It's getting hot, it's getting stormy in the afternoon, it's time for shorts and tee shirts - it's time for the BEACH!!
Having grown up in the South, my favorite beaches are naturally, in the South - N. Myrtle Beach being my home away from home and hopefully someday, my new home. It's our hope every year that we can make our week long trip to N. Myrtle Beach to enjoy sun, sand and even take our 103 lbs beast of a dog along for the ride.
The recent hot weather, temps in the '90's got me to thinking about the BEACH. When I think about the BEACH, I think of stress-free days, fresh air, romantic thoughts, and suntanned bodies.
Ladies, you know where I'm going ... ENJOY!!
First, let's set the tone for our visit to the beach and all the beautiful sites that can be seen there. A little traveling music from a bit of ManCandy himself - Blake Shelton singing SOME BEACH:
Avon sent the Avon Addicts an ARC of a very interesting novella from their Avon Red line - this is their line of Erotic Romances. I've never actually read anything from the Red series before so I was very curious and delighted. HEAT RISES: A Cabin Fever Novella by Alice Gaines - it's RED HOT! This one's coming out tomorrow, June 12, 2012 so be sure to put it on your list.
Blurb for HEAT RISES:
Snowbound in a cabin . . . able to live out all her fantasies . . .
Laura Barber has dreamt of doing unspeakably delicious things with Ethan Gould for years. Now, stuck in a mountain cabin, she just might get her shot. Ethan offers her the chance to live out each and every one of those desires. They may be rivals in the business world, but in the bedroom they're a perfect match. Knowing they have only a few days, Laura shakes off all her inhibitions. Every secret need, every lust-filled thought . . . it's all fair game.
* * * * * *
Laura Barber is prim, proper and so shy that she puts people off to the point of nearly not having any friends. When she was in business school, she had the hots for Ethan Gould so much so that she fantasized about making love to him in all kinds of ways. At the end of the year party, she indulged in way too much tequila and acted on her desires only to have him turn her down. She's lived with that humiliation and memory for the past six years. The last thing she expects is to find herself stranded in the mountains in the middle of a snowstorm with none other than Ethan Gould.
Ethan Gould is handsome, charming, and very much a lady's man. He has that wonderful knack of putting everyone at ease and making friends wherever he goes but he's not a man who would take advantage of a woman who has had too much to drink even when she was coming on so strong that she nearly had her hands in his pants. He's never forgotten the night six years ago when Laura came on to him but because he was too interested in her to accept her offer, he turned her away. Since then, he's tried in every manner to put himself in her way in hopes that he might have a second chance. Always hoping the time would come when she might make that same offer again, only sober this time. Finding himself stranded on the same mountain, in the same snowstorm with her is a dream come true and he's not going to let her get away again.
I loved HEAT RISES by Alice Gaines. It's every woman's fantasy to have a second chance with the one man who claimed her daydreams, her fantasies, and her heart. HEAT RISES is a fast reading novella filled with steamy sex, fantasy indulgence, and two people finding their hearts were always meant for each other as well as their bodies. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to indulge in the reading of this, the first in the Cabin Fever series. I will certainly be eager to read the next, and the next, and so on.
HEAT RISES: a Cabin Fever Novella by Alice Gaines is explosively sexy, endearing, and will surely have every woman, and any man brave enough to read it, reminiscing about the one who got away - if there is one. I highly recommend HEAT RISES to anyone looking for a few hours of delicious escape and possibly some intriguing ideas to share with a loved one. *wink*
Happy Reading Everyone!
HEAT RISES: a Cabin Fever Novella by Alice Gaines, Avon Red, release date - June 12, 2012, available in print and ebook format.
All winners have been contacted by email according to the
email address entered, hope it was correct!
Winners:
PamM
suthunlady
Jeanne M
CindyO
Congratulations and a big thank you to everyone who visited, shared, and entered the Giveaway. I'll have more coming in the very near future. WooHoo!
Btw, if anyone is interested in signing up to have my posts delivered directly to their mailboxes, please feel free to sign up - link is up on the right.
Being a huge fan of Karina Cooper's Witches, I was very excited when Avon Romance asked me to read and review an ARC of TARNISHED by Karina Cooper, the first book in the St. Croix Chronicles. I was happy to oblige.
