Release Day Blast: A Home For Christmas by Ann Vaughn

Title: A Home For Christmas

Author: Ann Vaughn

Release Date: November 28, 2013

 

 

Synopsis

 

Single mom, Jenna Blackwell wasn't having a very good start to the Christmas season; her purse got stolen on Black Friday.  She's cursing her luck and herself for even being out in the Black Friday madness when the store manager brings in Riley Stanton, a former Navy SEAL who chased down the thieves and recovered her purse.  Jenna is blown away by Riley; his looks, his smile, the fact that he ran down the purse snatchers, everything.

Riley Stanton had no idea when he chased down the kids who stole a few purses that he would walk into a room and have his life changed forever.  He looked into the eyes of Jenna and saw a strength in her that he found intriguing.

Riley soon learns that Jenna is everything he ever wanted in a woman.  He falls for her and for her son harder than he expected to.  Jenna is cautious but welcoming and hopes that she and her son can give Riley the one thing he hasn't had in years, A Home for Christmas.

 

 

Excerpt

 

Riley came over every evening after work.  He helped Cam with his homework.  He got there before she did on Wednesday and he and Cam had dinner ready by the time she got home.  Jenna had to fight tears as she sat at the table.  It had been so long since someone had cooked for her.  To be honest, other than her mother, she didn't think anyone ever had.  Wade, her ex, certainly never did.  Watching Cam work so closely with Riley, having Riley there filling the role that Wade had abandoned, even sitting at a table with candlelight and roses and food she hadn't had to prepare...it was a lot for her to handle.  She was barely hanging on by a thread and when Riley had initiated the blessing, she lost it.  "Mom?" Cam asked, uncertain of what was happening.  Jenna covered her face with her hands, silently crying.  She heard the scrape of a chair and then suddenly Riley was there, his arms around her, lifting her from the chair.  She heard him say something to Cam and then he carried her from the room.

He sat on the sofa and cradled her in his lap and just held her while she cried.  After several minutes, when her tears had subsided somewhat, Riley reached down to cup her chin in his hand and lift her head so he could look into her eyes.  "I'm sorry," she whispered.  "Nothing to be sorry about," he said, smoothing his hands over her cheeks to wipe her tears away.

"Mom?" Cam asked again, drawing her attention.  "You OK?" "I'm good, bud, I'm sorry."  Riley looked up at Cam and made eye contact with him.  Jenna wasn't sure what passed between them, but Cam got up and left, leaving her there with Riley.  "Look at me," he said, softly.  When she raised her eyes to meet his gaze, he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.  "What's going on?"  She took a deep breath.  "It's just...no one's ever done something like this for me before."  "Like what?  Take care of you?"  She nodded.  "Better get used to it, babe.  I'm not going anywhere."  She squeezed his hand, tears falling down her cheeks again.  This time, Riley leaned forward and kissed them away before touching his lips to hers.  For the first time, Jenna didn't hold herself back.

Maybe it was because Cam was just down the hall and she knew it couldn't get out-of-control.  Whatever the case, she turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.  "Thank you, Riley," she whispered when they pulled apart, pressing her forehead to his, and placing her fingertips against his lower lip.  He nipped her fingertip lightly, then ran his tongue around her finger.  "Anytime," he replied, "and I mean that.  You don't have to do it all alone any more."  "Riley," she whispered, kissing him, "please don't make promises you can't keep.  My heart is fragile enough, but Cam..." He kissed her back.  "Quit while you're ahead.  Don't piss me off."  She smiled and combed her fingers through the hair at his nape.  "I'll try."  "Good.  Let me take care of you, Jenna.

You and Cam."  She took a deep breath.  "Tell you what.  You're still here by Christmas?  We'll talk," she said, giving him a final kiss then sliding off his lap.  He watched her walk down the hall to Cam's room.  Closing his eyes and letting his head fall back on the couch, he reached down to adjust himself in his jeans.  For the first time since leaving the Navy, Riley felt like he wasn't just spinning his wheels.

