Saturday, November 30, 2019

Becoming a Vincent (The Wild Ones #1) by C.M. Owens ~ Review

Becoming A Vincent (The Wild Ones, #1)Source: Purchased.

Becoming a Vincent (The Wild Ones #1) by C.M. Owens


When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will.

That’s Tomahawk for you.

We rank people based on just how crazy they are. And the four craziest families in town are called the Wild Ones.
I’m on the bottom tier of those, so technically I’m not as crazy as the other Wild Ones. In fact, if it wasn’t for my brothers and their endless antics, I wouldn’t be considered a Wild One at all. Ahem. Sure. We’ll go with that.

Anyway, I have a best friend who endures it all with me. Benson Nolans is my one, constant favorite person.
Without him, I’d probably go really crazy, and not the fun kind. It’d be ridiculous, after three years of a flawless friendship, to mess that all up by falling for him.

I mean, even if we did get a little too close one night, it’d be reckless endangerment. Even if we did suddenly feel the chemistry that’s always been there and stop toeing the line, it’d be a foolish risk to take.

It’d be stupid to start hoping a really fun, but completely irrational, night with zero inhibitions might accidentally happen.
Really stupid…

Right?





I stumbled upon this book on Goodreads, and after reading reviews I decided to give this one a chance. It honestly just sounded like a great time. And, you know, it was. It was one of those books that's kind of...out there...in ways, but it was a fun read for sure.

From page one, this was easy to get into. It was entertaining learning about this community and how they interact and how they have their challenges. There was a lot to learn about, because they're so strange, but it was all interesting enough that I didn't mind.

I loved learning about the characters and their relationships. Lilah was funny and Benson was sweet. And I got a big kick out of Lilah's brothers. Them with Lilah was cute...in a crazy way. Benson's family was...a lot. But it was fun seeing them react to the crazy that is Tomahawk.

As a whole, I feel like the best way to describe this book is fun...in a weird way.

I will say that the plot was kind of flimsy. It's a loosely structured romance, mostly held up by random shenanigans that you have to dispense belief in order to enjoy. I had a smile on my face a vast majority of my time reading it all, though.

Overall, Becoming a Vincent is so tough to describe. It's strange, but so fun. And the romance is sweet. I'm pretty sure sometime, when I really need something to make me smile, I'll pick up book 2.


4 stars - Strange, but fun & sweet!


Friday, November 29, 2019

All of Him: A Single Dad Collection ~ Sneak Peeks & Giveaway


All of Him: A Single Dad Collection
Publication date: November 29th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
A broken relationship.
A mother’s death.
A mistake made.
Each of these men are struggling to put their lives back together. Whether it be from the loss of the woman who blessed them with their children or a decision made in the heat of passion that changed everything, all they know is they have to try — for their children and for themselves.
From these amazing authors comes “All of Him: A Single Dad Collection.”
Before Her by Anita Maxwell
When Jenny arrives in River Falls, a sleepy little town in Montana, she sets herself on a mission to find a job and a place to stay for a few weeks. After traveling the west coast for the last couple of months, she is ready to chill and get some cash behind her before she leaves on the next leg of her journey.
Enter the Lonesomes with their gorgeous twin baby boys. The three rugged cowboys steal her breath away and the little boys steal her heart. Before she knows it, she’s agreed to be their nanny for a few weeks while they look for someone permanent.
But something Jenny didn’t know when she first entered River Falls was that the town was built on a polygamous way of life. Once the Lonesome brothers set their sights on Jenny, there is almost nothing that will stop these sexy single dads from making her their own.
This is a Reverse Harem story, light on steam, but heavy on tension and angst.
The Baby Drop Off by Kelsie Rae
I’m not father material. Hell, I’m not boyfriend material, either. I’m looking-for-a-good-time material with a side of no-strings-attached.
But when a baby shows up on my doorstep with a note saying I’m the father, everything changes. With no other options, I reach out to my neighbor.
Tasha is the girl-next-door with a side of sugar who’s nice enough to step in as a nanny while I figure out what to do with a freaking kid. I never thought Tasha was my type until I see her loving on my baby.
As lines start to blur, and rules get broken, some secrets stay hidden that hold me back from creating a life I never knew I wanted until it was tossed into my lap.
I just wish I could convince her to give me a chance, but she won’t even let me try.
Only the Lies by Elle Thorpe 
Him: Six foot, four inches. Thor look-alike. Kickass black belt ninja man, and gym owner.
Me: Barely five foot. Resembles an overstuffed dumpling. Semi-decent receptionist of the office across the road.
Match made in heaven? I think so. Which is why I get to work early each morning, and stare longingly out the window, desperate for my daily glimpse of him.
The man doesn’t know I’m alive, and I don’t have the lady balls to do anything about it. Until the postman delivers the gym’s mail to my office. It’s the perfect excuse to strut over there and introduce myself, right?
Wrong.
When he mistakes me for someone else, I’m so blinded by his abs that I don’t correct him. And now he’s calling me someone else’s name, and I don’t know how to turn this around apart from to bolt back to my desk with my ass jiggling behind me.
I never expected he’d follow me.
Or anything that happened next.
Broken Down by Paige Taylor
As a teacher, It’s Savannah Torvel’s duty to make sure every student is given the best possible chance at education. When a little girl starts acting out, and calls to the parent go unanswered, it’s perfectly acceptable to storm the parent’s workplace and confront them, right?
Broken Down follows the story of Savannah and Mason Bell, two people whose lives keep intersecting. Will they embrace fate or risk disrepair?
SNEAK PEEKS:

