Hard to Hold on To (Cover Reveal)

*Avon favorite Laura Kaye just released the cover of her upcoming novella in the steamy special ops. series Hard Ink, Hard to Hold on To! It's not-so-shockingly delicious, take a look and pre-order your copy right now!!*

Hard to Hold on To

(Hard Ink, #2.5)

By: Laura Kaye

Expected Publication: August 19th, 2014

Genres: New Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense

*Cover Reveal hosted by: InkSlinger PR*

Synopsis:

Edward "Easy" Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves--which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight.  He may have just met her, but Jenna's the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel--and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.

As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

A Note from Laura:

Hey guys! I am so excited about Easy’s book that I can hardly wait for August to get here! Easy’s character was a total surprise to me. When I initially plotted out the series, there were four surviving members of the Army Special Forces team and therefore I planned for and sold four book in the series. But then, when I sat down to write Hard As It Gets, all of a sudden the story demanded there were actually five guys, and Edward “Easy” Cantrell was born. And I’m so glad! Because Easy’s character is a totally tortured hero, which I adore writing! So I’m super happy that we added his story and this novella into the series, and I can’t wait for you to learn about Easy in Hard to Hold On To!

Is it August yet???

xo, Laura

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:

For Hard As You Can:

"TOP PICK! There is a sinister and desperate edge to this tale that will keep readers glued to their seats. Kaye has dark romantic suspense nailed!" ~ RT Book Reviews Magazine

"Hard As You Can is another five star read. The characters Ms. Kaye has created are wonderfully broken and the drama is gritty, but the burgeoning romance and the tight-knitted relationship of the team leaves you with a sense of redemption. A must read series!" ~San Francisco Book Review

For Hard As It Gets:

"Edgy, sexy and full of suspense!  A great read from a great new author!" ~ #1 NYT Bestselling Author J.R. Ward

"Sizzling romance... The intriguing tattoo parlor and military background will appeal to fans of Suzanne Brockmann and Lindsay McKenna." ~Publishers Weekly Review

"Kaye's depiction of sexual tension and her sex scenes are masterful and this will appeal to fans of Maya Banks' KGI and Julia Ann Walker's Black Knight's series." ~Booklist

PREORDER LINKS: AMAZON U.S. | CA | UK | B&N !

ADD HARD TO HOLD ON TO ON GOODREADS!

 

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~Author Bio~

Laura Kaye

 Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

AUTHOR LINKS: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER !

 

Confessions of a Secret Admirer: A Valentine's Day Anthology

Confessions of a Secret Admirer

(A Valentine's Day Anthology)

By: Jennifer Ryan, Candis Terry, & Jennifer Seasons

Release Date: February 4th, 2014

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Genre(s): Adult Contemporary Romance

*Pre-order it today!*

My Review (4/5 stars*)

Confessions of a Secret Admirer Anthology has three romantic and quirky stories wrapped in one sweet book. Now normally I don't read anthologies because they're too short but I couldn't pass this one up. There are a talented trio of authors who have their novellas featured which is why I figured I'd give it a shot, and I'm very happy I did! The first short story Waiting for You by Jennifer Ryan is a cute tale about how two friends and former lovers reunite after many years apart. I liked it, Ryan gives dual perspectives and reignites their chemistry for Valentines Day.

Sweet Fortune delivers the goods—literally. There has never been a story by Terry that I didn't completely enjoy. This time Charli's young makeover assistant Sarah Randall gets her shot at falling in love, but instead of it being with a Wilder it's with the town's handsome Deputy Officer Brady Bennett. Is it wrong that I wish that Sarah and Brady's story was full length?! Brady's packing heat in this heart-stealing novella. The characters are alive on the pages and the town of Sweet is just what it claims to be.

It's baseball season! Or better yet, it's Jennifer Seasons' hot new short Major League Crush about a sexy baseball player! Drake Paulson has got eyes for his shy and peculiar neighbor Roberta whose apartment is right across the hall. Having never noticed this feisty yet socially awkward woman before they find themselves at odds with their feelings. Bertie is keeping a secret that if revealed could destroy any and all relationship potential. This comedic and unconventional romance will have you outright laughing and cheering for Roberta!

This Valentines Day you'll be reaching for this collection! Triple the charm with Jennifer Ryan, Candis Terry, and Jennifer Seasons' delightful short stories. Individually they offer love, laughter, and comfort. This anthology is better and sweeter than a heart-shaped box of chocolates! 

Synopsis:

Some secrets are meant to be revealed …

 

Or so you’ll discover, in three sexy, unforgettable Valentine’s Day stories from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Ryan and contemporary romance stars Candis Terry and Jennifer Seasons.

