Stranded For Christmas (Holiday Acres #4) by Noelle Adams-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS (Holiday Acres #4) by Noelle Adams-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2018

A snowstorm. Her much older business partner. One very hot night.

Laura Holiday doesn’t believe in romance. Her life revolves around her work and her six-year-old son. The last thing she wants is a fling with her friend and business partner, Russ Matheson, who is emotionally unavailable and fourteen years older than her. But one night in a snowstorm changes their relationship forever.

The Holiday Acres series

Stranded on the Beach (Book 1, Rebecca and Phil)
Stranded in the Snow (Book 2, Olivia and Scott, published in the Snowed in for Christmas anthology)
Stranded in the Woods (Book 3, Penny and Kent)
Stranded for Christmas (Book 4, Laura and Russ)

•••••••••

REVIEW: STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS is the fourth full-length instalment in Noelle Adams’ contemporary, adult HOLIDAY ACRES romance series. This is friends and business partners, thirty-one year old, single mother Laura Holiday and forty-five year old, Russ Matheson’s story line. STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: There is plenty of bad blood between the Holiday and Matheson families, bad blood that has resulted in a long-standing feud over ownership of the Holiday family owned Holiday Acres in central Virginia. Years earlier, the Holiday patriarch Jed Holiday partnered up with Russ’s father, and then cheated the Matheson family out of their share of the business after the older man died. When Russ’s brother found out, a huge fight ensued wherein Jed Holiday and the two families fell into a heartbreaking feud that ended when both men died. The current generation of Holidays has extended an olive branch hoping to push aside the poison and lies that all but destroyed two families.

NOTE: Several events in Stranded For Christmas crossover with events, and run parallel to events in the previous instalments.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Russ and Laura) STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS follows the friends to lovers relationship between business partners and friends, thirty-one year old, Laura Holiday and forty-five year old, Russ Matheson. Four years earlier the Holiday family offered to make up for the their father’s actions but only our hero, Russ Matheson, took up the offer to share in the Holiday Acres cottage and tree farm business. Fast forward to present day wherein Russ Matheson continues to pine after the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who struggles with betrayal and mistrust due to events in her past. Enter Laura Holiday, Russ Matheson’s business partner, and the woman with whom Russ would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Russ and Laura when a sudden snowstorm traps our couple in a Holiday cottage.

Laura Holiday is a single mother who has no time for relationships except the one with her six year old son. Burned in the past, Laura struggles to accept men at face value including the man with whom she will fall in love. Feisty and belligerent, emotional and overly sensitive (like her sister Olivia-Stranded in the Snow) our heroine battles between head and heart with every encounter with our story line hero. Russ Matheson has never known love including the love from his father. Meeting Laura Matheson, years earlier, found Russ hoping for his own happily ever after, but HEAs are only found in fairy-tales as Russ would soon discover. Miscommunication and a complete misunderstanding forces Russ to walk away from the woman he loves, as Laura continues to focus on the potential for failure fearing betrayal and heart break at every corner.

The relationship between Laura and Russ is a friends to lovers romance. Laura struggles with their age difference, and stepping out of her comfort zone places Laura in a vulnerable position to be burned, once again. Russ has battled his attraction to Laura for as long as he can remember, an attraction he knows is mutual, regardless of Laura’s emotional tirades and outbursts. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Olivia and Scott (Stranded in the Snow), and Penny and Kent (Stranded in the Woods), as well as Laura’s six year old son Tommy.

STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS is a story of family, friendship, heart break and betrayal. The premise is engaging; the characters are charismatic and colorful; the romance struggles in the face of perceived slights and a distinct case of misunderstanding and miscommunication. I did struggle with the heroine’s attitude, and her need to destroy Russ’s self-esteem and heart. Laura’s back and forth emotional ups and downs were enough to give me whiplash, and I believe Russ deserved a more stable mate than Laura’s quick to run and jump persona. My dislike of the heroine affected my enjoyment of the overall story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“The snow is getting bad,” Russ said, turning back to look out the window.
“Is it?” Laura looked pretty and flustered and breathless. Her shoulder-length brown hair was slipping out of her ponytail, and she must have gotten hot because she’d taken off her sweater. She was wearing a fitted white shirt that gave him a clear view of her slim body, including the luscious curve of her breasts.
Russ dragged his eyes back up to her face, but that didn’t really help because she looked flushed and tousled, like she might have just gotten out of bed.
His bed.
He gulped, remembering how she’d looked that morning in her pajamas.
He really needed to stop thinking such things.
Laura would be mad as hell if she found out.
“Russ?”
He blinked, trying to refocus on their conversation. “What?”
“I asked if it was really bad out there.”
“Oh yeah. Take a look. It looks like the parking lot is mostly empty, so the customers have obviously cleared out. The roads must be pretty bad. You probably should have picked Tommy up early.”
“Shit.” Laura came over to stand beside him so she could look out the window too. “Well, I better go get him now before it gets any worse.”
“You want me to drive you?”
She turned her gaze up at him, her brown eyes big and deep. “I’m capable of driving in the snow, you know.”
“I know you are. It was just an offer.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll take the SUV.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Olivia and Penny have to go out in this too. And I’ve got to stop by Candy Cane Cottage to assess the damage to the bathroom.”
“Surely that can wait.”
“We’ve got someone else renting it this weekend. I need to assess it so Ed has time to fix it tomorrow morning.”
Russ shook his head. “That driveway to Candy Cane Cottage is steep. You’re never going to get up it in this snow. And if you get up, you won’t be able to get down.”
“I’ll be fine. I told you I’m taking the SUV.”
“You’re putting a lot of faith in the powers of an SUV.”
“Oh shut up.” Her words weren’t sharp. Her expression was almost fond. “I can’t believe this snow. Why couldn’t it wait a few more hours?”
“The weather isn’t prone to following your timeline.” His voice was dry because she was still standing very close. He could smell the fresh scent of her hair. He wanted to tangle his fingers in it. He wanted to trace the freckles on her face and neck with his tongue.
“I don’t know why it shouldn’t follow my timeline. My timeline is a good one.” Her voice lilted slightly, and she leaned against the wall as she gazed up at him.
Russ took a step closer to her so he could smell her again. “I’ll let the weather know it needs to improve its performance to fall in line with your schedule.”
She took a shaky little breath, and her eyes dropped, causing her thick lashes to spread out against her freckled skin in a way that enchanted him. He edged a little closer, bracing one hand on the wall beside her.
He had her trapped against the wall now, and he’d completely forgotten the track of their conversation. His breathing had quickened, and his body had tightened, and his mind was buzzing with attraction. Need.
Something a lot deeper.
She wasn’t pushing him away. She wasn’t trying to cut the tension. She looked breathless. Excited.
Like maybe she wanted him to kiss her.
He wanted to kiss her more than he’d ever wanted to kiss anyone in his forty-five years. He’d assumed that was something she’d never want, but maybe…
Maybe…
He leaned forward a little more. He could hear her quick intake of breath. Her eyes darted up to his face and then down again.
“Russ,” she said, raising a hand to put on his chest the way she had that morning in the kitchen.
“Yes?” His voice was way too husky, but there was nothing he could do about that. She was so close. Almost within reach at last.
Her fingers fisted in the fabric of his shirt. “Russ.”
“Yes.” This time it wasn’t a question. It was the pure articulation of his heart.
She licked her lips, and the small gesture made his groin harden. “Russ, please don’t.”
He’d been leaning forward even more, but at that he grew very still. “Don’t what?”
“You know what.” She took another breath—different this time—and looked up to meet his eyes again. “Please don’t.”
“Laura, I’m not going to do anything you don’t want, but I think maybe you do want—”
“I don’t—” She broke in, dropping her hand from his shirt. “Please don’t.”
Russ sighed and took a purposeful step back, feeling like he’d been hit by a truck.
Laura gave him another quick look and then grabbed her purse and started for the door.
“Be careful,” Russ said as she left. “The roads are bad out there.”
“I’m always careful.”


 

Copyright © 2018 Stranded for Christmas by Noelle Adams
 

Stranded on the Beach (Holiday Acres #1)

A forced vacation on the beach. The man who broke her heart. A second chance at love.

