2/2/15

Book Review: THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS (Christmas, Colorado #1) by Debbie Mason

Resort developer Madison Lane is about to lose the one thing she loves the most in the world--her job.  Dubbed "The Grinch Who Killed Christmas," Madison spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist's winter wonderland.  Now the citizens what her fired but the company gives her one last chance, sending Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer.

 For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves.  But one look at this beautiful woman and it's his heart may be broken.  In just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he's had to deal with all year.  He can't decide if she's naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain--Christmas will never be the same again...

* * * * *

I actually started THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS before Christmas with the intention of getting it finished before the holidays.  Ha!  The holidays won that battle.  I'm kinda glad the holidays won the battle, though, because I was able to enjoy this gem without worrying about 18 million other things.

Debbie Mason is a new-to-me author, and I'm such a big fan after this book!  The characters, town and story sparkled!  It was like a Hallmark Channel movie in book form.

Ms. Mason mentions in her author letter that she had a hard time understanding who Madison (the heroine) was.  Well, I'm so glad she figured out who Madison was because she just jumps off the page and into your heart.  While she may be labeled "The Grinch," Madison certainly does not live up to her unfairly earned nickname.  Forced to visit Christmas, Madison's reasons to be distrustful of small town life and small town people are understandable and relatable.  Madison goes through a series of trials and comes out with an appreciation for Christmas (the town and the holiday), and deep, life-long friendships.

Gage McBride is a single father struggling to raise his two young daughters.  Madison starts off as a pain in his ass, but quickly warms and worms her way into his heart.  Their chemistry is immediate and hot, even if they both try their hardest to deny it.

It honestly was a joy to spend time in Christmas, Colorado.  And Ms. Mason has set up the rest of the series very nicely!

XOXO,

Teresa

Rating:  4 out of 4 Stars--Pick this gem up and enjoy it in one day!

Book Facts:
THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS (Christmas, Colorado #1) by Debbie Mason
Forever/Grand Central Publishing, September 2013
ISBN:  978-1-4555-2768-7
Buy it at   Amazon  |   Barnes and Noble   |   Books A Million
Connect with Debbie Mason on:  Facebook   |   Twitter

Also available in the Christmas, Colorado Series:  CHRISTMAS IN JULY (#2) and IT HAPPENED AT CHRISTMAS (#3) and

WEDDING BELLS IN CHRISTMAS (#4)--May 2015


Wedding bells are ringing in the charming town of Christmas, but not for Vivian Westfield. She's just had her heart trampled under the cowboy boots of Chance McBride and lost her dream job at a big-city newspaper. But when she returns for a wedding, she stumbles on a story that could resurrect her career. First, though, she'll have to deal with the handsome man standing in her way . . . and a still-burning flame that's too hot to ignore.


Chance recognizes trouble when he sees it. He just didn't expect to find it in the first-class cabin on the flight home for his father's wedding. Yet there she is, as gorgeous as ever. Vivi dared Chance to want things he knew he could never have. It's why he left her. But Christmas's meddling matchmakers have them firmly in their sights. So if they want to survive the next week, they'll have to play the part of an adoring couple-an irresistible charade that may give them a second chance at the real thing . . .

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1/16/15

Shannon Richard is UNFORGETTABLE

Published by Forever Romance, 2015
About UNFORGETTABLE

One long, hot summer would never be enough...

Attorney Hannah Sterling lives a life she's worked hard for.  So when she unexpectedly inherits an inn, Hannah decides to take that long overdue holiday and settle her eccentric grandmother's estate.  She knew there would be challenges, but what's hardest about returning to Mirabelle, Florida, is facing the man who gave her the most passionate summer of her life--and then broke her heart.  

Nathaniel Shepherd never forgot the redheaded goddess who lit up his world and got away.  Now that she's home, Shep vows to make up for their years apart--and if the fire in her kiss is any indication, they're well on their way.  But when a devastating secret from their past threatens their future, Shep must fight to heal Hannah's heart.  Because this time, their love will be truly unforgettable...

