Showing posts with label forever romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forever romance. Show all posts

4/3/17

Book Tour: CRAZY FOR YOU by Rachel Lacey


She's taking a walk on HIS wild side!


CRAZY FOR YOU
A Risking It All Novel
Rachel Lacey
Releasing March 28, 2017
Forever


“Rachel Lacey is a sure-fire star." --- Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author

SHE'S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE

Emma Rush can't remember a time when she didn't have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven's resident bad boy is just so freakin' hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma's over being a "good girl," she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma's brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything--including himself. When her brother doesn't come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he's still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can't stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . . 





Rachel Lacey is a contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in warm and sunny North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of rescue pets.


Don't miss any of the Risking It All Romances!



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4/5/16

Release Blast: The Wedding Date by Kelly Eadon


Don't Miss this Brand New Release!


THE WEDDING DATE
Kelly Eadon
Releasing April 5th, 2016
Forever


A LITTLE FAKE RELATIONSHIP NEVER HURT ANYONE . . .

Kate Massie has big dreams-they just haven't worked out. Yet. In the meantime, she spends her days clerking for a judge and her nights fantasizing about her tall, dark, and sexy gym crush. So when she runs into him one night, she's shocked to realize he was her shy, nerdy junior-prom date. But that isn't where the surprises end . . .


James Abell needs a date to his sister's wedding. So when Kate agrees, he's relieved . . . until one little lie turns their wedding date into a full-blown fake relationship. Only it doesn't feel fake-not the toe-curling kisses and definitely not the electricity. Neither of them is looking for something real . . . but they just might fall for their own little white lie.

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Kelly Eadon is a romance writer living in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and a house full of rescue animals, aka "the kraken". She swears like a sailor and says whatever pops into her head. In order to counteract her big mouth, she wears high heels whenever possible. In her spare time she spins, kick boxes and attempts to renovate her farmhouse. She hates sanding drywall, loves to cook, drinks lots of wine, gets scary competitive at trivia, and enjoys time spent exploring with her rescued beagle mixes.


4/4/16

Book Review: Cuff Me (New York's Finest #3) by Lauren Layne

Meet New York's Finest-three hot brothers sworn to protect and serve the city they love . . . and the women who've stolen their hearts. 

ARRESTED BY LOVE

Vincent Moretti is one of the NYPD's top homicide detectives-and one of the most eligible bachelors in town. His family, however, thinks he should date his longtime partner, Jill-a sassy, sexy, smart-mouthed blonde who drives him absolutely crazy.

Behind the quiet authority, tough-guy demeanor, and dark aviator glasses lies a man with a big soul-and a hard body that can soften any girl's heart. After years as his coworker, Jill Henley has given up hope that anything could happen between her and Vin. Besides, loving him would break all the rules. But seeing Jill with someone else triggers feelings in Vincent he never knew he had. Now he'll have to stop playing good cop/bad cop-and find a way to convince her to be his partner for life. . .


* * * * * *  REVIEW  * * * * * *

I did a bad thing...I started a new series with the last book in the series.  Cuff Me is the third entry in author Lauren Layne's New York's Finest series featuring (some of) the Moretti brothers--Luc (book 1, Frisk Me), Anthony (book 2, Steal Me), and Vincent (book 3, Cuff Me).  I meant to start with Frisk Me, but Cuff Me just called out to me.  I'm a sucker for the guy finally realizes he's in love with his friend storyline and I know that's why I had to start with this one.  I'm glad I did!  I really enjoyed Vincent and Jill's romance. 

Homicide Detective Jill Henley has had it bad for her partner, Vincent Moretti for a while now, but he doesn't seem to return those romantic feelings.  So when her mom needs her help in Florida, she's more than happy to go and help out for three months.  While in Florida, Jill meets Tom and they fall in love and get engaged.  The only problem is Jill's lingering feelings for a certain detective.

On the day of Jill's return home, Vincent finally decides to ask his partner out on a date.  Too bad he's blindsided by the news of her engagement.  Being confronted with losing the very person he values most in this world, Vincent must confront how he really feels for Jill and fight for her.

