Happy 1st Birthday Sarah says Read Romance!

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I started this blog with the hope of supporting the WNY authors and other authors that I read.  During the course of the last year, this blog has grown in size in many ways.

REVIEWERS:

Erin and Adri joined the review team in September/October since I was really busy with my final academic year of Graduate school.  Without the two of them, this blog would have gone very quiet for the last few months.  I still did some reviewing, but not as much as I would have liked.   We found that each of us has different sub-genres of romance that we enjoy.  Erin tends to take on the darker stories.  Adri takes on the BDSM, some military stories and usually books that I can't get into but she is focusing on the Netgalley books for the time being. I enjoy the sweet romances the most. I have to have a HEA or HFN.  I can handle drama and angst, but it can't be really dark.  I have some authors that are instantly my reviews because I love them so much.  It's rare when all three of us will read and review the same book.

Sheri recently agreed to read some slash and paranormal books for us since none of us really like that genre and we have been turning down so many of those tours.  Sheri is also busy with her blog, For the Love of  Bookends, and working with some of our favorite authors.

As of this week, I reached out to a couple of my book club friends that I met through another author friend of ours and they are going to be guest reviewing soon.  Amanda and Rach have been a great support to me and this blog.  I thank this wonderful women for supporting this blog and for being a great friend!

TOUR COMPANIES:
When I first started, the only one I knew about was Tasty Book Tours and Lisa was the reason that I started this blog.  Now, we are touring with close to 10 tour companies.  We have such a wide variety of books that are offered that some of us have to be really choosy about what we read.  Okay, let's be honest, it is me that has to be choosy.

STREET TEAMS:
We each have street teams that we are part of. Some of them all of us are, some only I am, some only Erin is, and some Adri is the only one.   I haven't been as active as I normally am, but that will change in a few days once the semester is over.

UPCOMING CHANGES:
So, since this blog isn't just me reviewing anymore, there will be a name change effective June 1st, 2014.  We will be revealing it sometime this month when we have the new banner.

We will be doing scheduled themes starting in July:
Monday: Men (Women) in Uniform
Tuesday:  TBD
Wednesday:  WNY Authors (as needed)
Thursday:  Throwback Thursday (Releases prior to January 2013)
Friday:   TBD
Saturday & Sunday: Free for all! 


Now let's get to the good stuff!   GIVEAWAYS!!!! E-books, hard copies of books, signed copies of books, swag, and gift cards. 

Facebook Party May 1-4th! 

OH WAIT!!   Check the Rafflecopter listed below! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

TEASER & COVER SPOTLIGHT: Fake It by Jennifer Chance

FAKE IT BY JENNIFER CHANCE - TEASER REVEAL AND COVER SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Chance and Loveswept are thrilled to share the hot cover and first-look teaser of FAKE IT, the second book in the Rule Breakers series published by Loveswept!

From Jenn: “This cover is perfect for Jake--right down to the biker-inspired smoky blue flame background behind the title. It really shows that Jake and Anna's adventure will be quite a ride!”

Read on for more about FAKE IT and a super sexy teaser!

FAKE IT

Jennifer Chance

Published by Loveswept

July 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-553-39228-9

Find FAKE IT on Goodreads

ABOUT FAKE IT:

As her sizzling new series continues, Jennifer Chance sparks some serious combustion between a sexy biker and a corporate go-getter who’s ready to let her hair down.

New grad Anna Richardson works hard—so hard that she’s given up having a romantic life. Anna has even convinced her friends that she’s dating an amazing guy—who they’ve simply never met. But now Anna has a wedding to attend and needs to produce the hottie she’s been lying about for the past six months. Enter Jake Flynn, her infuriating, motorcycle-riding, jaw-droppingly gorgeous neighbor, who’s more than willing to fake it for a weekend. In fact, Jake won’t be satisfied until things get real.

