Pre Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: The F-Word by Sandra Marton

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The F – Word

By Sandra Marton

Release Date : January 17, 2017

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

So let’s get this straight.
This is a story about romance.
Well, it’s not a story. I mean, it’s not something somebody made up. It’s about me. And yeah, in case you’re wondering, I’m a guy.
Surprised? Sure you are. You figure those words just don’t go together. Romance, with a capital R. Guy, with a capital G. You’re probably sitting there and smirking. What could a dude possibly know about romance? You figure we’re big on sex. But romance?
You’re right. Romance is not a male thing.
And that’s exactly my problem.
The bottom line is that whatever you think you know about men and romance is pretty much correct. You figure we’re big on the F-word as long as it doesn’t stand for Forever.
And you’re right.

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Excerpt

 

Matthew O’Malley is one hell of a catch. He’s rich, handsome, charming, smart—and every woman who’s slept with him says he’s fantastic in bed.

This is all true, but he’s also a guy who got where he is today by working hard and by hiring the best people.

Bailey Abram is one of those people. She’s Matthew’s PA. She’s loyal, efficient, brilliant—and she’s never been with a man in her life.

Suddenly, it’s crisis time. Bailey’s cousin is getting married and Bailey’s mother insists she come home for the wedding. Bailey refuses. She and her cousin have a long, unpleasant history. Bailey was the straight A student. Violet was the prom queen and she’s never let Bailey forget it. So Bailey tells a huge lie. She can’t come to the wedding, she says, because she’s going away for the weekend with a rich, gorgeous, sexy guy.

Matthew overhears this. And he sees her burst into tears when she ends the call to her mother. He hates to see Bailey so unhappy. After all, this is his PA. His dedicated paragon of efficiency. Impulsively, he offers to help. Why not go to the wedding with her? Play the part of her rich, gorgeous, sexy boyfriend?

So what if it means spending four intense days getting to know each other outside the office? So what if it means turning Bailey from a woman who dresses like somebody’s maiden aunt into a hot-looking babe? So what if it means teaching her how to touch him and be touched by him, kiss him and be kissed by him? There won’t be any real sex because it’s only a game.

Right?
That’s all it is.

Just a smoking-hot, set-fire-to-the-sheets game.

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5Star

Michel’s Review

The blurb for this book caught my attention and I was intrigued.  The F-Word by Sandra Marton was a pure delight.  From the very first page I was drawn in and held captive.

It all begins with a guy’s point of view about sex, relationships, and the f-word.  It’s straight forward and a bit comical.  He’s clueless about love and how real relationships work.  That is until his PA begins to enlighten him about the true meaning of the F-Word.

Matthew O’Malley didn’t know what he was getting into when he agreed to be a plus one for his PA, Bailey Abram, at her despicable cousin’s wedding in upstate New York.  He thought it would be a weekend of a little bit of hand holding, maybe a few stolen kisses, and little bit of revenge.  By Monday they would be back to work and business as usual.  What he didn’t factor into the plan was the preparations for the weekend.  He has to get to know his PA outside of the office and make their relationship convincing.  That shouldn’t be too hard since they have worked together for years.  The first thing he realizes is that he was clueless where his PA was concerned.  Beneath the prim and proper behavior is a feisty but shy woman.  Beneath the conservative suits is a smoking hot body he’s dying to touch.  Now it’s time to put the plan into action and become a convincing couple.

Things never go as planned.  What should of been a fun, easy weekend turns into moments of truth that neither one may recover from.  The are both going to find out that there is more than one definition of the F-Word.

This book was a pure delight.  I could not put it down until I finished the last page.  It was the right kind of book that I needed to read.  After reading so many dark, angsty books with very heavy subject matter it was great to read a light hearted traditional romance with ordinary characters.  People like myself finding their happily ever after.

I would highly recommend reading The F-Word by Sandra Marton.  It was a fun and delightful way to spend my precious reading time.

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Sandra Marton is a USA Today Bestselling Author with approximately 35,000,000 (and counting!) books in print in twenty-plus languages. Sandra’s Harlequin Presents novels all feature the sexy, gorgeous, complex, tough on the outside but tender on the inside Alpha heroes she loves to create. So do all her brand new single title novels: The Prince of Pleasure, Emily: Sex & Sensibility (The Wilde Sisters, book one), Jaimie: Fire & Ice (The Wilde Sisters, book two) and, coming soon, Lissa: Sugar & Spice (The Wilde Sister, book three).

Sandra has won the Holt Medallion. She’s been a finalist for the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award four times. She’s won eight Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Awards and was honored with their Career Achievement Award for Series Romance.

Sandra always dreamed of becoming a writer. She wrote poems when she was little, moved on to writing short stories by the time she was in university. She was graduated with Honors in English but, she says, life—a lovely one—intervened with her writing dream. She married, had a family, became active politically in the small town outside New York City where she and her husband lived. Then, one day, she paused long enough to realize her dream was getting away from her and decided to do something about it.

Sandra wrote her very first novel, a romance she called Rapture in the Sands. She sent a synopsis and one chapter to several publishers. A senior editor at Harlequin liked what she’d read and asked to see the rest. After revisions, Harlequin Mills and Boon Ltd bought and published the book.

