Wine Club Review of Just in Time for a Highlander by Gwyn Cready!

Book Selection: 

Just in Time for a Highlander

By Gwyn Cready

Wine Selection: 

Fife Sonoma Zinfandel

Lexi: Time travel romance, some of Cready’s signature humor, and a fine cover. All in all a nice package but the best part for me was that the true highlander was the heroine! Abby Kerr, the head of her clan and one strong willed woman. Except she needs a man, a strong arm to be specific but I think she was thinking of something else when she summoned Duncan. She may not have known what she wanted in a man but she knows how to fight, and that is the kind of heroine I can get behind. How about you, was Abby a high point as well?

Crystal: The packaging on Just in Time for a Highlander was verra sweet. I absolutely love the cover; it's dangerous, sexy and magical all at the same time. The synopsis for the story intrigued me as well.  In the story, although Duncan liked to play at being a highlander, Abby definitely surpassed him in skill. Being a clan chieftess though, you need a strong-willed woman and Abby more then met my expectations of one. 

Character Love Letters: Jagger from Rough Justice by Sarah Castille (#Giveaway)

The month of love, otherwise known as February lol, is at an end but we have one last love letter for you that you won't want to miss! Jagger, President of the Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club (yum!), to Arianne from Rough Justice (Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club #1) by Sarah Castille. And if you like what you see here then you won't want to miss when Sarah TAKES OVER our Facebook page! You can still RVSP here: http://goo.gl/hFcwY4 Be there at 8pm EST or be square! ☺

Sweetheart,

Not a man for words. 

Not a man for flowers, hugs or gentle moments.

We live in a hard world. A violent world. A world without mercy or kindness.

#Review: Kissing the Highlander by Terry Spear, Victoria Roberts, Vonda Sinclair, Eliza Knight, Willa Blair - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Kissing the Highlander
Series: Terry Spear, Victoria Roberts, Vonda Sinclair, Eliza Knight, Willa Blair
Format: ebook
Published: February 10th 2015 by Smashwords Edition
ISBN:139781633110052
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

His Wild Highland Lass by Terry Spear
Lady Sorcha Barclay fled her brother-in-law's castle because of his unwanted advances. An awe-inspiring circle of standing stones captures her attention and she captures the attention of the laird who owns the land.
Laird Ronan Daziel takes Sorcha to his castle to protect her and give her a home. Before long, he wants much more. He's duty-bound to take a wife whose clan wishes an alliance with his. So why does he long to have something more? Everyone loves the lass as much as he does. But he has pledged his loyalty to his clan. Taking Sorcha to wife could lead to battle on several fronts. How can he wed another when she stole his heart from the first moment he laid eyes on her near the ancient standing stones on his lands?

The Highlander's Charm by Eliza Knight
They should be enemies… But passion and love know no bounds.
Returning from battle to England, Samuel de Mowbray discovers that his two younger sisters have been stolen by Highlanders. Determined to save them from vicious warriors, he convinces the king to send him north. While there, he discovers that his loyalties are wavering and that a headstrong, feisty lass could destroy everything he believes.
Catriona Buchanan must travel north to ask for help in saving her brother and ridding her castle of brutal English knights. Unfortunately, to do so, she must trust in the thing she mistrusts the most—an Englishman. Minute by minute, the man who should be her enemy breaks down her defenses. There is something different about him and she can’t help but be captivated by Samuel, and his steamy kisses.

Heart of Stone by Willa Blair
Riding home after two years away, Gavan MacNabb encounters a lass and her deerhound in a moonlit circle of standing stones. Little does he know the garland of bluebells she weaves and the spell she sings will change the course of his life.
Marsali Murray doesn’t really believe the old wives’ tale that making a chain of bluebells by the standing stones under a waxing moon will bring true love, but she’s desperate to try anything to escape the boring, everlasting sameness of her life.
Gavan has already seen much of the world denied to Marsali. He’s ready to settle down. She is eager to spread her wings. Can they find what they need with each other?

Kilts and Kisses by Victoria Roberts
Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy.
Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time.

My Captive Highlander by Vonda Sinclair
Can unexpected passion and a little ancient magic turn enemies into lovers?
During a fierce storm on the west coast of Scotland, Shamus MacKenzie barely survives a galley wreck only to be captured and held for ransom by the enemy MacDonalds. Aided by the gift of second sight, Maili MacDonald, sister of the ruthless chief, senses the handsome, dark-haired stranger will somehow be important in her life. Compelled to help him, she insists on providing him food and a healer to see to his injuries. She knows she is daft to fall in love with this captivating warrior after one forbidden kiss but cannot help herself. With each visit from Maili, Shamus finds his thoughts consumed by the enchanting lass. Can he convince her to help him escape the dungeon and prevent the impending battle between the two clans?