Though Jake is only playing the role of adoring boyfriend, he’s starting to feel the heat, and judging by Anna’s sweet blush, so is she. Letting chemistry this intense go to waste would be a real shame. Soon, though, the thin line between fantasy and reality fades. Jake may not be what every buttoned-up fast-tracker wants, but he’s sure as hell what Anna needs. And if she takes a ride with him, their adventure never has to end.

TEASER REVEAL!

“Jake, the wedding would completely suck for you,” Anna protested. “My ex is a nightmare and you would hate all of my friends. You would think the whole thing is ridiculous—because it is.” He just watched her, maddeningly, his smile curving as she tried to sputter out her refusals. “You don’t want to do this. Trust me.”

“I just said I did.”

“But . . . you can’t . . . you wouldn’t . . .” Anna stopped, flustered. What was happening here? Was she actually turning down a viable date? “There’s so much you would have to memorize about Dave. There’s no way you’re going to want to do that.”

Jake just lifted his brows. “You know, for someone who’s just met me, you seem to know a lot about what I would and wouldn’t want to do.”

“I don’t! I mean, I can guess. But I just . . . can’t.” Anna swallowed. “Look, I appreciate it. If I strike out tonight, I’ll call you. How about that?”

“That sounds good.” Jake signaled to the bartender. “So I guess I should make sure you have my number, then.”

“Oh, well yes. I guess. Or, you know, I could just—” Before Anna could complete the sentence, Jake had a pen in his fingers. They were both leaning on the bar, their faces inches apart. He tipped the pen to its side, sliding its base alongside her jaw. The cool metal on her flushed skin startled her, and Anna’s gaze jumped to his. The challenge in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Hold out your hand, Anna,” he said, as if they weren’t in the middle of a crowded bar, in front of everyone.

“That’s not necessary,” she said quickly. “I have other people’s cards—you can just use—just write on one of those.”

His gaze grew hotter, more intense. “That’s no good,” he said. “You might lose it.”

Anna hesitated, then something was triggered deep inside her, and she felt a dangerous flicker of pleasure. She knew that flicker, remembered it from somewhere, even as life and work and responsibility had taught her to keep it doused, out of commission. It had been a long time since she’d let that fire burn.

But now Jake Flynn was positioned in front of her with gasoline and a blowtorch.

Someone cleared his throat beside them, and a disgruntled voice rang out. “Excuse me, I’m Gary, and your friend Lacey—”

“Take off, Gary,” Jake said without turning around. His gaze held hers. “Anna?”

Anna held out her hand, and Jake held her arm steady, cradling it with his fingers. Sensation rocketed through her at the intimate touch, intensifying sharply as she felt the smooth slide of ink on her skin. He wrote slowly, sensually, the pen tracing wickedly silken lines on the hypersensitive skin on the inside of her wrist, all the way down until he reached her palm. By the time he was finished, Anna was amazed she was still conscious. Then he glanced at her.

“Think it’s dry? Or should I blow on it?”

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF FAKE IT – Want more of the Rule Breakers? ROCK IT, the first book in the series, is on sale now!

ABOUT JENNIFER:

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the New Adult series Rule Breakers. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio. Visit her website and find her on Twitter.

Connect with Jennifer Chance

Website  |  Facebook  | Twitter

Connect with Loveswept

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

ADRI's Thoughts:

Personally this cover alone gives me the desire to read it but add that teaser to it and I KNOW I will be all over this book... Ive read and reviewed a previous book by Jennifer Chance and can tell you she is a great writer with very sexy male characters. Looking forward to the day I can review and bring you my thoughts on this book too.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: SOMETHING TO LOSE BY TAMRA LASSITER

BLURB:

Everyone has something to lose.

Camden Piotrowski is justifiably upset to find her boyfriend in the arms of another woman. But it’s not the end of her world and definitely not something that a bubble bath, good wine, and cookie dough won’t help. Her pity party is interrupted when handsome Seth Vendetti bursts into her bathroom. She soon discovers that her world and those in it are not as they seem. Can she trust Seth’s version of the truth and make him realize that even he has something to lose?