“The Baby Drop Off” by Kelsie Rae – EXCERPT

The call disconnects, and I shove the phone into my back pocket before opening the door and jumping out of my skin.
“What the hell?” I mumble under my breath, assessing the soft pink lump on my welcome mat. Squatting low, I tilt my head to get a better look. What the hell is a car seat covered with a pink blanket doing in my hallway? As I lean a little closer, a soft cry squeaks through the blanket, and I fall flat on my ass. You’d think it was the grim reaper with my overreaction, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around a kid being at my front door.
So, sue me.
The crying escalates until I’m looking up and down the hallway, afraid someone’s going to complain about the noise while praying they know how to make it stop at the same time.
With the sole of my sneaker, I nudge the car seat to rock it back and forth, but the motion doesn’t quiet the baby inside. As if the kid’s a ticking time bomb, I edge closer and slowly lift the blanket. Sure enough, a little human is tucked inside, its face red with anger.
Shit.
“You okay, little buddy?” I ask cautiously, inspecting the rest of the car seat for any clues about who this kid is and why it’s on my doorstep. Tucked between the baby’s kicking legs and the side of the seat, a white envelope catches my eye.
Releasing a slow breath while giving myself a mental pep talk, I reach into dangerous territory and snatch the letter like it’s a damn viper. After I give myself a mental high five for my bravery, I slide my finger below the lid, pull the note out, and start reading.
Shane,
In the diaper bag, you’ll find the papers that give up my rights as a mom. I’m signing her over to you… her dad. I also added her birth certificate and anything else you might need to get you by for a few days. I’m sorry to spring this on you, but I can’t be the mom she needs. Her name’s Adaline. Please take care of her, and please forgive me for screwing up your life. This was the only thing I could think to do. If you don’t want her, I added the adoption papers. Do what’s best for you and her… whatever that might be.
-Molly
Scanning the message a few dozen times, my hands shake as the baby continues to wail from the car seat. Unfortunately, I’m too stunned to move a muscle. What the hell am I supposed to do with a freaking kid?
When the baby’s screams reach a decibel that could break glass, the door across the hall opens to reveal my neighbor, Tasha. Long, red hair that reaches her lower back, quirky purple glasses that frame her toffee colored eyes, and the sweetest smile you’ve ever seen.
Yeah, you heard that right. Sweet.
Which means she’s off limits, and I wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole.
I don’t do sweet. I do dirty and hot. I do sexy and passionate. But never sweet.
“Only the Lies” by Elle Thorpe – EXCERPT