Rebecca Holiday’s sisters force her to take a two-week vacation on the beach for some much needed rest, but then she runs into the man who broke her heart, the only man she’s ever loved.

When they decide to spend time together, it’s only supposed to be closure, but what they might discover is a second chance at love.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

ONLY 99¢ Available:  Amazon  |  Amazon.ca  | Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

••••••••••

Stranded in the Snow (Holiday Acres #2)

An unexpected snowstorm. The man she hates the most. One very hot night.

Olivia Holiday does not expect to spend the weekend stranded in a romantic cottage during a snowstorm with the one man she resents the most. Scott Matheson is a player and holds a grudge against her family, and she really shouldn’t find him so hot. They share a deep history as well as an attraction, and it all comes out as they’re trapped together for one hot night.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Amazon.ca  | Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

••••••••••

Stranded in the Woods (Holiday Acres #3)

A surprise snowstorm. A grumpy recluse. One very hot night.

When Penny Holiday gets stranded during a snowstorm, she has to seek refuge with Kent Matheson, a childhood friend who lives like a hermit and has never forgiven her family. Kent is everything she shouldn’t want, but feelings are awakened in his cabin in the woods that don’t disappear when the snow finally melts.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Amazon.ca  | Barnes and Noble |  Kobo  |  iTunes

 

 

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Connect with Noelle:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  BookBub

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

Noelle is offering one (1) lucky Grand Prize winner a paperback set of her Holiday Acres series containing Stranded on the Beach, Stranded in the Snow, Stranded in the Woods, and Stranded for Christmas! Two (2) Runner-ups will receive an eCopy of one book from Noelle’s backlist titles (winner’s choice). To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Christmas With a Rock Star Anthology: Paradise in Oblivion by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-a review

CHRISTMAS WITH A ROCK STAR Anthology –PARADISE IN OBLIVION by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2018

CHRISTMAS WITH A ROCK STAR is a collection of Christmas themed short stories from New York Times and USA Today bestselling rock star romance authors. Hot rock stars for Christmas. The perfect gift to crank up the heat on a cold, winter night. All new content

•••••••••••••

NOTE: My review covers PARADISE IN OBLIVION by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott

REVIEW: PARADISE IN OBLIVION by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott found in the multi-authored CHRISTMAS WITH A ROCK STAR anthology is a contemporary adult, erotic, romance short story set in the authors’ Lost in Oblivion series. PARADISE IN OBLIVION can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the Rock Revenge Trilogy as some of the events in the current time-line are a direct result from some of the events in the aforementioned trilogy. PARADISE IN OBLIVION advances both series several months.

WARNING: If you have not read either of the previous two series there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ian and Zoe-Rock Revenge Trilogy), and several third person perspectives (Simon, Margo and Nick-Lost in Oblivion) PARADISE IN OBLIVION follows three couples, Simon and Margo, Nick and Lila, Ian and Zoe as they embark on a Christmas holiday on a remote Island where Simon and Margo own vacation property. Margo, heavily pregnant with Simon’s baby worries about her impending due date, and the potential problems with the worsening weather; Nick and Lila struggle with what may never be; and Ian and Zoe have a couple of surprise announcements that may or may not be what everyone wants to hear.

PARADISE IN OBLIVION is a quick, fun and sexy read that follows in the aftermath of the events of ROCK REDEMPTION and the Rock Revenge Trilogy wherein Simon will come face to face with the brother he never knew, and the ensuing disaster that almost cost him the woman he loved. A sweet story of reconciliation, family, friendship and love PARADISE IN OBLIVION is the perfect addition to Quinn and Elliott’s world of Oblivion.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Shamrock (Linear Tactical #3) by Janie Crouch-a review

SHAMROCK (Linear Tactical #3) by Janie Crouch-a review

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About the book: Release Date December 4, 2018

Every mission has a price.
He never meant for her to pay it.

Aiden has never left anyone behind. Not a comrade and certainly not an innocent. But when an undercover mission goes wrong, he’s forced to abandon a woman trapped in a human trafficking ring.

Violet learned brutally that no one is promised a happy ending. She knows Aiden blames himself for his part, but she refuses to let her abduction define the rest of her life.