Excerpt:


I finish and place my plate and fork on the coffee table and turn to face Joey. He’s totally into me, or seems to be, but is it enough for him to want to go for the full gusto? He leans towards me and lightly kisses me just below my right ear. The motion does absolutely nothing for me other than make me feel a little nauseous. It’s not like when Seth’s lips touch me. Thoughts of Seth make my cheeks flush. Joey must take that as a good sign because he goes for my lips next. I fight the urge to flee and try to fake enjoyment. Does it work? Can he tell?

Joey’s hands move around my neck. He pulls me closer. I pull away and look to him shyly.

“You feel it, don’t you?” he asks, a creepy smile on his face.

I smile, as if I’m embarrassed. I know my cheeks are still flushed, mostly with worry for what I’m about to do. I nod my head towards Comb-Over and Crooked Nose, who have just taken seats at the table. “Can they go somewhere?” I ask as innocently as possible. I even bat my eyelashes a couple times just for effect. Joey smiles again, this time triumphant, a knowing smile and then snaps his fingers. The men exit my apartment without saying a word.

About the Author
Tamra Lassiter lives in Northern Virginia with her supportive husband, two lovely daughters, elegant Great Dane and not-so-elegant, but very sweet, English Bulldog. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and of course, writing.

www.tamralassiter.com

@tamralassiter

https://twitter.com/TamraLassiter

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamra-Lassiter/351740168279714

Erin's Review

This story has a little bit of everything. Mystery, suspense, action and of course, romance. Camden is adorable. You like her from the second you meet her. Seth is your knight in shining armor. He is quick to act when things get tough, the only problem is, can you trust him? 

Cam thought all she had to worry about was a jerk for a boyfriend, boy was she wrong. That jerk of a ex boyfriend got her caught up in something she could have never imagined...the mafia. 

Seth is hell bent on finishing what he started. He didn't mean for Cam to take what he did the wrong way,he certainly didn't mean to lie to her and he definitely didn't want to fall in love. 

Cam and Seth are drawn together and just when things start to move in the right direction for Cam, everything blows up, literally. 

Cam is much calmer than I would have been. I got to give the girl credit. With her family to help her out and her loving aunt to give her the advice she needs, can she forgive Seth for lying to her? Can she help him and set things right to put an end to all this drama once and for all, or will she die trying?

 Can Seth just wake up and realize he loves this girl already?? Men can be so hard headed at times and Seth is no exception. He is noble to a fault but dense as hell when it comes to women, or at least Cam. A nice long talk with Cam's aunt is just what he needed too, along with a kick in the ass to get him moving. Can he commit? Can he finally let the past go and embrace what could be his future? 

  I love a good suspense story and this one measured up. Just the right amount of everything to give Cam and Seth a well developed story with some good old fashioned mob drama thrown in. Tamra has a hit with this one and you'll have to buy the book to see if Cam and Seth get their HEA that they both deserve

One random commenter will receive a $50 Amazon/B&N gift card from non other than Tamra herself. So get to commenting!

                           Good Luck and Happy Reading!

PROMO & GIVEAWAY: Caressed by Shadows by Amanda J. Greene

Caressed by Shadows

(Rulers of Darkness #4)

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: April 19, 2014

   

Black Knight, Falcon Kenwrec is powerful, relentless, and fiercely loyal, his only allegiance – to his king. But he is torn between duty and desire when the war between the vampire clans and the Red Order hunters escalates and the enemy captures the one woman he longs to claim as his own, Sonya Rebane, Queen of the Voidukas Clan. Falcon will risk everything to save her, even if it means forsaking his king.

After weeks of imprisonment, Sonya is stunned when the chivalrous knight that she has secretly loved from afar appears outside her cell. As they fight and struggle to elude their enemies, they must battle their overwhelming attraction for each other and their love that is forbidden. 

As every perilous moment draws them closer together, every smoldering kiss drives them to the brink of a passionate destruction. Will they be able to resist temptation? Or will their love be their ruin?