Today, Sandra is a full time author. She lives in northern Connecticut with her husband, who was her childhood sweetheart, in a sun-drenched house surrounded by woods..

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Release Boost and 5+ Star Review: Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor

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Title: Worth the Wait
Series: McKinney/Walker #1
Author: Claudia Connor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Blurb

The first in a spin off series of the New York Times Bestselling McKinney Brothers, WORTH THE WAIT takes readers on a journey through young love into adulthood in a heartwrenching, second chance love story.Nick Walker thought nothing could destroy what he had with Mia. He certainly never thought he would be the one to destroy it.Now ten years later, Mia James is in Special Agent Nick Walker’s path once again and this time he’s determined to shed the weight of regret and finally claim the future that was always meant to be theirs.

It won’t be easy. Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick and now, just when she’d pieced it back together, it’s been broken again, bringing their past to the surface, including her own secret about that day everything went wrong.

***Every title by Claudia Connor is a Contemporary Romance and a full stand alone novel. No cheating, no love triangle, no cliff hanger.

 

 

 

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Excerpt

~twenty-four years ago Nick pressed two fingers into the sleep deprived headache pounding in his temple and tried to concentrate on professor Jenkins’s explanation of ideal gas law. He circled a line of notes, ignored the knock on the auditorium door until he heard the familiar cry. Hannah, who he’d left in the university daycare two hours ago.

The high pitched wail wasn’t his two year old sister’s hurt cry. It was her scared cry with a touch of pissed off. In the six months since their parents’ death, he’d learned to tell the difference. He’d learned a lot of things. Like if he didn’t take her to the bathroom, she’d likely wait too long and have an accident. Like green beans made her throw up, but she’d eat them if he told her to. And she would never, ever go to sleep without Mr. Bunny.

He was up, out of his seat, and halfway down the auditorium stairs before his professor laid his pen down.

Nick’s eyes narrowed on the young blonde in an oversized sweatshirt with silk greek letters sewn on the front. She held a sobbing Hannah dressed in the sunny yellow sundress he’d picked out that morning. She hadn’t been crying when he left her. Now her eyes were red and snot mixed with tears dripped into her mouth. Hannah lunged for him. His arms engulfed her small body and his heart squeezed like it always did when she held onto him.

“I stay you,” Hannah said. Each word tumbled out of her with a jerk of her tiny shoulders.

“What happened to her?”

“Nothing happened to her. She hasn’t stopped screaming for the past hour and she bit three people. We can’t keep her like that.”

Several responses came to mind.

She’s just a baby.

She missed her nap.

And the loudest of all, it was my fault for leaving her.

Hannah raised her head to look at him, giant tears hanging from golden lashes. “I bite.”

“Well. At least she’s honest.” Professor Jenkins turned his questioning eyes to Nick. “She yours?”

He hesitated, but only a second. “My sister. But yes, she’s mine.” And at that moment she became even more his, which seemed to be the case every day. Every day, a little more his.
______________________________________________
5Star+
Michel’s Review
They say all good things are worth waiting for and for the most part that is true.  For Nick Walker and Mia James the wait was a painful journey that changed both of their lives.
***
Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor is a spinoff of the highly rated McKinney Brothers series.  In the new McKinney / Walker series, readers are meeting Hannah Walker’s ( Worth The Risk) older brothers.  It all begins with Nick Walker, the oldest of the boys, and the man who raised Hannah after their parents death.
***
Nick Walker was a nineteen year old college boy when his parents where killed.  Rather than allowing distant relatives to break up their family, Nick stepped up.  Dealing with his fourteen year old twin brothers and sixteen year old rebellious brother was enough to keep him busy but raising his two year old sister made him a parent.  The first few months were almost impossible.  He was a boy becoming an instant father.  He was determined to give Hannah the best life possible.  When he met Mia James at school, it was the wrong time as well as the right time.  They both instantly clicked even though their lives were on different paths.  Through sheer determination Nick and Mia made their lives work.  For twelve years their lives were good.  They became Hannah’s parents.  Their relationship was finally moving towards the next level.  It was time to marry and begin their own family. But life has a way of changing things in a single moment.
***
Hannah was kidnapped at age fourteen.  The months she was missing tore Nick and Mia apart.  Their relationship crumbled.  When Hannah was finally returned and irrevocably broken, Nick had to focus only on her.  He lost himself and he lost Mia.  Mia was just as devastated by Hannah’s kidnapping.  Not only has she lost the man she loves but she also lost the girl she has nurtured and loved for years.
***
Their lives were torn apart.  They both went in different directions.  Ten years later they once again in each’s others paths.  This time Nick is going to do everything in his power to get Mia back.  He has lived with his regrets for ten long years.  He’s raised his sister.  Hannah has become a whole person.  Through the love of Stephen McKinney, she is grabbing a hold of life.  Now he must do the same.
***
I have loved the McKinney series but Worth The Wait has become my favorite.  Claudia Connor delivered an emotional story that every person can relate to.  Nick and Mia won my hearts from the very beginning.  I hurt right along with them and rejoiced when they found each other once again.  A love that powerful is Worth The Wait!
_______________________________________________

 

Author Bio

Claudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers. Her debut novel, WORTH THE FALL, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2014 and received numerous Best Contemporary Romance of 2014 accolades.

Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in early childhood education. After teaching kindergarten and first grade for ten years, she retired to be a full-time mom to her three daughters. Always a lover of books, and always one to have stories playing in her mind, she decided to try her hand at writing. It took seven years to finish her first novel and a new love was born.

Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a singer-songwriter Siberian Husky. She continues to write warm, heartfelt, and emotional romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after.

Author Links

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Surrender by Lisa Renee Jones – Careless Whispers Series – Book 3

Today we have the release week blitz for Surrender by Lisa Renee Jones. Grab your copy of the finale to this fantastic series now!

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About The Careless Whisper Series:

Get your copy today:

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Careless Whispers – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

Passion burns fiercely hot between Ella Ferguson and Kayden Wilkens, the man who held secrets and lies in his hands, and then allowed them to fall into hers. But even though he has become her anchor–helping her recover from amnesia after finding her unconscious in an alley, and allowing her into his secret world–all is not what it seems. Kayden still has secrets, and pieces of Ella’s past are still shrouded in the darkness of her mind, while the powerful man who hunts her will not stop until she is his. In this final, explosive novel in the Careless Whispers series, Ella discovers that while her life with Kayden didn’t begin in that dark alley…it could easily end there.

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5Star

Tracey’s Review

And, here we are, at the end of the twisting, turning, action-packed, passion-filled ride that is the Careless Whispers series by author Lisa Renee Jones. I’m a little sad to see it end, but, what a journey it has been.

In this third installment of the series, Ella’s memories of a murky and dangerous past become more and more clear, and revolve around a man who will do anything to obtain the things that he wants. What he wants, along with one of Ella’s still-emerging secret, is Ella herself. With the help of Kayden and the Underground, as well as another surprising ally, Ella is finally able to put all of the pieces together, and bring everything full-circle.

SURRENDER is a fast-paced read, dark, mysterious, and rife with danger, passion, and edge of your seat intrigue. Lisa does a fantastic job of tying up all of the loose ends, bringing in characters from her Inside Out, the books where we first met Sara, as well as her and Tall, Dark, & Deadly series, and giving Ella and Kayden the ending that I’d been hoping for. 5 delicious stars for this book, and, while I’m sorry to see this story end, I cannot wait to see what Lisa has in store for us. I cannot recommend the SURRENDER and the whole Careless Whispers and Inside Out series enough. My recommendation? Start at the beginning and savor this amazing group of characters.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

*****

ella1111122222Catch Up On The Series Now:

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Denial

Careless Whispers – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks

 

Ella Ferguson awakes alone in Italy, unsure of who she is, and a gorgeous man has claimed her as his own. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, with money and power, the kind of man who makes a girl want to be possessed. And he does possess her, whispering wicked wonderful promises to her, stealing her trust and her heart. Soon though, the past finds her, yanking her from a cocoon of passion and safety. Everything is not how it seems. The truth will shatter her world, but it can set her free, if it doesn’t destroy her first.

*****

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Demand

Careless Whispers – Book 2

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks

Synopsis

Still struggling with amnesia, Ella questions everything she’s known about Kayden Wilkens–the alluring stranger who claims to have found her unconscious in an alleyway. But was he truly a stranger–or did Kayden know her before his supposed rescue? Tormented by the potential betrayal he denies, with fleeting memories of a bombshell in her recent past, Ella must face a hard reality. Every action has consequences . . . and trusting Kayden, the one thing she most desires, might result in the direst consequences of all.

 

*****

 

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Behind Closed Doors

An Inside Out Story

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks

Synopsis

Vegas. A bet. A sexy, alpha millionaire. Blackmail. Danger and scorching passion.
Desperate to pay for law school, Skye tries her hand at auction hunting with her friend Ella, only to find a poker chip and a note leading to an offsite locker. The next thing she knows, Jason “Red Bull” Wise–a famous, millionaire poker player–is at her door, accusing her of blackmail. Innocent, she swears he’s wrong. He rolls the dice and believes her, impulsively inviting her along to Las Vegas. And remarkably, cautious Skye takes a risk, finding herself seduced by this dangerously alluring man, on his private jet, and finally living life to the fullest. But there is more than passion waiting for Skye and Jason in Vegas when blackmail takes a deadly turn.

 

 

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About Lisa Renee Jones:

lisa-renee-jones-headshot-275New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series, which is now in development for a television show to be produced by Suzanne Todd of Team Todd (Alice in Wonderland). Suzanne Todd on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with. I’m thrilled to develop a television show that will tell Sara’s whole story – her life, her work, her friends, and her sexuality.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin’s Press.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Connect with Lisa:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones

Twitter – https://twitter.com/LisaReneeJones

Instagram – http://instagram.com/lisareneejones

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones

Text List and Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LRJTextList

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Enter Lisa’s Giveaway:

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Release Blitz: All They Wanted by Kelly Elliott

 

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wanted-series_8_amazonI could write an awesome synopsis of All They Wanted. Tell you how you’re going to get more of Gunner and Ellie, Josh and Heather, and the oh-so-sexy Jeff and his outspoken bride, Ari, as they head out on a couples camping trip.

