Reading Between the Wines Book Club: 8/1/12

Friday, August 31, 2012

ARC Review: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Kiss of Steel
London Steampunk #1
by Bec McMaster
Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages
Published September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 13: 9781402270277
copy courtesy of NetGalley

He craves her like no other...
Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?
Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository

Lexi's Thoughts:

McMaster’s debut is packed full of gristly, dark characters ready to bleed and defend their turf. Kiss of Steel is a perfect example of what Steampunk blended with Paranormal should be.

Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to contemporary romance author, Robin Kaye, who is joining us with her recent release of Call Me Wild!

Call Me Wild

I swung the door open to my favorite bar in Boise, Idaho, Humpin’ Hanna’s. My eyes went right to Karma Kincaid, manning—or is it womanning the bar.

Karma looked toward me and her face broke into a grin. “Hey, Robin! When did you get back in town?” She slid under the pass-through and gave me a big hug.

“Yesterday. It’s great to be back. I’m supposed to meet Jessie and Fisher here.”

Karma’s eyebrows rose. “What for?”

I tossed my bag on polished mahogany and claimed a stool while she scooted back behind the bar. “I’m here to interview them. My book, Call Me Wild, came out August 7th and I thought it might be fun to get their take on having their entire romance in print.”

“Hmm.” Karma wiped down the already clean bar.

“Hmm? Is there a problem, Karma?”

Today I am happy to be a part of Forever Romance's tour for Christie Craig's new release, Blame It On Texas!

Ten Things You Will Learn from Blame it on Texas.

1. Guys don’t like to play dress up; but when one willingly dresses as a clown for their six-year-old niece’s birthday party—because the real clown canceled—he’s one special uncle. And could possibly make a special hero for some lucky lady.

2. Sometimes, fear itself can do much more damage to us than the thing we’re actually afraid of.

3. Any man who doesn’t cuss up a blue streak when you dump a plate of hot grits on him can’t be all bad. (In fact, he might just be The One.)

4. It’s important to remember the lessons of the past so we can use them when making decisions for the future. But those lessons should never keep us from having the future we deserve.

5. Before accusing the sexy guy who pounced, knocked you down, and crawled on top of you of being foreplay impaired; check to see if someone is shooting at you.

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #44: Labor Day BBQ

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!

How to join in:

-You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.

-Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

-Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

-List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

-Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

-Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. J It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!

-Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!

Question of the Week:

It's Labor Day Weekend here in the States; the end of those long summer days, relaxing at the beach and family barbecues! Which three fictional book characters would you invite to a barbecue?

The Gypsy's Dance by Charlie Daye (Character Interview)

Please give a warm welcome to, Charlie Daye, who is joining us with a special guest from her book, The Gypsy Dance!

Author Charlie Daye interviews Oralia Raydon from The Gypsy’s Dance.

CD: Hello Oralia, thanks for sitting down to chat with me today.

OR: My pleasure Charlie. Thanks for taking the time to share my and Niko’s story.

CD: So tell me. When this incredible journey of yours began did you have any idea where you’d end up?

OR: Honestly, no. I was so certain that I was going to be stuck with that jerk Tobias for the rest of my life that no other outcome ever came to mind.

CD: *Grimaces* Yes, Tobias was a jerk and I’m happy you got another option.

OR: *Smiles* Thank you.

CD: *Grins* Why don’t we talk about your other option. Tell me how you felt when you first saw Niko.

OR: *Eyes become dreamy* I thought he was the most beautifully exotic man I had ever seen. His hair was the color of freshly fallen snow and his eyes sparkled like gold coins.

Tour: Bobby Does Dallas by Sable Hunter (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to romance author, Sable Hunter, who is joining us with her book, Bobby Does Dallas!

Hill Country Heart

I love surprises. Any day that I can hold my hand to my heart and sigh is a grand day. When my brother calls me up and says, “Hey, let’s take a trip to the casino and eat at the buffet’ – I jump up and down and squeal Of course, I am nine years his senior and he tells me when I am old he is going to take me to the parking lot and give me a roll of quarters to put in the parking meters instead of driving all the way to the casino. I guess he thinks I’ll have ‘oldtimers’ disease (yes, I know it’s really Alzheimer’s) or something.