Ms. Layne does a great job of building the world that Vincent and Jill live in, surrounding them with an excellent supporting cast, and making their struggle believable and mature.  Neither Jill or Vincent come across as childish, and their situation is handled with maturity.  It could have been very easy to fall into some genre cliches, but Ms. Layne made both Jill and her (ex) fiance sympathetic when ending their engagement and she made Vincent a stand-up guy who didn't pressure Jill to cheat on her fiance.  The chemistry between the hero and heroine is snappy and yummy, and the sex isn't bad either!  This is a perfect beach read! 

Sadly, it appears that two Moretti siblings will not be getting their stories told.  I'm kinda bummed by that because I think Ms. Layne sets both Marco and Elena up beautifully for their own stories.  Here's hoping that Marco and Elena will get their time to shine soon!

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars.  I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a light beach read, a light mystery and some spice in their romance.

Book Facts
CUFF ME (New York's Finest  #3) by Lauren Layne
Forever Romance  |  April 2016
ISBN: 9781455561230
Buy it:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble
Connect with Lauren on  Facebook  |  Twitter



3/2/16

Book Review: Dukes Are Forever (Secret Life of Scoundrels #1) by Anna Harrington


ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE
Battlefields and barrooms hold much more interest for Edward Westover, Duke of Strathmore, than a little girl's fondness for dolls and lace. When he takes possession of his enemy's estate, everything that villain held dear-including his daughter-belongs to Edward. Hire a governess, arrange a dowry, give a few reassurances, and be off on his way-that's Edward's plan. But he's in for the shock of his life. For his new ward is a beautiful, impetuous, and utterly irresistible woman . . .

. . . AND WAR
Kate Benton is stunned. Who is this arrogant, infuriating man who's invited himself into her home and taken over her life? Her vow: to do everything in her power to convince him to leave her-and Brambly House-alone. Yet as chilly days melt into sultry nights, Kate sees glimpses of kindness underneath Edward's cool façade . . . and a passionate nature that takes her breath away. There's so much she doesn't know about this man. But does she dare trust this devilish duke with her heart?


* * * * * *  REVIEW  * * * * * *

Dukes Are Forever is a nice debut novel from author Anna Harrington.  Kate Benton is a wonderful heroine--independent and strong enough not to let her alpha male hero, Edward Westover run roughshod over her.  Kate wants nothing more than to live on the estate that was left to her by her grandparents, take care of the tenants and seeing to their medical needs.  Too bad her father is a jerk who gambles away his daughter (and her estate) to Edward Westover.  The Duke of Strathmore has no idea that the girl he's won in a poker match is a grown woman of one and twenty years.  Once the initial shock wears off, the two begin falling in love with each other.

Ms. Harrington weaves a wonderful tale, with believable reasons why Edward would want to ruin Katherine's father and why Katherine is reluctant to give up on her delinquent jerk of a father.  Watching this couple come together and overcome the obstacles placed in their way to a happy ending was an enjoyable way to pass the weekend.  Anna Harrington created a delightful world that I can't wait to get back into!

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 stars.  Excellent series starter.  Reccomended to readers who enjoy alpha male heroes, slightly unconventional heroes and historical romance.

Book Facts:
DUKES ARE FOREVER (Secret Life of Scoundrels #1) by Anna Harrington
Forever Romance  |  December 2015
ISBN:  978-1-4555-3403-6
Buy it:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble
Connect with Anna on  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Up Next in the Secret Life of Scoundrels Series:

Now Available
ALONG CAME A ROGUE (Secret Life of Scoundrels #2)
March 2016

THE WICKEDEST SECRET . . .
Major Nathaniel Grey is free to bed whomever he wants, whenever he chooses, and that's exactly how he likes it. His only loyalties are to country and the two friends he served with-brothers he'd do anything for. So when one of them is gravely injured and asking for his little sister, Grey will move heaven and earth to bring her home. He's greeted not by the gangly girl he remembers, but a stunningly beautiful woman holding a loaded musket. And he's utterly captivated by her . . .

