggerated.
He leaned in closer—or maybe she was the one who moved. Either way, they were a heck of a lot closer than they had been a minute ago.
Maybe it was the fact that she was feeling extremely mellow or maybe it was the fact that he was too damn tempting to resist. All Megan wanted was to know whether her mind had been playing tricks on her.
Alex whispered her name as he gently pressed his lips to hers.
Oh…
One of Alex’s hands came up and cupped her cheek, and his touch was both arousing and familiar. Megan mimicked his move and marveled in the scratchiness of his jaw, the warmth of his skin. She sighed and moved a little closer, and the kiss went from chaste to inquisitive to a full onslaught in the blink of an eye. She wanted to pull him into the car or have him pull her out onto the driveway so she could feel more of him, but for now, this would have to do—the taste of him and being consumed by him.
No, her mind hadn’t been playing games with her.
There had been no exaggeration.
Alex Rebat was sexy and sensual and completely lethal.
She pulled back because she couldn’t breathe, but Alex’s hand stayed where it was, gently caressing her skin. Megan leaned into it as she tried to catch her breath.
“It’s still there,” he whispered.
Her eyes drifted closed even as she nodded in agreement because she knew exactly what he was talking about.
“I know now isn’t the time, but—”
“Did she fall asleep out there?” Gabriella called out from the doorway with a small laugh. “Come on, Megan! The food’s getting cold!”
Alex stood and held out a hand to Megan. She accepted it and had to bite her tongue to keep from groaning at how good it felt to touch him. He gently tugged her to her feet, and for a brief moment, she was pressed up against him. Slowly she looked up at him and saw the same emotion on his face she knew was on hers.
Desire.
Plain and simple.
It would be so easy right now to reach up, wrap her arms around him, and pull him in for another kiss. As if reading her mind, Alex released her hand and said, “C’mon. Let’s go have some dinner.”
Mutely, she nodded, and they walked side by side into the house.

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Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

 

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in NorthCarolina.

Samantha Chase is graciously offering a SIGNED paper copy of I’LL BE THERE (Montgomery Brothers #6) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Samantha Chase on FACEBOOK

4. Please follow Samantha Chase on TWITTER

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to  USA and CANADA only

8. Giveaway runs from April 9 – April 14, 2018

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Pretty as a Peach by Juliette Poe-Promotion, Excerpt and Giveaways

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Pretty as a Peach by Juliette Poe ( Sawyer Bennett )-Promotion, Excerpt and Giveaways

Pre Order:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google Play /

PRETTY AS A PEACH, the fourth installment of Juliette Poe’s Sex & Sweet Tea series, is coming March 15! We’re celebrating with a chance to win a SIGNED PAPERBACK & $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

Mainer Farms is steeped in family history, but it’s also deep in debt from the effects of the ever-changing farming industry. Not about to let his family’s legacy go under, Colt Mancinkus is willing to do anything he can to save the farm. 

Darby Culhane is the new farmer in Whynot, North Carolina, and she’s proving to be quite the forbidden temptation for Colt. Darby isn’t looking for anything but a fresh start, and she’s got it all figured out. Get settled in? Check. Apply for the rural county grant? Check. Confrontation with the steaming mad, smoking hot local farmer? Well, that wasn’t on the agenda. 

As pretty as she is sweet, Colt can’t help but be drawn to Darby’s…peaches. No really, she’s a peach farmer. Get that mind out of the gutter, and get on down to the farm to see what happens when circumstances force Colt and Darby to team up. They may just find that the peach trees aren’t the only things in bloom.

** All of the books in the Sex & Sweet Tea series can be read as standalones, but if you’d like to see where it all began, download Ain’t He Precious? (Sex & Sweet Tea, Book #1) for #FREE: http://juliettepoe.com/bookstore/aint-he-precious/ **

 

