Midnight Secrets
Wildfire #1
Ella Grace
Releasing April 30th, 2013
400 pages
Ballentine Books
Gifted by Author/NetGalley/Edelweiss
Reviewed by Lisa
WOW...Ella Grace's Debut MIDNIGHT SECRETS Sizzles and left me wanting MORE!!
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.
Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.
You better be ready to spend the whole day reading, because I swear, a few paragraphs in...and I was HOOKED!! And might I just say....Zach Tanner....YUMMOOOOOOO!! Fans of Christy Reece will understand when I say that there are just some authors who know how to write a HERO...and Ella Grace sure knows how to write a HERO!!
Zach, the town "bad-boy" and Savannah Wilde "good-girl" start a "burn hot and fast" kind of romance after he rescues her at the school prom. Promises are made and broken and ten years later, with some pretty big SECRETS between them, they are somewhat forced together again in hopes of cracking open a 20 year old murder. But let's just say that the town of Midnight and the people who call it home, have no plans on letting that happen, especially the people who have been keeping the SECRET since that horrific night.
First, I can't even imagine being in Savannah, or her sisters places, with what they went through as children and then to find out it all could have been a lie. Well, that is just some serious shit right there! Let me just say...LOVED Savannah Wilde...her sisters, Sammie and Bri are great too and I can't wait to see where Ella takes their stories, but Savannah was just sweet and pure and just SO IN LOVE...it broke my heart. Ella keeps you guessing the WHOLE time, dropping little hints here and there....keeping you on the seat on your chair. I was DYING to know what happened ten years ago between Savvy and Zach, and I was shocked to find out the truth...it's a definite OMG moment!
The chemistry between Zach and Savannah...whew....I don't think it could have burned any hotter...and it was NOT because they live in Alabama where it was 100+ degrees...believe me...they made PLENTY of heat on their own!! Yeah...be prepared to fall head over heels for Zach Tanner...I already have him on my Top Heroes 2013 list, cause he is ONE FINE MAN!!
The suspense kept me on my toes, the romance was heartbreaking and addicting, and the sex...well....that was just "Cold Shower Required" Smoking HOT!! Ella Grace is bringing "Romance" back to the Romance Suspense Genre. Just LOVED IT!!
For more information on Ella Grace and the Midnight Series visit, http://www.ellagracebooks.com/
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
TASTY BLURB TOUR: KISS OF TEMPTATION BY SANDRA HILL @tastybooktours @avonromance
Ivak
Sigurdsson had led a lustful life, leaving a trail of broken hearts--and
lives--in his wake. Of course, a man can only live that way for so long, and
when a vengeful husband finally breaks through Ivak’s defenses, he is given a
choice: die, or serve the archangel Michael and become a vangel.
A thousand years later, determined to prove his worth to Michael and finally gain reprieve, Ivak is successfully avoiding temptation...until he meets Gabrielle Sonnier. The sexy lawyer is just his type, and Ivak wastes no time in telling her so. But Gabrielle has bigger problems on her plate than a horny Viking. So Ivak has no choice but to help Gabrielle, and in doing so, they might both discover there are more tempting things in life than work or play...like love.
A thousand years later, determined to prove his worth to Michael and finally gain reprieve, Ivak is successfully avoiding temptation...until he meets Gabrielle Sonnier. The sexy lawyer is just his type, and Ivak wastes no time in telling her so. But Gabrielle has bigger problems on her plate than a horny Viking. So Ivak has no choice but to help Gabrielle, and in doing so, they might both discover there are more tempting things in life than work or play...like love.
For a Full Sneak Peak, click here
Meet Sandra
Sandra Hill is a graduate
of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and
education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about
serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the
darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
Links:
Friday, March 29, 2013
TASTY REVIEW TOUR for A FALLOW HEART by Linda Kage, @tastybooktours
A Fallow Heart
Linda Kage
Released Dec 27th, 2012
296 Pages
Secret Cravings
Gifted by Author
Reviewed by Lisa
Another winner from the lovely, Linda Kage! I don't think there is one romance from Linda that I haven't enjoyed!