She won’t be a victim again. And she’s going after what she wants: Aiden.

Watching Violet transform herself into a fierce warrior is the sexiest thing Aiden has ever seen. The honorable plan would be to stay away from her—let her heal and grow without the shadow of his mistakes clouding her progress—even though every instinct tells him to claim her for his own.

But when they discover the danger they thought they’d left behind is closer than ever, they’ll have to confront their fears and fight side-by-side in order to survive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SHAMROCK is the third instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL romantic, suspense series focusing on a group of former Special Forces soldiers who own and operate Linear Tactical, an Oak Creek, Wyoming business specializing in survival skills, security and protection. This is thirty-three year old, Special Forces Green Beret Aiden ‘Shamrock’ Teague, and twenty-two year old, engineering student/baker Violet Collingwood’s story line. SHAMROCK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: SHAMROCK contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual situations that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aiden and Violet) SHAMROCK follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-three year old, Special Forces Green Beret Aiden ‘Shamrock’ Teague, and twenty-two year old, engineering student/baker Violet Collingwood. Working undercover as an arms dealer for Linear Tactical, Special Forces Green Beret Aiden Teague would come face to face with his future in the guise of a young woman forced into sexual slavery against her will. Leaving behind the woman with the terrified eyes finds our hero putting a plan into motion to take down the people responsible, and rescue our heroine from the evil within. Enter twenty-two year old, engineering student/baker Violet Collingwood, and the woman with whom Aiden will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Aiden and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Violet is targeted for who she is, and what she knows; and Aiden struggles with his attraction to a woman he believes needs time to recover before starting something new.

Violet Collingwood is a genius; a chemical engineering student who prefers the chemical reactions of baking sweets to that of a sterile lab tucked away in a secret building far from the man that she is growing to love. Aiden Teague’s attraction to Violet is swift and fierce but our hero battles between head and heart knowing Violet has had little time in her recovery to accept what happened or what night have been.

The relationship between Violet and Aiden is one of immediate attraction but Violet was a prisoner, and Aiden was her would-be rescuer. Hoping to seduce our hero into her bed, Violet finds herself on the receiving end of rejection by the man who stole her heart. Biding his time until Violet was ready, Aiden will soon discover there is more to Violet than meets the eye. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Finn Bollinger and Charlie Devereaux (Eagle #2), Zac Mackay and Anne Griffin (Cyclone #1) Linear Tactical warrior Dorian Lindstrom; Finn’s sister and local waitress Waverly ‘Wavy’ Bollinger, Sheriffs Curtis Nelson, and Jordan Reiss, a young woman whose presence in Oak Creek, Wyoming is upsetting to most of the town residents; Violet’s brother Gabe Collingwood, and their parents’ best friend Edward Appleton. The requisite evil has many faces. Jordan and Gabe’s story line is next in Angel.

SHAMROCK is a story of family and friendships; betrayal and lies; recovery and healing. The premise is raw and real; the characters are animated, stubborn and spirited; the romance is seductive and hot. SHAMROCK is an edgy and energetic story of romantic suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cyclone
Eagle
Shamrock

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Her favorite quote: “Life is a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller.

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The Other Miss Bridgerton (A Bridgerton Prequel) by Julia Quinn-Review & Excerpt Tour

The Other Miss Bridgerton ( A Bridgerton Prequel) by Julia Quinn-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2018

She was in the wrong place…
Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers’ hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain’s bed…

He found her at the wrong time…
Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he’s stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real—and his duty to the Crown means he’s stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right?
When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal—though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew’s secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…?

••••••••

REVIEW: The Other Miss Bridgerton is a delightfully written romantic story that is unique and impossible to put down.

The story begins in early summer of 1786. Poppy Bridgerton was a headstrong young woman staying with her aristocratic aunt, Lady Bridgerton and had just finished doing the “season” thing. She was unattached and decided to visit her good friend who was about to have a child. She had taken to walks on the beach, but today she’d ditched her chaperone to explore some caves she’d found. She finds herself being kidnapped.

Captain Andrew James (Andrew Rokesby), is surprised when his men let him know they kidnapped a woman and she was in his cabin. He’s incredibly handsome, witty, well educated. In fact, unknown to Poppy, he’s a part of the Bridgerton’s neighboring family.

