Posts Tagged Book News
Release Blitz! Dare to Desire by Carly Phillips
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on April 10, 2014
Title: Dare to Desire
Author: Carly Phillips
Release Date: April 10th, 2014
Synopsis
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women — until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
Excerpt:
Without replying, Ian opened the door. They stepped into the room, and Alex laid eyes on the one woman he hadn’t been expecting to see. The same woman who’d haunted his dreams and sidetracked him from many of his nightmares.
Madison faced him head on. Her shoulders drawn back, golden-blonde hair pulled away from her face, she didn’t back down from his stare. She wore a pair of black slacks that hugged her curves and a white silky-looking top that clung to her generous breasts. And those unusually blue eyes frosted over at the sight of him.
“Alex, I believe you know Madison Evans.”
Blindsided — and his half brother knew it — Alex strode up to her. He inhaled her familiar fruity scent, which only served as a reminder of the hot times he’d spent breathing her in as his cock moved inside her body. Her effect on him was potent, and even the most common expressions failed him.
“Alex,” she said, her cool tone bringing his head out of the desire-filled fog he’d found himself in.
“Hey, Angel,” he said, using the endearment he’d started calling her during their brief time together. Another sign he’d had it bad, whether he’d wanted to admit it or not.
Her head whipped up, her eyes narrowing and settling on Ian. “This won’t work.” She turned to go.
Alex still had excellent reflexes, and he grabbed her arm before she could stride past him.
She glared.
He didn’t look away, determined to win this battle of wills. This potential job, which had interested him on an intellectual and emotional level initially, suddenly felt even more important, and she was the reason.
“We need to talk,” he insisted.
“I have nothing to say.”
“Ian’s proposition said otherwise.”
Madison looked over his shoulder in search of Ian and frowned. “Well, the traitor is gone. No big surprise there.”
Smart man, Alex thought. “If I let you go, will you stay long enough to discuss this position Ian and Riley want me to take?”
She let out a frustrated puff of air.
He took that as a yes and released her.
“Us working together is not a good idea, and somewhere in that thick head of yours, you know that.”
“Because we slept together? More than a couple of times?”
She set her jaw. “That was a mistake.”
Ouch. That hurt, he thought, and filed away the why to deal with later. “I want to know more about this training program and what my role in it would be.”
“Why? You can’t possibly be interested.”
“It sounds more like you don’t want me to be interested.”
She rolled her shoulders back even farther, stiffening her posture. “You’re right. I don’t. This is a serious project that could help a lot of people and have far-reaching positive repercussions for years to come. I need a partner willing to go all in. And let’s face it, I’ve seen your staying power. It’s nonexistent.”
REVIEW
This is a wonderful story that brings together two of my favorite pastimes; football and romance!
When Alex and Madison are thrown together for a good cause, a tug of war begins for Madison’s heart. Alex has grown to understand his mistakes and wants her back, but the damage she’s endured throughout her life could make his efforts useless. It seems the pain he caused her was the straw that broke the camel’s back!
There are several things about this novel that make it such an endearing story. The subject matter is a touching topic that has recently been brought to light, and the story line is plausible. I was impressed with the author for including legitimate statistics concerning athletes, which gives the story more depth. There were a few times that I wanted Madison to put up a better fight, but the sensual reward was worth waving the white flag! The writing style and flow of this novel made an extraordinary read that I recommend.
Purchase Links:
•About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites …
Facebook | Goodreads | Carly’s Website | Twitter
RELEASE DAY BLITZ! RUNAWAY by S.M. KNOWLES
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on April 4, 2014
At seventeen years old, Courtney Apuzzo is fed up. With a dead mom and an alcoholic father that beats her every chance he gets, Courtney decides that enough is enough. Packing up only what she needs, Courtney leaves home without telling a soul and heads off to find her new life.