Blurb for TARNISHED:
My name is Cherry St. Croix. Society would claim that I am a well-heeled miss
with an unfortunate familial reputation. They've no idea of the truth of it. In
my secret world, I hunt down vagrants, thieves . . . and now, a murderer. For a
monster stalks London's streets, leaving a trail of mystery and murder below the
fog. Eager for coin to fuel my infatuations, I must decide where my attentions
will turn: to my daylight world, where my scientific mind sets me apart from
respectable Society, or to the compelling domain of London below. Each has a man
who has claimed my time as his—for good or for ill. Though as the corpses pile,
and the treacherous waters of Society gossip churn, I am learning that each also
has its dangers. One choice will see me cast from polite company . . . the other
might just see me dead.
* * * * *
London, 1888 - only this isn't the London, England we know, it's an alternative reality with an upper world and lower world. Of course, those with means live above the fog and gloom and those without live below where it's difficult to breath. Cherry St. Croix lives in both worlds. By day, she does her best to tolerate the society she's forced to be part of and by night, she's a collector. She hunts down criminals for meager coin so that she might keep her laudanum addiction fueled. Things may change when she finds herself hunting down a murderer who tries to turn the tables on her.
If you’ve
become as fascinated with steampunk romance as I have lately, then TARNISHED by
Karina Cooper is a novel you MUST read. It’s dark, gritty, and action-packed as
well as imaginative and well-researched. Karina pulls the reader into an
alternate Victorian London timeline that feels so real that you can nearly feel
the heaviness of the air, the thickness of the fog and the elegance of being on
top. Cherry St. Croix is a complex character believably living two lives,
attracted to two men, and balancing herself precariously as she deals with a
dangerous occupation, addiction, and keeping up appearances in the world of
society.
As a fan of
Karina Cooper’s apocalyptic witch series, I was sincerely looking forward to
this steampunk romance introducing a new steampunk series. As much as I enjoyed
this book, which I will admit took me longer to read than I expected because I
kept setting it aside to read others, I did have one problem with it. I was
disappointed that it was written in first-person rather than third because I’d
truly like to know what’s going on in Compton’s mind BUT I suppose with two men
vying for Cherry’s romantic HEA, writing from the point of view of three people
would certainly over-complicate the story. As has become rather common with the first in
a romance consecutive series, there is no HEA at the end of this story but I
suspect that as we travel through this imaginative London, we will see even more
steaminess as Cherry discovers to whom her heart truly belongs. I have my
druthers and I hope Karina goes that way.
TARNISHED
by Karina Cooper is a new, exciting, creative, and imaginative start to the
steampunk romance series that is The St. Croix Chronicles. I am very much looking forward to
reading the next one. I recommend to everyone looking for something unique and adventurous, read TARNISHED by Karina Cooper, you'll end up as hooked as poor Cherry is to her laudanum.
Happy Reading Everyone!
TARNISHED: The St. Croix Chronicles by Karina Cooper, Avon Romance, Release Date June 26, 2012, and will be available in print and ebook format.
It's Wacky Wednesday and Avon Romance sent me some copies of A WARRIOR'S PROMISE by Donna Fletcher to Giveaway!! This lovely romance was released April 24, 2012 - so if you haven't gotten your copy yet, here's your chance, in fact there's 4 chances!!
Blurb for A WARRIOR'S PROMISE:
It has been prophesied that four men, raised as brothers, will bring Scotland back to glory. The third one will first endure a lesson in humility—and passion.
Charlotte is as brave as any Highland warrior, but she can't rescue her father alone. Her sweet face could convince any man to come to her aid, but fate has a funny way of complicating things. For when she is lucky enough to land at the feet of the mighty Bryce MacAlpin, Charlotte is in disguise . . . as Charles.
Bryce can afford no distractions on his vital quest to restore Scotland's true king to the throne. It is madness to instead give his help to this desperate urchin— especially after Charlotte's secret comes to light! Now, caught between a growing passion and his dedication to the king, will Bryce turn away from love in order to fulfill his quest? Or will he discover that promising your heart is the bravest mission of all?
* * * * *
Quick review:
A WARRIOR'S PROMISE by Donna Fletcher reminds me of romances of days gone by. It's the story about a Big Brave Handsome Highlander on a mission to restore the rightful King of Scotland to the throne and a young incorrigable woman who must pretend to be a lad in order to find her father. She ends up traveling with the Highlander who thinks she's a lad but of course, he eventually finds out she's not. Predictable? Yes, but she's NOT a damsel in distress. She's very adept with a bow and arrow so pulls her own weight and helps the Highlander as much as he helps her and eventually, romance brings them together in a way neither expected.
There's a mystery happening here that started with the first book in the WARRIOR KING SERIES of which this book is the third. I enjoyed this one so much that now I've got to go back and read the other two so I can finish up with the last in December. We'll find out which of the brothers is the true King of Scotland in the last. So be prepared to get hooked and find your TBR list growing after reading this one.