That’s the basic, and I do mean basic, setup. I won’t spoil this marvelously written story for you. Let me instead tell you what I found so fascinating.

Getting to know the irascible Poppy was delightful. She a character after my own heart. The original and interesting way the Julia Quinn sets the stage for these wonderful characters is excellent to say the least. Exploring Andrew was also delightful. His dual role in this is totally interesting. The conversations between Poppy and Andrew were, for me, reminiscent of those in my all time favorite The Wolf and the Dove. For anyone who hasn’t read it, it’s by Katherine Woodwiss and needs to be read by everyone.

I was asked to review this one for our favorite site, The Reading Café. However, I was having some issues with my email and ended up purchasing a copy to enable me to proceed with the review. I consider it an early Christmas present to myself. Yes, it’s that delightful. So not only am I reviewing for TRC, I’m a purchasing customer and happy about it. Will I be asking for the other Bridgerton books on my Christmas list? Of course, I will. I can’t wait to delve into more of these. I am an official Julia Quinn fan.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

He motioned with his arm, urging her a few more steps forward. “Careful,” he murmured.
Poppy looked to her toes. The deck came to an abrupt halt in front of her, its elevation dropping by several feet.
The captain hopped down. “The beakhead, my lady,” he said with a gallant wave to the triangular deck that formed the pointy front of the Infinity. He reached up and placed his hands on her hips to help her down.
But when she was steady, he didn’t let go.
“This is as far forward as one can stand on deck,” he told her.
She pointed to a spot a few feet ahead. “What about—”
“As one can stand safely on deck,” he amended. He adjusted their position so that he was standing behind her. “Now close your eyes.”
“But then I can’t see the stars.”
“You can open them later.”
She tilted her head to the left, right, and back again, as if to say, Oh, very well, but she closed her eyes.
“Now tilt your head up. Not all the way, just a bit.”
She did, and maybe it was that motion, or maybe it was just because she’d closed her eyes, but she felt instantly off-balance, as if something far greater than the ocean had stolen her equilibrium.
The captain’s hands tightened on her hips. “What do you feel?” he asked, his lips coming close to her ear.
“The wind.”
“What else?” She swallowed. Licked her lips.
“The salt in the air.”
“What else?”
“The motion, the speed.”
He moved his mouth closer. “What else?”
And then she said the one thing that had been true from the beginning.
“You.”


 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand fashion, appearing on the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame, her books have been translated into 29 languages, and she currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

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A Duke Changes Everything (Duke’s Den #1) by Christy Carlyle-Review & Excerpt Tour

A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (Duke’s Den #1) by Christy Carlyle-Review & Excerpt Tour

A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING
(Duke’s Den #1)
by Christy Carlyle
Release Date : November 27, 2018
genre: adult, historical romance

Amazon  | Amazon.ca | Avon Romance  | ChaptersIndigo | Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2018

In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Nicholas “Nick” Lyon has earned the right to be a scoundrel, a rogue and cad. He may be second in line to a Dukedom, but he doesn’t want or need it, leaving that dreadful place as a young man, Nick finds his feet with two best friends, and they co own a gentleman’s club (name?) he is cold and unfeeling and lays that at his fathers feet. So when his older brother dies and leaves the “Tremayne” estate to Nick, he wants nothing to do with it, he intends to ride there, leave a caretaker (or steward) in his place, and return to London as quick as he can….. only he meets up with the resident steward, And it’s not a man, but a young woman, and add in the fact she’s half way up a tree and wearing breeches!!! With his interest momentarily intrigued he agrees to go back and listen to her case …..

Thomasina “Mina” Thorne hadn’t meant for her first meeting with the new duke to take place in a tree !!! She had planned to show him around and plead her case, she loved her job, her father had been steward before her, she knew the job and she knew she did it well.

The chemistry between Nick and Mina, is a slow but steady burn, he wants to get back to London, but is intrigued with the young “steward” at Tremayne, but the his past is full of pain, so there is no way he wants to stay, but Mina has such a way with her, that he begins to see his home in a different light. But is it enough to give up the gentleman’s club ? And will Mina actually give up get role at Tremayne ?