 

 

 

 

Dreamcast

 

 

 

Playlist

1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

2. Trenches by Pop Evil

3. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy

4. Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

5. Coming Home for Christmas by Jim Brickman

6. O Holy Night by Celtic Woman

7. I'll Be Home for Christmas by Amy Grant

8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland

9. To Get Me To You by Lila McCann

10. Winter Wonderland by Kenny G

11. All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

12. Auld Lang Syne by Jim Brickman

 



Buy Links

Amazon US ♥ Amazon UK 

 

 

 

Check out Ann's previous novels

 

 

Release Date: August 7, 2013

 

Shane McCanton and Tessa Kelly were childhood enemies.  Everything was a contest to them and Tessa always seemed to show Shane that nice guys finished last.  Things change, however, when hormones take over and Shane begins to see the perpetual thorn-in-his-side as more than just his childhood nemesis...

Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto...until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave her and help her find her Long Way Home...

 

  Book Trailer ~ Long Way Home

 

 Amazon Buy Link ~ Long Way Home

 

 

 

 Release Date: November 4, 2013

 

Colt Harris wasn't on the hunt for love when he looked up from his lunch and spotted Sarah.  As clichéd as it was, time stood still - all he could see was her.  Hearing her laugh sealed his fate; he knew his life was about to change.

Sarah Sauter was used to being along.  She lost her parents when she was eighteen and after a really bad love affair, had given up on ever finding love.  Since then, her life had been all about simply surviving.  Little did she know that when she went to lunch with her co-workers, she would have a chance encounter with a man who would literally turn her world upside down.

When Colt steps into Sarah's life, he finds that things with her aren't exactly as they appear to be.  Secrets hidden deep in her past begin to surface, dropping Colt and Sarah in the middle of a nearly twenty-seven year old mystery.  It will take all of Colt's strength, patience and resolve Find Home for Sarah.

 

Amazon Buy Link ~ Finding Home

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Ann Vaughn is a Native Texan now living in Oklahoma.  She's been writing since the seventh grade(many Many moons ago) when she and her friends were obsessed with the Sweet Valley High series.  Back then, access to books wasn't as easy as it is now, so to tide her over between SVH releases, she began writing her own, Texas versions of SVH, full of lots of Texas Friday Night Lights and pitfalls and perils of teenage life in the 80's.  Writing has always been a comfort and a release for her, though she never expected to be published.  It wasn't until a conversation with her husband about the rise of eBooks that she decided to try her hand at self-publishing.  It was scary and exciting and ever since the release of her first book, Long Way Home on August 7, 2013 she has been on a wild roller coaster ride that she wouldn't trade for the world.

 

 

Contact Ann

Facebook ♥ Email ♥ Amazon ♥ Goodreads

 

 







Review: Unscrupulous by Avery Aster

 

Title: Unscrupulous

Author: Avery Aster

Release Date: August 14, 2013

 

Book 2 in The Manhattanites series

At thirty-three, Warner Truman is one of the richest men on the planet, a spa mogul who buys and sells resorts at will. He holds powerful executives' careers in his well-groomed hands. Nothing is beyond Warner's reach...until he meets her.

Stunning, tantalizing and perverse, Taddy Brill captivates Warner's carnal desire like no woman he's ever met. A self-made millionaire, Taddy is tougher than steel, more brilliant than diamonds and, at twenty-seven, she's never depended on a man for anything...until she meets him.

The more Taddy plays with Warner's affections, driving him to erotic heights, the more she is confronted by a dark past. Before she can love him, Taddy must meet her worst fears head-on or risk losing it all, including herself.
A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora's Cave

My Rating: 5 of 5 ♥'s

My Review

This was the 2nd book in the series but is a prequel to the 1st book, so I decided to read this book first. These are stand alone novels and can be read in any order. The author states every couple gets their happy ever after ending. With that being said, let’s get on to the review.