Amanda J. Greene Bio:

Amanda J. Greene is a paranormal romance author. When she is not writing, she can found playing the role of a university student who also works full time at a cosmetology school. She lives in Southern California with her very supportive husband and their two dogs, a sweet cocker spaniel and a rambunctious blackmouth cur mix. Doing all the above and being a military wife is not easy, but rewarding! Of course, she accomplishes everything with a strong cup of coffee in her hand.

Website: http://www.amandajgreene.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-J-Greene/162646687109294

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaJGreene1

Good reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4503428.Amanda_J_Greene

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Falling for Owen by Jennifer Ryan

Falling for Owen

The McBrides Book Two

By: Jennifer Ryan

Releasing April 15^th, 2014

Blurb

The McBrides of Fallbrook return with reformed bad boy Owen. He'll do whatever he must to protect the woman who's captured his heart. Attorney by day, rancher by night Owen McBride conquered his dark past and made it his mission to help the innocent—even at the expense of a personal life. But when a client's abusive ex-husband targets Owen and his gorgeous neighbor Claire gets caught in the crossfire, his feelings turn anything but professional. The mysterious beauty awakens something in him, and he'll move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

Coffee shop owner Claire Walsh learned the hard way that handsome men aren't to be trusted. Owen may be sexy as hell and determined to take care of her, but she's reluctant to put her heart on the line. His presence in her life puts a target on her back, yet the more time she spends with him, the more she finds she can't help falling for Owen.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Owen-Book-Two-McBrides-ebook/dp/B00DB3FRSI

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-for-owen-jennifer-ryan/1117908670?ean=9780062306081

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/falling-for-owen/id660540897?mt=11

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/03/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_11.html

Author Info

 JENNIFER RYAN, author of The Hunted Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances. 

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. 

Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.

Find her here

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Ryan/520021168037391?ref=hl

http://www.jennifer-ryan.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4693347.Jennifer_Ryan

https://twitter.com/JenRyan_author

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Two Digital Copies of THE RETURN OF BRODY MCBRIDE)

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Sarah's Review:
Thanks to Jennifer Ryan, Edelweiss and Tasty Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this great story.  I was hooked with The Return of Brody McBride and wanted to read this one the minute I was finished with Brody's book.  I was not disappointed.

When Owen's client, Shannon, causes Shannon's ex husband to lash out at Owen, an innocent bystander gets caught in the crossfire.   Enter Claire, who is attacked by Shannon's ex and when Owen gets called because his name was brought up, the beginning of Claire and Owen story happens.

With the twists and turns of this story, Owen and Claire find themselves targets of someone who doesn't like the two of them together.  What happens when the truth comes out?  Excitement!!

COVER REVEAL: HER RIDE BY RACHEL ORMAN

Title: Her Ride

Author: Rachael Orman

Genre: Adult Romance

Publication Date: June 2014

Tour Host: Dreams Come True Promotions

Being happy. It sounds so simple. Yet, it seems that it’s always just out of reach for Shannon Ryan.

After serving overseas for six years as a female United States Marine, Ryan is finally getting out the military. But coming home to live with her biker brother and his motorcycle club is more difficult than she thought it would be. Much has changed in the years that she has been gone, including Ellis, her brother’s best friend and childhood crush.

Ellis 'Dirty' Crane is the second in command for Tormented Souls Motorcycle Club. The only thing he lives for is the club, that is until Ryan comes home, no longer the wild little girl that followed him around. The two things standing in his way of getting what he wants are Patrick, Ryan's brother and leader of the club, and Jeremiah, Ryan’s boyfriend.

Can Ellis break through Ryan’s walls? Burn them and Jeremiah down? Prove to her brother that he’s the right man for her? Or is Ryan hiding more than she’s letting on?