Buy the book:  


Read an excerpt from UNFORGETTABLE:

She looked up at him, her heart in her throat. She couldn’t give him what he wanted. Couldn’t tell him the truth. She wasn’t ready. Telling him the truth, all of the truth, would rip her wide open, and she couldn’t handle that pain yet. 

She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be able to handle that pain.

“Fine. I’ll go first.” He somehow moved closer to her. “Me kissing you is never a mistake. There are a lot of things in my life that I’d take back, but my lips on yours? That’s not one of them. I know that fact without a doubt.”

He reached up and pulled her glasses from her face, setting them on the counter behind her before he lowered his mouth to hers. He nipped at her bottom lip, pulling it gently before his tongue darted out. He didn’t even get it past her bottom lip before her mouth was covering his, her tongue sliding along his.

He let go of her hands, letting them drop to her sides before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her entirely against his body.

He had her backed up against the kitchen counter again, their hot and hungry mouths eating at the others. 

Every notion about fighting this thing with him flew out of her head, and she let herself go over to it. To all of it. All of him.

“Does this feel like a mistake, Hannah?” He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers as he looked down into her eyes. “Right now, in this moment. Does it?”

Her voice didn’t want to work, and it took her a second to form a response. “No.” She shook her head. “No, it doesn’t.”

“What about this? My hands on you?” he asked, his eyes not leaving hers as he moved his palms under her shirt, running them up and down her bare back before he moved them to her sides.

“No.” She couldn’t stop the shiver that ran through her body, and his mouth turned up in that predatory grin of his. 

“Or this?” This time his eyes did leave hers as he dropped his head and put his mouth on her neck, his tongue flicking against her skin.

Her answer was a long, low moan that went all the way down to her toes. 

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked right before he ran his tongue along her collarbone.

“No.” Her eyes closed of their own accord as her head fell back. “Please.”

“Please what?” Kisses across her shoulder.

“Please don’t stop.” 

“Well, aren’t those lovely words?” His lips were working back up her neck, and then he found her mouth again. He was consuming her with his kisses, inhaling her. And his hands. Holy hell they were still running wildly over her hips and back. And then he brought one between them, his fingers tracing around her belly button before it moved low on her belly.

He flicked the button on her jeans open and then went on to her zipper, pulling it down slowly. Maybe he was giving her another chance to protest.

There wasn’t a chance in hell she was going to stop it this time. 


* * * * * * * * * *

Shannon Richard is an author I had the privilege of discovering this past summer.  I gulped down her books while lazily sitting on my patio drinking lemonade.  Her characters just jump off of the page and come to life.  And did I mention the oh so steamy love scenes?  

Her series, Country Roads is set in a small costal Florida town, Mirabelle.  The town is populated with delightful characters, whom readers will love and other characters that readers will love to hate.  I have been impatiently waiting for Shep's story and I can't wait to see how it goes!  Who could possibly leave this hottie in the dust?  

I will have reviews for the entire series up some time within the next week.  Just do yourself a favor and pick up the first three books (available in both e-book and paperback), in addition to UNFORGETTABLE.

* * * * * * * * * *

Author Shannon Richard
About Shannon Richard

Shannon Richard grew up in the Florida Panhandle as the baby sister of two overprotective, but loving brothers.  She was raised by a more than somewhat eccentric mother, a self-proclaimed vocabularist who showed her how to get lost in a book and a father who passed on his love for coffee and really loud music.  She graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English Literature and still lives in Tallahassee where she battles everyday life with writing, reading and a rant every once in awhile.  Okay, so the rants might happen on a regular basis.  She's still waiting for her Southern, scruffy, Mr. Darcy, and in the meantime writes stories to indulge her overactive imagination.  Oh, and she's a pretty big fan of the whimsy.