The clinic door banged open. “Did I miss him?” Bree panted, staggering over to join me at the window.
I shook my head. “Not yet. Should be any minute now.”
We both peered through the slatted blinds like the stalkers we were, neither of us bothering to acknowledge Damien, my boss and Bree’s boyfriend, when he struggled through the door a minute later, juggling coffee and breakfast for the three of us.
He dumped his armful of takeaway bags and trays on the reception desk, then leaned back on it, picking up the pile of mail I’d left there.
“Bree,” he said casually, “you do remember that I’m your boyfriend, right? I’m nice. Funny. Somewhat attractive? A lesser man would be devastated by your actions, you know.”
Bree looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss. “You know you’re my number one, babe. But this guy…”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Buns of steel.”
I dragged my gaze away from the parking lot that was still irritatingly empty of one oversized black ute and the oversized man who drove it. “Buns of steel? Really? You think that’s why we stare out the window each morning, waiting for him to drive in? It has nothing to do with that.”
He snorted. “Oh, really?”
I grinned. “Nope, it has more to do with the biceps, and the abs—”
“The man has a shirt on every morning, Cleo. How have you seen his abs?”
“Oh, we’ve seen them, all right,” Bree confirmed. “You can see them through his shirt. That’s how cut he is. And there was that one time…”
I let my head drop back on my shoulders and made prayer hands while I thanked the big guy upstairs. “The day he ran to work with no shirt on. That blessed day where the heavens opened and birds sang and—”
“Hey!” Bree squealed as Damien covered her eyes and dragged her away from the window. “I’m going to miss the show.”
“How ‘bout I give you a show of my own?”
“Oh, really?”
“Mmmm hmmm.”
Damien’s lips brushed Bree’s neck, and suddenly Bree was more interested in her man than being my wing-woman. I groaned good-naturedly when Damien dragged her back toward his office and closed the door.
“Patients will be here in thirty, Damien! I’m not covering for you!”
“Move my first appointment,” he yelled through the closed door. “I’m gonna need at least an hour.”
Bree’s laughter echoed back.


GIVEAWAY!

This is not a Stuck In Books Giveaway.  We are not responsible for selecting the winner or delivering the prize.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Distant Memory by Maureen A. Miller ~ Excerpt & Giveaway


Distant Memory
Maureen A. Miller
Publication date: November 25th 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
From USA TODAY bestselling author, Maureen A. Miller comes this romantic thriller.
Whose life does Hollie Musgrave recall? Is it even her own?
Dreams of a house Hollie has never been to plague her. They haunted her since childhood when her mother used to joke about reincarnation. Now, as an adult, the dreams have returned. Desperate for relief she seeks out a hypnotist to pry any clues from her latent memories. One notion leads her to a farmhouse hundreds of miles away.
Todd Hewitt bought the farmhouse in Pennsylvania in search of seclusion after the drama of the past three years. When a woman shows up on his doorstep he assumes she is just another reporter looking for an interview, however, her tale is too absurd to be a hoax.
Together they try to piece together her missing past.
And someone has been waiting for that.
Someone has been waiting for Hollie to remember.


EXCERPT:

“You should go.”

The words were husky. Uttered from a woman who was struggling to maintain her composure. Skin that was normally effused with sunshine was pulled taut across high cheekbones making the shadows below her eyes more prevalent.

He considered her warning. Seriously considered it.

“I should,” he hedged. “But I won’t.”

Solemn eyes rose to meet his.

“For God’s sake, why? You don’t need this. It was a big mistake to come down here. I was a fool to encourage you.”

Setting aside any reservations he might have, he couldn’t stand to see her fighting to hold herself together. Someone was tormenting this woman and it ticked him off.

“Look,” he set the note down, watching her eyes follow the motion. “I could point out that it’s not just about you. Whatever is going on, whatever these warnings are–they clearly deal with the house I’m living in. Everything that has happened to you happened directly after visiting my home. That makes it personal for me.” He paused. “Yeah, there’s that–or–” deep breath, “–I could admit that for the first time in three years I’ve met someone I’d like to know more about–that I’d like to spend time with.”

A shrug that didn’t come easily hefted his shoulders. “And you’re right. I have to decide if my desire to spend time with you is strong enough to deal with these threats–this stalking that you’ve been subjected to. Do I really want that sort of conflict in my very quiet, very private life?”

Hollie’s face pinched in pain and she looked away from him. “I guess I know the answer to that.”

“Do you?”



Author Bio:
USA TODAY bestselling author, Maureen A. Miller worked in the software industry for fifteen years. She crawled around plant floors in a hard hat and safety glasses hooking up computers to behemoth manufacturing machines. The job required extensive travel. The best form of escapism during those lengthy airport layovers became writing.
Maureen's first novel, WIDOW'S TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. After that she became hooked to the genre. In fact, she was so hooked she is the founder of the JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE website.
Recently, Maureen branched out into the Young Adult Science Fiction market with the popular BEYOND Series. To her it was still Romantic Suspense...just on another planet!
Find more about Maureen at www.maureenamiller.com

GIVEAWAY!