Linda's Thoughts:
An Assortment Of Highland Romances To Fall In Love With!

#Review: Some like It Spicy by Robbie Terman - 3 Wine Glasses

Title: Some Like It Spicy
Series: A Perfect Recipe #1
Author: Robbie Terman
Format: eBook, 243 pages
Published: July 15th 2013 by Entangled: Edge
ASIN: B00DFFMYOW
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Kimberly
Rating: 3 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Ashton Grey’s restaurant, Sweet Home, is in trouble. Months of empty tables have left her and her partners near bankruptcy, and her father’s prediction of her failure as a chef seems imminent. But a chance encounter could provide Ashton with the publicity she needs to save her restaurant—if the fiery chef is willing to compete on a reality cooking show. But in order to win, she needs to stay focused. No problem…until she meets the head judge. 

Celebrity chef Ty Cates is ready to get away from the camera and back to the kitchen where he belongs. Performing as head judge on a reality show is just one more commitment he’d like to get out of, especially after he meets Ashton. Head judges dating contestants is about as taboo as putting ketchup on filet mignon, but from the moment they meet, there’s a simmering heat between them that neither can ignore.

As the competition heats up, they rely on sneaking around, stealing amazing night after amazing night together when the cameras aren’t rolling. When both realize what’s starting to feel like love could easily be a recipe for disaster, Ashton and Ty need to make a choice—get out of the kitchen or turn up the heat.

Kimberly’s Thoughts:
Ashton's restaurant she opened up with two of her friends is dying a slow death.  They need to find a way to drum up business and fast.  When a scout for a top chef reality tv show captures Ashton putting a customer in his place with a certain degree of aggressive feistiness, the opportunity Ashton and her friends were looking for just may have presented itself.  When Ashton meets Ty, the heartthrob celebrity chef host of the show, winning the competition might not be the only thing she wants.  Ty also feels the pull towards Ashton, he has been sick of his celebrity lifestyle and faceless empty model dates. Ashton has a drive and passion that draws him in but fraternizing with a contestant would be horribly damaging for both their reputations if caught. Ashton and Ty are definitely feeling the heat but can they withstand it?

#CoverReveal: Need Me (Broke and Beautiful #2) by Tessa Bailey

The first book in Tessa Bailey's brand new series being published by Avon releases next month (March 17th) and we're excited to share with you the cover for the second book in that series!

Need Me 

(Broke and Beautiful #2)

by Tessa Bailey 

Expected publication: April 21st 2015 by Avon Impulse

Pre-Order on Amazon!

Promotional Post: Slow Burn by K. Bromberg (#Giveaway)

The fifth book in the bestselling Driven series is out now, pick up SLOW BURN today! 

Slow Burn 
(Driven #5)
by K. Bromberg
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: February 24th 2015 by Signet
ISBN 0451473922

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Driven series. 

One Night. That's all it was supposed to be.

Reeling from the sudden loss of her sister, Haddie Montgomery has sworn off relationships. All she wanted from Beckett Daniels was a sexy distraction to help her escape her pain for just a little while....There weren’t supposed to be any strings attached—so why can’t she shake the memory of that unforgettable night from her thoughts? Or the taste of his kiss from her lips?

No matter how hard Haddie tries to forget about him, Becks relentlessly tries to prove that she should start living for today. But she is determined to avoid romantic commitment, and she can always use her ex-boyfriend’s reappearance to help snuff out the slow burn within her that Becks has sparked....

Or will fate force her to realize that this kind of connection doesn’t come along very often and a chance at love is worth the risk?

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Soulbound by Kristen Callihan - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: Soulbound
Series: Darkest London #6
Author: Kristen Callihan
Format: Paperback & eBook, 372 pages
Published: February 24th 2015 by Hachette Book Group: Forever
ASIN: B00KVK30TC
Links: Goodreads |Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Kimberly
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Once two souls are joined...
When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled—and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone...
Their hearts will beat together forever...
No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted—by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken...

Kimberly’s Thoughts:
Soulbound is 6th in Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series and if you haven't read the previous books you will be missing out on a ton of backstory involving characters and story arcs. However, if you wanted to miss out on a lot but not feel like you are missing a lot you could just pick this book up for Eliza and Adam's relationship. The prominence of past characters and story arcs are slowly fading away and new strides are made for the promise of future ones.