Ten years ago, an oil tycoon’s daughter and a farmer’s son shared a moment neither would ever forget. When she left town in disgrace, a piece of her stayed locked deep within his soul. And like the ground he tended, his emotions lay fallow for years. Cooper Gerhardt’s deeply buried feelings for Jo Ellen Rawlings grew more fertile over time, just waiting for the day she would return to release his deepest desires.
When she strolls back into Tommy Creek, Texas for her ten-year class reunion, Cooper shows her farmboy-style exactly what she missed by leaving. Starting a short-term affair is simply unavoidable. But when the week is over, can either of them let go of the responsibilities and apprehensions keeping them apart? Or will their fallow hearts learn to flourish together?
Fell in love with Cooper Gerhardt from page one and I don't think I ever stopped. He was sweet and charming as a teen, but as a man, OH BOY...look out Jo Ellen! She never stood a chance. I LOVED that the book opened ten years in the past. We are able to really connect with the emotions that build between these two characters, and the true reactions we get when they meet again....SO MUCH FUN!
Linda brought back some of my favorite characters from THE TROUBLE WITH TOMBOYS, which I had read a few years ago while on my Linda Kage Kick. I won't say too much about it, because A FALLOW HEART is more of a prequel to TTWT, but you will meet a few secondary characters who will steal your heart, and Linda gave us a chance to go back and see where it all started.
What I want to know is...when do we get to see Emma and Brans romance?? I would LOVE to see the Fire that burns fast and bright when they got around each other, back in the day! So Linda...what do you think? Do we get Emma's story??
If you are looking for a romance that whisks you away and steals your heart, then grab A FALLOW HEART, and I'd even buy THE TROUBLE WITH TOMBOYS and spend the weekend lost in Tommy's Creek!
If you didn't get to read the FABULOUS Guest Posts with Linda at A Tasty Read on Wednesday, here is the link. Make sure to enter her giveaway for a $20.00 Amazon/B&N Gift Card while you are there!!
Linda Kage
Released Dec 27th, 2012
296 Pages
Secret Cravings
Gifted by Author
Reviewed by Lisa
Another winner from the lovely, Linda Kage! I don't think there is one romance from Linda that I haven't enjoyed!
Ten years ago, an oil tycoon’s daughter and a farmer’s son shared a moment neither would ever forget. When she left town in disgrace, a piece of her stayed locked deep within his soul. And like the ground he tended, his emotions lay fallow for years. Cooper Gerhardt’s deeply buried feelings for Jo Ellen Rawlings grew more fertile over time, just waiting for the day she would return to release his deepest desires.
When she strolls back into Tommy Creek, Texas for her ten-year class reunion, Cooper shows her farmboy-style exactly what she missed by leaving. Starting a short-term affair is simply unavoidable. But when the week is over, can either of them let go of the responsibilities and apprehensions keeping them apart? Or will their fallow hearts learn to flourish together?
Fell in love with Cooper Gerhardt from page one and I don't think I ever stopped. He was sweet and charming as a teen, but as a man, OH BOY...look out Jo Ellen! She never stood a chance. I LOVED that the book opened ten years in the past. We are able to really connect with the emotions that build between these two characters, and the true reactions we get when they meet again....SO MUCH FUN!
Linda brought back some of my favorite characters from THE TROUBLE WITH TOMBOYS, which I had read a few years ago while on my Linda Kage Kick. I won't say too much about it, because A FALLOW HEART is more of a prequel to TTWT, but you will meet a few secondary characters who will steal your heart, and Linda gave us a chance to go back and see where it all started.
What I want to know is...when do we get to see Emma and Brans romance?? I would LOVE to see the Fire that burns fast and bright when they got around each other, back in the day! So Linda...what do you think? Do we get Emma's story??
If you are looking for a romance that whisks you away and steals your heart, then grab A FALLOW HEART, and I'd even buy THE TROUBLE WITH TOMBOYS and spend the weekend lost in Tommy's Creek!