Linnie and I trudge up the stairs hand in hand. She chatters away about fishing and pesters me about going to look for chickens. I help her get undressed and slip her nightgown over her head. Linnie crawls into bed, grabs her favorite stuffed animal, which is a beaten-up old brown bear she’s had since she was a baby. She tucks it in close and turns on her side, looking up at me. “Mom… are you going to kiss Colt tonight?” My jaw drops, and I stare aghast at my daughter. “Why would you ask something like that? You’re only seven—what do you know about kissing?” Linnie rolls her eyes, meaning my daughter must know more than I give her credit for.Regardless, I shut the conversation down. I had indeed thought about kissing Colt before he left, but I don’t want my daughter thinking about it. Pulling the covers up to her chin, I lean over and press my lips to her forehead. “You’re far too young to worry about kissing.” Linnie giggles. In a singsongy voice, she says “Mommy and Colt, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” Standing up straight, I give my daughter a chastising look, but turn away from her before I start laughing. I walk to her doorway and before I turn the light off, I glance back at her. She’s so precious laying there staring at me with a sweet smile on her face and a heart full of love. “Good night, baby.” “Good night, Mom,” she says. “I love you.” “I love you, too.”

 


 

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Juliette Poe is the sweet and swoony alter ego of New York Times Best Selling author, Sawyer Bennett.

A fun-loving southern girl, Juliette knows the allure of sweet tea, small towns, and long summer nights, that some of the best dates end sitting on the front porch swing, and that family is top priority. She brings love in the south to life in her debut series, Sex & Sweet Tea.

When Juliette isn’t delivering the sweetest kind of romance, she’s teaching her southern belle daughter the fine art of fishing, the importance of wearing Chucks, and the endless possibilities of a vivid imagination.

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN

Juliette Poe is graciously offering a Kindle copy of PRETTY AS A PEACH  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Juliette Poe on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to anyone able to accept a direct-to- Kindle copy from Amazon and the author.

9. Giveaway runs from February 17-21, 2018

 

PRETTY AS A PEACH, the fourth installment of Juliette Poe’s Sex & Sweet Tea series, is coming March 15! We’re celebrating with a chance to win a SIGNED PAPERBACK & $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Entering to win is easy as pie! THREE WAYS TO ENTER here —–> http://bit.ly/PrettyPeach_GA1

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The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository/ iTunes

 

Description:
He’ll do what it takes
To win
Her heart

Glory Day may be losing her vision, but that doesn’t mean she’ll ever stop fighting. Determined to provide for her struggling family, she confronts an outlaw with a price on his head. But when a mysterious cowboy gets between her and her target, Glory accidentally shoots him instead. Flustered, she has no option but to take the handsome stranger home to treat his wounds.

Former Texas Ranger Luke McClain didn’t plan to fall in love, but there’s no denying the strength of Glory’s will or the sweetness of her heart. But Glory’s been burned before, and Luke will have to reach into the depths of his own battered soul to convince her to take a chance…

And trust that love is worth fighting for.

 

 

Review:

The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her Texas Heroes series.  I loved the first book in this series, and I am happy to say this was as equally as good. I do not read much western romances, but I have come to love Linda Broday’s writing and I will continue to read her books. 

Glory Day is our heroine, and she was a wonderful one at that.  Glory is tough, not like the fancy woman living in her town.  Glory has to take care of her family, as they are in dire straits financially with her father in jail for something he did not commit.   Glory wears britches, and goes out hunting daily for food; one day she finds an outlaw, who has a big bounty on his head, and just when she plans to bring him in, another cowboy arrives almost at the same time and they argue who gets to take the man in.  When they are not looking the outlaw pulls the rifle away from Glory and it ricochets and shoots the cowboy in the leg, not to mention the outlaw gets away.

Luke McClain, our hero, whom we met in the first book, is the cowboy, who will come to stay with Glory and her family, while she helps to heal the wound.  Luke is a former Texas Ranger, who lost his job being framed by someone, who he is searching for to clear his name.

Glory’s family was amazing.  Her youngest sister, Patience was so sweet and cute, and a nonstop talker. Hope, was the middle sister, who was more helpful to Glory, and also the cook in the family.  Their mother, who misses her husband, is somewhat of an invalid, but later we learn she was addicted to some medicine.  Luke recuperates in this house, and in a short time he learns to care about them all.  He also finds himself falling hard for Glory, despite her tough cowgirl look. Glory herself is also finding herself attracted to the handsome Luke, but she is a bit stubborn, unable to accept that he really does care about her

Luke will overhear the problems they have financially and the threat of foreclosure on their house.  He wants to help them, but Glory is determined to find a way to fix things herself, not what she thinks is charity.  When he leaves to find the outlaw, Glory will catch up with him, as she needs the money.  The story also adds another element, with Glory slowly losing her eye sight. 