It’s a nice little story to read in this wet and cold weather ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Nick looked at the dark drop of honey on her skin and his mouth watered. He licked his lips and looked into her eyes. The heat there made him want more. More moments like this with her. When there was no Enderley boxing them in, no duties that needed their attention. Just Mina and the odd, undeniable spark he’d felt between them from the day he arrived.

“I’d like a taste,” he told her quietly.

Mina bit her lip, and her brows dipped in concentration. She locked her gaze on his mouth and seemed to hold her breath as she slid a honeyed finger across his lower lip.

Nick swept his tongue out to taste and reached for her hand. Flavor burst inside his mouth in a shock of floral sweetness.

“Delicious,” he whispered before leaning closer, flicking his tongue out, and tasting the tip of her finger once more. “But I honestly can’t tell whether it’s you or the honey.”

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author CHRISTY CARLYLE writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://christycarlyle.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorchristycarlyle/
Twitter https://twitter.com/writerchristy
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7793628.Christy_Carlyle
Amazon https://amzn.to/2zb2e7Y

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Imagine (Black Raven #4) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

IMAGINE (Black Raven #4) by Stella Barcelona-Review, Guest post & Giveaway

IMAGINE
Black Raven #4
by Stella Barcelona
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense
Release Date: October 30, 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

One cruise ship. Multiple kidnappers. In the dark waters of the South China Sea, a handful of Black Raven agents are the only hope anyone has of living to see Christmas.

From the back cover:

Seventy-five of the world’s wealthiest gamblers are ringing in the holidays with a high-stakes, three-day tournament aboard the Imagine. As the ultra-luxury cruise ship departs from Macau, financial risks are enormous and security is tight. Agents Sylvia (Leo) Leon and Adam (Ace) Evans lead Black Raven’s on-board team. Months earlier, they gave into feelings that caught them both by surprise. Now, Leo wants nothing more than to ignore what Ace is dying to confront.

While adversaries execute a seemingly perfect, diabolical plan, Leo and Ace operate in stealth mode to save the Imagine’s passengers. As danger tests the limits of their training and expertise, and their simmering chemistry hits a boiling point, their chances of living to see Christmas narrow. For these two best friends, the Imagine job could change everything…in more ways than one.

•••••••••

REVIEW:Imagine begins with Agents Sylvia (Leo) Leon and Adam (Ace) Evans in New Orleans celebrating Halloween. The two have been best friends since joining Black Raven. Nothing has ever threatened that friendship until that night and that one unforgettable kiss…….. As they come to their senses, Leo wants nothing more than to forget that ever happened. Ace, however, has other ideas……….

Flash forward about six weeks or so, and we see Leo, Ace and a whole lot of other Black Raven agents in a meeting planning their next job. This is the first time the two have seen each other since New Orleans and the job sounds easy enough, until they find out they’re going undercover as an engaged couple. Once they are on board the ship, they play their respective parts to a tee, as do the other agents who have gone in undercover. During a break before the night’s festivities, Leo and Ace head to their room in order to get ready for the night. Ace confronts Leo about what happened between them and the feelings it has stirred within him and wants to know if she feels the same. She tries to shut him down, but gives into their mutual attraction. Ace then awakens a little bit later, or so he thinks. When he sees the time, he knows they’re in trouble. Knowing they’ve been gassed, he drags an unconscious Leo out onto their balcony so that they can get some fresh air and, hopefully, recover quickly from the affects of the gas. It doesn’t take either of them long to determine that the ship has been hijacked and spring into action. It also doesn’t take them long to figure out that they are up against a foe that is willing to do anything to get what he wants……

Imagine is a superbly written tale that draws you in from the very beginning. Leo and Ace have a chemistry that jumps out at you from their first words, but when the feelings heat up, the chemistry reaches out and grabs you and doesn’t let go. Their backstories add to the complexity of their friends to lovers story, but it’s Ace’s who will tug at your heart. The mystery and suspense is very well written and keeps you guessing, and gasping, until the end. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers, with a lot of suspense and action thrown in, along with scorching chemistry, you will never go wrong with any of the Black Raven novels. Well done, Stella Barcelona! Very, very well done!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Deceived
Shadows
Jigsaw
Concierge
Imagine

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Thank you for inviting me to The Reading Café. Your question – how do I keep focus while writing my stories – is a great question, because the truth is that keeping focused is difficult. Like everyone, I’m busy. Apart from writing, I have a legal career. I also have a family – humans and furry ones. To maintain my health, I have to exercise, stay reasonably fit, and eat the right things. The list goes on and on! I’m not complaining. It’s simply reality, and I’m grateful that my days are so full.