Connect with Shannon:

Her Website  On Twitter @shan_richard  Facebook and Goodreads

Up Next in the Country Roads series:

UNDRESSED (Country Roads 4.5, e-book novella)
February 03, 2015

She knows the rules of the game . . . but she can't resist his moves
Publicist Abby Fields's career is on the rise. And with failed romances in her past, she has no time for men. When a job opportunity opens up with a sports team in Florida, Abby eagerly packs up and heads south. Yet after a work event in Mirabelle, Florida, Abby finds herself in the arms of a hockey player whose heartstopping smile leads her to the steamiest night of her life . . . 

Logan James is hot on and off the ice. With his team on an epic winning streak, life couldn't get better . . . until he meets Abby, the fiery redhead assigned to protect his team's image. Now Logan's finding it difficult to concentrate on anything other than getting Abby undressed. But after a secret is leaked to the press, the taste of betrayal opens old wounds. If they can't learn to trust each other, they may risk losing more than their hearts.

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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.
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10/4/14

Review: HOPE AT DAWN (Of Love and War, #1) by Stacy Henrie

With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family.  Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm.  But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home--and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love...

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace.  But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town.  As tragedy--and dark secrets from the past--threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right and...one chance to fight for their love.


Christian romance and Christian fiction usually aren't my thing, but I found myself becoming more interested in this book every time I saw it because of the cover (and the blurb).  I know---I judged a book by it's cover--a simply gorgeous one at that!  And yes, I was definitely intrigued by the story.

My maternal grandfather was born in the late 1890s and was of German descent, with a big ol' German surname.  We are from Cincinnati, a town with a very huge German population.  And a town that during the Great War (aka WWI), renamed streets with names that were "too German," with names that were decidedly less German sounding.  When I realized that Livy Campbell and my grandfather were the same age, I was taken aback.  I had, and have, honestly never given my German heritage much thought, of what it means to be German-American.  I'm proud of my German heritage--but I've never suffered for it, like Friedrick and his family did.  Reading about Friedrick and his family's struggle made me wonder what kind of struggles my ancestors, in particular, my grandfather, had faced during WWI.  Grandpa did not fight in WWI.  I always assumed it was because he was too young to fight.  I will never know what it was like for him during that time--he passed away when my mother was only 3 years old. 

Livy and Friedrick have an instant connection that is tested by ignorance and hatred on their parts, the townspeople, and the German settlers.  Ms. Henrie does a beautiful job of showing all sides, the townspeople and the Germans' ignorance and hatred of each other and Livy and Friedrick finding common ground and a deep and abiding love for one another.  She weaves the seeds of love and forgiveness through the story so beautifully, that it is easy for the reader to imagine that all in this story have learned to see beyond what divides us to see that what unites us is much stronger and much more plentiful.

I simply could not put this book down.   Livy is a strong, independent woman, who loves her family and ultimately, Friedrick and his family.  She's willing to do what is right, even if it costs her.  And she is shown to struggle with Friedrick's "German-ness" and what that will mean to her family if she brings home a man of German descent when her family has sacrificed so much in fighting the Germans in WWI.  Friedrick is such a strong and gentle man.  Any woman of any era would be blessed to have this man as her partner in life.  He willingly suffers the slings of others for not serving in the Army because someone has to take care of the family farm.  He is tested greatly and his deep devotion to God carries him through all of the trials he's faced with.

For readers who might be squeamish to pick this up because it's a Christian Romance, don't be afraid to pick this one up.  Yes, Livy and Friedrick are very obvious Christians and their faith and devotion to God is never hidden, but you will not be assaulted with bible thumping in the story.  HOPE BEFORE DAWN is a gentle story that is highly recommended. 

XOXO,
Teresa

Rating:  4 stars out of 4 stars--Do yourself a favor and read this book!

BOOK FACTS:
HOPE AT DAWN (Of Love and War, Book 1) by Stacy Henrie
Forever/Grand Central Publishing, June 2014
ISBN:  978-1-4555-9880-9
Buy it at AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS A MILLION
Stacy Henrie's on Twitter:  @StacyHenrie  and Facebook


P.S.:  I cannot wait until the other books in the series come out in late 2014 and early 2015!  Here's a little peek at those titles:

HOPE RISING (December 2014):
In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.
Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.