Luke will leave again, after paying off their foreclosure, and saying goodbye to Glory.  He is going on a mission undercover (he doesn’t tell her) and feels he could be killed.  Will Luke survive and come back to Glory? 

I really loved this heartwarming story, as Glory and Luke were such a great couple.  The family was also fun to be with, and it was great to see Duel and Jessie (previous book heroes) again closer to the end to help Luke. Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful couple, sweet romance,  great secondary characters, action and so very well written.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

A light touch on Glory’s shoulder gave her a start. The hand surely belonged to Luke, for only he could loosen this flurry inside. She blinked several times, cursing the inability to see what he held. At last the item came into view.

A toothbrush. A real one.

Glory whirled. Every well-planned, scathing remark vanished, not even the mere footprint of one remained in her head. She cradled the treasure with wonder.

“You hankered for one of these the first time I saw you in the emporium. I also recall how you had to bite your tongue to keep from giving those girls their comeuppance.” Quiet challenge lay beneath Luke’s words. He dared her to refuse something she so desired. If she could.

Moral indignation that had burned so hotly before deserted her. “I thought you didn’t notice me that day. You appeared quite taken with the…other patrons.”

“Oh, I noticed.”

In a Monday that held more twists and turns than a dog’s hind leg, his barely audible reply and intent stare added yet more bewilderment. Why did he have to go and make her forget her outrage? Awfully difficult to harbor a grudge when he seemed intent on filling her head with hope.

She stared at the object in her palm, afraid it would fade into thin air as the genie in the Arabian Nights had. Fairy tales were for children, not grown women who knew better. McClain couldn’t be Aladdin—unless he whipped out a magic carpet. This night she wouldn’t rule out anything.

“Say something, Glory.” Hope gave her a sharp poke.

Patience grinned. “If you wanna kiss him, we’ll hide our eyes.”

Hell’s bells! If she didn’t die of mortification, it would be a sheer miracle.

“I know you want to,” Patience crowed. “Leastways that’s what you wrote in your private book.”

“What kind of woman would pass up a kiss?” Luke raised her chin with the lightest of nudges.

Her legs threatened to buckle. Powerless in the spell of his gaze, she marveled at the rakish curve of his mouth. The essence of him wrapped around, over, and inside her as she gladly stepped onto his magic carpet.

One more kiss wouldn’t hurt anything.

A sudden scurry of feet seemed in the distance. Glory’s ears pounded. His frenzied heartbeat jumped through the fabric of his shirt. She sank into the curve of his arm because he stole her will to step back.

The kiss that began with tender softness deepened. She shuddered under his caress, a piece of clay in the hands of a master.

Her feverish skin throbbed with some strange need she didn’t comprehend. She only knew if she died in his arms this second, she would depart the world in a state of bliss.

When he lifted his head at last, she would have fallen without his steadying support. She rested her face on his broad chest for a moment to still the dizzying whirl.

“Thank you.” His murmur came faint as a breeze through willows. His ragged breath ruffled her hair.

A few seconds later, she remembered where they stood and the liberties she’d allowed. Never before had she been so carefree. Or so warm. “Good heavens!” She patted her hair, giving the room a sweeping glance, relieved to find it empty. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Whatever it was, I hope it remembers the way back.”

She groaned inwardly and lowered her eyes before he saw the answer. For the cost of a handful of wind she would stand before the preacher with him.

Darn him and his magic carpet!

Fact remained, no amount of wishing could erase the truth. Her father left…and so had her mother, though each in a different way. At the end of the day, she could put faith only in herself.
What hand of fate had flung him into her life? The man seemed to take extraordinary liberty in assaulting her with his presence at every turn—with no intention of staying.

“I need to ask where you got the money to pay off our note—and buy all this.” The pain inside made her voice sound cold.

“Will it matter?”

Glory wished for things that could never be. To stifle yearnings that swept her along like a dandelion in a sudden gust would take more will than she possibly had. And even more impossible…blocking the knowledge that she could forgive all else as long as he promised to never leave. She gripped the toothbrush. “I must know.”

“In my own time.” He brushed her cheek lightly with a fingertip.

Only after she could do a sight more than melt did she dare raise her eyes. “You’ve involved us in whatever it is you do.”