This giveaway is not from Stuck In Books.  We are not responsible for selecting the winner or delivering the prize.

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Swoon Thursday ~ 11/28/19


Who doesn't LOVE a good swoon?!  We love them for sure!  Check out our swoon below and then add to the fun.

Post anything that made you swoon, past or present read.  Include the cover, blurb and links.  Please no spoilers.



A jilted-at-the-altar bride reunites with her high school sweetheart in Lori Wilde’s sensational new Twilight, Texas Christmas novel.

Kelsey James always played by the rules and look where it got her—dumped and half-drunk in a poofy white dress, her Christmas wedding ruined. Then her best friend talks her into going on her “honeymoon” anyway, daring her to a “Christmas of Yes.” It’s about time she lets loose a little, so Kelsey agrees to say “yes” to fun, to romance, and to adventure! And adventure leads her right smack into the arms of sexy Noah MacGregor.

Noah’s never one to say no to a risk—from leading his NBA team to victory to making Christmas cookies in Twilight, he’s up to the challenge! But a lot has gone on since they were teenagers, and he knows he has to take his time to make Kelsey dare to believe that what they feel is more than just the holiday magic that’s in the air . . .


Swoon...


He scooped her up in his big strong arms and carried her to his room.  He didn't even set her down to open the door.  Just cradled her against him while he expertly twisted the knob with his hand and carried her over the threshold into the bedroom illuminated only with the glow of Christmas lights dangling above the headboard.  ( page 227) 
I can just picture this and I love what I see.  Have you read this one?


That's our swoon this week! What about you? Leave us a comment & a link.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Tasting Her Christmas Cookies by Alina Jacobs ~ Excerpt & Giveaway


Tasting Her Christmas Cookies
Alina Jacobs
Publication date: November 19th 2019
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance
Winter is coming—and unfortunately it’s bringing Christmas with it.
I loathe the holiday. I hate holiday parties, fragrant decorations, and hokey movies. If I had my way it would be winter all year round and never Christmas.
Nothing burns like the cold—except a hot oven.
That’s right; against my better judgment I agreed to let The Great Christmas Bake-Off film in my tower.
And St. Nick help me but I even agreed to be a judge.
Holly
Christmas is like the perfect sugar cookie—it slowly melts in your mouth, sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.
I love Christmas. I love the cheerful music, the fun sweaters, and the holiday lights. Most of all I love Christmas Cookies.
A begrudging bake-off judge, I refuse to let grouchy billionaire Owen Frost hate Christmas. The man is overworked, his employees are uninspired, and his life is seriously lacking in Yuletide cheer. I want to stuff his stocking with sugary goodness to put him in a very festive mood.
So I dressed up as a sexy elf and gave Owen a taste of something extra special. You should have seen his eyes roll back in his head when he bit into the perfect sugar cookie!
I can’t let Owen Frost be a distraction. Things are insane enough without a sexy billionaire.
My baking subscription service is in the death throes.
My Christmas-ruining step sister is trying to sabotage me in the bake-off.
I’m being stalked by elves on the shelf come to life.
Ok that last one is a little weird, but welcome to my disaster of a life.
I need to win The Great Christmas Bake-Off to pay of my debts and launch my baking career. Sleeping with one of the judges is going to ruin my chance for a merry Christmas. Owen with his washboard abs and big Christmas package is a bad idea. It’s best to keep that all wrapped under the tree.
But when he said in that deep, sexy voice, “Can I have another taste of your Christmas cookies?” Well, let’s just say I’m unwrapping one particular Christmas present early!
Tasting Her Christmas Cookies is a standalone holiday romantic comedy. If you love Christmas desserts, like to laugh out loud at holiday innuendoes, and want Santa to put a tall, good-looking guy under your tree, then pick up this full-length, steamy romance novel! There are no cliffhangers but there is a very happy (Christmas!) ever after!


EXCERPT:

“We are having a Christmas bath scene in the near future,” I said to the camera, “with holiday bath bombs and themed cocktails. But unfortunately, it won’t be tonight. The bake-off starts tomorrow, baking fans!”

I looked longingly at the bathtub. Then, making sure the phone was definitely not recording, because I did not need to be that kind of Instagrammer, I took a quick shower. I seriously could not get over how huge the bathroom was. I could live in it. With a toaster and a mini fridge, I would totally be good.