IS A SECRET SEDUCTION
Once upon a time, Emily would have loved nothing more than a stolen hour with her brother's best friend, the dashing officer who captured her heart and soul. But things are different now-and so is she. Gone is the eager young woman who believed in love. In her place is a widow weighed down with secrets who desperately needs to disappear before they're revealed. But Grey's sinfully sexy smile offers protection unlike anything she's ever known, tempting her to risk everything . . . even her heart.
 

Available 04/26/2016
HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS (Secret Lives of Scoundrels #3)
May 2016

A SHOCKING DECEPTION . . .
Josephine Carlisle, adopted daughter of a baron, is officially on the shelf. But the silly, marriage-minded misses in the ton can have their frilly dresses and their seasons in London, for all she cares. Josie has her freedom and her family . . . until an encounter with a dark, devilishly handsome stranger leaves her utterly breathless at a house party. His wicked charm intrigues her, but that's where it ends. For Josie has a little secret . . .
 
. . . LEADS TO AN EXQUISITE SEDUCTION
Espionage was Thomas Matteson, Marquess of Chesney's game-until a tragic accident cost him his career. Now to salvage his reputation and return to the life he loves, the marquess must find the criminal who's been robbing London's rich and powerful. He's no fool-he knows Josie, with her wild chestnut hair and rapier-sharp wit, is hiding something and he won't rest until he unravels her mysteries, one by one. But he never expected to be the one under arrest-body and soul . . .

Can't Wait For: Jessica Lemmon's Return of the Bad Boy (May 2016)

Available 04/26/2016
He's a mess...

Asher Knight has three constants in his life: music, beautiful women, and a bottle of Jack. He lives for the next gig, the next city, and dreams only of a life spent in front of an arena full of screaming fans. But Asher's nomad ways come to a sudden stop when he learns he's the father of a three-year-old from a past relationship and suddenly this rock star bad boy is forced to put down roots.



Only she can clean up

Gloria Shields is no one's fool. Sure, the sexual chemistry between her and Asher has always been intense, but she'd never risk giving her heart to a man who has a perfect record for breaking them. Except the man desperate to make things right with his newfound son is nothing like the rock god she's guarded her heart against for years. And it isn't long before she starts to wonder if life with this bad boy might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.


* * * *

It is ridiculous how much I want this book in my hot little hands.  Gloria and Asher's love story has been building throughout the first three books in this series and I can't wait to see how they'll get together!  I imagine I'll be calling into work just so I can read it in one fell swoop (OK, maybe not--have to earn book money somehow!). 

Author Jessica Lemmon is a fairly new (to me) discovery and her Second Chance series is a very well written, passionate series.  The second book of the series, Rescuing the Bad Boy, is one of my all-time favorite books.  Seriously, you cannot go wrong with this series.  Just go out and buy or download all the books that are available in the series now.  You'll thank me.  

6/7/15

Book Review: RESCUING THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #2) by Jessica Lemmon

Not All Scars Heal

For Donovan Pate, the lake town of Evergreen Cove is a minefield of tough memories-including the day he had to let go of Sofie Martin. Years later he still can't forget the taste of her lips and the feel of her killer curves. He knows he's too damaged, that he should stay away for her own good. But what the head says and the heart wants are two very different things . . . 

Seven years ago, Donovan broke Sofie's heart. Now her career depends on playing nice in order to pull off the charity fund-raiser of the decade. She vows to keep things professional . . . yet working by his side every day doesn't make it easy to fight temptation, and it isn't long before she finds herself falling for this bad boy all over again. But loving Donovan means helping him face his past-so they can fight for a future together.



* * * * *
Oh, man...Donovan Pate broke my heart and then made it all better by the end of the book.  I'm not kidding.  I can't remember the last time a hero's story devastated me the way Donovan Pate's did!    I was all prepared to not like Mr. Pate based on the tiny teaser I read in BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY.  Evil boy dumps virginal girl after relieving her of her virginity--how dare he!  But Jessica Lemmon's spectacular writing proved that Donovan Pate is more than worthy of a second chance.  I honestly believe he's my favorite hero of 2015, so far (and the other heroes I read this year will have a lot of catching up to do if they want to outdo Donovan Pate).

