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Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Love You So Special by Tara Lain

Posted on Sep 28, 2018 with No comments

Sep 28, 2018



Can a man’s secret yearnings be revealed in a tank full of fish?



Love You So Special
(Love You So Series, bk 3)
by Tara Lain

Blurb:

Artie Haynes knows he’s nothing special, with just-your-regular-brown hair, a solid plumber’s job, not much education, and a family that can barely get off the couch. But Artie has quirks—like his love of tropical fish, a landlord who’s a professor of existentialism, a passion for the amazing piano music he hears at a concert hall while he’s fixing the bathrooms—and the fact that he’s never come out as gay and probably never will. But when he’s hired to build a guesthouse for the pianist whose music enchanted him, Artie is swept up into an unimaginable world.

Francois Desmarais may be famous, rich, and revered as one of the world’s great classical composers and pianists, but he’s soothed and challenged by the inquisitive, stalwart, protective man in his back yard. When Francois’s terrible fear of crowds turns into a dangerous plot, Artie can stay in the closet or prove just how special he is.



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Excerpt


Francois pointed to a door farther down the hall, and Artie strode there feeling the heat of Madame’s stare between his shoulder blades. He opened the door for Francois, and they both stepped into the subdued lighting of the offstage area. The sounds of voices and feet moving around filtered through the heavy curtain that separated the stage from the audience as people moved back to their seats after the intermission. A huge black piano stood in the middle of the stage.
Artie totally got why this was scary. Giant numbers of eyes would be staring up at Francois as he tried to play, some of them admiring, some bored, maybe even some pissed-off. Francois said everyone knew he was gay. What if somebody in that mass of people hated gay men? Shit, what if they decided to make some statement?
Francois’s whole body trembled. Artie tightened his hand on that tense arm.
Shit, take a breath. Stop freaking yourself out. Remember why you’re here. “Have you ever considered asking for a white piano?”
Francois frowned. “What?”
“You know, like shiny white? We could get you a sequined suit.”
His expression went from outraged to amused. “Uh, you were thinking I should play ‘Pinball Wizard’?”
“Nah. ‘Bennie and the Jets.’”
His teeth were now showing. “I’ve got it. ‘The Bitch is Back.’”
Artie laughed. “There you go. That’s my boy. Give ’em hell.”
His smile faded, but he didn’t look scared. “I like being your boy.” He leaned forward, pecked Artie on the lips, then grinned. “That was for luck.” Chuckling, he turned and strode onto the big bare stage just as the curtains slid apart and the place burst into an ocean of yells, applause, and enthusiasm.
Francois never faced the audience or bowed. Maybe people wondered why he walked in from the back of the piano and crossed around to the keyboard, but he didn’t look awkward. He just slid onto the piano bench, looked up at Artie—and winked.
Before Artie even stopped vibrating, music poured from the piano, and Artie didn’t care if he never thought again. All he wanted to do was feel. He thrust out a hand until he felt a wall, staggered toward it, and leaned. Hold me up. The music flowed through him like a shot of bourbon with a beer chaser and a mouthful of Francois’s champagne. Wow, what would it be like to be able to create that? Francois’s brain must be full of music all the time.
The piano looped and soared, raising Artie’s heart into his throat, then dropping it to his belly. Francois’s eyes were mostly closed, but every now and then he’d open them and gaze at Artie. Then a hint of a smile would turn his lips as his eyelids drifted shut again.
No one but Francois could sound like that. He was sure of that. Artie might not be an expert, but he’d listened to a lot of other piano players on YouTube since he’d started working for Madame, and to his mind, Francois was the best.
He slowly let his breath slide out between his lips and lolled his head against the wall. Man, I’d settle for just hearing that music every day forever.
His head snapped up. Holy shit, do I really feel that way? He stared hard at Francois’s spectacular face framed by the impossible-to-control pale blond hair like a wacky halo. The guy was weird, temperamental, and about as obviously gay as anybody since Elton John. Just showing up somewhere with him could blow Artie’s whole fucking cover. But looking at that face made his cock do some kind of happy dance, just when he’d been thinking he wasn’t much of a dancer.
Maybe I’ve got to break down and tell him I’m gay.
Like he’d heard Artie’s thoughts, Francois’s eyes opened. For a moment he looked dreamy; then he cocked his head and broke out in the one full-wattage smile he’d shown the whole night.
Artie fell back a step as if he’d been hit with a laser beam, and his perfectly tailored trousers felt like his too-tight jeans.
The music built and soared. Francois’s stare barely left Artie’s face, and Artie wanted to run across the stage, slide over the piano, and kiss Francois—among other things. As Francois crashed to the end, he might have puckered his lips at Artie—or maybe Artie imagined it.
Their eyes clung as the audience went apeshit. Whereas they’d been enthusiastic when he walked in, clapping and cheering loudly, this time they practically rose to NFL proportions, cheering along with the applause.
Then the miracle happened. Francois rose from the piano, his chest expanded with what had to be a huge breath—and he turned to the audience and bowed.