If you didn't get to read the FABULOUS Guest Posts with Linda at A Tasty Read on Wednesday, here is the link. Make sure to enter her giveaway for a $20.00 Amazon/B&N Gift Card while you are there!!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Amazing Start to the Ocean Breeze Series by Sherryl Woods
Sand Castle Bay
Ocean Breeze #1
Sherryl Woods
Released March 26th, 2013
384 Pages
Harlequin MIRA
Gifted by NetGalley
Reviewed by Lisa
Two of my favorites wrapped into one, family series about three sisters and a romance about lost love...Couldn't get any better!
In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
I have to tell the truth...this is my FIRST Sherryl Woods book EVER...and I am so ashamed to say, because I had SO MUCH FUN reading it! As a transplant from Long Island, NY to Wilmington, NC, I can vouch for the well-written coastal description, it was like taking a ride down to the beach, I think I could even smell the salty air.
Sand Castle Bay is the first book in the Ocean Breeze series, which involves the Castle Sisters, and their wonderful Grandmother, Cora Jane, LOVE HER!! The first sister, Emily, has come home after a hurricane struck the coast, to help clean-up the beach side restaurant owned by her gran. She expected missing shingles, and broken windows, what she doesn't expect is Boone Dorsett, the man she left behind ten years ago.
These two have A LOT of built-up emotion between them, even after all these years. The hurt never left, as and betrayal that Emily and Boone feel towards each other is something that neither has soon forgotten about. But the spark between then is as strong as ever, all it takes is a look!! WHOA BABY!!
Emily and Boone have a rough time at a second go. Not only does he have a child to consider, he has his still half broken heart and she has her reservations as well, but this time around, it might just work out, if they don't let old hurts get in the way of a new beginning.
Might I just say...I adored this romance and I can't wait to get my greedy little hands on more of the Ocean Breeze series. I know there is a great story to be had for Gabi and Samantha, and I can't wait to see where Sherryl will take us!!
I highly recommend Sand Castle Bay, and I know the rest of the series will be just as good!!
Ocean Breeze #1
Sherryl Woods
Released March 26th, 2013
384 Pages
Harlequin MIRA
Gifted by NetGalley
Reviewed by Lisa
Two of my favorites wrapped into one, family series about three sisters and a romance about lost love...Couldn't get any better!
In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
I have to tell the truth...this is my FIRST Sherryl Woods book EVER...and I am so ashamed to say, because I had SO MUCH FUN reading it! As a transplant from Long Island, NY to Wilmington, NC, I can vouch for the well-written coastal description, it was like taking a ride down to the beach, I think I could even smell the salty air.
Sand Castle Bay is the first book in the Ocean Breeze series, which involves the Castle Sisters, and their wonderful Grandmother, Cora Jane, LOVE HER!! The first sister, Emily, has come home after a hurricane struck the coast, to help clean-up the beach side restaurant owned by her gran. She expected missing shingles, and broken windows, what she doesn't expect is Boone Dorsett, the man she left behind ten years ago.
These two have A LOT of built-up emotion between them, even after all these years. The hurt never left, as and betrayal that Emily and Boone feel towards each other is something that neither has soon forgotten about. But the spark between then is as strong as ever, all it takes is a look!! WHOA BABY!!
Emily and Boone have a rough time at a second go. Not only does he have a child to consider, he has his still half broken heart and she has her reservations as well, but this time around, it might just work out, if they don't let old hurts get in the way of a new beginning.
Might I just say...I adored this romance and I can't wait to get my greedy little hands on more of the Ocean Breeze series. I know there is a great story to be had for Gabi and Samantha, and I can't wait to see where Sherryl will take us!!
I highly recommend Sand Castle Bay, and I know the rest of the series will be just as good!!
GIVEAWAY
*CONGRATS FRAN LORI, WINNER OF SAND CASTLE BAY*
*CONGRATS FRAN LORI, WINNER OF SAND CASTLE BAY*
One lucky commenter will be chosen to win a paperback copy of Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods. Please leave a comment with a VALID EMAIL address to be entered.
What don't we talk about Summer Memories at the Beach!!
(Giveaway ends Sunday, 3/31/13, US Residents ONLY)
COVER REVEAL: THE SEX DEMON TRILOGY BY JAYE SHIELDS
Do you ALL see who is quoted on the back cover....YES....that is A TASTY READ and the VERY Awesome Amy at UNWRAPPING ROMANCE.