Life on her own is not exactly as she thought it would be. With nowhere to stay, Courtney finds herself sleeping on an old stoop in an abandoned apartment alleyway. A chance meeting with a new group of friends seems like a great beginning to her second chance at a real life. But everything is not as it seems.
Tricked into a life she never wanted and fears, Courtney needs to run away, again. She needs to find a way out of this new and dangerous life. With the help from a man she barely knows, will Courtney find her way out? Or will she find herself on the run from a dangerous past, and a hopeless future? Faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
About the Author
While growing up, S.M. would travel the roads around her house while imagining she was somewhere else. Her imagination would take her everywhere, making the long hot summer days seem shorter throughout her fantasies.
At the age of twelve, she decided to write her first book. Filled mostly with dialog, she filled up one-hundred pages, front and back. After taking the book downstairs to show her mom, and persuading her to buy her more paper, she excitedly ran back to her room. As she barreled through the door, S.M. tripped over items left on her floor, and her papers came raining down in her room. Discouraged, she stood there in tears, picking up her papers and throwing them in the trash. Her work had no organization, no numbers on her pages, just a child fulfilling a joy that she would put down and not pick up again.
When she became older, she joined the military for something different. In that time, she was able to explore many places and even met her husband in Iraq. After coming home, she started her family in Arizona and went back to school, earning a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
TRAILER PREMIERE: THE GIRL IN 6E by A.R. TORRE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on April 3, 2014
Book Title: The Girl In 6E
Author: Alessandra Torre
Genre: Erotic Thriller
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
My life, inside this apartment is simple. It works, as long as I follow the rules.
1. Don’t leave the apartment. Not in case of fire, not to mail a letter, not to run an errand. The door stays shut, and I stay inside.
2. Don’t get attached to clients. I take off my clothes, I stand in front of the camera, and I perform. What they want, I give. Their secrets, I keep. Everything I tell them, is a lie.
3. Don’t kill anyone. I’ve obeyed that rule for over three years.
My life, inside this apartment was simple, and it worked. Then, I started breaking rules.
About This Literary Chef:
Alessandra Torre is a new author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks. The sequel to Blindfolded, Masked Innocence, will be released in February 2014.
Alessandra lives in the Southern United States and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.
Learn more about Alessandra on her website at http://www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or her Facebook fanpage.
“NEW” COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: DISCOVERY by BRINA COURTNEY
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on March 27, 2014
Discoveries can be dangerous. Discoveries can be deadly.
Nine months ago, Teagan Matthews’ boyfriend disappeared and took her sense of stability with him. But when the opportunity to live with her aging grandmother in Salem arises, she decides it’s time to get on with her life. A new home, new job, and new friends are adding up to a beautiful summer…
…until a young girl’s body shows up one night in town, wearing a pentagram necklace exactly like Teagan’s.
Now a guy looking remarkably like her missing boyfriend has arrived in Salem along with a mysterious stranger who may have some answers that Teagan has desperately been searching for. Teagan must now decide who to trust. It’s a matter of life… and her death.
GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***NOT SUITED FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 17***
About The Author
Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She’s spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.
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COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: RENEGADE REJECT (Renegade Sons MC #2)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 27, 2014
We are very excited to share with you the amazing cover for
Emily Minton and Dawn Martens’ newest book,
Renegade Reject (Renegade Sons MC #2),
which is releasing MAY 13th!!
COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: FINDING HOPE FOR TOMORROW By Kathryn McNeill Crane
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 24, 2014
Title: Finding Hope for Tomorrow
Series: Tomorrow #2
Author: Kathryn M. Crane
Release Date: Summer 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Add to Goodreads
Synopsis
One fateful night. Convictions forgotten. Foundations crumbled.
For the past ten years, Liam lived his life with one foot in the present. He spent time with his parents, his sister Wrynn and her three daughters, and worked to build his business. His other foot was firmly planted in yesterday where his memories tortured him. Despite encouragement from friends and family, Liam rarely considered dating for fear of ruining another person’s life. After all, he obviously hurt Lara to the point that she ran with no further contact. Just when he met someone and felt ready to move on, the voice from his past once again exploded into his life.
