BOOK BLITZ: Bargaining with the Boss

Welcome to the Bargaining with the Boss Book Blitz Tour. Jennifer Shirk will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  Follow the tour here and comment! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning!

Bargaining with the Boss

Author:  Jennifer Shirk
Genre:  Romance

Synopsis: 

Kinsley just wanted to have some fun for a change. Then she wakes up in a stranger’s bed, with her bridesmaid dress on backward and a hazy memory of what happened at her friend’s wedding. With a quick escape, she can get back to her predictable life. But then she meets her new boss—the same guy she’d woken up next to—and seeing him with a clear head doesn’t make him any less attractive.
Mixing business with pleasure has never been Damon’s style, and easily avoided, but the hotel he just bought comes with an unexpected perk—its manager. “Sensible” Kinsley today is as alluring as “impulsive” Kinsley was the night before, and she talks him into a deal. If she can turn around the hotel by the end of summer, he won’t tear it down to put up a more profitable casino. 

Their plan is simple…until falling for each other becomes more than they bargained for.

EXCERPT

Kinsley jumped up and launched herself into his arms. “Thank you,” she breathed into his shoulder. “Thank you for believing in me.”

Damon stilled. Then his arms slowly came around her and he pressed her to his chest. “You’re welcome,” he whispered in her hair.

She made no movement to separate herself from his embrace. She knew it was wrong—highly inappropriate, actually—to be standing in her office, burrowing in her boss’s chest like a chipmunk. Anyone could barge in. But he felt so nice, so warm with that freshly showered, masculine scent all his own. She couldn’t resist staying in his arms a little longer until good sense entered her brain again.

Kinsley dropped her arms and they both slowly drew apart. Damon didn’t look happy. In fact, his jaw was clenched so tight, it looked like it might shatter. She just hoped this little overly affectionate stunt didn’t cost her her job.

“Sorry,” she muttered, her face growing hotter with every passing second. “Sometimes I let my emotions get carried away. I didn’t mean to…jump you. It’s just that I’m so grateful.”

Damon remained silent, his brows furrowed together as if contemplating how to tactfully fire her without hurting her feelings.

“It, uh, won’t happen again,” she assured him. “The hugging part, not the thanking you part.”

“I know what part you were referring to,” he growled. She swallowed. “Oh, right. Of course. Sorry for the… Sorry.” Somebody tape my mouth closed now. 

Damon held up his hands in a time-out sign. “We’re off the clock, right?” he asked.

Dread had her hesitating. Was he really going to fire her? She nodded and slowly met his steel-blue eyes.

Then before she could blink, Damon St. James pulled her back into his arms and kissed her.

AUTHOR

Contact Information

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Jennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Montlake Romance and Entangled Publishing. She loves coffee, wine, the people living in her house and God. (Not necessarily in that order). Strong literacy and library advocate as well.

She resides in a beach resort in NJ, so when she's not writing or working on her tan, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, puppy (Sox) and four hermit crabs.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.

Check out her website for News and Links. Friend her on Facebook.  Don't forget to join her mailing list for a chance to win monthly giveaways and free ARCs:

GIVEAWAY

Jennifer Shirk will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  Remember, the more you comment the better your chances of winning.  Good Luck!

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COVER REVEAL - For This Moment

Let me just start by saying that my impression of this cover is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND STUNNING!  Comment below!  Let me and the author know what you think of her new cover.  I know I love it..  How about you?

FOR THIS MOMENT

GENRE:  Historical Romance

AUTHOR:  Holly Bush

SYNOPSIS: 

1871 Born to privilege and duty, Olivia Gentry comes of age as women begin to find their social and political independence. The youngest child, and only daughter, of a successful Virginia horse breeding family, she has been raised and educated to carry on the family business with her brothers. Having been deceived in love as a young woman and unsure of her instincts, she is wary to commit to a marriage, but she cannot deny her long-buried feelings for a family friend.

Jim Somerset has been in love with Olivia Gentry from the moment she gazed up at him as a young girl. A farrier by trade like his father before him, he and his business’s future are inexorably entwined with the Gentry family. He has watched her be courted by statesmen, and considers her and her goals out of the reach of a common workman.  But he is fearful that he will never purge Olivia from his mind and his heart.