“Fair enough. First tell me what you were doing with your esteemed Dr. Dalton.”

Anger put her on familiar ground. She rested her hands on her hips and jutted her chin defiantly. Magic carpet rides were for damsels without obligations and those who could afford to daydream. “He’s not my anything. And I don’t have to justify it. Don’t let us keep you from wherever it is you need to mosey on to.”

“Fire and damnation! I’m trying to help.”

 

 


At a young age, LINDA BRODAY discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day.

 

Find Linda Online:
Website: https://www.lindabroday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor
Twitter: @LBroday
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1204489.Linda_Broday

 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Enter to win a copy of the first book in Linda Broday’s Texas Heroes series, Knight on the Texas Plains

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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Today’s 6th Anniversary Giveaway with Alexandrea Weis

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Today’s 6th Anniversary Giveaway with Alexandrea Weis

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Alexandrea Weis is graciously offering an ebook copy of DAMNED and BLACKWELL to one commenter: and a signed paper copy of DAMNED and BLACKWELL to another commenter.

There will be TWO (2) winners: ONE (1) commenter will receive an ebook copy of DAMNED and BLACKWELL: ONE (1) commenter will received a signed paper copy of DAMNED and BLACKWELL to another commenter

Paper copy giveaway open US only: ebook copies open INTERNATIONALLY

Click HERE to find Alexandrea Weis and more about the fabulous Magnus Blackwell Series.

Please follow Alexandrea Weis on Facebook.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Please follow Alexandrea Weis on Facebook.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Paper copy giveaway open US only: ebook copies open INTERNATIONALLY

10. Giveaway runs until February 4-14, 2018

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When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham – Review, Interview, Tour & Giveaway

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When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham – Review, Interview, Tour & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

 

Description:
Willa Brown never planned to stay in Cottonbloom. She was on the way to somewhere else when she landed there and found work at the Abbot brothers’ garage. . .and a sense of comfort and safety that she had never known. The same holds true for Jackson Abbott himself. With one glance in her direction, he can make Willa’s heart melt. But what begins as an unrequited crush turns into something far more powerful than Willa could have ever imagined. . .

Jackson’s most meaningful relationship has always been with his car—and he’s not afraid to admit it. Still, he can’t help but become emotionally entangled with his new star mechanic Willa, who is definitely hiding some dark secrets of her own beneath the hood. Jackson desperately wants Willa to trust him, and to seek protection in his arms. But even as the two slowly surrender to their shared attraction, the danger lurking in Willa’s past remains a stubborn obstacle. Can she open up enough to give them both a chance at having real and lasting love?

 

 

Review:

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is the 5th book in her wonderful Cottonbloom series.  I have enjoyed every book in this series, and this book is no different….I loved When The Stars Come Out.

Willa Brown, our heroine, has worked at the Abbot garage for the two years she has been in Cottonbloom.  Willa loves her job, as she grew up fixing cars, but she keeps secrets about her past life, knowing when anyone gets too close, she will run.   Jackson Abbot and the rest of the Abbot boys think highly of Willa, as one of the best mechanics.  Jackson has always befriended Willa, as his whole life is about cars, but now he begins to see her in another light.  Willa has always been attracted to Jackson, but hides how she feels.  Jackson and the family sense that Willa is hiding something, and Jackson begins to fear she will leave, and gives her a big raise to keep her.  In a short time, both will begin to spend more time out of the garage, as Jackson tries to help her, since her makeshift living quarters are bad.  When a mutt comes to Willa one day, she feeds him and earns his trust, and soon River (the mutt) will follow her to work, and the boys will also accept River. 

Soon Willa and Jackson, will act on their feelings, and a steamy romance will start.  Willa still looks over her shoulder, not trusting how happy she is with Jackson. He is determined to get her to talk and find out what she is running from.  He never thought he would fall in love, but now that he loves Willa, he will do anything to keep her.  I really did enjoy Sutton’s new friendship with Willa, and the fun of watching her help Willa dress up to attend a New Year’s Party.  When she realizes that she loves Jackson, she does reveal some truths to him, and though scared, will go back home to bring some kind of closure.  Jackson will get help from his family to find and help Willa, which was very nicely done. 