Donovan was raised in an abusive home by his abuser father and his grandmother, who looked the other way.  Donovan grew up not believing he was loved or worthy of love or kindness.  He doesn't know how to handle the beautiful Sofie Martin who loves him with her whole heart, who believes that he's a man that's worthy of her kindness and love.  So of course he handles it badly when he gets his first real taste of love and kindness.  It leads him to reject Sofie cruelly, and he runs to the Hamptons.  He stays away for seven years, the only reason he returns to Evergreen Cove is to get rid of the mansion that he inherited from his late grandmother.  

Donovan and Sofie cross paths again when he tries to get her to move the fundraiser for abused children she's hosting at the mansion.  This doesn't sit well with Sofie, who's none to happy to see Donovan again seven years after he cruelly dumped her and ran.  She's moved on and determined to prove it not only to Donovan, but herself as well.  

Jessica Lemmon tells their love story, and Donovan's story, with such a beautiful grace.  I honestly had to set the book down a few times because I was overwhelmed with emotion.  I don't think I've been happier for two people to get their happy ending than I was for Donovan and Sofie.  Ms. Lemmon has another winner on her hands!  

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars.  This book belongs on your keeper shelf!

Book Facts:
RESCUING THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #2) by Jessica Lemmon
Forever/Grand Central Publishing,  June 2015
ISBN:  978-1-4555-5806-3
Buy It:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books A Million
Connect with Jessica on:  Facebook  |  Twitter 

Up next in the Second Chance Series...

Available 09/25/2015
A BAD BOY FOR CHRISTMAS 
Second Chance #3

'Tis the Season to Be Naughty

Connor McClain knows what he wants. And after four harrowing years in Afghanistan, that's a quiet life in the lakeside town of Evergreen Cove. But coming home has land mines of its own-the most dangerous of them being long-legged bombshell Faith Garrett. Now getting her into his arms this holiday is going to require more than mistletoe . . . 

With a cheating ex behind her, all Faith wants is a relaxing holiday free from man drama. And even though every moment with gorgeous Connor is a sweet temptation, Faith is determined not to give in. But Jack Frost has other plans, and soon Faith and Connor are snowbound in a winter wonderland with only the sparks flying between them to keep them warm. As one hot kiss leads to another, they'll have to decide if they're ready to give each other the best gift of all-love.

Book Review: BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY (Second Chances #1) by Jessica Lemmon


The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .






* * * * *

One of my favorite romance novel tropes is the heroine who falls for her late best friend's husband (I blame Linda Howard's excellent 1985 novel, SARAH'S CHILD, for this...).  There's so much drama already built in for the author to play with.  Was the marriage happy?  Was it on the rocks?  Just how long has the heroine been pining for the husband?  Are there people who are naturally against this pairing?  There are just so many ways to take the novel if you're an author.

Jessica Lemmon has spun a wonderful tale in BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY.  Evan Downey is a swoon-worthy hero, not only because he's hot, but because he's a wonderful father.  It's clear from the moment the story begins that Evan is a man who loves deeply.  Not just his son, Lyon, but Lyon's mother Rae.  This is a guy who has had trouble sleeping in the bed he shared with Rae since her unexpected, tragic passing.  Ms. Lemmon does a wonderful job illustrating how much Evan loved/loves Rae, but also paints a marriage that had real flaws.  Neither Rae nor Evan were perfect human beings, and that's okay.  

Evan decides it's time to move back to Evergreen Cove to give Lyon and himself a fresh start and shake the constant reminders of Rae.  His and Rae's friend Charlotte "Charlie" Harris is happy to have them move back to Evergreen Cove, even if she can't seem to get her heart under control whenever Evan's around.  Charlie is a wonderful heroine who, while "crushing" on Evan since they were teenagers, never really let that stop her from having a life.  I appreciate that Charlie wasn't sitting on a shelf somewhere pining for Evan.  Her struggle with accepting that it's okay for her and Evan to be in a relationship feels real.  It's not overdone histrionics, it paints her in a sympathetic light.  It is a struggle for her to be happy with what she sees as Rae's family.  She doesn't believe that she's worthy of such love, of such a family.  Watching her finally accept that she is worthy of it is beautiful.  Charlie and Evan jump off the page and set it on fire with their scorching chemistry.  

BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY was my first time reading anything by Jessica Lemmon, and it certainly will not be the last thing I read by this talented author.  