Has the moment come for him to reveal his passions for her? Find out in the third installment of the Gentrys of Paradise.

Purchase links:  Amazon US  |  B&N  |  Kobo  |  GooglePlay

Connect with Holly

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AUTHOR

Holly Bush writes historical romance set in the U.S.in the late 1800’s, in Victorian England, and an occasional Women’s Fiction title. Her books are described as emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance. She makes her home with her husband in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

GIVEAWAY
Holly will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances are of winning. The tour information can be found here.  Good Luck!

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Review: A Scandal by Any Other Name

A Scandal by Any Other Name by Kimberly Bell

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75)

Jasper DeVere, new Duke of Albemarle, is immature, debauched and unreliable.  On the day he is to present himself to Parliament and meet the Queen as the duke, he bolts.

Julia Bishop is bold, brave and outspoken.  She dreams of a life of adventure  Because of a limp caused by her disability, she is considered an outcast and treated like an outsider.

Julia and Jasper meet while each of them is trying to escape their present and future situations.  Jasper fears that he will never be able to fill his late grand-fathers shoes while Julia tries to outrun her life of monotony and regulations.

Upon their meeting, they both introduce themselves with false identities.  They also realize that they are looking for a temporary diversion from their troubles.  Since they are both headed to Wakefield's, they decide to continue their tete-a-tete there.

What happens when Julia realizes she wants more than just a diversion, she wants forever?  Will she be able to trust Jasper enough with her emotional and physical scars?

This was an enjoyable read.  I wish however that Jasper's character was more fleshed out.  In my opinion, it is hard to find the "key" moments of where and why he no longer fears the dukedom and its responsibilities and why he now accepts the dukedom while flaunting convention   His greatest fear was not being able to fill his grandfather's shoes and yet he decides to forego the "Royal Marriages Act" knowing what this would mean for Julia and their future.  I also believe that this belies the trepidation of disappointing his grand-father.  It is understood that he loves her and wants to be with her however, without knowing exactly what motivated this change, it makes the transition between Jasper of old and the new Jasper a little abrupt and unbelievable.

This having been said, I loved the dichotomy that was Julia.  She was bold, wild and outspoken but at the very same time, she was reticent to speak of anything of her disability much less the scars it invoked.  She was not shy to tell people what she thought  nor did she care for their approval.  However, due to the remarks and stares of her peers, she dreads showing herself completely to anyone. The dialogue was sexy and well written and the chemistry between these two characters was almost palpable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for the ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

TOUR : As You Wish

As You Wish
Author:  Ja'Nese Dixon
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Is their simmering attraction enough to defeat their crusades?

Damian “The Shark” Hughes real estate billionaire lands in Houston, Texas to handle a “problem tenant” stalling his partnership with Rockstar Entertainment. But on first sight he doesn’t know which he wants more, to evict her or bed her.

Imani Scott is at the end of herself and her resources for keeping the doors of Harmony Dance open. What she doesn’t have time for is the sweet talking, money slinging gorgeousness from Atlanta. Her sole focus is on her students. They are depending on her and she’s not to go down without a fight.

The blurred line between friend or foe…

Imani organizes a Kwanzaa benefit recital to save her studio not knowing she’s sleeping with the enemy. And Damian is willing to do whatever it takes to close the deal and keep this ebony beauty by his side.

At odds yet drawn to each other by their undeniable chemistry, the ticking clock and a multi-million dollar development deal erect the perfect battleground.

Will they win the battle but lose the war? Or will they let love win?

If you love Black woman White man romances (BWWM) and alpha males with the means and ego to pursue and win at love, then this is the story for you. It contains their happily ever after, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and plenty of heat. What are you waiting for? BUY this book.

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EXCERPT

"Stop staring at the man and say something?"

Imani found working with Adrianna at the bar was worse than working at the studio. At least at the studio she could pull rank and kick her out the office.

"What man?" She let out a long audible breath.