Bloggers, Reviewers and Readers...If you have read and reviewed the Sex Demon Trilogy, check out this awesome CONTEST hosted by Jaye Shields and Tasty Book Tours.
If you haven't read the Sex Demon Trilogy yet...
Confessions
of a Sex Demon
Zahra proves that sex demons do it
better as she goes from captive to captivator.
Sex Demon Zahra Aniron is a closet
romantic. Too bad she spends her time having hot, kinky sex with paying
strangers. But she needs the money to pay off her sister's debt to wizard
thugs. There could be worse things than getting paid for pleasure, especially
since a sex demon needs climax to survive.
As a blacksmith, Lennox Aegros puts
his fury to good use pounding steel into swords. When he arrives at a new town,
his real cause for being there isn't to sell weaponry, it's for revenge. When
he finds the succubus he's been searching for, her beauty means he can mix
business with pleasure. But the joke's on Lennox, because as he succeeds in
torturing his victim by repeatedly bringing her to the brink of orgasm and then
denying her the release that she so desperately needs, he realizes that Zahra's
slow demise means the breaking of a heart he didn't think he had.
Content Warning: strong language,
graphic sex, light BDSM scenes
Buy Links
Claiming of a Sex Demon
It's not easy for a sex demon to
find a wife, and it's even harder when the perfect woman is already taken.
Emmerie Winter has only been married
a few months, but depression has made her a fragile stranger in the arms of her
husband. She knows she should love him, but she doesn't, and no matter
how hard she tries, she can't convince her heart otherwise.
When a sex demon with a boyish grin
and a sinful body arrives in town, Emmerie's world is turned upside down. His
intense passion for life sends her depression into hiding, but her feelings for
the sinful male could get her in deep trouble.
A sex demon needs climax to survive,
but that's never been a problem for Reza Aniron as women seem to be unable to
resist his charms…all except for one, a timid, blonde angel who treats him with
complete indifference. But in her eyes he can see a fire that's just waiting to
be released. And he always did love a challenge.
Content Warning: strong language,
extramarital relations, and graphic erotic situations
Buy Links:
Addictions of a Sex Demon
Sephina is about to trade one
addiction for another—and his name is Axel.
Sephina Antara has gotten into a lot
of trouble as a sex demon with a drug addiction. Moving to a new village was
supposed to help her get clean. But when she relapses, it comes with a side of
hot dragon man.
Axel Stavros may be a drug dealer,
but he's also the town healer. Half-human, half-dragon, his blood can cure just
about anything, but it has some erotic side effects for its user, as the new
beauty in town is about to find out…
Content Warning: graphic language,
hot foreplay, and even hotter sex, including light bondage and some
girl-on-girl action.
Buy Links:
Author Info
Like Jaye Shields on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jaye-Shields/228175300573148
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Exciting New Series from Robyn Carr
The Wanderer
Thunder Point #1
Robyn Carr
Released March 26th, 2013
384 Pages
Harlequin MIRA
Received from NetGalley
Reviewed by: Lisa
Move over Virgin River....Thunder Point is the New Kid in Town!
Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.
Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.
With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.
In all honesty, I was so excited to see Robyn Carr venturing off into a new series. I hadn't been able to get into the last few of the Virgin River Romances and I was ready for something new. The new series, Thunder Point, has beautiful covers that draw the readers eye and calls out to you in your dreams...ok, not really, but I LOVE the covers. And that was what drew me into wanting to read this story.
The Wanderer is not your typical romance, I'm gonna throw that out there. There is A LOT going on after we first meet Hank (Henry) Cooper or Coop for short. Coop has come to town after an Army buddy dies and leave Coop his run down bar/bait shop/gas station and whatever else Ben had going on down by the beach.
Once we meet Coop, we are introduced to a mish mosh of people, Mac, the deputy, Gina, the waitress, and Sarah, the rescue pilot. All of these people have a lot of responsibly, as single parents or as sister's raising her brother, as Sarah is, with her brother Landon. And the story goes like this, boy meets girl, girls been hurt, boy loves girl, girl keeps feelings aside and puts up a wall, boy might just stick around to see where this relationship could go.