Waiting for You by Jennifer Ryan

Rancher Grant Devane has waited for Taylor Larson’s return to Fallbrook for more than ten years. Now that the fearless beauty has come home on her terms, he’ll do anything and everything necessary to win back her heart.

Sweet Fortune by Candis Terry

Sarah Randall is tired of being invisible to the opposite sex. So when a leap of faith sends her to Sweet, Texas, and into the path of ridiculously hot Deputy Brady Bennett, she’s determined to catch his eye … even if it means staying hidden just a little bit longer.

Major League Crush by Jennifer Seasons

Professional baseball player Drake Paulson can’t help wanting to know more about his cute, shy neighbor. But when he discovers her deepest secret and she flees, it’ll be up to him to win her trust—and her love—one gift at a time.

LINKS: GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N !

The Sum of All Kisses (Review)

*Welcome readers to my stop of The Sum of All Kisses Tour! Underneath you can find my review of this romantic historical!*

*Hosted by: Tasty Book Tours*

The Sum of All Kisses

(Smythe-Smith Quartet, #3)

By: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon Books

Release Date: October 29th, 2013

Genre(s): Adult Historical Romance

My Review: (4/5 stars*)

The Sum of All Kisses equals another enjoyable romance historical written by Julia Quinn. The way she writes you find yourself instantly amused and prone to laughter. It's not hard to identify with the character's self-loathing and inner turmoil. The fun tone and humor are what I most love about her novels. Though A Night Like This offered more laughs and immediate chemistry between the two main characters, Hugh Prentice and Sarah Pleinsworth's stubborn love made the story. Both of them are repelled by one another until they are given no choice but to get along when they have to attend two upcoming nuptials for their friends and family therefore putting them in close proximity than they care to be.

The prologue recounts the night that changed Hugh Prentice's life when he and his friend Daniel Smythe-Smith, Earl of Winstead, drank too much and played piquet (a card game). The night that Hugh—a known mathematician—accused Daniel of cheating, then challenged him to a duel, lost the draw, sustained an injury to his leg that now makes him walk with a limp, deeming him less a man for it. The drunken mistake cost the two everything - leaving Hugh without a fully functioning limb—making him look weak—and Daniel sentenced by Hugh's father to exile. Years later after Daniel's return Hugh's story begins...

At first I wasn't on board with Hugh and Sarah's relationship because they seemed to have nothing in common apart from their dislike of one another, but as the pages turned I started to see how they worked together. Hugh's self-hate over how inadequate he is due to his injury makes him feel like he's broken, and undeserving. That crushed me. Some scenes really hit the mark and made you feel sad, happy, and all the emotions in between. Sarah whose a bit too dramatic with a strange sense of humor dwells on how Hugh ruined her chances at meeting an eligible husband by missing out on her first season thanks to her cousin Daniel's exilement. They both have pent up issues and take awhile to face them and move forward. When Sarah and Hugh are forced together they get to know the person beneath their previous misconceptions. The romance takes time to get started—granted, they aren't even friends at first—but in the meantime the growing chemistry is fun to see unfold. Though it's slowly paced it's worth reading to the end especially if you're a Smythe-Smith Quartet fan.

The Sum of All Kisses will charm, entertain, and sweep you away with many feelings. Though not my favorite of the series, I liked it nonetheless. Julia Quinn's a wonderful romance writer, and I always walk away from her books with contentment.

Synopsis:

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.

Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ...

New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's enchanting third novel in the Smythe-Smith quartet is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings in equal measures.

LINKS: GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR | B&N | SHELFARI ! 

Home for the Holidays (Review) (Feature)

Home for the Holidays 

(Night Huntress, 6.5)

By: Jeaniene Frost

Publisher: Avon Books

Release Date: November 5th, 2013

Genre(s): Adult Paranormal Romance

Disclaimer: A review copy was provided for an honest review.

My Review: (4.5/5 stars*)

As far as novellas go Home for the Holidays is sure to bring Cat and Bones fans lots of cheer. In the Night Huntress series there is destined to be some sort of supernatural craziness afoot and as can be expected Frost delivers it. This short story is packed with action, burning-hot scenes, and in the span of 100 pages drops three major bombs that sheds light on Bones' past and changes all that we know about him, and all that he knows about himself. Although this isn't a large novel it may as well be since it has just as much going on as a full-length read. Many familar characters are back, Cat is her normal badass vampire self, and Bones is as usual charming, and lethal. Though it has been awhile since I read the previous book it felt like no time at all picking up where I left off, and I enjoyed the ease at how quickly I was enthralled.

The holidays are almost here and Cat has something extra special planned for Bones that brings all of their closest friends together to celebrate. All the invites have been sent but an uninvited guest shows up that isn't on the list. To everyone's surprise the person has a few plans of their own for the reunion. Suspicions are on full alert when Cat's friends and even her husband, Bones, starts acting strange. The only people left unaffected are Cat, Ian, and Denise and they are left to figure out what in the hell is going on before the situation gets much worse. An insidious plot unravels as they search for answers, and everything is at stake.