There is a side story about  the bad brother, Ford,  who is putting the garage at risk by selling his share to someone else.  This will lead to the next book, with I think Mack as the hero. 

I really loved Jackson and Willa together; as their romance was sweet, sexy and emotional.  Jackson was not only sweet and caring, but he was a hunk.  Willa was a strong, independent & likable heroine;  with some sassy humor.

When The Stars Come Out reads very well as a standalone.  It was a wonderful storyline, and great to see all the other characters that we have come to know from the previous books.   Laura Trentham once again gives us a wonderful story, great characters, fabulous couple, heartwarming small town atmosphere, and a sweet wonderful romance. You should be reading this series, and I can’t wait to return to Cottonbloom.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Hi Laura.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.   

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Laura:  I am a former chemical engineer and stay-at-home mom who has always been an avid reader. Once my youngest started school, I needed something to occupy me. Going back to engineering wasn’t attractive because I didn’t want to put the kids in daycare if I could help it. In January 2012, I dropped the kids off at school, sat down at my computer, and started what would be An Indecent Invitation, Book 1 of my Regency romance series Spies and Lovers. Six weeks later when I triumphantly typed The End, I didn’t know what a mess it was. But I learned. And learned and learned and rewrote and rewrote that book. That book got me an agent, finaled in the Golden Heart®, and was my first manuscript to sell to a publisher. I was in my early 40s. To me it’s a lesson in reinvention and following your passion no matter how old you are. What’s more important is how hard you’re willing to work and how willing you are to learn.  

TRC: You write such wonderful romances in each book of your Cottonbloom series.  Can you give us a brief description of When the Stars Come Out, and how you continue to come up with ideas for this series. 

Laura: When the Stars Come Out is the 5th book in the Cottonbloom series but can be read as a standalone. It’s set in the Louisiana side of Cottonbloom and features Willa Brown, a female mechanic who works at Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration. She’s hiding from her past and nurturing a crush on Jackson Abbott. Jackson is a broody loner (and twin brother of Wyatt from Leave the Night On) who finally notices Willa as more than his right-hand woman in the garage. It’s both a dream and nightmare situation for Willa who is terrified her past will put Jackson in danger.

My husband is a classic car lover and restores them in his spare time. I’ve watched many, many hours of car shows. I got the idea for the Abbott Brothers from a show called Fast and Loud which is a reality show set in a car restoration business in Texas. But I get ideas from news stories, music, and even commercials.  

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place? 

Laura:  Process? I don’t need no stinkin’ process! (<- Blazing Saddles reference:) I don’t do much (any) preplotting. I get an idea, which invariably includes the opening scene, and I sit down to write it. I let the story naturally unfold. This is where having a science background of logical cause and effect relationships helps. Although the discoveries along the way are exhilarating, it can also be a little scary, because I have a fear that *this time* it’s not going to work. Somehow I seem to find my way to the end of every book. I have school age kids so by necessity I write while they are in school. I’m not a writer who needs a ritual. I have an office in my house, but sometimes I like kicking back on the couch with my laptop. I actually get more words down if I’m forced out of my house (the internet is a productivity killer.) I’ll also use my phone and dictate while I’m in car line if I get behind. Basically, I prescribe to the Tim Gunn Make It Work mantra. 

Thank you, Laura for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with When the Stars Come Out. 

 

 

Willa glanced down and back up at Jackson through her lashes. The gentle, flirtatious look hit him like a punch. This time his heart kicked like he might require someone to call 911. “Do I clean up good?”
He knew what she wanted to hear and later, in the dark solitude of his bed, he’d tell her and, even better, show her. But, for now, he tempered his response, hoping to get a rise out of her. “Not bad.”
She stepped forward and punched his arm. It might have stung if she hadn’t tipped to the side as her fist made contact. Her eyes popped wide and a little huff escaped. With reaction times honed on the racetrack, he wrapped his arm around her waist, bringing her flush with his body.
“You sure you know how to operate those shoes?” This time he couldn’t keep the smile off his face.
“They don’t require a license. And I was doing fine until you showed up.”
Her admission made him feel slightly better. He wasn’t the only one who was off balance. Her body notched into his perfectly with the added inches the heels lent her. His focus dropped from her sparking eyes to her mouth. Maybe he’d kiss the gloss off them right now. His lips hovered an inch from hers. So close he could feel the ramp-up of her breathing. Or was that his breathing spinning out of control?