A HOPE REMEMBERED (April 2015)
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world ...
After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight--this time for love.
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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!
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9/14/14

My September TBR Pile

Ahh...September.  I love the changing colors of the leaves and the cool, crisp air, and the return of my all-time favorite Starbucks drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Add all of those together and it makes for a good time to read, either inside or outside.

I'm being a little ambitious this month and trying to get the following books off of my TBR pile and onto my read pile.  Wish me luck!
  • The Gamble (The Colorado Mountain series #1) by Kristen Ashley
  • Sweet Dreams (The Colorado Mountain series #2) by Kristen Ashley
  • Lady Luck  (The Colorado Mountain series #3) by Kristen Ashley
  • Breathe (The Colorado Mountain series #4) by Kristen Ashley
  • Fire Inside (Chaos #2) by Kristen Ashley
  • Winterblaze (Darkest London #3) by Kristen Callihan
  • Shadowdance (Darkest London #4) by Kristen Callihan
  • Evernight (Darkest London #5) by Kristen Callihan 

So, what are your reading plans for September?
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9/5/14

Happy Friday

Image Source:  Rose Hill Designs
I hope you have a wonderful weeend ahead, with a great book or two to read!

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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
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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:
MollyCannon.com
Twitter @cannonmolly
Facebook

You can learn about Laura Drake at:
http://lauradrakebooks.com/
Twitter @PBRWriter
Facebook

You can learn about Erin Kern at:
 http://erinkern.webs.com
Twitter @ErinKern
Facebook

You can learn about Katie Lane at:
www.katielanebooks.com
Twitter @ktlane3
Facebook

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


XOXO,

Teresa
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Tall, Dark, and Cowboy Box Set Release Day and Giveaway

Tall, Dark, and Cowboy Box Set from Forever Romance
Get ready for some cowboys headed your way!  Forever Romance is releasing an e-book boxed set of some of it's popular cowboy themed romances by some of it's most popular authors.

The e-books in this boxed set are all wonderful additions to any cowgirl's electronic bookshelf.  The featured titles are:

SOMEBODY LIKE YOU by Lynnette Austin:  Cash thought he had plenty of time to find the right woman-until he learns that he must marry soon or loose his family's Texas farm.  When Boston beauty Annelise enters his life, Cash wonders if she's what he's been looking for all along.

AIN'T MISBEHAVING by Molly Cannon:  After her ex-husband leaves her for another woman, Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night.  And her childhood crush, Jake, may just be the right man to help make this good girl go a little bad.

THE SWEET SPOT by Laura Drake:  Charla Rae thought she was over her ex-husband-they'd both been through too much together.  But when the championship bull rider comes back into town and offers to help with her ranch, will he also convince her to give their love a second chance?

LOOKING FOR TROUBLE by Erin Kern:  Fleeing her rich, overbearing family, Avery makes her way to Trouble, Wyoming.  She soon tries things the old Avery wouldn't dare, like having a sizzling affair with her sexy new boss, Noah-and discovering he's just the kind of trouble she needs.

GOING COWBOY CRAZY by Katie Lane:  When Faith is mistaken for her identical twin sister in Bramble, Texas, there's bound to be trouble-especially with her sister's ex-boyfriend Slate.

MONTANA LEGACY by R. C. Ryan:  When Amy left Jesse, she broke his heart.  Now she's back in town and stirs his old desires, even as she promises to help him find his family's gold.  But under the prairie skies an unseen enemy is closing in to threaten their love-and their lives.

Forever Romance is also giving away several copies of this boxed set, so please enter the drawing to your right.  The drawing ends shortly and the winners will be notified by Forever Romance.  In the meantime, head on over to Barnes and Noble or iTunes to pick up a copy for yourself!

Coming up, hear from the authors of this boxed set!

XOXO,

Teresa
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