Home for the Holidays is an astonishing addition to the series and a nice bridge to the next and final novel Up From the Grave. It connects the dots of Bones' past and exposes truths, and reveals loyalties. I forgot that this wasn't a regular page counted book and by the end I wanted more—the wait for the last installment will be grueling. It's one of the best novellas I've read, and it unveils important information on key characters that is absolutely shocking. Any and all Cat and Bones fans who have caught up to this point in the series MUST read Home for the Holidays! It has THREE major mind-blowing revelations. If you haven't already started the Night Huntress series you need to ASAP.
 

 Synopsis:

Originally appeared in the print anthology The Bite Before Christmas.

'Tis the season to join Cat and Bones for some holiday cheer in this Night Huntress novella by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost.

They were looking forward to a normal holiday—at least as "normal" as it gets for vampires Cat and Bones and their otherworldly friends and family. But their yuletide plans are shattered when a mysterious stranger shows up and reveals long-buried secrets that threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer … and lives.

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Summer is for Lovers (Review)

Summer is for Lovers

By: Jennifer McQuiston

Publisher: Avon Books

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Genre(s): Adult Historical Romance

Disclaimer: A review copy was provided for an honest review.

My Review: (4.5/5 stars*)

It wasn't until after the epilogue I realized this is actually a sequel of sorts set around the same time as McQuiston's debut novel What Happens In Scotland. That didn't even matter because it was a perfect standalone. Summer is for Lovers is irresistible. I had started it one afternoon with the intent of finishing the first 5 chapters but I was far too engrossed to let it go and finished it that night instead. It's the best escape in the form of a book, and it's not just a Summer read either. The beginning prologue had me absorbed in mere seconds - a girl of twelve rescues a man from drowning unaware that he meant to do just that. Unexpectedly the main heroine is plenty capable, intelligent, and unusually skilled at swimming. Nor did I expect the primary man to be fleeing from his own feelings, and a dark past.

Caroline is innocent and inexperienced when it comes to men, but one thing she's isn't is naive. She's level-headed and doesn't make stupid decisions. She makes the best out of the worst. I found her behavior and attitude refreshing for many reasons. David—the man who's life she saved many years ago and has fancied ever since—makes his stance clear from the beginning, they're to remain friends. But their friendship has loop-holes when they both ask something of each other that borders on more than simply being friends. I enjoyed the transformation each undergo and how their relationship develops into something else. They are devastatingly ideal for one another and you can't help but want to see them end up together, and just when you believe that might happen the story takes an abrupt turn. Even the people who by all means shouldn't have been liked, I found amusing. The chemistry keeps readers compelled, I absolutely loved it.

Sweet, innocent Caroline  at the age of twelve saves a soldier from drowning. 11 years later he returns to the spot of his near-death only to discover a young lady along the abandoned beach—the very same one who saved his life. David Cameron hasn't stepped foot in the place of his almost demise in years and when he sees his savior again painful memories resurface and remind him of the tragic events of his past. David is in Brighton for only a few weeks to accompany his ill mother, but while he's visiting he decides to befriend Caroline Tolbertson. Caroline's life is over before she's even started it when her first kiss goes terribly wrong and word gets around to everyone in town. It's bad enough she's too tall and has a slim frame with broad shoulders from swimming—which she shouldn't even be doing since it's unladylike—but now this debacle damns her chances of a future husband. When David learns of this he decides to take matters into his own hands and tells people how desirable she is. His word changes everything and makes men line up at her door as prospects for marriage. David's only problem is that the more he gets to know her the more she takes his breath away, and now he's got a whole league of men to compete with and the weight of his past dragging him down. Bound by a promise to ensure her family's financial security Caroline must choose a wealthy husband though her heart lies with someone who refuses to accept it.

Summer is for Lovers is a well-crafted story complete with passion and romance. It has a few nicely placed surprises, hot scenes, humorous interactions, and resolute characters. I enjoyed this historical incredibly, the leads Caroline and David were bold, the side-characters entertained me. I appreciated that the story wasn't just about stepping away from being a wallflower, but learning to accept oneself and embrace what makes you stand out. McQuiston is a gifted writer who fills pages with much more than words, she fills them with heart. I'm genuinely looking forward to her future releases, particularly Moonlight On My Mind which carries over the character Miss Baxter—whose a questionable lady, but also somewhat unpredictable. I'm telling you right now if you want a light, notable romance that will steal you away from reality Summer is for Lovers should be in your hands.

Synopsis:

His heart is unavailable.

Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature.

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her.

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society's rules, all a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more.

LINKS: GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR | B&N | SHELFARI !