Never mind that both Ari and Heather are pregnant and moody. Or that Gunner forgot to bring the food … I mean really, Gunner? I could even tell you how Josh takes a tumble down a hill and—

Now you didn’t really think I was going to tell you what happens … did you?

 

 

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

 

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author-photoElliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

FACEBOOK | TWITTER| GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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New Release + Review: No Bad Days by J. Sterling – A Fisher Brothers Novel

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No Bad Days

Fisher Brothers Series – Book 1

By J. Sterling

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

New York Times Bestselling author J. Sterling brings you her latest laugh out loud, angst filled romantic standalone you won’t want to miss!

Nick Fisher is State’s most eligible bachelor–confident, creative, and driven–and is completely aware that every girl he knows is trying to land him. But Nick is more than the marketing genius everyone sees on the outside. In fact, his life is far more complicated than anyone suspects . . . even his own brothers.

Jess Michaelson knows she shouldn’t want Nick like all the other girls do, but she’s crazy about him anyway. How could anyone resist those charms? When he focuses his attention on her, she has no idea what she’s truly in for.

Sometimes love is hard.
But it’s worth the fight.

___________________________________

3 Star

Michel’s Review

J. Sterling has a new series featuring three sexy brothers.  No Bad Days is the first in the series and features the youngest brother, Nick Fisher.  Nick is a senior in college.  On the surface it appears that Nick has led the enchanted life.  He has a reputation of being a ladies man.  He’s the president of his fraternity.  It’s very clear he’s extremely intelligent and has a very bright future ahead.  Beneath the surface is a very troubled young man.  A young man that is being controlled by his father.  His dreams for the future are being crushed.  He can’t even tell his older brothers because the father they grew up with was a different kind of man.  He’s hanging onto his college days and freedom for dear life.  When he meets a girl that could make a difference in his future, his life begins to spiral out of control once again.

Jess Michaelson has secretly crushed on Nick Fisher.  When their paths finally cross she meets a different Nick Fisher than most people know.  Jess and Nick click on every level.  Their relationship is going full speed ahead until life rears it’s ugly head.  Jess is being forced to switch schools because of her major.  Nick can’t handle long distance relationships.  A vicious woman is waiting on the sidelines to swoop in and grab Nick by the balls.

What happens next?  Some very bad decisions that destroy everything Nick and Jess had.

For fans of new adult romances with a lot of angst and back & forth are going to eat this book up.  For me it was a bit predictable and immature.  I wanted Nick to have more substance and backbone.  I loved Jess and the strength she was able to muster in a bad situation.  Overall I think this book is for a younger reader base.

I am looking forward to Nick’s older brothers stories.  These guys have ten years on Nick and a lot more life experiences.  I think I will be able to relate to their stories a little more.

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About J. Sterling

j. sterlingI got fired from my last job. It’s true. I know you’re sitting there thinking “Jenn, how could anyone in their right mind fire someone as amazing and awesome as you???” And i’d love to give you a good reason, but the truth is- being this awesome is clearly very scary to other less awesome people.

So I said screw them and started writing my first book. And you know what I realized? Writing books that mean something to me is a million times better than working for my ass off for someone who doesn’t really care about anything other than the bottom line.

My soul feels more satisfied.
My heart, more full.

So thank you for reading, loving and recommending the stories I write.
I appreciate it more than you know. 🙂

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review and Giveaway: Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor

 

 

Title: Worth the Wait
Series: McKinney/Walker #1
Author: Claudia Connor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Blurb
The first in a spin off series of the New York Times Bestselling McKinney Brothers, WORTH THE WAIT takes readers on a journey through young love into adulthood in a heartwrenching, second chance love story.Nick Walker thought nothing could destroy what he had with Mia. He certainly never thought he would be the one to destroy it.Now ten years later, Mia James is in Special Agent Nick Walker’s path once again and this time he’s determined to shed the weight of regret and finally claim the future that was always meant to be theirs.

It won’t be easy. Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick and now, just when she’d pieced it back together, it’s been broken again, bringing their past to the surface, including her own secret about that day everything went wrong.

***Every title by Claudia Connor is a Contemporary Romance and a full stand alone novel. No cheating, no love triangle, no cliff hanger.

 

 

 

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Excerpt

~twenty-four years ago Nick pressed two fingers into the sleep deprived headache pounding in his temple and tried to concentrate on professor Jenkins’s explanation of ideal gas law. He circled a line of notes, ignored the knock on the auditorium door until he heard the familiar cry. Hannah, who he’d left in the university daycare two hours ago.

The high pitched wail wasn’t his two year old sister’s hurt cry. It was her scared cry with a touch of pissed off. In the six months since their parents’ death, he’d learned to tell the difference. He’d learned a lot of things. Like if he didn’t take her to the bathroom, she’d likely wait too long and have an accident. Like green beans made her throw up, but she’d eat them if he told her to. And she would never, ever go to sleep without Mr. Bunny.

He was up, out of his seat, and halfway down the auditorium stairs before his professor laid his pen down.