"The man that has you spilling drinks and stepping on my toes."

“Ouch!” She stomped on Imani’s foot and wiggled out of reach.
Imani had been preoccupied with trying to see the features of his face. The booth he selected was tucked away off to the side. The overhead lights barely illuminated the table top. It was the table repeat customers chose when they wanted to partake of the live music and robust menu and have privacy.

It was public yet private. So private they'd witnessed more than one heated exchange going on in that booth over the length of her employment. It wasn't called the make-out booth for nothing.

Imani stole glances at him for most of the afternoon. She could see the top of his arm covered in a white dress shirt and the swirled tattoo on his forearm. That must be his girlfriend. She reasoned as the olive-skinned brunette took her seat across from him.

"You think that's his girlfriend?" Imani whispered. Adrianna topped off the customer's soft drink and walked over to stand beside her.

"If she's not, she wanna be." She dried her hands on her apron.

Imani faced her, "What makes you say that?"

"That man is a sexual magnet, paid with a Titanium Card, and his eyes," she shook her head and raised her hand in the truth, "panty droppers."

"For real?" Imani hissed. The forced air behind panty made curiosity dance through her veins.

"For. Real." She glanced over at the table as if validating her statement. Her face twisting in agony and she nodded.

Imani glanced back over there. The last thing she needed was to stare into his panty-dropper eyes. She wanted to ask Adrianna more but a warning voice in her head warned her to leave it alone.

There was no room in her life for men. Life was hectic enough without adding sexy, magnetic, panty-dropping men to the equation and her panties needed to stay in place. The last man she'd given her heart passed her up for a bigger fish and left her without so much as a blink of an eye. Her time was better spent trying to find another job.

"Have you heard from your landlord?"

"I got a letter about a new owner. But they didn't mention the balance and I didn't either. I sent what I could, hoping it will hold me over."

$1250 a month times six months left her owing the new landlord at least $7,500. It might as well have been a cool million because she didn't have a hundred dollars to her name. She hated owing people.

She was ashamed to admit what she sent barely covered the late fees but she still had to pay the utilities at the studio on top of her own household expenses.

"How long you think that's going to last? You can't keep doing this to yourself. This dance studio is like a leech draining you dry."

“Why would you say that? What’s wrong with giving my students culture?” Imani stiffened at her harsh analogy.

"Ain't nobody got time for that!" She turned to Imani tossing a towel in the sink. "Culture won't feed you and pay your bills."

Tears stung her eyes. But she didn't have time to cry or feel sorry for herself. She needed a plan.

"Is he cute?" It was better to talk about the panty dropper than her landlord.

It was Adrianna's turn to shrug, "He's alright for a white boy. You know I like my papi chulo sun kissed, bilingual, and Spanish in his blood. Can't have my momma passing out on me."

"Indeed, your mom would pass out if you brought anything but a Hispanic man home." Imani laughed.

"That's why I keep my business my business." She tossed her blonde hair and headed to the other end of the bar to check on a customer.

Adrianna talked a good game but she had a man. Her traditional ways went to her core from cooking authentic Mexican food to Salsa dancing every Thursday night. Imani looked back at his exposed skin, it didn't look white but not brown either. More like a warm beige. His head turned in her direction and she felt trapped. Unable to look away, but unable to see his face either.

The young lady returned to the table and Imani spun around, facing the mirrored wall behind the bar. She glanced up into the reflection and watched him lean forward. The light caught his profile with his thick wavy dark brown hair. He smiled up at his companion.

Imani's stomach clinched. He had a deep dimple.

She watched the young lady leave the table carrying her purse and shoulder bag. They must be done for the afternoon. She wanted to see this mystery man for herself.

AUTHOR

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Ja’Nese Dixon writes tales of romance laced with strong women and stronger men. My happily ever afters are meant to inspire. So, if you’re looking for a page turner that will leave you blushing, with your heart racing, and lying to yourself about reading “just one more chapter” then grab a book.

She is an avid reader and coffee drinker, who also loves to run, cook, and quilt (and not in that order). Her ultimate goal as a writer is to give you a little “staycation” with every story.