After wrapping myself in the robe, I tied a T-shirt around my hair. I had frizzy hair on a good day; keeping my curls manageable was a perpetual struggle. I applied a gingerbread-cookie-scented moisturizer while my videos uploaded. Because I was busy scrolling through my phone and answering comments as I came out of the bathroom, I didn’t notice the half-naked man until he swore.

I looked up and screamed.

“Help! Help! Stalker!” I shrieked and ineffectively pointed at the stranger. Between the rippling muscles, the washboard abs, and an ass I could bounce a quarter on, I hoped he wasn’t actually here to hurt me, because he could do some damage. Pointing and shrieking wasn’t going to stop him. Fortunately, he looked more shocked and horrified than angry and violent.

“Stop screaming!” he bellowed. A freezing breeze blew into the room. It was as if the man had brought the rage of winter into the master suite with him. He looked like it, too, with his ice-blue eyes and silver-white hair. “This is my penthouse. You are not authorized to be here. That makes you the stalker!”

I stopped screaming. It clearly wasn’t helping anything. I also couldn’t help but notice that the bathroom wasn’t the only thing that was huge in the room. With him wearing nothing but boxer briefs, I could tell Santa had brought the handsome man a very large Christmas package indeed. The breeze blew in from the balcony, swirling the strange man’s clean and masculine scent around the room. I forced myself to ignore it.

“Get out of my house,” Big Christmas Package said flatly.

“You get out!” I shrieked. “I’m a bake-off contestant. This isn’t your room!”

“What the—” he grabbed his clothes, tugging on his pants. “The Great Christmas Bake-Off? I cannot have Christmas invading every element of my life. This is ridiculous. Christmas is ridiculous. It’s such a stupid, childish holiday.” He punctuated his words by snatching up articles of clothing.

“Hey now!” I said, hands on my hips, fear subsiding. “Christmas is never ridiculous. It’s the best holiday ever. And if you can’t see that, well then, you’re just a grinch, aren’t you?”

He advanced on me. I was suddenly very aware of how large he was. Christmas package notwithstanding, this dude was tall, broad shouldered, with rippling muscles. He could probably split me in two.

Yes, please.

“You’re some stupid little baker who never outgrew the childish fantasy of Christmas,” he sneered.
My nose was inches away from his chest. He glowered down at me. I was too angry to be aware of his half-naked body. Okay, maybe I was like fifteen percent aware. But the majority of my energy was focused on being offended on behalf of Christmas.

“Don’t insult baking,” I said, giving him my best “I want to speak to the manager vibe,” though it was ruined by the fact that I had to crane my neck up to see him and that I was completely naked under the robe. “And never insult Christmas!”

His nostrils flared slightly.

“Men like you constantly belittle the work that women do to keep cultural traditions like Christmas alive,” I continued, poking him in the chest.

“We decorate homes to make them cozy.”

Poke.

“We cook holiday dinners and bake festive desserts.”

Poke.

“We host parties that bring families and friends together.”

Before I could poke him again, he grabbed my hand in his much-larger one. Then, realizing what he’d done, he quickly released it.

“I will not stand for your bad attitude!” I declared.

He glared down at me, strong jaw clenched, eyes cold as a frozen lake. “I can’t even believe this,” he finally snarled. He grabbed his briefcase and stormed out, still shirtless.

“Oh my God!” Fiona exclaimed, wide-eyed, as she ran into the room. She hugged me then pushed me to sit on the bed. “Are you okay? Who was that? Why was he in here? Someone call the police!”
“I knew it! You’re trying to steal my boyfriend,” Amber yelled at me, rushing into the room. “That’s Owen Frost, and he’s mine!”



Author Bio:
If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!
Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books...
Sign up for my mailing list to get the free novella, AFTER HIS PEONIES, along with special bonus content, giveaways, and more!
http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html


GIVEAWAY!

This is not Stuck In Books giveaway.  We are not responsible selecting the winner or delivering the prize.

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The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware ~ A Stuck In Books Giveaway






From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, The Lying Game, and The Death of Mrs. Westaway comes Ruth Ware’s highly anticipated fifth novel.

When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.

It was everything.

She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware’s signature suspenseful style, The Turn of the Key is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time.