And mixed in all of that is a blooming relationship between two teens, a late in life relationship between Aunt Lou and Joe, and a "took em' long enough" relationship between two friends. Plenty of entertainment in a small package.
Aside from the build-up of romance is a little suspense and mostly, getting to know the town of Thunder Point, the characters, the background and such. I enjoyed getting to know everyone, I thought Sarah and Cooper had sparks and I loved seeing them work out the kinks in their relationship and I thought Mac and Gina were hysterical!
A lovely new series by Robyn Carr, and I am looking forward to the next two books as well.
Here is your chance to win your VERY OWN PAPERBACK COPY of THE WANDERER..
LEAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION?
"COVER SNOB" OR "WHAT COVER? I WAS TOO BUSY READING THE BACK"
(Winner will be chosen on Friday, March 29th. US Residents Only)
Thunder Point #1
Robyn Carr
Released March 26th, 2013
384 Pages
Harlequin MIRA
Received from NetGalley
Reviewed by: Lisa
Move over Virgin River....Thunder Point is the New Kid in Town!
Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.
Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.
With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.
In all honesty, I was so excited to see Robyn Carr venturing off into a new series. I hadn't been able to get into the last few of the Virgin River Romances and I was ready for something new. The new series, Thunder Point, has beautiful covers that draw the readers eye and calls out to you in your dreams...ok, not really, but I LOVE the covers. And that was what drew me into wanting to read this story.
The Wanderer is not your typical romance, I'm gonna throw that out there. There is A LOT going on after we first meet Hank (Henry) Cooper or Coop for short. Coop has come to town after an Army buddy dies and leave Coop his run down bar/bait shop/gas station and whatever else Ben had going on down by the beach.
Once we meet Coop, we are introduced to a mish mosh of people, Mac, the deputy, Gina, the waitress, and Sarah, the rescue pilot. All of these people have a lot of responsibly, as single parents or as sister's raising her brother, as Sarah is, with her brother Landon. And the story goes like this, boy meets girl, girls been hurt, boy loves girl, girl keeps feelings aside and puts up a wall, boy might just stick around to see where this relationship could go.
And mixed in all of that is a blooming relationship between two teens, a late in life relationship between Aunt Lou and Joe, and a "took em' long enough" relationship between two friends. Plenty of entertainment in a small package.
Aside from the build-up of romance is a little suspense and mostly, getting to know the town of Thunder Point, the characters, the background and such. I enjoyed getting to know everyone, I thought Sarah and Cooper had sparks and I loved seeing them work out the kinks in their relationship and I thought Mac and Gina were hysterical!
A lovely new series by Robyn Carr, and I am looking forward to the next two books as well.
GIVEAWAY
*CONGRATS QUILT LADY, YOU ARE THE WINNER!*
*CONGRATS QUILT LADY, YOU ARE THE WINNER!*
LEAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION?
"COVER SNOB" OR "WHAT COVER? I WAS TOO BUSY READING THE BACK"
(Winner will be chosen on Friday, March 29th. US Residents Only)
A FALLOW HEART BLOG TOUR: Guest Post with Linda Kage and Giveaway
Please welcome the lovely and talented, Linda Kage to A Tasty Read today!! The lovely Linda is on Tour right now with Tasty Book Tours, and I am so excited to have her here today talking about "Building Sexual Tension" in your romance!!
So without further ado....Take it away Linda...
What do you think ladies? Should we ask her to keep going? I want to know what comes after mouth-to-mouth....wink wink!Linda Howard is one of my ultimate favorite authors and not just because she writes a dang fine story. She also taught me everything there is to know about sex! She used to give a very popular speech to writers about building sensual tension in a story by using Desmond Morris's 12 Stages of Physical Intimacy.
If you're not up-to-date on those twelve steps, here they are:
1. Eye to Body2. Eye to Eye3. Voice to Voice4. Hand to Hand (or arm)5. Arm to Shoulder6. Arm to Waist (or Back)7. Mouth to Mouth8. Hand to Head9. Hand to Body10. Mouth to Breast11. Hand to Genitals12. Genitals to Genitals
Okay, got it? Great. Continuing on!