An award-winning author, Laura Trentham was born and raised in a small town in Tennessee. Although, she loved English and reading in high school, she was convinced an English degree equated to starvation. She chose the next most logical major—Chemical Engineering—and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years.

She writes sexy, small town contemporaries and smoking hot Regency historicals. KISS ME THAT WAY, Cottonbloom Book 1, won the Stiletto Contest for Best Long Contemporary and finaled in the National Readers Choice Award. THEN HE KISSED ME, Cottonbloom Book 2, was named an Amazon Best Romance of 2016 and was a finalist for the National Excellence for Romance Fiction. TILL I KISSED YOU, Cottonbloom Book 3, is a finalist in the Maggie contest. LEAVE THE NIGHT ON, the latest Cottonbloom book, was named an iBooks Best Book of the Month and a Recommended Read from NPR.

When not lost in a cozy Southern town or Regency England, she’s shuttling kids to soccer, helping with homework, and avoiding the Mt. Everest-sized pile of laundry that is almost as big as the to-be-read pile of books on her nightstand.

 

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraTrentham

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraTrentham

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lauratrentham/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bwbOkD

Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laura-trentham

 

 

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Enter to win the first four (4) books in the Cottonbloom series!
Kiss Me That Way, Book 1
Then He Kissed Me, Book 2
Till I Kissed You, Book 3
Leave the Night On, Book 4
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Happy New Year 2018

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Happy New Year 2018

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2017 was another amazing year for books and reviews with new authors, new series and the welcome hug of familiar authors and story line characters. As we enter into a new year, The Reading Cafe has surpassed 5,000 members, and will celebrate our sixth anniversary, and we have you to thank. Remember to join us in the month of February for our amazing giveaways and contests.

Happy New Year from all of us at The Reading Cafe. We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018

Sandy, Barb, Vickie, Georgianna, Rachel, Carmen, Marcie, Xtina, Erin, Julie B, and Tricia

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Tamed by Christmas by Sidney Valentine – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Tamed by Christmas by Sidney Valentine – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Author: Sidney Valentine

Title: Tamed by Christmas

Genre: Aussie Cowboy Romance

Release Date: November 21, 2017

Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing

 

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TMC Teaser

Description:
An Aussie cowboy, his feisty ex, and an unprecedented storm. Jett Wayne’s Christmas becomes complicated.

When Paris loses her job days before Christmas, her world crumbles. She returns to her parents’ home in outback Australia where she plans on eating enough food to fall into a coma and sleep straight until New Year’s. But when she unwittingly bumps into her ex on her way home, old feelings awaken.

Picking up Paris from the airport isn’t on Jett Wayne’s to-do list. Neither is dealing with their history or her cranky mood. Shit happens, like his one mistake that drove them apart. When he sees her again, he remembers the vulnerable girl from his hometown who rode horses bareback, who never backed down from an argument, and who stole his love.

When they find themselves stranded during an unprecedented storm, they’re faced with explosive emotions, secrets, and uncontrollable desires. Will Jett gamble on a second chance before Paris leaves him for good this time?

 

 

Review:

Tamed by Christmas by Sidney Valentine is a Christmas story.  Paris lost her job at Christmas and decides to go home and sulk.  She wasn’t expecting Jett to pick her up at the airport and he was the last person she expected to see.  He broke her heart years ago, he was the reason she left her hometown and ran to the city.  She wasn’t ready to face life right now, much less deal with him.

Jett couldn’t ignore what he felt for Paris when her saw her for the first time in years.  But he was different now, more mature, with real life responsibilities.  He didn’t want to play games anymore.  When the crazy weather leaves them stranded, they are forced to face their past and deal with their rekindled present attraction.  Can they face their past mistakes and hold on to the love they feel for each other?

Tamed by Christmas is a sweet, uplifting Christmas story!  Paris and Jett have amazing chemistry, and this is a lovable second chance love story.  Paris has a hot temper, which is hilarious.  She flies off the handle quickly and the way Jett handles it is so funny.  She’s all puffed up with anger and Jett deflates her rather quickly with his calm attitude and responses.  This is a lovely, romantic Christmas story that doesn’t disappoint!