US addresses only
Hardback copy





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Waiting On Wednesday ~ 11/27/19


This is our version of Waiting on Wednesday but with more cuddles, books we can't wait to cuddle for various reasons.

What are we waiting on this week?  THIS!




New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton is back with a friends-to-lovers romance sure to melt hearts as one smokin'-hot fireman turns up the heat on love.

Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he's in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen--and her grandfather--time and again, and he's clearly interested in her. She knows he's a player, but she's tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn't a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she's enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn't take Rafe long to realize that until now he's only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.


Why am I waiting?  Okay, seriously?  Hot fireman?  Friends to lovers?  Nuff said.


That's what we're waiting on this week! What do you think? What are you waiting on? Leave us a comment and link us up!


Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Stuck In Books Featured Releases & Giveaway


From Avon Books...



In the first book in Eva Leigh's new Union of the Rakes series, a bluestocking hires a faux suitor to help her land an ideal husband only to be blindsided by real desire…

Lady Grace Wyatt is content as a wallflower, focusing on scientific pursuits rather than the complications of society matches. But when a handsome, celebrated naturalist returns from abroad, Grace wishes, for once, to be noticed. Her solution: to "build" the perfect man, who will court her publicly and help her catch his eye. Grace's colleague, anthropologist Sebastian Holloway, is just the blank slate she requires.

In exchange for funding his passage on an expedition leaving London in a few months, Sebastian allows Grace to transform him from a bespectacled, bookish academic into a dashing—albeit fake—rake. Between secret lessons on how to be a rogue and exaggerated public flirtations, Grace's feelings for Sebastian grow from friendship into undeniable, inconvenient, real attraction. If only she hadn't hired him to help her marry someone else...



Sebastian is in love with brilliant, beautiful Grace, but their bargain is complete, and she desires another. Yet when he's faced with losing her forever, Sebastian will do whatever it takes to tell her the truth, even if it means risking his own future—and his heart. 



From Harlequin Books...


Princes have pomp and glory—not crushes on commoners.

Nothing gets the tongues of London’s high society wagging like a good scandal. And when the personal secretary of the visiting Prince Sebastian of Alucia is found murdered, it’s all anyone can talk about, including Eliza Tricklebank. Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip about the crime, prompting Sebastian to take an interest in playing detective—and an even greater interest in Eliza.

With a trade deal on the line and mounting pressure to secure a noble bride, there’s nothing more salacious than a prince dallying with a commoner. Sebastian finds Eliza’s contrary manner as frustrating as it is seductive, but they’ll have to work together if they’re going to catch the culprit. And when things heat up behind closed doors, it’s the prince who’ll have to decide what comes first—his country or his heart.


From St. Martin's Press...


In the Heart of Texas, a heartthrob cowboy may get his second chance at love…

Danny Oldman, the handsome Lone Star sheriff, is still single. He tells himself, and anyone who asks, that he is married to his job―and what matters most is keeping the people of his beloved Texas hometown safe. The truth? Danny still hasn’t gotten over his high school crush. She moved away after graduation and took Danny’s heart with her.

Skylar Long never thought she would have to flee Houston and return home―where it all began for her. But that’s what happened after the man of her dreams turned out to be an actual nightmare. Now, Skylar is desperate to escape her obsessive boyfriend. Nothing shocks her more than seeing Danny again and realizing that their long-ago attraction is more powerful than ever. But can she and Danny find a way to fight against Skylar’s wealthy, powerful ex who is dead set on tearing them apart?


From Berkley...


New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose returns to the chilling Cincinnati series, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever.

Former army ranger Diesel Kennedy considers himself a dead man walking. To help cope with his PTSD, he coaches youth-league soccer, during which he notices two brothers, Joshua and Caleb, who seem to have a troubled home life. When he finds out the boys' stepfather was murdered, Diesel takes them under his wing and enlists the aid of Dani Novak, a beautiful doctor he's loved for years.

Though Diesel's feelings for her are crystal clear, Dani Novak has tried her hardest to keep him at arm's length because she fears her HIV-positive status makes any kind of relationship out of reach. Despite her efforts, together they are caught in a whirlwind of danger when they discover the boys' stepfather's killer has committed a series of murders--and all signs point to Caleb as the next victim. The more time Diesel and Dani spend together and learn to trust each other, the more he wonders if there's hope for them after all. But the real question is if they can get out of this alive....


 








INT as long as you can accept an Amazon gift card.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Teaser Tuesday ~ 11/26/19

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.