Add to GoodReads

Rachael is a stay at home mom with 2 young daughters and a husband that keep her constantly on her toes. She lives in the extremely hot state of Arizona, where she reads and writes away the blistering heat outside. She is a cancer survivor with a quirky personality. She’s been an avid reader for as long as she can remember and been writing since she was in high school. Her hopes of being a writer were crushed when she was young but one day she decided she was going to do what makes her happy and that was to write.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterRachaelOrman?ref=hl

GoodReads Author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7145471.Rachael_Orman

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Flames of Love by Melissa Foster

Flames of Love

The Remington’s Series Book Three

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing March 31st, 2014

 Blurb

As one of New York’s Finest, firefighter Cash Ryder is always prepared. When a woman’s car skids off the side of a mountain during a snowstorm, he’s there to rescue her. Cash is totally focused on the woman’s well-being, but within minutes of getting her to safety, he realizes that he’s nowhere near prepared for the heat that rolls off of sensual, smart-mouthed, and stubborn Siena Remington.

As a model, Siena Remington has dated some of the wealthiest, most handsome men in the industry, and she’s made peace with the idea that most men are just looking for eye candy and they wouldn’t know how to romance a woman to save their lives. When she’s rescued by a tall, handsome stranger, she thinks that maybe, just maybe, she’s found her own real-life romantic fairy tale—until he opens his mouth and everything that comes out is gruff, ornery, and aggravatingly sexy.

Thrown together during an annual firehouse calendar photo shoot, the passion between Cash and Siena sizzles, and neither one knows how to control the flames. After an evening of verbal sparring followed by a sinfully sensual night, their darkest secrets are revealed—and so is Cash’s warm, romantic heart. But Siena’s secret might be too much for big, strong, always-prepared Cash to handle—and Siena is forced to choose between a man who’s everything she’s ever dreamed of and an opportunity of a lifetime.

Buy Links

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Flames-Love-Bloom-Remingtons-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00HZ3P0OG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395630541&sr=1-1&keywords=flames+of+love+melissa+foster

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flames-of-love-melissa-foster/1117669336?ean=2940045474245

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/flames-love-love-in-bloom/id764899341?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/Flames-Love-Love-Bloom-The/VFnaFwzs1k-MS4pa-ztVNg?MixID=VFnaFwzs1k-MS4pa-ztVNg&PageNumber=1&s=dfjVOTV49EaBYQRnCIbj9Q&r=7

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/01/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for_2827.html

Goodreads Link to Series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/117170-love-in-bloom-the-remingtons

Author Info

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"-- Bestselling Author Jennie Shortridge

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. This  is psychological suspense at its most chilling. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked."  International bestseller, M.J. Rose 

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Author Links

Website: http://www.MelissaFoster.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: @Melissa_Foster

My social network for women: http://www.TheWomensNest.com

World Literary Café: http://www.worldliterarycafe.com

Fostering Success: http://www.fostering-success.com

Facebook Melissa Foster: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor  (Fanpage)

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Three Digital Copies of STROKE OF LOVE, Remington’s #2)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OR,

Link to Rafflecopter Page, http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjMyMw==/

 

Sarah's Review:
Thanks again to Melissa Foster and Tasty Book Tours for providing me with another book boyfriend.  I am addicted to this series and each story draws me in more.  It's an addiction and I don't want help for it.  This book may just be my favorite of the entire series, which is a tough call to make because I love each on for different reasons!  

Cash Ryder is our hot firefighter, alpha male hero in this story with a soft side that Siena likes to point out to him.  However, he is also a stubborn alpha male who gets knocked on his butt by Siena.  We discover that Cash is deeply impacted by an event in his firefighter career that is causing concern to his Chief and fellow firefighters.  We also see just how sweet  Cash is despite his gruff exterior.

Siena Remington is one of the Remington siblings that we have met before, but we see a different side of her and just how down to earth she really is.  We see that she is asked to do things that she doesn't want to do, but does them anyway for her career.  We also see how compassionate she is and how she won't put up with things that she doesn't want.  

I love that we were able to see some of the other family members, Remington and Braden!