November's Wine Club Review: Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye (#BlogTour/#Giveaway)

               Wine Selection:

2 Brothers Big Tattoo Red

Book Selection: Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye

Lexi: Military men and tattoos, Laura Kaye certainly dealt with a stacked deck on this one. Nicholas Rixey is not only ex-Special Forces, but he knows how to tattoo. Honorable tough as nails man who is good with his hands? Oh yes...but the nail in the coffin was the first time we saw his dragon tattoo. Who else fell in love with Nick Rixey?

Crystal: Two of my favorite things; military men and tattoos! This girl was in heaven the whole time reading! I cannot even describe how much I adored HARD AS IT GETS and Nick Rixey. And speaking of dragons; Laura Kaye is such a talented writer, with the perfect descriptive balance of not too much to bore you, and not too little you can't picture it in your head - I could easily conjure up an image in my mind of Nick's tattoo moving along his back with just a ripple of those sexy, hard muscles. You know, *reaches to the side*, I think I may need my drool rag for this review. Just a feeling I have. ;-)

Crystal L: I agree. Rixey was one sexy guy. Picturing those tattoos moving as his muscles flexed while working the boxing bag... LORD HAVE MERCY. Laura Kaye hit me in my weak spots. I love a man with tattoos, but I really LOVE dragon tattoos. Throw in the military aspect and I was a puddle of goo on the floor.

Possessed by Dana Michelle Burnett (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please welcome author Dana Michelle Burnett!

First off, thanks for having me on the blog today to talk about my latest release Possessed! In Possessed, Alastor is a Civil War era soldier haunting the reincarnation of the wife (Becca) that murdered him, so I thought today I’d talk about ghosts and what they can and can’t do...Or at least what Alastor can and can’t do.

7 Facts About Being A Ghost

ARC Review: Blue Lines by Toni Aleo - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Blue Lines 
Series: Assassins #4
Author: Toni Aleo 
Format: ebook, 388 pages
Publication: December 9th 2013 by Loveswept
ISBN: 0345547330 
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 5/5

Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.
Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

Teased By Jamie Begley (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today erotic romance author, Jamie Begley, is joining us with a hot recipe to warm you up as well as her smokin' book - TEASED!

MC Hot wings

1 bag frozen chicken wings  (I buy the little drummies)
4 cups Louisiana Hot Sauce
1 tbs. habanero sauce
1 cup melted butter
4 tbs. brown sugar
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. red pepper
2 tsp. seasoning salt

Review: Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey - 4.5 Wine Glasses (#Giveaway)

Title: Asking for Trouble 
Series: Line of Duty
Author: Tessa Bailey 
Format: ebook
Publication: November 25th 2013 by Entangled: Brazen
ISBN: 1622663527 
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4.5/5

Brent Mason and Hayden Winstead can't stand each other. She plans exclusive parties for her rich familys charities. He's a rough and tumble cop who rigs explosives for a living. Could two people be any less suited for conversation? They think not and prefer to keep it that way. 
Unfortunately, their two best friends are deeply, disgustingly in love. Forced together, the mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface of Brent and Hayden's non-relationship grows with every argument until it explodes into a scintillating night of mind-blowing sex. And it wont be the last, as far as Brent's concerned. 
Hayden has a secret, though. Her father's company is relying on a merger to save them from financial ruin, and only Hayden's marriage to the CEOs wealthy son can secure the deal. If she's to protect her family, she'll have to forget Brent. And he has no intention of being forgotten.

Second Chance Hero by Rebecca Sherwin (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today I would like to welcome author, Rebecca Sherwin!

I contacted Reading Between the Wines back in October about an author spotlight. I’m so grateful, and would like to say a quick thank you to Crystal for having me over. I was surprised and completely caught off guard when she suggested writing a guest post – I can write fiction until it comes out of my ears, but being given freedom to write an article on whatever I wanted frightened me a little. I had absolutely no idea what to write about; I have already been spotlighted, you can find the links and information in the post, so what I wanted to do was write about something different. Writing about myself constantly bores me, so it must bore others to read it!

What I have decided to write about is the categorisation of novels. Genres.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Escape Publishing (#NA #Excepts & #Giveaways)

We are joining in the celebration, wishing Escape Publishing’s a very happy first birthday! We have FIVE new adults title from them that we are featuring and giveaway away. Check them out and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESCAPE! 