Nick’s eyes narrowed on the young blonde in an oversized sweatshirt with silk greek letters sewn on the front. She held a sobbing Hannah dressed in the sunny yellow sundress he’d picked out that morning. She hadn’t been crying when he left her. Now her eyes were red and snot mixed with tears dripped into her mouth. Hannah lunged for him. His arms engulfed her small body and his heart squeezed like it always did when she held onto him.

“I stay you,” Hannah said. Each word tumbled out of her with a jerk of her tiny shoulders.

“What happened to her?”

“Nothing happened to her. She hasn’t stopped screaming for the past hour and she bit three people. We can’t keep her like that.”

Several responses came to mind.

She’s just a baby.

She missed her nap.

And the loudest of all, it was my fault for leaving her.

Hannah raised her head to look at him, giant tears hanging from golden lashes. “I bite.”

“Well. At least she’s honest.” Professor Jenkins turned his questioning eyes to Nick. “She yours?”

He hesitated, but only a second. “My sister. But yes, she’s mine.” And at that moment she became even more his, which seemed to be the case every day. Every day, a little more his.
______________________________________________
5Star+
Michel’s Review
They say all good things are worth waiting for and for the most part that is true.  For Nick Walker and Mia James the wait was a painful journey that changed both of their lives.
***
Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor is a spinoff of the highly rated McKinney Brothers series.  In the new McKinney / Walker series, readers are meeting Hannah Walker’s ( Worth The Risk) older brothers.  It all begins with Nick Walker, the oldest of the boys, and the man who raised Hannah after their parents death.
***
Nick Walker was a nineteen year old college boy when his parents where killed.  Rather than allowing distant relatives to break up their family, Nick stepped up.  Dealing with his fourteen year old twin brothers and sixteen year old rebellious brother was enough to keep him busy but raising his two year old sister made him a parent.  The first few months were almost impossible.  He was a boy becoming an instant father.  He was determined to give Hannah the best life possible.  When he met Mia James at school, it was the wrong time as well as the right time.  They both instantly clicked even though their lives were on different paths.  Through sheer determination Nick and Mia made their lives work.  For twelve years their lives were good.  They became Hannah’s parents.  Their relationship was finally moving towards the next level.  It was time to marry and begin their own family. But life has a way of changing things in a single moment.
***
Hannah was kidnapped at age fourteen.  The months she was missing tore Nick and Mia apart.  Their relationship crumbled.  When Hannah was finally returned and irrevocably broken, Nick had to focus only on her.  He lost himself and he lost Mia.  Mia was just as devastated by Hannah’s kidnapping.  Not only has she lost the man she loves but she also lost the girl she has nurtured and loved for years.
***
Their lives were torn apart.  They both went in different directions.  Ten years later they once again in each’s others paths.  This time Nick is going to do everything in his power to get Mia back.  He has lived with his regrets for ten long years.  He’s raised his sister.  Hannah has become a whole person.  Through the love of Stephen McKinney, she is grabbing a hold of life.  Now he must do the same.
***
I have loved the McKinney series but Worth The Wait has become my favorite.  Claudia Connor delivered an emotional story that every person can relate to.  Nick and Mia won my hearts from the very beginning.  I hurt right along with them and rejoiced when they found each other once again.  A love that powerful is Worth The Wait!
_______________________________________________

 

Author Bio

Claudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers. Her debut novel, WORTH THE FALL, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2014 and received numerous Best Contemporary Romance of 2014 accolades.

Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in early childhood education. After teaching kindergarten and first grade for ten years, she retired to be a full-time mom to her three daughters. Always a lover of books, and always one to have stories playing in her mind, she decided to try her hand at writing. It took seven years to finish her first novel and a new love was born.

Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a singer-songwriter Siberian Husky. She continues to write warm, heartfelt, and emotional romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after.

Author Links

Release Blitz + Review: Wild Kisses by Skye Jordan – The Wildwood Series – Book 2

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Wild Kisses

Wildwood Series – Book 2

By Skye Jordan

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

Newly divorced, Avery Hart returns home to Wildwood eager to take on her dream opportunity and transform her family’s dive bar into her own bakery. The contractor for hire isn’t just a master with his hands—he’s big, built, and wears a tool belt like nobody’s business. Despite being an ex-con, Trace Hutton is irresistible. Too bad he’d never go for someone as inexperienced as Avery.

Trace needs to focus on the job at hand, not daydream about smearing icing all over the sexy baker…and licking it off. This job is the key to getting his construction company back on its feet after his time in prison. Besides, no one deserves a fresh start more than Avery, and she certainly won’t get that with him.

After a delectable night of passion (and pie), Trace craves something more. But he’ll be damned if he’ll let his checkered past crush her dreams. And as Avery starts to realize how Trace fulfills more than just her physical needs, she struggles with whether to let her history decide her future, or explore the wild new possibilities of forever…

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4.5 Star

Michel’s Review

The Hart sisters are back and Wildwood has never been hotter.  With the release of the second book in Wildwood Series, Skye Jordan has turned up the heat.

Avery Hart returned to Wildwood after her sister Delaney convinced her to return home after her disastrous divorce.  Avery is struggling to become a stronger woman after many years of neglect.  Being an army wife had taught her how to become independent and self sufficient but didn’t teach her how to value herself.  She is weary of love and commitment after her husband’s betrayal.  Coming home to Wildwood is her second chance.  Her chance to become whole.  A chance to prove to herself that she has value.