Unscrupulous is a hot, sexy and alluring read. Manhattanites sure seem to have a lot of sex, drama, love and did I mention sex haha. Taddy and Warner are the lead characters in this book and they are both head strong and don’t need anything from anyone except for love. I loved that this book had more than just erotic sex all the time; it actually had an awesome story line. The author made everything come together wonderfully, the emotions, the characters, the erotic sex, adult humor and witty comments made for a superbly well written/rounded book. I liked that part of this story took place out of the country as well. It’s always nice to feel like you travel with the character and see/feel what he/she does.
I will be reading the rest of this series!!  I recommend that you give this author and her books a try, you will not be disappointed.

Unsaid(Book 3) is expected to be released by Ellora's Cave Publishing in spring 2014.



Cover Reveal: Backward Compatible by Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark

Title: Backward Compatible

Authors: Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark

Genre: Geek Romance

Expected Release Date: December 12, 2013

 YouTube Video Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-0qwqxUYTw

 

 

Blurb

Not too long ago,

in a town that,

depending on your current location,

is either not super far

or actually quite close…
 

It is a time of chaotic hormones.

Two nerdy gents

home for winter break

have discovered a female gamer

at a midnight release.
 

During the break,

the gamer trio manages

to reveal the game’s secret boss,

a hidden enemy

with enough power to destroy

anything in its path.
 

Pursued by other gamers

who want to be the first

to beat this boss,

George and Katie race to level up,

and, in so doing, restore decency

and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…

                                            Excerpt
     “These graphics suck,” George says and I look back at the screen. We’re standing in the middle of the Estate, colorful orbs quivering ahead of us. We each have to choose our starting advantage. Waterfalls shimmer in the distance and the sunlight streams over multicolored stones in the courtyard. 
 

“Amateurs,” Lanyon concurs. “I mean, they couldn’t have five waterfalls?”

“Your ironic wit is mind blowing, but choose your damn orbs,” I tell them. I consider. Magic, defense, offense, stealth, and charisma. I always go for magic as a black mage, but I wonder if a druid needs something else. Screw it. I need charisma in real life, too.

“Charisma?” Lanyon asks. “No one ever picks charisma.”

“We’re a party of a thief, druid, and a bard. We’re screwed regardless.”

“You two underestimate the mighty power of my lute,” George argues.

“Did you start with charisma?” Lanyon asks.

“Hell, no. I have charisma in spades. I started with stealth.”

“Great. A stealthy bard,” I sigh.

“She’s right,” Lanyon concedes. “We’re screwed.”

However, it actually isn’t bad at all at first. We power through the Estate and make it to the Yobanaria Dale with no resurrections and all at level ten. I’m impressed. George hasn’t actually fought anything, but he has some pretty awe-inspiring charm mastery already. I think I might have a serious crush. He seals the deal when he buffs my hailstorm spell without even being asked.

“Can you guys watch El Thiefelo? My mom wants me to eat supper,” Lanyon says.

“Yeah, we’ve got it,” I tell him. “The first boss is in the elven ruins anyway, so we should grind a bit. I think he’s a twelve.”

George and I explore the Dale, taking out bats and Joba spores. It’s fairly quiet, except for when we combo with his charms and my spells and he yells out, “Eat lute, bitch,” but it’s nice. We work well, almost inherently understanding each other. I’ve never been able to play this effectively with anyone. I try not to think about his eyes. Stupid boys, being cute and stuff.

By the time Lanyon comes back, we’re all at level 12, although Lanyon leveled up just by standing by a door while we played. Still, we are ready to take on Balsa the Proud. As a black mage, it took me about nine seconds. Trees don’t like fire. However, druids don’t have the same level of black magic and all elemental magic is weakened by the need to draw from the elements nearby. Sadly, trees seem to avoid storing fire runes in their villages. I expect this to be a little more challenging. It might even take fifteen seconds.

“First boss. Also known as the freebie bitch to sucker the young folks into a false sense of security,” Lanyon announces as he runs into the center of Balsa’s lair. The cinema plays and then, in a moment of pure absurdity, El Thiefelo is squished as Balsa steps on him.

“Can someone revive me?” Lanyon whines.

 

 About the Authors

 

Sarah Daltry:

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.
When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.
She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, and the Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of
the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.