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars!  Run to your local bookstore to pick up this gem, and be prepared to read it with oven mits on, 'cause the chemistry is smoooooking hot!

Book Facts:  
BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY (Second Chance #1) by Jessica Lemmon
Forever/Grand Central Publishing,  January 2015
ISBN:  978-1-4555-3148-6
Buy it:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books A Million
Connect with Jessica on:  Facebook  |  Twitter

1/15/15

UNFORGETTABLE Coming Tomorrow!


I have the great honor of being the last stop on author Shannon Richard's blog tour for her latest novel UNFORGETTABLE!  The novel is the fourth book in Richard's excellent Country Roads series.  In addition to reviewing UNFORGETTABLE, I will be posting reviews of the first three novels in the series this weekend.

10/2/14

A Forever Christmas

(c) 2014 Hachette Publishing

Did you know there are only 12 weeks until Christmas?  Yeah, I'm not ready for it either.  Forever Romance has some hot, new holiday-themed romances available beginning this week that should help anyone get in the mood for a little Christmas cheer.  

Their holiday line-up kicks off with the star studded anthology A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER.  

  • Dream a Little Dream by Jill Shalvis:  Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter, Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits.  But Ian secretly longs for more.  Luckily, 'tis the season for giving love a chance...
  • Every Year by Kristen Ashley:  Holidays don't come easy for shy and his brother, Landon.  But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime...
  • Silent Night by Hope Ramsay:  Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance.  When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger.  And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.
  • Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas by Molly Cannon:  Lincoln is a bachelor who's set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time...
  • A Family for Christmas by Marilyn Pappano:  War widow Ilena doesn't mind spending Christmas alone.  But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?
Enjoy an excerpt of Jill Shalvis' DREAM A LITTLE DREAM


“Melissa,” he said on a ragged groan as her arms wound around his neck. “What are you up to?”

“If you don’t know, I’m doing it wrong.”

His hands were still at her hips, his fingers digging in as if he was getting ready to push her away from him.

She held on and met his gaze. “I’m trying to show you something.”

“What is that, exactly?”

“That I want you,” she said.

“Wanting was never our problem,” he said, and nudged. He was hard.

This gave her a surge of anticipation that made her entire body tremble. She wanted to kiss him more than she wanted her next breath, but this wasn’t going to be their usual “friends with benefits” situation. This time, she wanted it all. “I want to give us a real shot, Ian.”

“Because of what happened the other night,” he said, not sounding impressed.

“Because of what almost happened the other night,” she corrected. “A near death experience makes people rethink things.” She paused. “Like mistakes they’ve made.”

Next up is Debbie Mason's third entry in her delightful Christmas, Colorado series, IT HAPPENED AT CHRISTMAS

Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis is out of money and out of options. After using up her trust fund trying to save the world, she hides out in Christmas, hoping the kindness of friends will help her forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor. Ethan O'Connor likes his life drama-free and predictable now that he's about to make the move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate. Then Skye blows back into town, as impulsive and passionate as he remembers. If word ever got out about their night together-the night he's never been able to forget-the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart.


Debbie is also on Twitter, @authordebmason


Olivia Miles makes her Forever debut with the first book in her Briar Creek series, MISTLETOE ON MAIN STREET

Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night. Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life? Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music...and the mistletoe.

Check Olivia Miles out on Facebook and Twitter, @msoliviamiles



Finally, Katie Lane delivers the next installment in her Hunk for the Holidays series, RING IN THE HOLIDAYS

Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions. Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed.  But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever.  It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there.


Katie can be found on Facebook and Twitter, @ktlane3

I'm certainly starting to feel the holiday cheer!  Remember to head out to your local brick and mortar book store or over to your favorite online bookstore to pick up these books and get a jump on the holidays!