Unexplained absence. Lives forever changed. Secrets revealed.
Fleeing was a way of life for Lara. When a call came ten years ago, Lara may have left Highlands, but her heart stayed behind with Liam. Now, another call gave Lara the words she needed so that she could safely return to the only place that soothed her soul. While anxious about seeing Liam after so many years, Lara knew that her reappearance would be the easy part for Liam and his family to deal with. What she worried about was the other information that she’d held close to her heart.
When past collides with present, one soul finds hope for tomorrow, and the other mourns for things that can never be.
Playlist
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Other Books in the Series
Searching for Tomorrow (Tomorrows #1)
Amazon US – Amazon UK – Amazon CA – Amazon AU – B&N – iTunes – Kobo
Some people are blessed to find that one certain person who completes them.
Wrynn’s yesterdays were what others only dream of having. She and Tripp were the best of friends before they even thought about love. They had the fairy tale life where ‘like’ turns into ‘love’, and ‘love’ becomes ‘happily ever after’.
What happens when life conspires against you, and snatches your soul mate from your arms?
…only her forever love ended much too soon.
Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Wrynn boxes up her grief and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Wrynn relives her life with Tripp while struggling most days to get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.
How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?
Wrynn tries to find the joy in life every single day through her daughters, family, and friends. Her twin brother Liam has dedicated himself to helping Wrynn put her life back together after losing his own love. On the other hand, her mother-in-law lives to torment her at every turn. Wrynn can’t even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for her tomorrow.
Trailer
Playlist
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About This Literary Chef
Blog – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads
If you are reading this, I think you should know that “About me” sounds so very pretentious to me. I guess that is what I am supposed to write about, so here it goes!
Kathryn is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Kathryn likes to hike and go camping, and gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!
Kathryn was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can’t imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Kathryn doesn’t thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Kathryn loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she’s had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she’s always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!
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Giveaways
(Everyone)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(If you’ve read and reviewed SFT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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COVER REVEAL: I KNOW LUCY By: Melissa Pearl
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on March 20, 2014
Releases on April 20, 2014
Add to your Want To Read List on Goodreads
Genre: YA Romantic Suspense
Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she’s spent five years in hiding — taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can’t be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else…the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.
Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
Teaser
ZACH…
“This is different, you guys.” I shook my head. “I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I’m attracted to her, but it’s not just her looks. There’s something about her. She’s intriguing. It’s like she’s not all she appears to be or something.”
“You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break.” Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table.
“I know I don’t know her at all yet, but I can tell there’s something more there.” I rubbed my bottom lip.
“She looks normal to me.” AJ shrugged.
“I think she’s pretty. She looks sweet, but…” Liesl turned to spy her quickly. “AJ’s right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?”
“It’s something about her eyes. There’s a story in them. I can’t even explain why I think that. I just feel like she’s got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them.”
“I bet you do.” Elliot raised his eyebrows.
“Not like that.” I threw him a droll look. “I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison.”
“Dude, there is no mystery.” Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.
“Yes there is. I can feel it.”
“Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing.” Jaeda’s green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.
“I don’t care.” I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn’t. “That girl over there has secrets and I’m gonna figure out what they are.”
Giveaway
Author Bio
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan… not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. “Best. Year. Ever!!” She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 – True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.