Q&A with author, Kristen Callihan of Soulbound (#Giveaway)

Hi Kristen, and congratulations on the release of SOULBOUND, the 6th book in your Darkest London series! For readers who are new to the series, can you please give us a quick overview of it? 

Sure! The Darkest London is a gaslamp fantasy series in which Victorian London is unaware of the supernatural beings living amongst them. I like to think of the books as chronicles in the lives of these beings. Some stories are interconnected, but there isn’t an over all story arc. Each book is part mystery, thriller, romance, and adventure.  

Promotional Post: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan (#Giveaway)

Meet Cohen & Danielle in the newest stand alone in the Hope Town Series by Harper Sloan! 

Unexpected Fate 
(Hope Town #1)
by Harper Sloan
Nook, 300 pages
Published February 17th 2015 by Harper Sloan
ISBN132940150270794

Have you ever felt like you were living your life for a future that was predetermined? Like there was some bigger picture you just prayed you would someday see clearly? That picture has been crystal clear to me since I was old enough to recognize it for just what it was.

Or I should say recognize him for who he was.

I’ve loved Cohen Cage since I was a small child. He’s been my everything for the last twenty-two years. I’ve loved him through every girlfriend he’s ever brought home. Through his college years and then mine. I’ve loved him through two deployments. And ever since the day I told him how I felt, he’s acted like I’m a stranger.

My name is Danielle Reid, and it’s time for me to get my man. 

Our future is an unexpected fate, and no matter what our parents, siblings, and friends say…it’s going to be worth every second of the fight to make it happen. 

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Untwisted by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: Untwisted 
Series: Lost in Oblivion #2.5
Author: Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
Format: eBook
Published: February 12th 2015 by Rainbow Rage Publishing
ISBN: 1940346118
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Author
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Falling in love was easy…figuring out the rhythm of being a couple, not so much. 

Now that they’ve pressed play, life is going way too fast for Gray Duffy and Jazz Edwards. A super hot video has boosted their band Oblivion’s popularity even higher, and suddenly Gray and Jazz are the reigning prince and princess of rock. But as their private wedding ceremony in their most special place approaches, they realize they can’t go forward without facing their roots.

With new family members coming into the mix and old unresolved dramas coming to a head, one thing is for sure—the harder they rock, the bigger the drop.

Crystal's Thoughts:
Untwisted is the continuation of Jazz and Gray's story from Twisted. How is the new couple, yet life-long friends, coping with Gray's new-found sobriety, a baby on the way, and an upcoming wedding? Not to mention all the glitz and glam that comes with being rock stars. Throw in a judgmental mother-in-law, a long-lost family member, and a desperate need to provide for the new family, and you have a story that will definitely twist you up inside! 

Q&A with Vivian Probst of Death By Roses

Today we have a Q&A with author,  Vivian Probst, to share with you. Enjoy!

1. What inspired you to write Death By Roses?

It had something to do with my older sister’s death from Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had occurred six months before the story began.  I had grown up deeply introverted with an intense fear of death that never relented until I wrote this story.  Somehow, I think my sister’s passing started this story, as if she was telling me to relax, enjoy my life, and not take death so seriously. My older sister had always watched out for me. Perhaps, even now, from her heightened perspective, she knew how to help.

2. How would you describe Mary Lee’s doctor, Eugene Gregory? How would you describe him after he meets Gertie?

Mysterious, secretly seductive, sophisticated and illusive.  

Promotional Post: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick by Stephanie Laurens

Stephanie Laurens' historical romance series, the Cynsters, is still going strong and the author just released her twenty-second novel in the series yesterday! Find out more about The Tempting of Thomas Carrick below!

The Tempting of Thomas Carrick 
(Cynsters #22)
by Stephanie Laurens 
Paperback, 464 pages
Expected publication: February 24th 2015 by Mira
ISBN 077831782X

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland, where destiny and passion intertwine... 

Thomas Carrick is determined to make his own life in the bustling port city of Glasgow, far from the demands of the Carrick clan, eventually with an appropriate wife on his arm. But disturbing events on his family's estate force Thomas to return to the Scottish countryside—where he is forced to ask for help from the last woman he wants to face. Thomas has never forgotten Lucilla Cynster and the connection that seethes between them, but to marry Lucilla would mean embracing a life he's adamant is not for him.

Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla knows Thomas is hers—her fated lover, husband, protector, mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. How can he ignore a bond stronger than reason and choose a different path? She's determined to fight for their future, and while she cannot command him, she has enticements of her own to wield when it comes to tempting Thomas Carrick.

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Taking Chances by Jennifer Lowery - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Taking Chances (short story)
Author: Jennifer Lowery
Format: Kindle Edition, 41 pages
Published: November 3rd 2012 by Jennifer Lowery
ASINB: 00A1PAJ0A
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

***9,583 word short story***

Her first love ended in tragedy, former CIA agent, Nora Ashford, vows never to be hurt again and retreats to the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Forced down by a blizzard, former Navy pilot, Lucas Stone crash lands in Nora’s snow covered meadow. Brave in battle, but he's been burned more than once in love. 

Fighting the blizzard and their attraction for each other Nora and Lucas must unite when Nora’s past puts their lives in danger. Will they take a chance at love? 

Linda's Thoughts:
Nora sobered and turned back to the windows, her breath fogging the glass. "We may as well lay some ground rules if we're going to be stuck here for a few days."
"Okay."
"You can keep the bed, I prefer the sofa. I don't cook. I'm not a maid, so pick up after yourself. You can eat whatever you can find in the kitchen, but I'll warn you, I don't keep much. I prefer my privacy, so you'll have to occupy yourself. Any questions?
"Only one."
She turned to face him.
"What are you hiding from?"

#Review: For the Love of a Fireman by Vonnie Davis - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: For the Love of a Fireman 
Series: Wild Heat #2
Author: Vonnie Davis
Format: ebook, 252 pages
Published: January 1st 2015 by HarperImpulse
ISBN: 0007594526
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Contest
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Molly Devon, a website designer, and her absent-minded father travel to Florida for two months of sun and sand. She wants to nurse a broken heart, and both need to scatter her mother’s ashes—if only her father can recall where he put them!

Grey Barclay, fireman and diver for the Marine Rescue Unit, is slowly remodeling Barclay Beach Bungalows, five little rental cottages he inherited from his uncle. It’s just his luck the first cabin he rents is to a prickly female and her daffy dad! Still, the money looks good in his bank account . . . that is until Molly’s ex-fiancé turns up dead on Grey’s beach.

The police are asking some hard questions but Molly’s providing plenty of soft excuses, and when one of Grey’s bungalows catches fire, Molly is trapped inside, adding fuel to the firestorm of guilt surrounding her.

Grey’s not convinced though. He may be a sucker for a set of well-rounded hips and azure eyes, the color of the ocean, but in the short time he’s known Molly he can see behind the cold façade to a warmth and gentleness that’s hard to resist.

This fireman’s hell-bent on proving her innocence—and keeping her by his side. 

Linda's Thoughts:
"Quick! What aisle are the douches in? I've got three bitches at the beach cottage and they all stick to high heaven."...
"You do carry Massengill, don't you? That's the best brand, according to my research."
"Ah..." What kind of man researches douches? A man who goes to bed with three women...
"Would you mind checking your inventory in the back? I'll need more."
"I'm not allowed to leave the register, but I'll be happy to page our stock boy."
Douche-man grunted and flipped the package around. "It's gonna take at least two boxes for Loa. She's big. Got wide hips. Skinny legs, though. Kinda like a twenty-gallon tank on toothpicks."

Interview with Author, Sidney Halston of BELOW THE BELT

1. First, can we all just take a moment to appreciate this gorgeous cover...*lesigh* Welcome, Sidney! I have to say, this is my favorite of the Worth the Fight covers. What do you think, did it meet your expectations? Can you pick a favorite? I know it's hard! ;-)

Hi there. Thank you for hosting me today! Yes, isn't he just gorgeous? I tackled him and ripped his shirt, as you can see. ; )   The cover more than met my expectations and it's my favorite. But, I actually just saw the cover for book # 5, Laid Out (Cain's story) and I love it. It is exactly how I visualized Cain. Exactly. It was picked from my brain onto the cover. I hope people will love it as much as they've loved the cover for Below the Belt, although I think that Below the Belt may be impossible to top.

2. BELOW THE BELT released just a few weeks ago (02/10), congratulations! When I hear Tarpon Springs, I think Sponge Docks! Being a Florida native I cannot believe that I haven't visited there yet but it is definitely going on my to-do list for the summer. Is BELOW THE BELT set in the same town as FULL CONTACT (Worth the Fight #2)?