Are you wondering when I’ll focus on your question? Right now, I promise!

Part of my method of keeping focus involves eliminating all the distractions that I just mentioned (and more!) from the precious time that I’ve carved out of the day for writing. I use a mixture of plotting techniques, but the most important tricks I employ for focus are daily writing, eliminating distractions when writing, and writing early in the morning. Here’s a bit more about each one of these “habits:”

First, when working on a first draft, I try to write a bit every single day. No exceptions! If I skip a few days between writing sessions, I lose focus on the story. Plus, when I write every single day, my subconscious mind is better able to keep the story in play throughout the time that I dedicate to tasks other than writing.

In each writing session, I aim for two to three hours of writing time. However, I don’t beat myself up if I don’t have that much time; the important thing is sitting in the chair and thinking hard about the story, even if I only have a half hour.

Second, at home, I have a quiet office with two desks. One desk is dedicated to fiction writing, and nothing else. I don’t even conduct the business of being an author at that desk – it is dedicated solely to creating stories. There is no temptation to look at social media there, or do online shopping, or anything else, because I DON’T allow myself to do it. I think having a desk and chair dedicated to creativity helps me slip into writing mode the minute I sit. I also wear noise reduction headphones when I’m in my writing chair and I turn up music, which helps me focus.

If I’m in first-draft, daily-writing mode when we’re traveling, I find a place to write and, even if the place isn’t that quiet, using the headphones with music playing helps me focus on writing and eliminate distractions.

Third, I’m most creative in the early morning, so that is when I write. Procrastination until the end of the day kills my creativity and destroys my determination to write every day. I don’t always love pulling myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m., but once I’m in my writing chair I’m always glad that I did it!

I can’t say exactly why, but these three habits seem to work for me. Thanks again for inviting me to The Reading Cafe!

~~ Stella ~~

Follow Stella: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Stella Barcelona, author of romantic suspense novels, has always had an active imagination, a tendency to daydream, and a passion for reading romance, mysteries, and thrillers. From her early days of reading, when she first escaped reality through the pages of a well-written novel, she knew that her daydreams needed an outlet, and she knew that her outlet would be writing.

In day to day life, Stella is a lawyer and works for a court in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Stella lives minutes from the French Quarter, with her husband of sixteen years and two adorable papillons who believe that they are princesses. Stella loves to hear from readers on her Facebook page and can also be contacted through her website, www.stellabarcelona.com, where there’s information on appearances, her next release, and exciting contests that you won’t want to miss! While she doesn’t have a lot of free time with her legal and writing careers battling for her every minute, she does enjoy any chance she and her husband get to go out on their boat. In addition, she attends conferences, workshops, and retreats for writers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

Stella is graciously offering a $25 Amazon Gift Card, and a signed copy of Stella’s debut release that introduced the Black Raven series DECEIVED  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 LIKE and Follow Stella Barcelona on Facebook

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

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from December 1-6, 2018

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Rock Redemption (Rock Revenge Trilogy #3) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-a review

ROCK REDEMPTION (Rock Revenge Trilogy #3) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2018

I lost everything.

Stripped of all I’d found, now even my name is a scar.

A reminder of how far I’ve fallen and what was ripped away.

By my own devices, if not my own hand.

My music is all I have left, and the memories of the only woman I ever truly loved.

Zoe, who owns my heart.

I’ll do anything to earn her forgiveness. Even lay myself bare.

And I want my brother back.

Finally, I have a family, if they’ll have me. A real life beyond the trappings of fame.

I’ll do whatever it takes. Even start all over again.

But not all the demons of the past have been laid to rest. Now my final reckoning is at hand.

And those I love most may get caught in the crossfire.