So, I never do anything in the correct order, hence I probably should've checked BEFORE I finished my story whether I included all twelve steps, but since I messed that up already, I figure we might as well investigate this now.
Did Linda Kay do her job and fulfill enough sensual tension in A FALLOW HEART?
Since I don't want things to get too hot up in this blog and melt any of your cable wires hooking you to the internet, or anything, we'll only go up to step six of our query.
So onto investigating step one: Eye to Body.
Here's a little excerpt from A FALLOW HEART:
***
Emma Leigh just had to go and say, “Oh, hey. Look who we ran into as soon as we got here.”
She grabbed Jo Ellen’s arm and revolved her toward the man, practically shoving her into his lap, right between a pair of spread knees. Eyes widening, Jo Ellen gaped at those thick, masculine knees, covered by thin, fraying denim. Her eyes strayed up of their own will, taking in strong, muscled thighs and somehow landing on his crotch, where the fly of his jeans stretched over an impressive bulge nestled under a big shiny brass belt buckle.
She gulped as the man scooted upright, obviously also alarmed by Emma Leigh thrusting her so close.
“Coop’s here,” her sister announced.
Coop?
As in Cooper Gerhardt?
Cooper Thaddeus Gerhardt?
No.
Jo Ellen’s eyes widened on that denim-clad bulge, her face draining of color. If Travis Untermeyer was the number one person she didn’t want to run into, Cooper Gerhardt was the second. Didn’t even matter that he’d turned into a delicious hunk of heaven, which from what she’d seen so far, it looked as if he had.
She jerked her face up, her lips instantly parting with surprise as she came face to face with the grown-up version of Cooper Gerhardt.
Oh, Lord have mercy.
In high school, he might’ve been the cutest boy in her class. Now, he was just plain hot; Playgirl centerfold, the country boy edition. In a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, he wore blue jeans and a button-up shirt with the arms ripped off. A few ragged fringes hung down over his very tan, very muscled biceps.
Jo Ellen went a little breathless. “Oh! Uh…H-hello again, Cooper.”
Pale brown eyes inspected her before he tipped his hat politely. “Jo Ellen.”
And, wow oh wow, his voice had grown deep. The man truly played havoc on a woman’s hormones.
***
I think we cleared the first THREE steps with that one (yay! go me), so we'll move to the next step, four--Hand to hand (or arm). There next little bit of physical contact in A FALLOW HEART goes something like this:
***
“Something…something awful has happened,” she gasped out, sure of it. “What if the baby’s—"
“Hey.” Cooper’s low, concerned voice and his warm hand on her arm made her jump. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
She yanked back, dislodging his touch. “You can’t know that.”
Shock filled his face as he straightened his spine. “No,” he finally said, his voice calm and steady. “I guess I can’t know for certain. But neither can you know it’s not going to be fine. Either way, neither of us has any control over the outcome. So wouldn’t you rather believe in good results until we find out the truth?”
Her chin trembled. She felt irrepressible fear and sorrow rattle up into her jaw line, the sensation to cry stinging her eyes.
“Jesus, darling.” His voice went hoarse. He reached for her again. This time, she didn’t shove him away and from the way he forcibly gathered her into his arms and held her close, she had a feeling he wouldn’t have let her break loose anyway. “Don’t cry."
She clenched her teeth, bowed her head, and squeezed her eyes closed. “I’m not.”
“Christ.” His hand trailed up and down her arm where her skin had begun to prickle, his warm fingers chasing away the cold. “Your arms are freezing.”
And he was so warm. Soaking in his heat, she cowered closer, tucking her head just under his chin. She heaved in a gulp of air and absorbed the faint smell of leather and musk he radiated.
***
Whoops! I totally bypassed hand-to-hand contact and went straight to hand-to-arm...which I'll slot under arm-to-shoulder since hand-to-arm isn’t really an option.
I know, I'm slipping here, but let's see what's up next?
***
“Watch your step. I’d flip on a light, but you can’t see the sunset quite as well with it on and there’s no switch up there.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find my way.” When he took her hand to help her locate the ladder, she held his warm fingers a second longer than necessary. Then she climbed. Once she reached the top, she paused in the dark, waiting for him.