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy provided by Publisher

 

excerpt

 

“She spun, with bag in hand, and hoofed it down the room, dodging people left and right. She had to get away from him and fast.
“Paris!” Jett called out. “Wait up.”
Oh geez, because clearly the curse hadn’t finished with her, now it threw Jett in her face? What next? He’d invite her to his wedding and announce his wife-to-be was pregnant with twins. God, she shouldn’t care, but that might kill her. She had no boyfriend to gloat about, no job, and was returning to her parents’ place to hide from the world. Yep, her armoury was empty to battle against Jett. But it was more than just gloating or acting as if she was better than him. He was her first boyfriend, her first lover, her first true love. And she accepted long ago that he would always have a piece of her heart, but she sure as hell didn’t want him flaunting his awesome life in front of her. Bad enough everyone in Yalgoo would ask her a million questions, but Jett was a problem on a whole different plane of existence. She planned to stay in her parents’ house the whole visit to avoid bumping into him in town.
Footfalls closed in, and she glanced behind her to find him marching after her with determination, his brows pinched. With a huff, she stopped and whirled to face him. “What do you want?”
“Where are you off to in such a rush? Last time I saw you run this fast was when Ned’s bull escaped the yard and chased you down the street.” Those crystal eyes, crowned with thick brows, could have melted her on the spot, but she wouldn’t let him affect her. He’d done enough of that to last a lifetime.
“If I remember right, it was you who released the animal.”
He laughed, the sound a feather across her skin. How dare he make her feel good in his company? After what he did, he didn’t deserve a second of her time. “Well, it was great to reminisce with you,” she said. “I’ve got to go.”
“And where are you going exactly?”
Paris stormed off and responded without turning around. “Looking for my lift.”
“You’ve just found him.”
Wait! What? She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around, meeting his devilish grin. Oh, great. Thank you, universe, for topping my wonderful Christmas homecoming.”


 

 

About The Author

sidney Valentine

 Sidney Valentine is an Aussie girl who loves everything about traveling. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and spends her time exploring the wild outdoors. But she always carries with her a writing pad in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. While she works in marketing during the day, she never stops writing her romance stories set in Australia as a way to rejuvenate from the bustle of the real world. She is often found at local coffee shops with her laptop, writing about people falling in love.

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WIN an e-copy of Wicked Choice by Sawyer Bennett-Giveaway Promotion

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WIN an e-copy of WICKED CHOICE (Wicked Horse: Vegas) by Sawyer Bennett-Giveaway Promotion

Wicked Choice giveaway

Heat up your December! WICKED CHOICE by Sawyer Bennett is releasing January 2, but we have your chance to win an e-ARC of this sinfully sexy, friends-to-lovers romance before it releases!

Wicked Choice

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks / Google/

giveaway

TO ENTER for your chance to win an e-ARC of WICKED CHOICE, do any/all of the following:

➜ LIKE and COMMENT on this post

 IMPORTANT: you MUST comment on this post to qualify for the giveaway as the winner’s name will be chosen from the comments below.

➜ TAG friends in the comments below

➜ SHARE this post with your friends/followers

➜ Giveaway runs from December 11-14, 2017

You can follow Sawyer’s page for updates and more: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks/

#preorder Wicked Choice (Wicked Horse Vegas, Book #4):

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks / Google/

 

To receive an email notification when Wicked Choice is available for purchase, please sign up here: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2017

Rachel Hart and Bodie Wright are nothing more than teammates. As mercenaries for hire with the elite Jameson Group, they have each other’s backs in the most dangerous of circumstances. But after a mission gone deadly wrong, Rachel does something she’s never done before. She crosses the professional line and takes comfort in Bodie’s arms.

One night of passion turns their lives upside down with a pregnancy neither of them expected, and one that Rachel was too terrified to ever want. Bodie, however, is a family man through and through, and he’s determined to raise their child alone if necessary.

The only common thread Rachel and Bodie have is their membership at The Wicked Horse, a sex club that lets them both fulfill their dirtiest fantasies with each other. As they become more intimately entwined, the strong, steady man with a heart of gold makes Rachel question everything she ever thought she knew about herself. Their wicked nights together make them so much more than teammates and Rachel is about to discover the choices she thought were the most difficult are actually the easiest ones to make.

** All books in the Wicked Horse Vegas series can be read as standalones. **

 

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