To participate you:
* Grab your current read
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!




It’s love. Trust me.
After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.


Teaser...

"Fine."  Standing, he shoved his hand into his pocket and came out with some cash, which he tossed onto the bar, giving the bartender a nod in thanks.
"Let's go."
"Where?" she asked, baffled, even as her heart started a slow, heavy beat.
"You just said you barely know me.  We're going to fix that." (Page 153)

Hehe...date time.  Gonna get to know each other.  Love it!  Do you enjoy holiday reads?


That's our teaser for this week! What do you think? Do you have a teaser to share? Leave us a comment and link us up!

Monday, November 25, 2019

It Was Always You by S.L. Sterling ~ Excerpt & Giveaway


It Was Always You
S.L. Sterling
Publication date: March 28th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Fresh out of an abusive relationship, Tatum packs up and goes to live closer to her brother.
A new life. New beginnings.
But when Parker – her college sweetheart – comes back around she’s immediately divided between trying again or protecting her damaged heart.
Parker hasn’t been able to get Tatum off his mind since the night he walked out of her life. Eight years of one night stands, along with sleepless nights, and the pain of losing her has virtually faded. But now she’s moving back to town and all the emotions of the past come crashing in to drive him back to her.
Ex-boyfriends are real, though.
And hers becomes obsessed.
Tatum and Parker’s rekindled love will be tested to its limits.
And worlds may come crashing down.

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

EXCERPT:

“Man, did you hear anything I said?” Elliott waved, snapping me out of my memory.

“What?” I must have looked like an idiot. Here I was, sitting across from her brother, remembering the last night I was with his sister. Thank God he couldn’t see below the table; my painful erection was straining against my jeans.

“She arrives tomorrow,” he repeated.

I shifted in my seat, doing my best to readjust myself. I nodded to the bartender for another round as I took a long swig, emptying my beer. It was going to be a long night.

“Aren’t you working for me tomorrow?” I asked.

“Yes.” He hesitated. “Parker, I have a huge favor to ask.”

He was crazy if he thought I would pick her up. There was no way I could do that. I wasn’t ready to see her.

“I hate to ask, but would you be able to pick her up for me and bring her to this address? I’ll be done with work at four but won’t be able to get there for two.”

He scratched out an address on a napkin and passed it over to me.

“I don’t want her to have to take a cab from the airport.”

I frowned as I looked down at the address he had written. It was about a block from my place. What the hell! It had taken me the last eight years to even think about dating seriously again. The past few years had been nothing but one-night stands, and I was growing tired of it now. I wanted more—I needed more—and now the girl I had never gotten over would be living less than a five-minute drive from my place. I took in a deep breath. I must have lost my mind.

“What time?”

“Her flight lands at two. Gate B4,” Elliott informed.

I placed the napkin in my pocket and ordered us some food. “I’ll be back. Gonna hit the bathroom.”
Standing outside the washroom, I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket. Opening my contacts, I pulled Tatum’s information up on my screen. I wanted to text her. Hell, I had wanted to text her every time I got drunk. Every time I was lonely and horny, and pretty much every day for the last eight fucking years. My finger hovered over the text icon for what seemed like hours, but I decided against it. I slid my phone back into my pocket and went back out to drown my sorrows in more beer.



Author Bio:
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.


GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is not from Stuck In Books.  We are not responsible for selecting the winner or delivering the prize.

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Sunday, November 24, 2019

Dangerous Game by L.P. Dover ~ Excerpt & Giveaway


Dangerous Game
L.P. Dover
(An Armed & Dangerous/Circle of Justice Crossover Novel, #1)
Publication date: November 18th 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L.P. Dover comes the crossover fans having been waiting for! Beloved characters from her Armed & Dangerous and Circle of Justice novels come together in this tantalizing new series!
For years, my family was on top.
Ruthless.
Respected.
Feared.
That all changed with the death of my father. As I moved into the position of power over the Corsino empire, enemies to the family tried to take over my city. They thought I would be weakened by my loss. They don’t know me.
My name is Dominic Corsino, and I have a ravenous appetite for money, power, and women. The last of which I pushed aside when Faith Hilliard, a close family friend, turned up in need of help. I’ve always wanted her, yet couldn’t bring myself to involve her in the dark savagery of my world. Now, she’s within my grasp once more. If I didn’t fear her running from my brutal truth, I would have already tasted her sweet temptation.
But the time for hesitation passes when a fighter in my underground ring is murdered. With my family name at stake, I can no longer hide who I am and what I’m capable of. It’s all coming down to a one winner-takes-all match. If I walk away with the prize, the threats against the Corsinos will be crushed. If I lose, our entire empire will crumble.
It’s a dangerous game … and I’m ready to play.