Ja’Nese calls Houston home with her husband, three kiddos, and a four-legged diva dog. Visit her website at http://www.janesedixon.com if you enjoy romance, suspense, and good sweet & spicy stories that inspire.

GIVEAWAY
Ja’ Nese Dixon will be giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card.  To enter the giveaway, click here! Follow the tour here for exclusive excerpts.

COVER REVEAL: The Internship of Pippa Darling

designed by Najla Qamber Designs.

The Internship of Pippa Darling
by Stephanie Keyes
Publication date: March 16th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Grad student, Pippa Darling, is thrilled when she’s chosen for a summer writing internship at Tèarmunn Castle in Ireland, but devastated when she learns it’s with overnight sensation, Finn Burke. The previous authors who’ve worked with him have gone on to receive tremendous book deals. But how can she get excited about working beside an author whose book she hates, especially when no one can compare to her favorite writer, the elusive James Black?

Finn Burke believes in giving back, which is why he’s chosen one student from his alma mater as an intern every year since his debut novel hit the NYT bestseller list. When Pippa arrives at his castle-in-progress off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland, he kisses her, then fires her. Yet, with no one else to fill in on short notice and a looming deadline, Finn has to keep Pippa on—even if it means keeping secrets.

When the critique sessions intensify, tension builds between the pair. They’re driven into one another’s arms. Yet, when Pippa discovers what Finn’s been hiding, will it bring them closer or break them apart?

Goodreads 

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AUTHOR

Stephanie Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child [Inkspell Publishing], which includes The Star Child, After Faerie, The Fallen Stars, The Star Catcher, The Last Protector, and A Faerie Wedding. In 2016, Inkspell compiled The Star Child novellas into the paperback, Into Faerie: The Star Child Novellas. Her work also appears in the compilations Can't Buy Me Love, Moonbeams and Magic, Blood In The Shadows, and the international bestseller, Ever in the After: 13 Fantasy Tales.

Ms. Keyes has presented and facilitated courses throughout the US and the UK. In addition, her work has received multiple commendations, including the following: 2015 BTS Magazine Reader's Choice Awards Finalist, 2014 Dante Rossetti Young Adult Novel Awards—Mythological Category—First Place, 2013 Kindle Book Awards Semi-finalist. Keyes was also selected as a 2015 Rutgers University One-On-One Plus Conference mentee. She's an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and Pennwriters.

When she's not writing, Keyes is an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She also works as a freelance graphic and instructional designer.


She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and her boys, Hip-Hop and Bam-Bam, and dogs Duncan MacLeod and Princess Riley. Steph is a hopeless romantic and Whovian who's shamelessly addicted to Nutella and spontaneous singing

REVIEW: Beyond Scandal and Desire

BeyondScandal and Desire

by Lorraine Heath

Beyond Scandal and Desire

Author: Lorraine Heath
Pub date:  January 30, 2018
Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 stars

Synopsis:

At birth, Mick Trewlove, the illegitimate son of a duke, was handed over to a commoner. Despite his lowly upbringing, Mick has become a successful businessman, but all his wealth hasn’t satisfied his need for revenge against the man who still won’t acknowledge him. What else can Mick do but destroy the duke’s legitimate son—and woo the heir’s betrothed into his own unloving arms . . .

Orphaned and sheltered, Lady Aslyn Hastings longs for a bit of adventure. With her intended often preoccupied, Aslyn finds herself drawn to a darkly handsome entrepreneur who seems to understand her so well. Surely a lady of her station should avoid Mick Trewlove. If only he weren’t so irresistible . . .

As secrets are about to be exposed, Mick must decide if his plan for vengeance is worth risking what his heart truly desires.

This story starts with a birth of a baby and ends with a marriage!  Although both of these occasions are cause for celebration, the birth in this case is not. A baby boy is born to a Duke but he is not loved, nor caressed or celebrated.  Instead he is bundled up and farmed out without further ado. Even though the Duke shows signs of reluctance and trepidation, the babe is still handed over into someone else’s care.