Avery and Delaney have chosen to turn the family bar into a restaurant and catering business.  Avery has a gift in the kitchen.  Her pastries and baked goods are in high demand.  She’s building a solid reputation in the community while the renovations are being done to the bar.  She has become in high demand and is working her fingers to the bone.  She doesn’t have time for romance but the sexy contractor is a big temptation.  He’s proving that she is a desirable woman that deserves to have her needs met.  He is also very leary of labeling their affair as a relationship.  He has his own issues and family problems that have destroyed his life.  Now he is responsible for taking care of his father and trying to rise above his jaded past.

Trace Hutton is a convicted felon.  He spent his younger years in prison.  Being a man with a record is hard enough, let alone being a business owner.  He is struggling to keep his contracting business afloat.  He has to go one step beyond to prove to the community of Wildwood that he is a man that is dependable and productive.  The last thing he needs is Avery Hart tempting his heart.

Both Avery and Trace struggle to find their place in Wildwood.  Their biggest struggle is learning their own value and accepting themselves.  Once they can learn that, their relationship may not be doomed.  It may be their saving grace.

The Wildwood series is one of Skye Jordan’s more erotic series.  The passionate love scenes are sizzling hot.  What makes this series shine is the characters.  They are very strong and compelling people with very real issues.  Their lives are anything but perfect.  I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Kisses and can’t wait to see what comes next in the Wildwood series.  There is a missing Hart sister that needs to return home to Wildwood.

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The Wildwood Series

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Forbidden Fling

Wildwood Series – Book 1

By Skye Jordan

Release Date: July 26, 2016

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

Forbidden Fling, Book 1 in the Wildwood Series by Skye Jordan

Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak.

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Joan Author PhotoSkye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan. Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance. And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better.

When she’s not writing, Skye loves to read, knit, craft, row, ride, and dabble in photography.

 Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Safe Bet by Monica Murphy

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Safe Bet
The Rules Series – Book 4
By Monica Murphy
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Synopsis

Sydney Walker’s new job is perfect. As the live-in nanny to the most famous quarterback in the NFL and his beautiful wife, she couldn’t have it any better. Their kids are adorable. Her bosses are more than generous. Plus, there are hot football players at the house all the time. Life can’t get much better than this.

Until her life turns into an absolute nightmare. The media is abuzz with rumors that she and her boss Drew Callahan are having a torrid affair. Everyone knows the truth–except the public. So Drew’s wife Fable comes up with the perfect idea.

She creates a fake relationship between Sydney and one of the rookie players on Drew’s team. Wade Knox is forever indebted to Drew and Fable and readily agrees to the set up. Pretending to be in a romantic relationship with the hot nanny for a week–how hard can it be?

Crazy how it only takes one week for two people to fall head over heels in love…

(This mash-up new adult romance features characters from both the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series.)

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Excerpt:
“Drew!” Fable
calls, waving him over. “Come meet Sydney.”
He starts to head
over there and when he sends me a look over his shoulder, I reluctantly follow
him. I really don’t need to be involved in this scenario, but I just can’t tell
him that, can I? It would be rude. And I’m never rude to Drew and Fable.
Ever.
“Sydney, this is
my husband, Drew. Drew, this is Sydney Walker. She’s going to be our new
nanny,” Fable says, sounding pleased. She looks over at her husband with a
little wince. “I hope you don’t mind that I went ahead and hired her.”
“Of course I don’t
mind. I trust your judgment.” Drew turns to greet Sydney. “Good to meet you,”
he says as he gives Sydney a firm handshake. She’s staring up at him, her lips
slightly parted, her eyes wide. Full on awestruck, which is typical. He’s a
superstar. That’s how most people look at Drew when they first meet him.
“Hi,” she squeaks,
her cheeks going pink as she releases Drew’s hand. Her gaze slips to mine, and
then flitters away. But that one quick glance was like a sucker punch to my
gut.
The nanny is
beautiful.
I take a deep
breath, shoving my hands in my jeans’ pockets so I won’t do something
stupid—like try to grab her. She has pretty blue eyes and a full mouth that’s
made for kissing. Her curves are even lusher than I first realized. She has
full hips and a tiny waist and shapely legs. But I can’t worry about pretty
nannies right now. I have to concentrate on work.
It still blows my
mind that I might play for the NFL. That football is my job. I’m a lucky son-of-a-bitch.
“Sydney, this is
Wade Knox. He’s an old family friend,” Fable says, knocking me from my
thoughts. I blink and look down to find Sydney smiling up at me, interest
clearly showing in her gaze. Hmm. “Wade, this is Sydney.”
“Hey Sydney.” I
shake her hand, electricity pulsing between us the moment our palms touch. She
jerks her hand away from mine as if I burned her. Guess she felt it too.
Interesting.
“Nice to meet
you,” she murmurs as she takes a step back. Like she needs the distance.
Even more interesting.
We make small talk
for a few minutes before Fable takes Sydney back to the house, and the moment
the door shuts behind them, Drew’s talking.
“The nanny’s
cute,” he observes, his voice way too nonchalant.
“Uh huh.”
“She looked at you
like she thought you were cute, too.”
I roll my eyes. He
never says stuff like this, so what’s his deal? “Cute? What are you doing?
Trying to play matchmaker?” I send him a pointed look. “Give me a break. I
don’t need the distraction.”
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5Star
Michel’s Review
It’s hard to believe that the One Week Girlfriend series is over four years old.  Drew and Fable took readers by storm.  Their story was truly unforgettable.  While they were the forefront of the series there were other characters that were part of their solid foundation.  Wade Knox has been a part of that foundation from the beginning.  We met him as a young teenage buy.  His antics with Owen were notorious even though he really didn’t have a voice in the series.  As the series matured and began to spread it’s wings, so did Wade Knox.  He finally became a full fledged character with a voice.  His place in the series was cemented.  Now… years later… Wade is getting the front seat.  What kind of girl could capture the heart of this dynamic guy?  Monica Murphy didn’t have to look far, she found the spoiled little sister, Sydney Walker, from The Rules series.  Two series coming together and exploding on the pages.  Two totally different types of book families melding together to become one family.  What a family reunion!
The paparazzi is trying to ruin Drew and Fable’s lives.  They are solid in their relationship and completely dedicated to their children.  When pictures and rumors begin to circulate that Drew is having an affair with the Naughty Nanny, it’s time to take matters into their own hands.  Drew and Fable know exactly how to handle this.  Create a fake relationship to deter the interest in another direction.  They need the Naughty Nanny to have a sizzling hot romance with someone else.  Who would fit the part better than the upcoming rookie, Wade Knox, who has all the right plays, all the right looks, and a heart of gold.  Wade would do anything for Drew and Fable, they are family.  Faking a romance with with the beautiful nanny, Sydney Walker, is not a hardship at all.
When the make believe romance turns into something more between Wade and Sydney, the entire family is on board.  Sometimes the best things in life begin with a little lie.
Monica Murphy stole my heart once again.  It was great to revisit all the characters from the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series.  It was a heartwarming reunion.
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CMP_Edit-8-2I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway : Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld

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It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.

Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld releasing January 2017!

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Break Point 

By Rachel Blaufeld

Release Date: January 9, 2017

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & NITunes / Kobo

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Blurb

 

Juliette Smith, star tennis player, is starting over at a new university. Traumatized by hazing at her last school, all she wants is to attend classes, win tennis matches, and be left the hell alone.

She should have known her coach, Drew King, would be a problem from the moment he flexed his sexy-as-hell forearms.

What happens when you mix a pissed-off woman with a bunch of snooty teammates and a hot coach?

A heated match, complete with team politics and a forbidden game of singles with the coach.

 

It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.

 

Unable to admit she may be better off as a double, Jules is convinced she needs to play the game of life alone. Then life throws her a lob and she runs smack into her past.

Coach King is back, and he wants to take control of the game. But she’s not certain she wants his advice when it comes to the life she’s built.

The power struggle is on, but this time off the court.

https://vimeo.com/198482418

 

Excerpt

I remained still, my arms wrapped around my knees, my jean shorts digging into the space where thigh met crotch as my red hair was whipped around my face by a passing breeze. I breathed in and out, counting backward from a hundred. Taking deep breaths and closing my eyes, I allowed positive energy to burn through me and eat away at the bad.

Giggles wafted from the benches below, near the fountain, and then drifted off as the other girls made their way out of the sports complex. Reality returned. It was present day, not back then when I was helpless.

Today I was in control.

Only after the others left—not that it mattered, I was invisible to them—did the coach nod in my direction and motion for me to come down.

That simple gesture felt like something more. Like I meant more to him than was appropriate for a coach and his student. His head tilted to the side for a beat too long, his gaze rested on me more thoughtfully than it had on the others, and he squinted at me in a way I liked very, very much.

“Think you can keep up with them?” He jerked his head back toward the gymnasium, a smirk twisting his mouth.

I zoned in on his lips and became a sailboat slicing through the sea, jumping into the blue ocean that was his eyes as I made my way down the stairs.

That’s your coach, Juliette. Let it be.

“I play singles, so I’m pretty sure I’ll hold my own with or without them,” I said from the bottom step, allowing my natural confidence to make an appearance. Hello, ego, my good friend.

“Yeah, I know. I meant, think you can hold your own with that crowd? In general?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to it,” I lied. I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with them. Not today. Not tomorrow.

Though, now that I was in the presence of Coach King—up close and personal, outside, shouting, coaching, wearing shorts—I was more excited than before. His forearms fascinated me all over again. They rippled with strength when he moved, making me wonder what they would look like braced over me.

I pulled my hair back into a messy knot at my nape, allowing the breeze to hit my heated neck. “Thanks for asking me to come and watch.”

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Michel’s Review

Looking for a forbidden romance that is loaded with angst?  Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld is what you are looking for.

Juliette Smith is a tennis superstar.  She had problems at her former college and is now being recruited for another school.  When her new coach, Drew King, shows up at her home, she knows she’s going to have problems at her new school.  She’s attracted to her new coach and suspects the attraction is mutual.

Drew knows he has to keep his attraction for Juliette hidden.  It could ruin them both.  The temptation is too much for either to handle.  When they finally give into the attraction it changes the course of their lives.