KING HALL
BY SCARLETT DAWN
RELEASE DATE: 08/2013
GENRE: FANTASY
IMPRINT: ESCAPE PUBLISHING
PAGINATION: 297

A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…
King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.
Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.
Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

EXCERPT:

Guest Review: Her Rocky Mountain Guardian by Margery Scott - 2.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Her Rocky Mountain Guardian
Author: Margery Scott
Format: ebook, 250 pages
Published: October 28th 2013 by Entangled: Ignite
ISBN: 1622662024
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Laura
Rating: 2.5/5

An unforgivable disappearance… 
Four years ago, Jennie Brooks and Sheriff Brae Colton were engaged to be married—then Jennie disappeared without a word. Leads to a mysterious reunion… Brae hated Jennie for deserting him just as they were set to begin their life together. But when he finds her badly injured in a hit and run accident on a snowy mountain road, he can’t deny the love he’s never forgotten—until she regains consciousness with no memory of her identity, or what they once shared. 
Where love holds the key to everything… 
Brae wants to know why Jennie’s come home. Despite everything, she’s still the woman he fell in love with in high school—the woman he’s falling for again. But when the bullets start flying, his first priority is to protect her and catch her would-be killer. And if they can’t find a way to restore her memory soon, they may both end up dead.

If Only by Lisa M. Owens (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to our guest today, author Lisa M. Owens!

What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?

We all have that one decision that changed our lives forever. Some of those choices can make our lives better, but what if your decision made your life worse? And what if you had the chance to change it? Would you?
Would you risk changing your past to build a better future?
My heroine, Bree, has to discover the answers to these questions in my very first published novel, IF ONLY.             

Review: Targeted by Katie Reus - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: Targeted 
Series: Deadly Ops #1
Author: Katie Reus
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Published: October 1st 2013 by Signet
Links: Goodreads - Amazon - Kindle - B&N - Book Depository 
Source: ARC Courtesy of the author & publisher
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4/5

Hidden in plain sight… Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion. When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes. As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.

HARD AS IT GETS...err, Author Interview with Laura Kaye!!

 Eee! Yes, excited squeal...because we have Laura Kaye here today! Welcome Laura!

Laura: Yay! Thank you! Always glad to visit RBtWBC!!

Lexi: We have a new series from you! E- ok, I will stop myself from excitedly squealing again. But Hard Ink sounds great, another hot series from you. So let’s get down to it...Nick is the hot tattooist. Who was your inspiration for this hunk of a man?

Laura: The physical inspiration was actor Tyler Hoechlin, with his chocolate brown hair and pale green eyes. Otherwise, Nick came to me first as a tortured hero damaged physically and emotionally from having his honor stolen by the series of events that saw him discharged from the Army. But pretty quick I knew he was now part-owner of a tattoo parlor and that he did that work sometimes, too. And I absolutely loved the combination of a hard-edged Special Forces operative with artistic skills…

The Weight of Words by Georgina Guthrie (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Writing a Romance Novel AKA…What is UST anyway?

Writing a contemporary romance novel is a tough gig. In the twenty-first century, couples who have reached the age of consent (and many who haven’t) have few reasons NOT to leap into the sexual arena as soon as they’ve acknowledged their mutual attraction.  This poses problems for the writer who wants to explore a developing relationship that doesn’t rely on frequent and graphic descriptions of copulation.

Review: Archangel's Legion by Nalini Singh - 3.5 Wines

Title: Archangel’s Legion

Author: Nalini Singh

Format: paperback, 374 pages

Published: October 29th 2013 by Jove

ISBN: 9780425251249

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle | B&N

Source: NetGalley

Reviewer: Lexi

Rating: 3.5/5

Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.
Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.
Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.
Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…

Thoughts:

Mighty wings of gold and a stare that can freeze your soul, once you are introduced to Raphael your whole view on angels will be turned upside down. Singh brings us Guild Hunter number six loaded with plenty of Raphael and his Hunter getting hot and heavy, read with caution.

Review: In the Arms of a Stranger by Virginia Kelly - 4.5 Wine Glasses!

Title: In the Arms of a Stranger 
Author: Virginia Kelly
Format: ebook, 250 pages
Published: October 28th 2013 by Entangled: Ignite
ISBN: 1622661958
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4.5/5

"A perfect blend of action, romance, and heart-pounding suspense." --New York Times Best-selling Author Cynthia Eden   

A dangerous man on the run… 
Wounded and accused of treason, CIA operative JP Blackmon is on the run from his own agency and desperate to clear his name. When he finds out his old partner is dead, he’ll do anything to get to the truth...including using his partner's widow. 