EXCERPT:

The fight was almost done. Dominic’s fighter didn’t have a single drop of blood on him. All it took was a couple more punches and the Salvatore fighter was on the mat, his face a swollen, bloody mess.
Sam hooted and hollered in celebration, prodding me to celebrate with him. “Come on, Faith. Your team just won.”

If only I’d known I had a team. I stood with him and clapped along with everyone in the crowd. Marco handed out the stacks of money to those who made the right bets, and once that was done, he took the largest amount of cash over to Dominic and handed it over. I’d never seen that much money before.

“This seriously can’t be legal,” Sam said, gazing around in awe.

“That doesn’t bother you?” I countered. If he only knew the things I did.

Judging by the look on his face, it didn’t. “Not at all,” he said, shaking his head. He was starstruck. The room was filled with some of the richest people in New York City. With the right connections, his brewery could skyrocket. It was scary how money could blind you.

Tons of people walked up to Dominic to congratulate him and he met them all with a smile on his face. There were even a couple of women who tried to rub up on him and he moved away without giving them a second notice. Deep down it gave me a level of satisfaction to see that, but it still didn’t change the fact that he kept a huge secret from me.

“Why are you standing over here and not with Dominic?” Sam asked, nodding over at Dominic. I met his gaze and when I didn’t answer, he sucked in a breath. “Oh my God, you didn’t know about all of this, did you?”

I shook my head. “Dominic failed to mention it.”

His eyes widened. “What the hell? I’m so sorry. Do we need to go?”

“Probably. I don’t want him knowing I’m here.” A part of me wanted to go right up to Dominic so he’d know I was there, but the other wanted to test him, to see if he’d ever tell me the truth. However, it didn’t look like I’d get to do either of those things. You know how in the movies there would be a crowded room and the two lovers were destined to make eye contact? That was exactly what happened. Dominic found me from across the room and froze. My heart stopped and everything around me ceased to exist. There was no sound, only the pounding of my pulse in my ears.
Sam grabbed my arm. “Faith! What do we do?”

The spell had broken, and I sucked in a breath. By now, Reed had seen me and both him and Dominic tried to get through the crowd. It wasn’t the right time or place to confront him. I squeezed Sam’s arm. “You can stay here, but I have to go. Thank you for tonight.”

Turning on my heel, I hurried toward the door, but I didn’t get far before someone stepped in my way. “I should’ve known you’d find your way down here.”

Dominic and Reed still hadn’t managed to get through all the people, but I was running out of time. I looked up at Isaiah who had a smug grin on his face. “Yeah, well, I’m resourceful like that.” I tried to step past him, but he blocked me again. “Seriously, Isaiah, you need to get out of my way.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re not thinking of running off, are you?”

I wasn’t the type to run away from anything. I faced my problems head on. Huffing, I pursed my lips. “Actually, I want to go to my room. In a matter of minutes, Dominic will be pushing through that swarm of people,” I said, pointing at the mob behind me. “And when he does, I don’t want to be here. He can find me upstairs.”

Isaiah’s gaze narrowed, but then he nodded. “Okay. I’ll make sure you get up there.”

In other words, he probably didn’t believe me and had to make sure I didn’t try to run away. Instead of going to the door I came in, Isaiah led me to a red door at the far end of the room. Once we made it through, there was a long hallway and a set of elevators. Things were about to change. I could feel it.


Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.

GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is not sponsored by Stuck In Books and we are not responsible for selecting the winner or delivering the prize.

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Stacking OUR Shelves ~ 11/24/19


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  Make sure to checkout her post with links to all the other participates.

Click covers for Goodreads links


For Review...








Thanks goes to...


William Morrow Paperbacks
Avon Books
Berkley
St Martin's Press




For Review...


Blitzed (Playbook, #3)A Madness of Sunshine



Thanks goes to...


Berkley


Bought...


Winterwood


That's what we added to our shelves this week! What do you think? What did you add to your stacks? Leave us a comment and link us up!