Love You So Series




Bk 1
LOVE YOU SO HARD

Available for purchase a
Kindle |  Audible | Kobo | iTunes | Nook | Dreamspinner Press

Bk 2
LOVE YOU SO MADLY


Available for purchase at at 



About the Author


Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Erotic Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance,  Best Gay Characters, and more. Readers often call her books “sweet,” even with all that hawt sex, because Tara believes in love and her books deliver on happily-ever-after. In addition to writing dozens and dozens of romance novels,  Tara also owns an advertising and public relations firm. Her love of creating book titles comes from years of manifesting ad headlines for everything from analytical instruments to semiconductors. She does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. Together with her soulmate husband and her soulmate Dog, she recently realized a vision to live where there were a lot more trees and a lot fewer cars by moving to Ashland, Oregon. She hasn’t stopped smiling since. 


You can find Tara at Lain

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Early Review: The Italian's Christmas Housekeeper by Sharon Kendrick

Posted on Sep 23, 2018 with No comments

Sep 23, 2018


From making the billionaire’s bed…

To Christmas between his sheets!

Shy housekeeper Molly Millar always tries her best. She’s anxious to impress outrageously wealthy houseguest Salvio de Gennaro, but instead is unfairly criticized by her employer! When she’s found sobbing by Salvio, he comforts her…with the most amazing experience of her life. But when that incredible encounter costs Molly her job, Salvio rescues her with an irresistible proposition: become his temporary housekeeper—just in time for Christmas!

Escape into this captivating Cinderella romance!



3 STARS


The Italian's Christmas Housekeeper was a good romance.  Kendrick delivers a great story of passion and romance.   Molly and Salvio are a good match. Kendrick's bedroom scenes are very exciting and steamy.  This is the perfect holiday read.






Available for purchase at


Publisher: Harlequin
Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2018

This Title was Accepted via







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Early Review: Hot Winter Nights ~ A Heartbreaker Bay Novel by Jill Shalvis

Posted on Sep 21, 2018 with No comments

Sep 21, 2018


 



Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that—but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.



4.5 STARS


Jill Shalvis has done it again with another hit in her Heartbreaker Bay series!

Molly has been working at Hunt Investigations as an office manager but has been begging her boss Archer for a chance to work a case. Unfortunately, her boss doesn’t think she’s ready and her brother Joe who also works for Hunt Investigations is over protective because of events that happened to her in the past. Molly won’t let that stop her though. There’s a case she’s going to take, even if it’s on her own time. When their boss secretly asks Lucas Knight to watch out for her knowing she’s going to investigate a “Bad Santa”, he’s all too willing even though he hates lying to her on why he’s helping her. As the two of them work as a team on the case, things start to really heat up between them. Lucas has loved and lost in the past and Molly has her own demons she’s dealing with, not to mention that her brother and boss would probably not be very happy if they found out about them. But you can’t fight that kind chemistry…

I loved Lucas and Molly together! Molly was a strong, independent character and so good at working the case and I loved how Lucas could see that about her and supported her.

Hot Winter Nights was such a great read. Sexy, fun, romantic and a little suspense thrown in! This series is still going strong!




https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36220363-hot-winter-nights


Available for purchase at


                      

Heartbreaker Bay Series



Publisher: Avon Books
Pub Date: September 25, 2018

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC in exchange for an honest review*












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Early Review: Consumed (Firefighters #1) by J.R. Ward

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a brand-new novel about arson investigator, Ann Ashburn, who is consumed by her troubled past, her family's scorched legacy, and her current case: chasing a deadly killer.
Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed...
By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.
Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.
Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again--until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.
Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

From the creator of the bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm . . .



4.5 STARS

 

What an interesting new story-line by the fabulous J.R. Ward!  Danny and Anne burn bright!  I was glued to this story as Anne and Danny's tragic and horrific journey began!  Oh, how Ward can weave a tale. From the very beginning, the story grabbed a hold and would not let go.   Consumed unearths an array of emotion from both the characters and you the reader.  Both the main and the secondary characters will have you pondering their lives long after you have finished reading.   I can not wait to read more. 






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Publisher: Gallery Books
Pub Date: October 6, 2018

This Title was Accepted via


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Early Review: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

Posted on Sep 13, 2018 with No comments

Sep 13, 2018




Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.


Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.

New Oldbury, 1821

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.

The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.

All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…


4 STARS




What an interesting mystery! I love the fact that I never knew what direction the story
was leading me in. One moment I thought I had an idea and then I was taken in a different direction. Twist and turns ignite a wonderful need to the turn the pages, to learn more. I wanted to strangle Catherine many times throughout the story. I felt Lydia was far too forgiving and just tolerated much from her sister. I wish we had learned more about Lydia and her powers. There is an entire story waiting for us there. I felt there were many questions left to the reader's imagination. Although this mystery had its dark and sorrowful moments, it also had a sweet romance weaved throughout. I can't wait to read more from Hester Fox.







Available for purchase at









Publisher: HARLEQUIN - Graydon House Boo
Pub Date: October 2, 2018

This Title was Accepted via






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Early Review: Last Night with the Earl by Kelly Bowen

Posted on Sep 8, 2018 with No comments

Sep 8, 2018




After Waterloo, Eli Dawes, Earl of Rivers, was presumed dead—and would have happily stayed that way. He's no longer the reckless young man he once was, and only half as pretty. All he wants is to hide his scars away in his country home. But when he returns home and tries to sneak into his old bedroom in the middle of the night, he's shocked to find someone already there.

Rose Hayward remembers Eli as an arrogant rake who helped her late fiancé betray her. Finding him stealing into the house currently rented by Haverhall School for Young Ladies doesn't correct her impression. Her only thought is to get him to leave immediately. Yet the tension between them is electric, and her painter's eye can't help but admire him, scars and all. He might be back from the dead, but now Rose will do anything to make him feel truly alive.

4 STARS


Last Night with the Earl is heartwarming.  Bowen delivers a romance wrapped in pain and passion.  As this story unravels the heartache and lies, a sweet happy ending emerges.  I loved Rose!  She is such a strong and bold heroine.  She never fears facing the truth or confronting her past. I felt at times ,Eli, had the tendency to feel overly sorry for himself and wasn't deserving of Rose. But then, all he had to endure in the war, justified his bouts of self-doubt, and added depth to their love story.  This was a wonderful historical romance and I can't wait to read the next story in The Devils of Dover series. 






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Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: September 25, 2018

This Title was Accepted via






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Early Review: For the Duke's Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

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If adventure has a name...it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history's forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.

Daniel Bonds, the Duke of Ravenwood, is a thrill-seeking antiquities hunter who only plays by one rule: Never fall in love. He's in it for the fortune and glory. At least that's what he wants the world to think. He's sworn to hide his tangled web of secrets, especially from the one woman he cares about and will protect at any cost.

But when a priceless relic is stolen from the British Museum, the rivals must align forces. Racing to recover the stolen antiquity and avert an international disaster? All in a day's work. Avoiding their buried feelings? More and more impossible. For love is about to become the greatest treasure of all.

The grand adventure begins...now!

4.5 STARS

 


Enticing! For the Duke's Eyes Only is a keeper!  Nothing enchants a reader like a great adventure!  Bell delivers it all in this nonstop tale.  Daniel and India are the perfect match. Daniel's character is captivating, he brings depth to this great love story.  I can not wait to read the next book in the School for Dukes series.







Available for purchase at





Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018

This Title was Accepted via


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