6/4/14

Book Review: OBSESSION (Faces of Evil #1) by Debra Webb

Special Agent Jess Harris has spent more than a decade studying the many faces of evil.  In her determination to stop a serial killer, she broke the rules, and it cost her everything.  With her career in need of resuscitation and her love life dead and buried, Jess jumps at a chance to advise on a case that has the top detectives of Birmingham, Alabama, stumped.  But the case forces her to confront all the reasons she put her hometown--and her first love--in her rearview mirror.
Four young women have gone missing, and Police Chief Dan Burnett will do anything to find them before it's too late--even if it means asking for help from the woman who has spent a decade avoiding him.  Jess agrees to lend a hand and welcomes the diversion of a new case, a new life to save to make up for the victims she's lost.  But then the unthinkable happens:  the crazed serial killer from her past follows Jess to Birmingham.  The situation is becoming increasingly desperate--and time is swiftly running out... 

Eve Dallas--Meet your ancestor, Jess Harris...

I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up OBSESSION by Debra Webb.  I had read about the series in an article in RT Book Reviews and was intrigued by the premise of an FBI agent haunted by her inability to catch an extremely elusive serial killer and what her devotion to catching him cost her.  Not to mention that that obsession with him piqued his interest in her and just how much he (and his followers) enjoy tormenting Jess.  Sounded like a good set up for a 12 (!) book series.

Jess has reluctantly come home to help her ex with a series of kidnappings and to get away from the disaster that her FBI career has become thanks to her obsession with serial killer Eric Spears and capturing him.  Jess is a no-nonsense woman in her early 40s, and one hell of an investigator.  She's not afraid to step on toes and ruffle feathers if she has to in her pursuit of justice.

Jess is the kind of flawed heroine that I love to read about.  She struggles with the strong attraction she feels for her ex-boyfriend, Police Chief Dan Burnett.  She is struggling to fit in with her more domestic sister, Lily, and what being tied down in a place that she doesn't like that much means.  This heroine is not a neat, cookie cutter heroine--she is messy and flawed and it's clear that Ms. Webb loves writing Jess and playing in the world that Jess and her crew inhabits.


The true mystery in the book is a doozy and not really related to serial killer Eric Spears.  I don't want to give away the reasons why these young ladies were kidnapped, but it's creepy.  I do appreciate that Ms. Webb didn't make hunting Eric Spears the focus of the first outing.  She peppers him throughout the book, giving the reader a good idea of just how good he is at being bad and just how much he scares Jess (and the reader by association).  Ms. Webb uses the first book to give the series a strong foundation.

I highly recommend this book (and series) to fans of authors like J.D. Robb (Jess and Eve are cut from the same cloth, really.), and Karen Rose.

XOXO,

Teresa

Book Facts:
OBSESSION (Faces of Evil #1) by Debra Webb
ISBN:  978-1-4555-2765-6
Grand Central Publishing/Forever, March 2013 (originally published in 2011)
Buy it:  Amazon  Barnes and Noble

6/3/14

The Authors Talk



As part of their release day blitz, Forever Romance made available a Q & A with some of the authors from the Tall, Dark, and Cowboy boxed set.  Please enjoy the following Q&A!


Q:  A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less?
R.C. RYAN- Can Jesse McCord guard his heart against Amy Parish, the only woman he ever loved and lost? Or will danger change the game? 
ERIN KERN- Would you give up your inheritance to live in the middle of nowhere? Avery Price did. And ended up getting way more than she bargained for!
KATIE LANE- A small, Texas town filled with sassy heroines, hot cowboys, and zany matchmakers whose hearts are as big as the state they live in.
LAURA DRAKE- A grieving housewife throws her cheating Ex off their ranch.  But when the sweet cowboy she married returns, can they both learn to forgive?
MOLLY CANNON- When Marla Jean's husband dumps her for an older woman, chaos in the form of hunky Jake turns the rest of her life upside down.

LYNETTE AUSTIN- When a cowboy meets an heiress...Somebody Like You—one sexy cowboy and a Harley-riding heiress, each with a secret.

Q:  What makes a cowboy, a cowboy?