Sarah's links: Website ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter





Pete Clark:

Pete Clark likes writing, animals, potato chips, and cheese. Midnight Riders is his first published novel, although he can also proudly say he finally finished Helix Crashing, the fantasy novel he has been working on for over a decade. In addition, he has written Across the Barren Landscape, a collection of linked Western short stories. He also writes plays, both dramatic and comedic. When he is not writing, Pete tends to ignore everyone around him and obsess over sports.

Pete's links: Website ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter 





Review: Undressed by Avery Aster

 

Title: Undressed

Author: Avery Aster

Release Date: February 15, 2013

Book 1 in The Manhattanites series.

Milan’s notorious playboy, Prince Tittoni, seems to have everything—Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what’s he willing to give to get her in his bed?

Upper East Side designer Lex Easton has already endured her fair share of hard knocks. She’ll be damned if she’ll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him? With Fashion Week approaching, she’ll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to make her clothing line an international success—even sleep with her rival.

Lex’s Louboutins are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion!

Inside Scoop: Though the hero and heroine remain monogamous, their Prada-wearing friends indulge in a ménage a trois and other fashionable sexual fun and games.A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora's Cave

 

 

 

My Rating: 5 of 5 ♥'s

My Review

Lex Easton is the owner of Easton Essentials. She is a very driven and hardworking woman who hasn't had any time for herself lately. Prince Massimo is the CEO of Girasoli Garment Company. He's hot, demanding and your typical alpha male. They each had slightly less than stellar childhoods and that may become a problem for them. When Massimo stops Lex's shipment of fabric for her clothing line and cuts her off on the phone, she is determined to talk to him in person regardless of his holiday. She hops on a plane and sets out to save her business. When Lex and Massimo meet, immediate sparks fly. Lex wants to try out the real Masi in bed so she can have great fantasies to recall when she's by herself with her dildo (that she named after him). He wants just casual sex, he doesn't want to fall in love... he can't. Can they do casual; can they work things out for their businesses?

I loved this book! It had the juices flowing and kept me up til the wee hours of the morning. If I could give this book a 10 star rating, I would without a second thought. It was that good. The chemistry between the main characters was sizzling. The sex was out of this world. The supporting characters were all very well thought out and added so much more to the book. Id' like to see some of the supporting characters have their own book in this series. I wonder how many dildos there are in the world now nicknamed Masi? Lol

I can't wait for more of the Manhattanites! 

Review: Falling to Pieces by L.T. Kelly

 

  

Title: Falling to Pieces

Author: L.T. Kelly

Release Date: August 15, 2013

 

When Teagan Lewis moves from rural Montana to the bright lights of London with her maker Thomas, she expects to live as harmoniously as she has for the last one hundred-fifty years.
Teagan didn’t know she had a heart or soul until she met Marc Romano.
However, it quickly becomes clear that Marc is forbidden fruit. All the signs that he isn’t human were there from the beginning, but she chose to ignore them…to her peril.
Can she simply walk away from this mesmerizing stranger? Or should she risk her immortality to be with the man she has fallen in love with

 

 

My Rating: 4 of 5 ♥'s

 

My Review

 

Let me start by saying, I LOVE Paranormal Romance books that have Vampires and Werewolves in the story line.  So, when the author, who is part of a Goodreads Group I am a member of, offered it up for reading and reviewing, I jumped up and down and snatched it up and couldn't wait to dive into her debut novel.

 

In a remote area of Montana, Teagan lived a boring and lonely life for a vampire until her maker, Thomas, decides it's time to move on to the bustling city of London, England without any kind of explanation.  Soon after they arrive, she goes out for food(meaning blood) and ends up finding something way better....that's right a hot guy who smells absolutely delicious and she can't figure out why.   

Marc lives in London and owns some bars and bistros.  He's hot, a business owner, drives a motorcycle and as sweet as any guy can be...Could he be anymore drool worthy?

She's not sure what he is.  He's not sure what she is.  What they are sure of is, they are both strongly attracted to one another.  Their relationship is fast paced and yes there is some very hot sex involved.  As soon as others find out about them seeing each other, things change and not for the good.  Serious problems will arise for each of them.  Can their relationship survive...can they? 