He took her hand when he rejoined her and led her to the opened loft door, where he regretfully let go. Her fingers felt chilled without his large, rough flesh wrapped around hers.
***
Okay, there's our hand-to-hand contact we missed out on before. A little out of order (kind of like me!) but at least I have it. And the last teaser here says:
***
Biting her bottom lip as she watched his Adam’s apple bob while he stared up at the moon, she silently slid her hand over and covered his warm fingers. He didn’t say a word but looked down at their connection before he twisted his wrist around to press their palms flush against each other. Their digits naturally intertwined, and Jo Ellen let out a shuddered breath of relief.
“I think I could listen to you talk about farming all night.”
His gaze lifted to hers. Arousal swirled up from the pit of her stomach, filling her with tight, achy pressure.
Cooper swayed close. Jo Ellen lifted her chin and let her lips part slightly.
When his mouth brushed against hers, a jolt surged through her, slamming a vibrant energy across her skin.
***
Well, it looks like we skipped arm-to-waist completely and went straight to stage six : mouth-to-mouth.
In you want my opinion, I say getting five out of six stages (a little out of order) is pretty good for me! But what is the final verdict from the audience?
Do you think I led up to stage six in a sensual enough manner? Do you agree with these steps at all? And do you think they really build up good sensual tension? I’ll check back regularly for your insightful comments!
Thanks so much for having me on board today and helping me decide if my story is a good intimacy builder or not!
***
As always, it was a pleasure to have Linda with us. She is always insightful and funny! And I think she has intrigued all of us into reading a bit more of "A FALLOW HEART" her newest release!
Linda is offering a $20.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to ONE Lucky Winner Tour Wide, so if you have not already entered, please do so now and GOOD LUCK!!
***
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ten years ago, an oil tycoon’s daughter and a farmer’s son shared a moment neither would ever forget. When she left town in disgrace, a piece of her stayed locked deep within his soul. And like the ground he tended, his emotions lay fallow for years. Cooper Gerhardt’s deeply buried feelings for Jo Ellen Rawlings grew more fertile over time, just waiting for the day she would return to release his deepest desires.
When she strolls back into Tommy Creek, Texas for her ten-year class reunion, Cooper shows her farm boy style exactly what she missed by leaving. Starting a short-term affair is simply unavoidable. But when the week is over, can either of them let go of the responsibilities and apprehensions keeping them apart? Or will their fallow hearts learn to flourish together?
Meet Linda
Linda grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest as the youngest of eight children. Now she lives in Kansas with her husband, toddler daughter, and their nine cuckoo clocks. She works a day job in the acquisitions department of a university library and feels her life has been blessed with lots of people to learn from and love. Writing's always been a major part her world, and she's thrilled to finally share some of her stories with other romance lovers.
You can find Linda on the web at:
Website - http://www.lindakage.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/linda.kage
FB Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/authorlindakage
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE by Beth Ciotta, Release Day Tasty Book Blast @Tastybooktours #ReleaseDay
A Tasty Read Book Reviews would like to wish Beth Ciotta a
VERY HAPPY RELEASE DAY!
Beth will be giving away FIVE (5) Paperback Copies of
THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE,
book Two in her fabulous Cupcake Lovers Series,
at the completion of her tours.
So, make sure to leave a comment here and check out a few other stops on her
Release Day Tasty Book Blast and Tasty Blurb Tour.
More Stops = More Entries = More Chance to Win
March 25th- The Avid Reader
(Stop 2) Flirting With Romance
March 26th- Mom's Reading Corner
(Stop 2) SMI Book Club
March 27th- Angie Derek, Author
(Stop 2) Reading Renee
March 28th- For the Love of Bookends
(Stop 2) Reading is my Time Out
March 29th- The Little Black Book Blog
April 1st- A Tasty Read Book Reviews
April 2nd- Romance Bookworm
(Stop 2) Storm Goddess Book Reviews
April 3rd- Racing to Read
April 4th- I am a Book Addict...and Proud of it
(Stop 2) Queen of All She Reads
April 5th- Romancing the Readers
When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor …
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
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