R.C. RYAN- Hard, dirty work.  A love of the land.  A courtly, fiercely protective attitude toward family, women and children.  Their work makes them rough and tough, but their heart and soul, their innate goodness makes them the perfect hero.  
ERIN KERN- Have you seen a cowboy lately?? Scuffed up boots, worn jeans, callused hands, a little five o’clock shadow, slightly too long hair….shall I go on?
KATIE LANE- I think it has to do with the legend. Cowboys have always been heroes (Wait, is that a song?)—strong, alpha men who can wrangle a steer and know how to treat a lady. It’s this mixture of tough man and mannerly country boy that makes a true cowboy . . . and makes women go crazy. That, and a snug-fitting pair of jeans.
LAURA DRAKE- Old world manners, an unbreakable word, and a wild side.
MOLLY CANNON- Well worn boots

LYNETTE AUSTIN-Attitude.  A cowboy is strong and confident, and he’s not afraid of an equally strong woman. He carries in his heart old-fashioned values. He stands for his country and its flag, says yes, ma’am and no, sir, and loves his mama and daddy—kind of a throwback to a slower, easier time but with a kickass edge.

Q:  Which of your characters has been the most fun to write so far?
R.C. RYAN- I really can't choose a favorite.  I love them all.  But Jesse and Amy are special.  
ERIN KERN- I love all of my characters. Picking just one is like picking a favorite kid. But I’d have to say I loved writing Courtney Devlin (the McDermott brother’s younger sister, and heroine of The Trouble with Trouble). She’s spunky, fiery and tells it like it is. She’s not afraid of backing down from anyone and has a great sense of humor. I always had a great laugh writing her character throughout the books.
KATIE LANE- Kenny Gene. Think Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. Kenny’s not dealing with a full deck, but he has a heart of solid gold and always looks at life like it’s a big package just waiting to be opened.  I just love that about him.
LAURA DRAKE- Probably Katya and Cam, the Heroine and Hero of the last book in my Sweet on a Cowboy series, Sweet on You, due out in August. A Gypsy Army Medic turned PBR Physical Therapist and a beat-up bull rider in his last season on the circuit. Lots of conflict there!
MOLLY CANNON- Hoot and Dooley-the two retired men who sit in the front of Marla Jean’s barber shop, playing Parcheesi and gossiping all day. They’ve managed to get into all 3 books so far.
LYNETTE AUSTIN- Oh, this is hard to answer. I always fall madly in love with my heroes—Cash, Brawley, and Ty are magnificent men and not just because they’re gorgeous. It’s their big, generous hearts that make them unforgettable. I love Annelise Montjoy for the courage she showed in traveling across country to save her grandfather’s life. Sophie London, with her fondness for fairies and her belief in love, really hit home with me. But it might be red-headed, hot-tempered Maggie Sullivan that was most fun to write. She put everything she felt right out there, so I never had to hold back with the emotion.

Q:  What would readers be surprised to find out about you?
R.C. RYAN- I've been singing since I was a kid, and thought about a career as a singer. I chose instead to marry young and raise five great children. And then tried my hand at my great, driving passion - writing.  
ERIN KERN- Probably that I used to be a dancer. I danced ballet for about twelve years and actually performed with the Oakland Ballet two years in a row.
KATIE LANE- I married my high school sweetheart and he inspires all my heroes. (Even when he forgets to take the Chapstick out of his pant pockets and the entire load of laundry ends up with grease spots.)
LAURA DRAKE- I’m a thrill seeker. I Love roller coasters, riding motorcycles and I’ve even skydived – until my last jump when chute didn’t open, and I had to throw the reserve. If I were younger, I’d try getting on a bull!
MOLLY CANNON- I’m really good at trashcan basketball.
LYNETTE AUSTIN- I have, at present, sixty-two pairs of flip-flops, and one of those pairs traveled to Morocco with me where I rode a camel. I can’t resist a great pair of flip-flops.

A special thank you to Forever Romance for allowing this blog to participate in the Tall, Dark and Cowboy release day blitz, blog tour and giveaway!  Make sure to follow up on these authors via the following links and purchase the box set at your favorite e-book retailer!

You can learn about Lynnette Austin at: www.lynnettehallberg.com

You can learn about Molly Cannon at:
Twitter @cannonmolly
Facebook

You can learn about Laura Drake at:
Twitter @PBRWriter

You can learn about Erin Kern at:
Twitter @ErinKern

You can learn about Katie Lane at:
Twitter @ktlane3

You can learn about R.C. Ryan at:
Twitter @RuthRyanLangan


XOXO,

Teresa