Now for the Giveaway: THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!
I've got 4 print copies of A WARRIOR'S PROMISE by Donna Fletcher and 4 lucky people are going to win their very own copy. This time though, I want to see how well you can Spread The Word.
Rules for this Giveaway: 1. You MUST leave a comment here with a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS or I can't contact you if you win.
2. You MUST tell me how you have SPREAD THE WORD - did you SHARE on Facebook? Did you TWEET it? Did you GOOGLE + one it? All the buttons to do any of these things are located right at the bottom of this post - it's that easy!!
BTW: You don't have to share on FB, Twitter, or Google +one if you don't belong to them ... just telling the lady in front of you at the check out about my blog and this contest is good enough for me. : )
So ... let's recap ... leave a comment here WITH an EMAIL ADDRESS - no contact, no entry, no win - you tell me in the comment how you SPREAD THE WORD - it's that easy and you're entered to win 1 of 4 copies of A WARRIOR'S PROMISE by Donna Fletcher.
I hope that while you're sharing, you'll follow me on Twitter @unwrappinromanc and likemy Facebook Page at Unwrapping Romance. Thanks so much!
This Giveaway will run until NOON (12PM EDT) Friday, June 8, 2012. Winners will be selected by a randomizer and contacted by email. (See why you gotta leave an email address?) I will announce the winners in a special posting.
This Giveaway is OPEN to US ADDRESSES ONLY! (I'm sorry International friends, the cost to send a book to you is just too much for this poor blogger BUT I'll have an ebook Giveaway coming up soon that will include you - I promise.)
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! A big thanks to everyone who entered.
Okay then, go share and Happy Reading Everyone!
A WARRIOR'S PROMISE by Donna Fletcher, Avon Romance, available now in print and ebook format.
Don't you just love this cover? It's gorgeous and what's inside is even better. I was thrilled when Avon sent me a copy of ALONG CAME A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle - one of the wonderful perks of being an Avon Addict.
Blurb for ALONG CAME A DUKE:
"A young lady with a fortune is subject to all sorts of untoward attentions by the worst sort of vagrants." ~Aunt Allegra
A lesson, Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by "untoward attentions."
But the same can't be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha's path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own, and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston--whose very name spells ruin--has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security, and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily ever after.
* * * * * *
How I see Mr. Muggins after one of his feather mishaps.
Tabitha Timmons has grown up much as Cinderella did in the fairy tale. She was put in the care of her uncle and aunt when her father died. She spends her days working as their servant and her nights in an attic room. Her only break from her scullery maid duties is when she spends time with her best friends, Harriet and Daphne. Her truest best friend, companion, and confident is a scruffy Irish Terrier named Mr. Muggins who has an obsession with feathers and is notorious for chasing down any poor unfortunate soul wearing a hat containing one.
Christopher Seldon, the Duke of Preston - Preston to his friends and family - has a reputation for ruining the young ladies of the ton and his aunt and uncle are determined to put an end to it. They've told him it's time to find a wife and if he should cause one more scandal, they will leave his home forever. The idea of being left totally alone isn't one Preston cherishes but then the idea of marriage isn't one he's very keen on either - with exception to a brash young woman from Kempton who after a midnight meal and a single kiss, he can't seem to vanquish from his mind.
When Preston discovers that his Tabby - as he likes to think of Tabitha - is being forced into a marriage with a man he finds less than deserving of her, he sets out to find out why she, who once proclaimed she'd never marry, is now so willing. Having shared a kiss that plagues her thoughts constantly, Tabitha seeks out Preston at every opportunity until finally, Preston is determined to save her from her plight.
This story was entertaining, delightfully funny and reminds me of the old saying, "a man chases a woman until she finally catches him."
ALONG CAME A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle is a historical romance with page-turning banter and romantic liaisons that leave the reader wanting more with each unexpected encounter. Preston is an incorrigible flirt and he's met his match in the irrepressible and witty Tabitha who quickly learns she can give as much as she gets. The characters are distinctly three dimensional including the supporting cast of friends and family. Preston's best friend, Roxley quickly won my heart and I'm hoping we see him again in a possible compromising position with Tabitha's adorable friend, Harriet 'Harry' Hathaway. Harry gets one of the best lines when she says, "I do believe your aunt just told the Duke of Preston to shove off."