A vulnerable woman looking for answers… 
Abby Price wanted nothing more than a family and a safe home. But her late husband kept big secrets from her—secrets that got him killed and have government agents watching her every move. Fearing for her life, it seems the only man who can help her is a mysterious stranger who suddenly appears out of nowhere. But can she trust him? 

Together they discover a passion worth dying for. 
As danger stalks them at every turn, unexpected passion flares between JP and Abby. But the last thing either wants or needs is more complications. Romance? No. Way. That would involve trust—something neither is willing or able to do. But in the end, sharing their deadly secrets is their only hope for survival…their only hope to hold onto the love they’ve just begun to share… 

Virginia Kelly's Arms of a Stranger (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today I would like to welcome author, Virginia Kelly, joining us with her romantic suspense that I absolutely loved (look for my review this evening) - IN THE ARMS OF A STRANGER!

Travel and Fiction

Travel begs story. Don’t you come home from a trip with a story? Maybe it’s that your luggage didn’t make it with you. Ours once went to San Jose—yes, the luggage knew “the way to San Jose.” Or maybe it was that first view of the Grand Canyon, when you thought, “I knew it was grand, but Wow!” Or, that not so happy “the hotel was HORRIBLE!”

(ARC) Guest Review: Recipe for Attraction by Gina Gordon - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Recipe for Attraction 
Series: Madewood Brothers
Author: Gina Gordon 
Format: ebook, 250 pages
Publication: November 25th 2013 by Entangled: Brazen
ISBN: 1622664248 
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon
Rating:  5/5

Bad boy Neil Harrison may have sexy body and an even sexier smile, but there’s no way in hell architect Carson Kelly is falling for the elusive bachelor. For starters, he’s her boss, and getting intimately involved with the infuriating alpha male could be a career-killer. And secondly, he’s battling personal demons in one of the most dangerous ways possible: illegal street racing. After a friend’s tragic death years ago, Carson swore she’d never get involved in that life again.
Neil knows Carson’s keeping secrets and he’s determined to uncover all of them…even if he has to seduce them out of her. But as their antagonistic work relationship ignites a passionate affair, Carson must decide if protecting Neil from his need for speed is the perfect outlet for her own restless desire, or if they’re on a one-way path to destruction.

Thoughts:

Lia Davis' A Rebel's Heart (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Joining us today we have Lia Davis, author of A Rebel's Heart which is featured in the Ever After paranormal anthology. Please give her a warm welcome!

Things I’m thankful for this year

Many of us are just too busy to stop and think about what we are thankful for. The older we get the faster time seems to go by and the busier we become. We just don’t take time for ourselves and our families and friends. The holiday season is the time to slow down and reflect on the year and take a long look at what we have, where we’ve been, and who is in our lives.
I’m thankful for a lot of things this year. Here’s my top five things that make me feel blessed.

My husband: he’s one of my best friends, soul mate, and he knows me better than I know myself. He showers me with affection even when I’m being grumpy, and he can always make me smile.

Review: Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper - 3 Wine Glasses

Title: Louder Than Love
Author: Jessica Topper 
Format: ebook
Published: September 17th 2013 by Berkley/InterMix (Penguin)
ISBN: 139781101634790
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 3/5

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.
It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.
Recluse rocker Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.
Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

Slow Ride Home by Leah Braemel (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please welcome Leag Braemel, who is joining us with her recent release of SLOW RIDE HOME.

When I was little, my sister was horse-crazy. Me? I loved the idea of being able to ride—there was something very exciting about sitting in a saddle like the Lone Ranger or Little Joe or Adam from Bonanza (yes, I know, I’m dating myself), but I wasn’t quite as horse crazy as her. Still, one summer when I was about five my parents took us to a local riding stable as a treat, I was pictured myself being very cool and in control as I climbed into the saddle on a pony named Dolly. Except Dolly had other ideas—like, never leaving the barn. I think I managed to get her halfway down a field (maybe 50 yards?) but then that stubborn old pony decided she’d had enough, turned around and bumped her way all the way back to the barn and refused to budge again. (Hmm. Now I think about it, I’m surprised my parents didn’t demand their money after that lack of ride. Or lack of supervision—I don’t remember any adult being anywhere near me, other than someone saddling up another pony yelling at me to just “kick her sides” to get her going, and when I returned they just shrugged and said, “Yes, Dolly is stubborn.”)