“I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love.”
http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
Social Links:
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaPearlG
Blogs: http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/ and http://yalicious.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/melissapearl
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314516.Melissa_Pearl
Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/melissapearl
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/p3g8v
Website: http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/melissapearlg/
Other Titles by Melissa Pearl:
The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood – Black Blood – Pure Blood
The Betwixt Series
Betwixt – Before – Beyond
The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Forbidden Waters (due for release: 2014)
The Masks Series
True Colors
Book 2 (due for release: 2014)
Book 3 (due for release: 2014)
Book 4 (due for release: 2015)
The Fugitive Series
I Know Lucy (Releasing: April 20th, 2014)
Set Me Free (Releasing: May 18th, 2014)
The Song Bird Series
Fever (Releasing: June 15th, 2014)
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DARE TO DESIRE By Carly Phillips
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 20, 2014
Title: Dare to Desire
Author: Carly Phillips
Release Date: April 10th, 2014
Synopsis
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women — until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long. Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
Sneak Peek Excerpt
“Has anyone ever said no to you?” she asked, hoping he didn’t notice the tears of frustration in her eyes, the pain in her voice for the things she wanted but could never have.
“Not when it mattered,” he said, his honesty surprising her. “And you matter. I also know how to work for what I want. And Madison?” He looked directly into her eyes. “I want you.”
Pre-order Your Copy Today!
http://www.itunes.com/carlyphillips
Amazon:
About this Literary Chef
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites …
Facebook | Goodreads | Carly’s Website | Twitter
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SALE TODAY ONLY! LOVE, CHOCOLATE and BEER (A Cactus Creek Novel)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 14, 2014
Buy Links:
Love, Chocolate, and Beer (Cactus Creek)
http://tinyurl.com/n4q63s2
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-BarnesNoble
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-iTunes
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-Kobo
Synposis
Romance has met its most unlikely match-up…
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success—by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his ‘romantic idealism’ a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can’t get enough of.
In his defense, she’s addictively easy to incite…and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It’s bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he’s selling—the kind her world has been crushed by before—is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What’s worse, he’s created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs ‘beer joints’ like hers as the “cave where romance goes to hibernate.” The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes…very likely, her heart.
Excerpt
“HEY, DANI. Why isn’t the coffee started? Breakfast is getting—OH!” Xoey dropped the box of bakery fresh doughnuts in shock at the foot of Dani’s bed.
Dani estimated the level of Xoey’s shock was pretty high up there. Not just because she was still in bed this late in the morning, but more so because she wasn’t in said bed alone.
“Get out!” Dani launched a pillow at her.
Xoey shot out of the bedroom. “I’m so sorry!” she shouted as she closed the door behind her. “I figured it was safe! I thought you two were waiting till your fifth date to…hey, wait a sec, did I count wrong?”
“Just stop talking and go wait outside! Or better yet, wait down in the brewpub!” Dani jumped out of bed, and instantly dropped flat as a pancake onto the carpet.
Good lord, she was naked.
And, criminy, she totally just gave herself a carpet burn on her belly.
Where the heck did her towel from last night go?
At the soft whoosh of falling terry cloth landing inches from her face, she muttered, “Thanks.”
“No problem,” came Luke’s amused reply.
Dani tucked the now dry bath towel around herself securely before peeking just her eyes and the bridge of her nose up from behind the tangle of goose down comforter lined-up like a trench barricade on her edge of the bed.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
She popped her head up fully like a prairie dog, and asked the first burning question that swirled around in her head. “Did we—ˮ
The heated look he blasted her stopped her from finishing that sentence.
“Honey, if we had, the trench barricade my soldier is failing to hide behind wouldn’t be taller than yours right now.”
Oh my. A quick glance toward the center of her bed had her rising to her feet quicker than the sound of the national anthem had ever inspired. Furthermore, she wasn’t the one saluting the flag in this case.
Before she could do so much as gape, however, he dragged the comforter over himself, and pulled her back up onto the bed beside him in one easy swoop.
With a sleepy morning growl, he gathered her into his arms and laid warm, rumbly kisses down the side of her neck. “Believe me Dani, the next time you wake up next to me in bed, you won’t be wondering if we did, you’ll damn well know it, remember it, and want more of it.”
All evidence in front of her would certainly suggest so.
He nipped at her earlobe. “I can practically see your thoughts, sweetheart. Before you slaughter my control even more than you already have, put some clothes back on me in that pretty little head of yours and go take care of Xoey. I’m going to see how cold I can get your shower to run.”