I do have to say that the first two chapters dragged a bit and had me wondering if I was going to enjoy going forward but in chapter three, the fun begins. It's the second time that Preston and Tabitha are thrown together and the banter between them is exquisitely amusing and continues that way on to the end. I guess I can forgive those first two chapters for the rest of the story even though overall, the story was predictable. Do we always have to be kept guessing? I think not. Sometimes we just want a romantic story and we get one in ALONG CAME A DUKE.
I recommend ALONG CAME A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle to anyone who enjoys historical romance, delightful and flirtatious dialogue, a man who needs reforming and a strong woman to do the job. It's a wonderful read that will keep you hooked, keep you coming back for more, enjoying every moment and wishing it wouldn't end. Fortunately, this is the beginning of a series so we'll be visiting these wonderful characters again - soon, I hope.
Happy Reading Everyone!
ALONG CAME A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle, Avon Romance, available now in print and ebook format.
When Avon sent me this month's package of books to read as an Avon Addict, I was thrilled to see a hardback copy of BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE by Elizabeth Lowell. Ms. Lowell had wandered off the romance trail for a while even though her mysteries and suspense stories always have an element of romance in them. This one has brought her back to the romantic side of writing. BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE by Elizabeth Lowell was definitely worth the wait.
Blurb for BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE:
According to Maya legend, December 21, 2012, will mark the end of the
world as we know it. Is it myth . . . or will their prediction become
reality?
Archaeologist Lina Taylor has devoted her life to studying ancient Maya
artifacts, splitting her time between digs in Yucatan and the classroom teaching
college students. But the professor’s structured, academic life is about to spin
out of control. Some extremely valuable and important Maya artifacts have gone
missing. Are the culprits fanatics determined to create chaos and usher in
annihilation?
Helping out a friend, former immigration and customs enforcement officer
Hunter Johnston is determined to recover the missing pieces and he needs Lina’s
help. A man used to calling the shots and working alone, he isn’t comfortable
letting anyone get close, especially a beautiful and brainy woman like Lina. His
gift for reading people tells him there’s a lot going on below that professional
exterior, and he’s more than a little curious to probe her depths.
Burying herself in her work, Lina’s had little experience handling men,
especially one as fascinating and exasperating as the secretive, headstrong
Hunter. A devoted archaeologist, she has the skill to excavate those protective
layers all the way to his core. But finding the missing artifacts is only the beginning of a mystery that
will plunge these unlikely partners into adventure, romance, and danger more
thrilling, sensual, and deadly than either of them knows. . . .
* * * * * *
Lina Taylor finds herself teaching students far more regularly than seeking adventure on some dig in the Yucatan. So when her mother asks her about some very special relics that may or may not be missing, lost or stolen, Lina's curiosity grabs hold and doesn't let go.
Hunter Johnston, although no longer working for I.C.E., has kept close ties to it. So when his buddy Jase, who is still with I.C.E., comes to him in for help in solving a mystery at the warehouse of which Jase has become the fall guy, Hunter can't say no. The problem is he needs specialized help. He needs the help of someone he knows has the expertise to uncover the meaning and use of the items as well as have an idea about who might have stolen them. He needed Lina Taylor. What he was about to find out was just how much he needed her.
As the two work together, they discover there's more than just missing Mayan artifacts at stake. Lina begins to fear that members of her own family, going back as far as her great-grandmother, might somehow be involved. As one mystery begins to unravel, another rears its dangerous head. Hunter and Lina find themselves embroiled in something that may have consequences that go far beyond a mere theft. Thrown together, their mutual attraction for each other throws complications into the mix that neither are willing to ignore or discuss until the most dangerous of adventures threatens to solve the problem for them.
BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE by Elizabeth Lowell is Ms. Lowell at her finest. The story is rich in character, research, settings and best of all, romance. This tale is full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, adventure, danger and some steamy scenes that will have you fanning yourself for relief. As someone who has a penchant for all things having to do with antiquities and archaeology, my needs were quenched by Ms. Lowell's attention to detail.
I highly recommend BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE to everyone who has read Elizabeth Lowell's previous works and to everyone who hasn't - you won't be disappointed!
Happy Reading Everyone!
BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE by Elizabeth Lowell, William Morrow, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, available now in hardback, ebook and audio formats.
Wow, are there some terrific New Releases Today!! Starting shopping, ordering and downloading because your month of June will be filled with wall-to-wall good reads!
Let's get the ball rolling with some that I know you will clamour to get and with which you will spend many hours in reading heaven!
Recent Releases You Might Want To Consider:
I'll be reviewing this one Friday!
HAPPY READING EVERYONE
AND HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO ALL THE AUTHORS WITH A NEW ONE!!