Author’s Note: Find redemption with Ian Kagan, our new rockstar anti-hero in the conclusion of our super hot, romantic suspense trilogy, Rock Revenge. The trilogy occurs in the Oblivion world though it can be read on its own. Rock Redemption is a full-length novel with a HEA.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK REDEMPTION is the third and final instalment in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult, erotic romance ROCK REVENGE Trilogy focusing on up and coming rock star Ian Kagan, and artist / photographer Zoe Manning. ROCK REDEMPTION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two Rock Reclaimed. ROCK REDEMPTION and the Rock Revenge Trilogy are a spin-off from the authors’ LOST IN OBLIVION series, and as such several characters cross-over for cohesion and back story.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Zoe and Ian) and third person perspective (Margo) ROCK REDEMPTION follows in the wake of potential disaster as Margo Kagan, Simon’s wife goes missing, and the events that follow pit brother against brother as Ian must reveal the truth about his past, and the on-going battle between head and heart. As life begins to spiral out of control, Ian finds himself walking away from everything in order to protect the woman he loves, and the family he has never known. As Zoe, Simon and Margo struggle with the truth, Ian must make amends but not before forgiving himself.

Ian Kagan has always been the ‘spare to the heir’; never good enough, and definitely not his rock star brother Simon. Having learned at an early age that he would never amount to the stardom of the brother he never knew, Simon quickly fell onto hard time, and the resulting aftermath has found our hero struggling with what happened and why.

Zoe Manning is Lila Shawcross’ cousin. Lila is an executive at Ripper Records, and in this Lila struggles with Zoe’s attraction to a man who could very well destroy Simon and the band. As Zoe embarks on a journey of reflection, she must come to a decision about her future with or without the man that she loves.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters: Simon and Margo; Nick and Lila: Donovan Lewis, several members of the band Oblivion (Deacon, Gray and Jazz), and the Ian Kagan Band (Grant, Lark and Perry); music producer Rory Ferguson, country rock-star Flynn Sheppard, Ian’s manager Sabrina, and as well as the introduction of Zoe’s brothers (Beck, Justin and Hayes), parents Sarah and Christopher Manning, and Lila’s mother and Zoe’s aunt Laverne. The requisite evil has many faces. I am hoping for a story between Sabrina and Flynn.

ROCK REDEMPTION is a story of family and friendship, struggle and acceptance, lies and betrayal, falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is startling, wondrous, emotional and revealing; the romance struggles in the face of secrets and lies; the characters are broken, colorful, sassy and wounded. ROCK REDEMPTION is an amazing conclusion to the Rock Revenge Trilogy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Rock Revenge
Rock Reclaimed
Rock Redemption

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Eggnog Makes Her Easy (Boys of the Big Easy ) by Erin Nicholas-Review Tour

Eggnog Makes Her Easy (Boys of the Big Easy) by Erin Nicholas-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Add to GoodReads:http://bit.ly/2OjXjXn

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2018

Lindsey is expecting silent nights this holiday. Just her and her boys while her husband serves overseas. But her blue Christmas turns merry when things start rockin’ under the mistletoe thanks to a surprise gift from her naughty Santa.

Which is fine. The nice list is overrated anyway.

•••••••••

REVIEW:EGGNOG MAKES HER EASY is instalment 2.5 in Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult BOYS OF THE BIG EASY erotic, romance series. This is Matt and Lindsey’s story line. EGGNOG MAKES HER EASY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Matt and Lindsey) EGGNOG MAKES HER EASY follows Lindsey as she expects to spend another Christmas without her husband, US Army Team Leader Matt LaSalle. The local single-parents club was hosting their annual adult Christmas party and the sexy Santa was everything Lindsey had ever wanted for Christmas. But things don’t go according to plan when duty calls before the holidays have even started.

EGGNOG MAKES HER EASY is a quick read;  a sweet and sexy story; an erotic Christmas tale wherein Santa makes Lindsey wishes come true including the reality that time is precious when the family gets together. The premise is spicy; the characters are sassy and colorful; the romance is a rekindling seduction.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Easy Going
Going Down Easy
Taking It Easy
Eggnog Makes Her Easy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

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