As she rushed out of the room to go demand her spare key back from Xoey, it registered belatedly that Luke had spent the entire night lying next to her, fully clothed and on top of her bed spread, just holding her hand.
A total gentleman.
With whom she fully intended to renegotiate the intolerable terms of their pesky five-date waiting period. Seriously, whose crazy-ass idea had that been anyhow?
About This Literary Chef:
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. When she’s not arguing with her story characters or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai’i with her two cute kids and similarly adorable husband.
Website: http://www.violetduke.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
Sign-up to get Sale & New Release Alerts: http://www.violetduke.com/p/join-email-list.html
COVER REVEAL! LET LOVE BE By: Melissa Collins
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 11, 2014
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00037]](http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/LLB_FrontCover.jpg)
Book Title:Let Love Be
Author: Melissa Collins
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date:April 7, 2014
Hosted by:Book Enthusiast Promotions
BLURB:
What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?
For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.
Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in his life, he’s tired of being alone.
Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.
EXCERPT:
“Oh, I love this movie.” She settles on Forrest Gump as I grab my second slice.
“So, you already know about my history. What about you? Have you ever been married?” Forrest’s proposal to Jenny plays in the background.
“No. I mean, I’ve had a few relationships here and there, but work always got in the way. Staying single was somehow easier.”
“Same here. I mean, when Melanie was a kid, it was much easier to just focus on that part of my life.”
“Now?” I hazard a question that takes even me by surprise.
She puts her plate down on the coffee table and swallows back a large sip of water. “Now, I’m not so sure.”
Suddenly, my mind races with the possibilities of what her words mean. It’s crazy to think how just a few encounters with Lucy have made me re-evaluate my feelings. Obviously, she feels the same way. A calm and peaceful air falls on us as a small smile curls at my lips.
A comfortable silence fills the space as we watch the movie, recalling some memories when certain scenes come up.
Nothing prepares me for Lucy’s reaction when Jenny and Forrest get married and she tells him she’s sick. I try not to look at her, wanting to avoid making her feel like she’s in the spotlight or anything like that. I do notice a few stray tears streaking down her cheeks so I can only imagine what’s to come.
As we watch Forrest sitting beside Jenny’s grave, reading a letter from their son, Lucy reaches for a napkin. Clutching it to her chest, I can see her breathing rapidly. What were just a few tears earlier is now a steady stream. She doesn’t say anything, won’t even look at me, but I can’t watch her cry like this.
I shift on the small, overstuffed sofa and drape my arm around her. The top of her head fits perfectly into the crook of my shoulder. The scent of her hair takes over my senses; the sound of her softly sniffling through her tears tugs at my heart.
I alternate between squeezing her arm and tracing my fingers up over her shoulder. When she seems to have gathered her emotions, calming down a bit, my instincts take over and I act seemingly without thinking.
Or maybe I am thinking and I’m just afraid of what I’m thinking.
Gently pressing my lips to the top of her soft, brown hair feels like second nature. She tenses momentarily, and I realize I may have just overstepped my boundaries.
“Sorry about that.” I straighten in my seat and try to move my arm, but her fingers fall to my forearm. She looks up at me through long lashes with puffy, red eyes from crying.
“Don’t be.” Her voice is soft, angel-like. “It’s nice to be held.”
That piece of information prompts me to pull her even closer. “Well, I’m glad I could be of service.”
She laughs softly and then takes a deep breath before she shifts to move away from me, which just makes me pull her close once again. “Don’t,” planting another quick kiss to her head, “it’s nice to have someone to hold.”
Where To Meet This Literary Chef:
Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Web – www.melissacollinsauthor.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/melissacollins.author
Twitter – @mcollinsauthor
Book Trailer:
Social Links:
Let Love Be
Let Love Shine
Let Love In
Let Love Stay
Let Love Heal
Purchase:
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The Literary Melting Pot 