Thirty-one years later, Mick Trewlove is seeking acknowledgement and retribution.  He has risen above and beyond his upbringing but is still hindered due to the stigma of his bastardy.  He wants an acknowledgement that he is the Duke’s son at all cost.  If he has to destroy lives and reputations in the balance, he cares not.

He tries getting the Duke to acknowledge him by writing letters but when there is no response, he hatches an unthinkable plan.  He will embarrass the Duke’s son and heir, Kip, by bringing about his downfall.  Mick hopes to accumulate all of his father’s unentailed family estates as a result of Kip’s unchecked gambling addiction.  If that’s not enough, he intends to steal and ruin Kip’s fiancée.  All this to prove to his father that he made a grave mistake in ignoring and abandoning him.

With the help of his sister, Mick is finally introduced to his brother, Kip, and to Aslyn.  From this first meeting, the sparks fly and Mick has the temerity to believe that she will be easy prey.  Unfortunately, he realizes quite quickly that there is nothing easy about her and that he wants her-badly.  And what Mick wants, Mick gets.  What happens when Mick realizes that he wants Aslyn for more than his vengeance?

Aslyn has been the ward of the Duke of Hedley since her parents died in a train wreck.  Since, she has been coddled, protected and cloistered.  She has not seen much of the world.  She has known she is to marry the Earl of Kipwick since childhood and as a result, has never had any beaux or been courted.  She also yearns for more out of life.  More passion, more feeling, more excitement, just more! When she is first introduced to Mick, a spark and curiosity arises in her for the first time in her life. But Lady Aslyn has always been proper and agrees to marry Kip regardless when he asks.

Throughout the novel, Aslyn and Mick have somewhat clandestine meetings and during these times, he makes her feel, want and question her life as she never has before.  What happens when Lady Aslyn realizes she wants more out of life-She wants Mick?

This is the first book in A Sins for All Season Series and what an exceptional read!  I LOVE IT.  From the beginning, I could feel the pull, the tension and the want between our main characters!  Mick Trewlove circles Aslyn Hastings like a lion hunting its prey.  That circle gets smaller and smaller until there is only one option – to pounce.  I felt his chase and her need and want to surrender.  I was on tenterhooks knowing he was going to make his move, but not when or how.  Just a constant buildup of tension and passion.  This is so very well written!  Pacing is perfect.  This book just pulls you in from the beginning and doesn’t let you go.  I was wrapped up in this world and its characters and I did not want to leave it. 

Aslyn was a wonderful character.  She overlooks any illegitimacy issues pertaining to Mick.  She fires an employee without further ado.  From a lady we think is tame to an outright protective tigress! 

Mick was perfectly written in my opinion.  He is saddled with his illegitimacy and the Ton cannot seem to overlook it even though he has risen far and beyond his upbringing.  As he is makes his plans for vengeance, he is constantly questioning himself.  He also helps a great many people in need with his own money.  I once heard it say that women want a man who is masculine and masterful.  Let me tell you, with Mick, we get all that and more!

There are a few small things that I did not like in the story pertaining to Mick’s adoptive mother and the fine line skirted between cheating and not.  These however, are minor details when compared to the absolute enjoyment of this book.  It is definitely not to be missed!

Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon Books for the ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BOOK BLITZ: Total Exposure

Welcome to the BOOK BLITZ for TOTAL EXPOSURE (OMG! this book is SO sexy!).  The author is hosting a giveaway for a $150 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly chosen winner.  Good luck and happy reading!

Total Exposure
(Jordan’s Game #1)

Author: JA Huss
Publication date: January 16, 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis 

Not Everyone Needs A Master.

Not everyone needs to really live, either.

Some people are content to be a participant in the game of life. Others want to play for real.

If you want to play for real, come to me, lovely. I’ll give you that little push you need.

I’ll open your mind, and your world, and soul. Lay you bare. Let you feel the heat of my stare. Take you places you’ve never been before.

Your body is my chessboard, sweets.

And if you give in to me, and you play, you might even win.

It’s just… your prize might not be what you went looking for.

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AUTHOR

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JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions

while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog, New Adult Addiction. 

If you’re interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list and get those details delivered right
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