My dog loves surprises. He even knows the word ‘surprise’. And when he hears it, he cocks his little doggie head to one side and smiles. And woe is me if I bring home a plastic Wal-Mart or Dollar General bag and it not have a dog toy in it. I know better. Because when Mojo ain’t happy, the rest of us might as well hang up our hoe. The dog rules the roost. He can give us one little droopy expression and we’re falling all over ourselves to make him happy.

Tour: Mistress of Passion by Harley De Luca (Spotlight/Excerpt)

Today I would to share with you Harley DeLuca's BDSM erotica, Mistress of Passion.

In the realm of all things sexual, Rachel used her sexuality as a form of escape. She desperately tried to avoid her past to manipulate her future by delving into the dark recesses of all things kinky. With a fearful past, she turned her hurt, rage, confusion and unexplained passion into nothing but pure pleasure. Being a Mistress came naturally for Rachel, she was good at being a Dom. Only one challenge stood in her way, would she able to accept her life the way it was now or was she secretly yearning for something more?Dominic was your all around “grade-A” male. Had the job, the money, the title, but didn’t have the will to live, not until he walked into London Leather. Like most of the rich and famous he needed the escape of normality, needed to be reminded of who he was when he was stripped of everything. He had been stripped before but not like this. Would he be able to withstand all he was about to receive or would he have to resort back to his old ways and just pray for death?

Goodreads - Amazon

Guest Review: The Lost by Caridad Piñeiro

The Lost (Sin Hunters #1)
by Caridad Piñeiro
Paperback, 317 pages
Published August 1st 2011 by Forever
ISBN 0446584614

Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .
Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.

Goodreads
Purchase at: Amazon, Kindle and Barnes & Noble

Viviana ‘s Review:

As it’s the first book in the series, the ‘world setup’ had to occur with plenty of information to try to soak up. However, you’re not bombarded with all the information at once as the author has strategically calculated the release of information throughout the book and has made it part of the story as both the Hero and Heroine learn who they truly are and how they fit into this new world.

Today we are happy to take part in Kieran Kramer's review blitz for, Loving Lady Marcia!

Loving Lady Marcia
House of Brady #1
by Kieran Kramer
Paperback 368 pages
Published August 28th 2012 by St. Martin's Press
ISBN 9781250009883
Copy Courtesy of NetGalley

LOVING LADY MARCIA Kieran Kramer In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold—and hearts to match—but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house… MARCIA GETS SCHOOLED…Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor. ON THE SUBJECT OF LOVEA dark and dashing earl who knows Marcia’s past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman she’s become. Marcia, too, is surprised—by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why—why—must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcia’s rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellow—when they know that it’s much more than a hunch…? “A delicious romp that will keep you laughing.”—Sabrina Jeffries (on Kieran Kramer’s Impossible Bachelor series)

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository

Sexy Snippets: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

<center><a href="http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/folksohana/RBtWBC%20Memes/SexySnippets-1.jpg"width="200" height="300"/></a></center>Tuesdays have never been so sexy!Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!

The Beach by Jaye Frances (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today I would like to welcome back author, Jaye Frances, with her latest releases, The Beach & Short Time!

Thank you, Crystal, for hosting me today on Reading Between The Wines Book Club with my new duella release including a sci-fi fantasy titled The Beach and the suspense novella Short Time.

How many of us have wished for the chance to change something about our lives? Maybe it started as a daydream, with our imagining how much happier we would be if we had a more loving partner or found a king’s ransom buried in our backyard.

Far from being immune to the temptation, I’ve often wondered what it would be like—to have the power to bring an instant, life-altering adjustment to my own little part of the world.

Knight (Unfinished Hero #1)
by Kristen Ashley
ebook, 235 pages
Published April 8th 2012 by Kristen Ashley, via Smashwords (first published April 7th 2012)
ISBN13 2940033157570

Anya Gage has learned that to get anything good in life, you have to work for it. She has no expectations, no dreams.
Then she finds herself at a party where she doesn’t want to be and she meets Knight.
Knight Sebring knows who he is, what he wants and what he likes. And he gets it. But he never expected something as sweet as Anya Gage to wander into his bedroom during a party he did not expect to be having to borrow his phone.
Knight tries to leave Anya to the life she deserves of white picket fences and a man who watches football on Sundays – good, normal and clean. But when Anya comes to his nightclub and finds herself in a situation, he knows someone has to look after her, he can’t fight it anymore and he decides that man will be him.
Knight teaches Anya that, just as with the bad, in life you should also expect the good. And he teaches her this by giving it to her.
But Knight has a dark past and just as he desires Anya for exactly who she is, he fears when she finds out exactly the man he has become and always intends to be, she’ll leave him for good, normal and clean.

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana ‘s Review:
A few of my friends kept mentioning “Knight” as well as some of Kristen’s other books. One of my friends enjoyed it so much she gifted me “Knight” with a note that I “had to read it asap”. Wow, a gift and instructions!

Chasing Fools by Aida Brassington (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to author, Aida Brassington, who is joining us with her book, Chasing Fools!

Nurse. Accountant. Lawyer. Those are normal jobs—the kind of jobs you might expect a main character to have. It’s rare to run across a protagonist (and a female protagonist, at that) who makes her living by smuggling illegal foods. But that’s exactly what Varda Dorfman, the main character in my novel CHASING FOOLS, does for a living. She’s a smuggler-for-hire in the body of a pretty blonde woman. And if you’ve ever watched the Andrew Zimmern show “Bizarre Foods” or some of the grosser episodes of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” (and as wine aficionados, I suspect you have), you know exactly the kind of things she’s routinely carrying in her luggage.

Guest Post with Author, Ciara Lake

Please give a warm welcome to author, Ciara Lake!

Hello world, I’m Ciara Lake and I am happy to be a guest on Reading Between the Wines blog. Thank you for having me.

Writing takes energy and creative thinking. Sometimes writers experience blocks. I have blocks when stressed. In fact, I have been having a block this late spring and summer. It has been a mixture of stress and wanting to go outside and play. When school starts for my boys, and it just did, I will hopefully be able to better focus on writing. Plus, this spring and summer I have been involved in several difficult trials, my other job. It tired me out, zapping my creative energy. Talking about it here is actually helpful. It gets me revved up. I mention writer’s blocks, because I know writers and other artists struggle at times too. I never appreciated how hard blocks can affect an artist until recently. It is frustrating and it is nice to express the frustration aloud.

Steampunk Saturdays with Christine Bell of The Bewitching Tale of Stormy Gale (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Welcome back to Steampunk Saturdays! Today I would like to welcome the super sweet and talented Christine Bell who you also might know as author Chloe Cole!

Thanks so much, Crystal, for having me! So let’s talk a little about steampunk. When people think of this hot new sub-genre, we often think of dirigibles and corsets, of goggles and bowler hats, of alternate worlds featuring fantastical machines, possibly made from gears, and powered by steam. Granted, those are all definitely part of the steampunk aesthetic. There’s also this intangible quality to it, an almost “you know it when you see it” type of feel. I like to say that if steampunk was a movie it would star Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, be directed by Tim Burton, and the score would be done by Danny Elfman.

Guest Review: Ready & Willing by Selena Blake

Ready & Willing by Selena Blake
ebook, Free on publisher's website
Published 2011 by self published

Ava Garnier wants her father’s spot when he retires as Pack Alpha. She may be the middle child but she has what it takes to lead. The only thing standing in her way is Kaden Black, Pack Beta and her long time crush.
Only, she’s not crushing on him anymore. Not since he made it known that he isn’t going let her take over the pack. Neither werewolf will budge, tensions are running high, and they’re both trying to outdo each other.
But the Pack Alpha has already chosen the future path of the pack. And neither Ava or Kaden has a clue to how far they will have go to see their dream come true.

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Or get for FREE by signing up for the author’s newsletter

Viviana ‘s Review:
A friend of mine who is just as much of a “Book-a-holic” as I am, if not more (gasp, can that even be?) posted a comment on the author’s fanpage which caught my attention. It included the following “He does GROWWWWWL when he…. you know”. If that doesn’t get your attention, than I don’t know what will. So a few posts back and forth, I got the name of the book and began to look up the author, Selena Blake. It turns out that “Ready & Willing” is a free book for members of her site! Originally, she was posting each chapter on her blog, but now you can purchase the entire book online!

Now I am very happy to welcome back the fabulous author, Felicity Heaton, who is joining us on her Vampirerotique Summer Tour with a special guest!

Special interview with Payne from the Vampire Erotic Theatre romance series

It’s great to be here at Reading Between the Wines Book Club for the penultimate stop in my Vampirerotique Summer Book Tour.

I’m going to be doing a very special interview with the next hero in the series today. You first met Payne in Antoine’s book, Seduce, and got to know him better in Andreu’s book, Enslave.

I can’t say too much about this mysterious, dangerous and broody vampire without giving away things about him he would rather keep secret. If you’d like to unearth one of those secrets, then you can find out more about him in Enslave, the fourth and newest book in the series.

I crook my finger. For now, hush up and come along with me as we sneak into Vampirerotique in search of Payne. Don’t make a sound though. I’m not sure how Payne is going to react to me, let alone an audience.

I ease the unassuming glass doors of Vampirerotique open and poke my head into the elegant foyer. Chandeliers cast warm light around the large room, reflecting off the pale marble floor. The theatre is hushed, so quiet I can hear myself breathing.

Today I am excited to welcome author, Gina L. Maxwell who is joining us with her debut, Seducing Cinderella, and a fab post about MMA fighter (a favorite sport of mine btw), Reid Andrews! Make sure to check out my 4-Wine Glass review of Seducing Cinderella by clicking >HERE<

MMA Fighters & their multi-dimensions

(Also, the Evolution of Reid via Parker Hurley)

The world of romance is full of cowboys, CEOs, firemen, soldiers, and athletes, just to name a few. But what you won’t find a lot of, are cage fighters.

Now, that’s not to say there aren’t any. Though I didn’t know it when I came up with the idea, there are at least three other authors* who have published, or are in the process of publishing, series with MMA heroes. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in thinking these modern-day warriors are mega swoon-worthy!

For those of you who have been following me already, you no doubt know where my original inspiration came from since I make it a point to spread the smexy around as much as possible. For those of you who don’t know, my favorite male model is Parker Hurley, and one day I stumbled upon THIS PICTURE. (Go ahead and click on it. I’ll wait until you’re done drooling.) Immediately I thought, “I want to write a story about that guy.”

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #43: Getting to know you

How to join in:

-You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.

-Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

-Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

-List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

-Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

-Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Please share with us five fun facts about yourself. :)

Where There's a Will
by Karen Kelley
Paperback 272 pages
Published Sept 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks
ISBN 13: 9781402263897
copy courtesy of publisher

Her Fantasies Were Wild But Buried Deep...Haley Tillman words hard at being a good girl, hiding her rich fantasy life in the pages of her diary. But being good doesnt' seem to get her anywhere with men, and her confidence is on a downward spiral. She's ready to try something altogether different, but hasn't a clue where to start. In a moment of desperation, she prays for a miracle...He Might Take Her Beyond Them...Ryder is the perfect combination of powerful angel plus normal hot–blooded man. Crossing into the mortal world could cost him his existence. But mortals are like a potent drug to Ryder, and Hayley is quickly becoming his drug of choice...

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository

Lexi's Thoughts:

Kelley takes the feeling every girl experiences at some point, wishing that a hot drool worthy guy would show up and take notice of them. Thanks to Kelley’s imagination, that actually happens for Haley.

Love Is A Wounded Soldier by Blaine Reimer (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to fiction author, Blaine Reimer!

What About Ellen’s Story?

Many people have asked me if I’m going to write a sequel to Love is a Wounded Soldier, or they tell me, “You have to write a sequel!” It makes me glad that I have succeeded in making them care enough about Robert Mattox and his story to want to journey with him a little further, but the answer is, “Probably not.” And by “Probably not” I mean “Absolutely not!”

The Power of Book Covers By Maya DeLeina (Author Guest Post)

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to author, Maya DeLeina, who is here to tempt you with her sexy vampires and seductive book covers!

The Power of Book Covers

By Maya DeLeina

"A picture is worth a thousand words".

As an avid vampire erotica reader, a book cover image is what lures me to read the blurb of the book, which ultimately leads to me hitting the purchase button on my kindle. If the storyline was one that took me on a wonderful journey, captivating all of my senses and most importantly, had a book cover image that captured the essence of the characters and the intensity of the story, it then becomes a paperback purchase that is bound to be tucked away on my little bookshelf to be experienced all over again one day.

So obviously, nothing frustrates me more than having a book cover where the models don’t even come close to depicting the look of the characters the author set out to capture or the image had nothing to do with the story.

I certainly didn’t want this to happen to one of my stories.

Guest Review: The Highlander's Reward by Eliza Knight

The Highlander's Reward
(Stolen Bride #1)
by Eliza Knight
Paperback, 260 pages
Published July 19th 2012 by Eliza Knight (first published July 11th 2012)
ISBN13 9781478259541
Courtesy of Author

BOOK ONE: The Stolen Bride Series
She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble

Crystal L.’s Thoughts:

Please give a warm welcome to author, Margie Church!

In Executive Decision, Logan and Hunter are colleagues. While I was writing the piece, I kept thinking about all the people I know who have had office romances. There is frequently an unwritten corporate rule that these are discouraged, but some of us take that baptism by fire and do it anyway. Hunter and Logan are two such people. I had to laugh when I wrote the first part of the story that really did expose homophobic thinking, especially when Logan says to the CEO, "What would you have done if you had walked in on a man and a woman?" The guy couldn't answer him. I once worked in a large political organization where extramarital affairs were so rampant I couldn't keep track of who was the spouse and who was the lover. People were so blatant with their behavior it was ridiculous. And I witnessed great relationships develop and weak ones die in other companies I worked for. The heart wants what the heart wants. I don't think telling people something is forbidden makes it less attractive. Quite the contrary. Just ask Eve.

Guest Review: Finding Home by Lacey Wolfe

Finding Home
by Lacey Wolfe
ebook
Published May 11th 2012
Courtesy of Author

An unexpected pregnancy brings Julie Miller home to Brookfield, Wyoming to get guidance from her mother. But when she returns to the home she grew up in, her mother isn’t there. Instead Julie finds Mark Thomas, who is renting the house while her mom travels the country. If that isn’t bad enough, a blizzard hits the town, keeping her locked in with the hunk who happens to have a secret of his own, which Julie just has to know.

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon

Crystal L.’s Thoughts:
In Finding Home, by Lacey Wolfe, we find our heroine Julie in an emotional tailspin. She's just discovered that she's pregnant and once she informs her boyfriend of this he gives her an unbelievable ultimatum. Abort the baby or get the hell out of his house. He doesn't want to be a father. Needless to say this earns him the jerk-face-of-the-year award.

The System by Heather Lin (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to romance author, Heather Lin!

The Hero
by Heather Lin

Hello, everyone! I’m so happy to be here at Reading Between the Wines to promote my new science fiction romance novel, The System. It’s very different from anything I’ve had published so far, as I usually stay in the safety of relatively lighthearted contemporary romance, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

The System is a darker romance, taking place 600 years in the future and focusing on the relationship between Brody, a mercenary, and Capri, a prostitute, who both have painful pasts and uncertain futures. As their feelings begin to develop, Brody reacts with anger and resentment. He’s a hard, stoic man who has no intention of going soft for love. But, as is often the case, his heart doesn’t give him much of a choice, and eventually he has to give in.

Please give a warm welcome to erotic and contemporary romance author, Kellie Kamryn!

Mmmm…Wine one of my favorite things, the other being chocolate! So, let’s sit back with some wine, chocolate and three good books that just happen to be mine!

Rebound and The Perfect Score are the first two books in the Love and Balance series. I combined my passion for the sport of artistic gymnastics with my passion for writing. I was a competitive gymnast back in the day, and coached athletes and certified coaches and teachers for twenty-five years. It didn’t take a lot of research for me to create these stories. Book 3, Tumbling Hearts, is due out this September.

Sexy Snippets: Melt Into You by Roni Loren

Today I would like to welcome author, Jane Kindred, who writes about naughty demons and angels in her series, The House of Arkhangel'sk!

The Hot Guy on the Cover

My upcoming release, The Midnight Court, features a shirtless demon on the cover. (Well, actually, it features a shirtless human model, but let’s not quibble over details.) He’s certainly easy on the eyes, but I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about him being there.

On the one hand, I’m thrilled that my hot demon is getting some cover time.

Vasily is a firespirit, which means he’s literally hot. Descended from the Seraphim, creatures of elemental fire, he has the ability to manifest his intrinsic element as wings of brilliant ruby flame within the world of Man. He can also light a cigar with his tongue, illuminate the darkness with his breath, and generate healing seraphic fire. And if you’re lucky enough to share a bed with him, he can keep you toasty warm throughout a long, Russian winter.

Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert (Spotlight/Excerpt/Giveaway)

Welcome, lovelies! Today we have a special spotlight and excerpt from a new release in Entangled Publishing's new Brazen line of contemporary romances, Wrong Bed, Right Guy by author Katee Robert along with a giveaway. Make sure to check out my 4-Wine-Glass REVIEW of Wrong Bed, Right Guy!

Wrong Bed, Right Guy
by Katee Robert
ebook
Published July 20th 2012 by Entangled Publishing
ISBN13 9781622669516
Courtesy of publisher

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.
Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?

Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

CONJURE by Lea Nolan (Cover Reveal/Giveaway)

Today Reading Between the Wines is happy to take part in Lea Nolan's cover reveal for her upcoming paranormal romantic Y.A., CONJURE! What do you think? I love the midnight colors and the twinkles!

Review: Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell

Seducing Cinderella
by Gina L. Maxwell
ebook, 435 pages
Published July 20th 2012 by Entangled Publishing: Brazen
ISBN 1622669493
Courtesy of Publisher

Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.
Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.
Soon Reid finds him himself in the fight of his life...winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.

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Crystal’s Thoughts:
Seducing Cinderella is a terrific debut from author Gina L. Maxwell, a sweet and spicy romance sure to entertain readers!

Casablanca Classics Giveaway: The Trouble with Magic by Patricia Rice

As some of you might know, Sourcebooks has a line of books called Casablanca Classics—these are beloved books by fabulous authors that have gone out of print. Sourcebooks is excited to have the next book in Patricia Rice’s classic “Magic” Series back in stores this month: The Trouble with Magic!

The Accidental Encore by Christy Hayes (Guest Post)

Please give a warm welcome to romantic women's fiction author, Christy Hayes, who is joining us with her book, The Accidental Encore!

When you think back to your childhood are there things you regret you never did? Do you wish you could get a do-over and learn a skill, play a sport, or experience a thrill? I think I can safely assume most people would answer yes because it’s natural for adults to take a walk down memory lane and wish for…more.

If you’re a parent, this is especially true. There are many times my kids get to experience things I only wish I could have experienced when I was their age. So much has changed in the last forty years since I was born. I often long for the simple days of my youth when we didn’t have 24-hour children’s television, video games that rival an arcade, and cell phones. Just the other day, my daughter marveled at the rotary dial phone we saw at an antique mart. She didn’t even understand how it dialed until I showed her.

Steampunk Saturdays with Jillian Stone (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Welcome back to Steampunk Saturdays! Joining us now is the author who gave us The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard, Jillian Stone!

Love on the Run with Detective Lewis. A Steampunk Road Trip.

I write historical romantic suspense, set in the late Victorian period (1887-1889), when steam travel was in full bloom. Giant steam engines powered trains and ships, people powered bicycles––experimental submarines, and great landships were being designed, built and displayed at Industrial Expositions. These futuristic machine demonstrations were wildly popular in London, making inventors the rock stars of the day!

In the second book of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, A DANGEROUS LIASION WITH DETECTIVE BRUCE (releases September 28) a number of odd and eccentric inventions have a role to play in this road trip adventure, along with a plot that keeps the hero and heroine on the run...

Steampunk Saturdays wouldn’t be complete without a stop by Zoë Archer. Her writing has great steampunk flavor, and if you haven’t met her husband just wait and see what these two are creating together! Welcome Zoë and Nico!

Z: Thank you so much for having us!
N: Great to be here!

L: Both of you are writers, and while you have your own series you both seem to have Sci-fi/paranormal elements to your writing. What was the thing that made the light bulb go off telling you to write a series together?

Z: Nico is extremely important to my own writing process. Each of my books is really a collaboration between the two of us. When we started discussing and creating the steampunk world of the Ether Chronicles, it dawned on us that the world itself was so expansive that we could both write stories for it. He’d write the steampunk Westerns, and I’d write the steampunk everywhere else.

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Saturday, August 18, 2012