Real Life Navy Seal Wife and Author Anne Elizabeth Interview & #Giveaway!

Dog tags. 

See, I knew that would be all that needed to be said to get your attention today. Let's welcome contemporary (military) romance author Anne Elizabeth to the blog!

Lexi: Anne congrats on landing such a HOT cover! It wasn’t until the second or third glance that I saw the dog tags. So, does the picture match what you envisioned for Daniel? 
 
Anne: Absolutely! Sourcebooks, Inc. designed a gorgeous cover! Dan is a very lean Navy SEAL. He’s basically brawn, brains, and pure dedication to his bride. How’s that for sex appeal? 

FOR REAL by Chelsea M. Cameron (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to NA author, Chelsea Cameron!

How I Write A Book

I don't know about you, but I'm fascinated about writers and HOW they write. Their process, where they sit, do they listen to music, do they work all day, or in short bursts? People ask me about my process all the time, so I thought I might break it down for you. My novels, from start to final draft, can take anywhere from two to five months. I did a novella in under two weeks, but that was because it was short. Most of my full-length novels range from 85-105 thousand words. BUT HOW DO YOU WRITE THE WORDS, CHELSEA? you ask.

Her Rocky Mountain Guardian by Margery Scott (Spotlight)

We would like to share with you an excerpt from Margery Scott's Rocky Mountain Guardian. And wow, be sure to give proper appreciation to this very drool worthy cover while you're at it! 

Her Rocky Mountain Guardian
By Margery Scott

Amazon | B&N

An unforgivable disappearance…Four years ago, Jennie Brooks and Sheriff Brae Colton were engaged to be married—then Jennie disappeared without a word.Leads to a mysterious reunion…Brae hated Jennie for deserting him just as they were set to begin their life together. But when he finds her badly injured in a hit and run accident on a snowy mountain road, he can’t deny the love he’s never forgotten—until she regains consciousness with no memory of her identity, or what they once shared.Where love holds the key to everything…Brae wants to know why Jennie’s come home. Despite everything, she’s still the woman he fell in love with in high school—the woman he’s falling for again. But when the bullets start flying, his first priority is to protect her and catch her would-be killer. And if they can’t find a way to restore her memory soon, they may both end up dead.

Alyssa Rose Ivy's SOAR (Excerpt/Giveaway)

We are happy to share with you an excerpt from Alyssa Rose Ivy's SOAR.

ABOUT SOAR (The Empire Chronicles #1):

In the city that never sleeps the Chronicles continue…
Serving coffee is temporary, just like Casey's year off from school. She’s going to come up with a plan to stay in New York City and go back to college, and that plan does not involve dating a paranormal creature—let alone two.
Running the supernatural society of New York is not as fun as it sounds, especially when you still have to answer to your ex-girlfriend’s fiancé. Toby doesn’t mean to bring Casey into the chaos of his life, but he can't resist the girl who makes him smile when he thought no one else ever could.
Jared's in New York checking out a security risk for his best friend, the king. He plans to return to New Orleans quickly, but not if it means losing his chance with the brunette who pretends she wants nothing to do with him.
In over her head with a bunch of winged creatures who most definitely are not angels, Casey has to figure out who to trust with her life and maybe her heart.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Review: Shattered Ink by Laura Wright - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: Shattered Ink 
Series: Wicked Ink Chronicles #2
Author: Laura Wright 
Format: ebook
Length: Novella
Published: October 15th 2013 by Laura Wright
Source: Author
Reviewer: Crystal
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Rating: 4/5

Addison
She is totally and utterly in love. She can’t focus, can’t sleep. She doesn’t want to hang out with friends, doesn’t even care if she graduates from college in a week. All she wants is Rush, and her obsession for him is scaring her. Unable to handle the fear that brings up ugly memories of being abandoned as a child, Addison withdraws to protect herself. But that may backfire when an old flame of Rush's reappears in his life.

Rush
Addison is the only woman he wants in his bed. Hell, he’s inked her name into his skin, and he plans on asking her to move in with him. Problem is, she’s acting like she doesn’t feel the same way about him. It’s like something’s changed between them. And when an old girlfriend comes back into the picture – stirring up memories and fears about his past – Rush knows that if he and Addison are ever going to have a chance at happiness, it’s time to shatter the walls between them once and for all.