I loved the story line and most of the characters.  Some of the characters I hated but you'll have that in most books.  There just has to be the bad/mean guys that you'd like to knock their damn heads off.  This book was really fast paced for me, almost to the point of being rushed in some areas.  After reading the whole book I was left with some questions that I hope are explained in book 2.  The ending of the book was perfect.  I love books that do not have any major cliff hangers at the end, otherwise you're stuck waiting for months if not longer for the second book to come out and I don't know about any of you but I'm impatient LOL.  If the story line and characters are excellently done, that alone will make me purchase the second book when it is released.  Falling to Pieces by L.T. Kelly is definitely one of those books that will make me buy the second book because it was well written.  I'm excited to see what journey the author takes us on with Teagan and Marc in the second book. I highly recommend this new author and series. 

 

 4 of 5 ♥'s

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Review: Infatuated by Elle Jordan

 

Title: Infatuated

Author: Elle Jordan

Release Date: October 12, 2013

 

You can't hide from love...even when you want to.


When I took a job as a bartender at Hanson's to help pay for my classes, the last thing I expected to find was Kale Wilder. He's sexy, smart, and he makes me smile and laugh faster than anyone ever has. More importantly, he makes me believe in Mr. Right.

But Kale came to the wrong place at the wrong time, because someone else has his eyes on me. Someone who watches my every move.

Kale's the only one I want, but the more I feel for him, the more I fear for my safety. Because the other guy is getting closer and doesn't want to share. He's made it clear if he can't have me, no one can.


This is a New Adult novel intended for mature readers (18+).

 

 

 

My Rating: 5 of 5 ♥'s

 

 

My Review

 

 

Ally is a young non-dating college student focused on her schooling. She works her tail off in a bar to be able to afford to live alone. She loves her job at the bar but is uneasy about this guy Earl who is often there; he just won’t stop staring at her. Every person from her boss to her friends thinks she is over reacting. One night leaving work she sees Earl’s truck sitting in the parking lot of the bar and he’s in it staring at her. In the process of freaking out and high tailing it back into the bar she bumps into Kale, who becomes her Knight in shining armor or make that leather jacket. Earl’s stalking starts escalating, it seems that Earl wants Ally all to himself.
I fell in love with all the characters especially Ally…she was young but she had her priorities straight and she did everything right that you want to see in a situation like this. Kale was everybody’s dream of a rescuer…I went from really liking him to disliking him and then at the end he was just ok for me. Earl and everything he represents in this story just really gave me a sick feeling. I loved Ally and Kale’s friends they were great supporting characters. The author did an outstanding job with the story line. I REALLY LOVED this book!
I would recommend this new adult book to someone looking for a suspenseful romantic book to fall in love with.

 

Welcome ♥

Hi and welcome to my new blog! 
 
A little about me... I have a 3 year old son, B and a boyfriend (B's dad), L.  We share our small house with our 2 humongous fur-babies.  My son is my world and takes a lot of my time and attention...he's a very active booger, I mean toddler.  I love books and love to read just about every genre.  I do not have a favorite author or favorite book but with that being said I typically lean towards reading Indie authors.  If I have free time I'll have my nose in a book or my phone or my nook tablet.  My sister and L very affectionately (and often) call me a book nerd.  I'm a naturally shy person so books are my friends LOL.  I barely watch television unless I happen to get hooked on a TV series (which currently I'm hooked on Arrow).

I've been doing reviews now for a couple of months and I really love it.  I feel that doing reviews and getting my thoughts out regarding the book actually keep the characters alive for me.  I am hoping this blogging experience will help me with the review process and keep me organized...we shall see.

I've been debating on starting a blog for months now and I've finally taken the plunge.  I'm excited (and scared) to get this thing going.  I have no clue how blogger works so it's going to be a learning process and hopefully I won't screw it up too bad. :)  If there is anyone that has any pointers for me, even just to recommend a book, or just to say hi to let me know someone is out there, drop me a comment or 2...please!?  Happy Reading everyone!