Their short lived affair has changed them both.  Drew left the school so that Juliette would have the opportunities she should have.  Juliette ended up leaving school anyways.

For six years both have lived their lives in the shadows of what could of been between them.  Their passion for one another isn’t the only secret being kept.  Will the ultimate truth tear them apart further or will it finally lead them to where they need to be?

I loved Drew King’s character.  He was truly an honorable man and handled a bad situation with great care.  I struggled with Juliette’s character.  I felt that she was a bit self centered.  She was more concerned about her repercussions than she was about Drew.  Her immaturity and selfish actions caused Drew to miss the first six years of being a father.  In this day and age, there was no need to keep this secret from him.  He was a good guy and always had her best interest at heart.

I personally struggle with these type of books… but that’s just me.  Break Point was well written and had some very emotional moments.  Fans of this type of book are going to embrace it whole heartedly.

 

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rachel-blaufeldRachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog,BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation.

Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously.

Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, anti-heroes, and mighty fine epilogues.

 

Stalk Rachel at: website / Twitter / Facebook

 

Sign up for her newsletter for the latest news on releases, sales, giveaways and other updates.

*****

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New Release + Review: Reason To Believe by Roxanne St. Claire – A Bullet Catchers Novella

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Reason To Believe

A Bullet Catchers Novella – Book 3.5

By Roxanne St. Claire

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire comes Reason to Believe–the perfect mix of romance and suspense. (Please note: this novella is a reissue of a title originally published in 2008 as part of a multi-author anthology called “What You Can’t See.”)

Arianna Killian is an engaging TV psychic and hostess of the popular show Closure where she is able to give guests one last conversation with a lost loved one. When she starts to have vivid visions of a brutal murder, Arianna believes she’s vulnerable to a killer who fears her clairvoyance, so she seeks protection from the elite security firm The Bullet Catchers.

Chase Ryker is well equipped to guard Arianna, as long as this pragmatic man of science isn’t expected to believe his client is anything more than a sophisticated guesser with a clever party skill. Regardless of who’s right about what’s real, Chase and Arianna battle a surprising magnetism that proves that opposites indeed attract. While they do, they must also adjust everything they believe about themselves and each other in order to stop a killer who will do anything to ensure Ar

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Michel’s Review

When the opportunity to review a Bullet Catchers novella by Roxanne St. Claire came across my desk I was thrilled to accept.  The Bullet Catcher series has been one of my all time favorite romantic suspense series.  Although this series is older, it is not outdated and is still exciting in our ever changing world of politics, technology, and international arenas.  This series is like watching a favorite suspense television series and becoming highly addicted. As a fan, you are anxiously awaiting the next episode or season. It becomes a classic you are thrilled to go back and watch reruns of every season even though you know what is going happen.  It’s the cast of characters that has caught and held your attention.  The Bullet Catchers series is exactly that.  It’s loaded with dynamic characters employed by the Bullet Catchers Security Agency.  Each member brings something exciting to the table.  The roster includes former FBI agents, CIA, organized crime connections, former astronauts, and international operators.

Reason To Believe features Chase Ryker, the former astronaut.  Chase is a man of science.  He doesn’t believe in the supernatural or psychic abilities.  He believes in facts and hard evidence.  When he is assigned to protect television pyschic Arianna Killian, he is in for a new learning experience.  Sometimes hard evidence and obvious facts are not the real clues.  Premonitions and open minds may be the factor that saves the day.  Not only is Chase going to learn to look beyond what he can see, he is also going to learn that the heart doesn’t need facts or hard proof before it declares love.  Some things in life where destined to be, his heart was destined to love Arianna.  Now he has to keep her alive so that they can have their tomorrows.

Although this novella was previously published several years ago, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and was riveted by the suspense.  Chase Ryker has been one of my favorite characters throughout the Bullet Catcher series.  I really wanted him to have a full length novel rather than novella.  He is a very complicated character that always had me intrigued.  It was great to revisit his story.  It was great to step into the Bullet Catcher world once again.

The publishing world has changed and the Bullet Catchers series came before the ebook explosion.  With the explosion of ereaders and ebooks the publishing world changed overnight.  Indie authors began publishing their works, publishing houses changed, and the print books began to disappear.  Traditionally published books in print where lost in the shuffle.  Readers had too many choices.  Traditional publishers were busy trying to adapt to the new markets.  The Bullet Catcher series is one that got lost in the shuffle. With the release of this novella maybe this series will come to the readers attention once again.  The Bullet Catchers series is a classic and timeless series .

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Bullet Catchers
This popular romantic suspense series (published between 2005 – 2010) centers on an elite group of bodyguards and security specialist run by a former CIA agent, Lucy Sharpe. Although the books all stand alone, many characters reappear throughout the series. In the middle of the series is a trilogy (First You Run, Then You Hide, Now You Die) which are closely related and contain a murder mystery arc that is launched in the beginning and solved at the end of the trilogy, but even those books stand alone. Also, within the series are a few novellas which can be found within other anthologies or online.

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97088I don’t know about you, but when I check out an author’s bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let’s skip the formal bio and I’ll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.

First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.

I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.

Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband’s gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.

xoxo
Rocki

Website ~ FB ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads