Friday, January 31, 2014

What if one night changed your life forever?

Maisie Scott lost not only her husband and unborn child in a tornado two years ago, she lost her will to live. Keeping busy is the only way she can get by. This small town waitress won't let herself get attached to anyone . . . until Ryan, the new veterinarian for exotic animals, starts making regular trips to her diner. As hard as she tries not to feel anything, Ryan ignites a spark in her broken heart.

Ryan Tucker craves a happy family of his own more than his momma’s apple pie. Getting over his fiancée leaving him six months ago, he moves to Pleasant Valley for a fresh start. When he meets Maisie and notices the sadness in her eyes, he is determined to put a smile on her pretty face.

When another dangerous storm hits, Ryan stays by Maisie's side. She fills the missing piece in his heart, but will Ryan share his secret? Can Maisie move on from the past and learn to begin again?

This is a sweet and beautiful romance that is all about loss, love and second chances. Maisie lost everything in a deadly storm and the loss of a child can be devastating. To lose her husband as well leaves her lost and shying away from love.

Ryan lost someone important to him as well. His loss was different but no less important and meeting Maisie makes him want to take another chance at love.

These two are a beautiful reminder that love comes and goes but never close your heart to the possibility of second chance.

Christy Newton is a hopeless romantic and writes many genres of romance. She just might be the only author out there that doesn’t drink caffeine, but dark chocolate is her must have. She falls in love with each of her heroes and hopes you will too! Christy is the author of the More Than Treasure Series and the Love Again Collection.

http://www.amazon.com/Begin-Again-ebook/dp/B00DV0XJ7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375126603&sr=1-1&keywords=begin+again+christy+newton

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-beginagain-1248971-237.html

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjggX_GTzEY&feature=share

Thursday, January 30, 2014

BLOG TOUR STOP! THE OPPOSITE OF WILD BY KYLIE GILMORE (@TastyBookTours)

Unleash the wild woman…?

Ex-cop Ryan O'Hare takes one look at buttoned-up control freak Liz Garner and just itches to loosen the woman up. Not that he’s into her. Because a woman like that comes with way too many expectations. Not to mention, she practically works for him, and he didn’t hire Liz to watch after his beloved Harley-stealing Gran so he could turn Liz loose in his bed. Still, there’s something about her, a hidden wild side, that makes him wonder what it would take.

Liz must be crazy to work for the insensitive, arrogant, horribly…hot man she's avoided for years. Unfortunately, she needs the money and Ryan's grandmother needs a keeper. (Midnight tango lessons and ziplines with Gran, anyone?) Ryan's rare smile and swaggering confidence have Liz torn between throwing her favorite pinot grigio at his head or throwing herself at him. Can this control freak find a way to let loose with the tough, no-strings guy who once broke her heart?

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/12/now-booking-tasty-review-tour-for_4.html

The Opposite of Wild is the first book in the Clover Park series by Kylie Gilmore. Liz is the younger sister to Daisy who she is always bailing out of situations her sister finds herself in. Liz thinks and acts much more responsible than Daisy. Liz is ready for children but without a man in her life, she is at a loss until her sister turns up pregnant.

Liz starts planning for a way to help Daisy. Liz’s second job turns out watching Maggie O’Hare. Maggie is a seventy two year old grandmother of three who after a near death experience is hell bent on living life to its fullest. Maggie is an amusing and fabulous character.

Ryan O’Hare is Maggie’s grandson and an ex-cop who is a hot and sexy man. Ryan takes one look at Liz and itches to loosen her up. His biggest issue is that Liz is the woman a man marries. And he is not looking for that or is he? As Ryan and Maggie take Liz out of her comfort zone, he is drawn to her.

The chemistry between Ryan and Liz is blazing. There biggest issue is that they have history that Ryan and Liz both remember completely different. The sex scenes were hot. I loved that they did not get too descriptive.

I found this book to be well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic. Ms. Gilmore’s writing style draws the reader in and does not let go until the very end of the story and leaves you wanting more. Overall, I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This book was marvelous.

After this start, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

This series starts off with an introduction to the Garner’s and the O’Hare’s, in the sleepy little town of Clover Park, Connecticut.

Liz Garner has a lot on her plate, but she thrives under pressure. From taking care of her inconsiderate sister, to Ryan’s saucy grandmother, she tends to forget about her own needs. She’s a little on the O.C.D side, but she’s also a nurturer with a heart of gold. A teacher in a small town, she never steps outside of her comfort zone, and always plans ahead. Her lack of spontaneity soon becomes a thing of the past as Maggie, or Ryan’s Gran, starts to rub off on her.

Although Ryan O’Hare’s worried about his grandmother, he soon becomes haunted by intimate visions of the uptight woman he hired to watch after her. Liz, once a sweet and chubby little girl, has blossomed into a beautiful woman that’s very guarded and tense. The thrill of the chase soon becomes too much for him to handle, as he finds himself scolding Gran’s caretaker more than Gran.

There’s a lot going on in this novel, but nothing is in excess and simply adds to the story. The setting is a quaint little town that reminds me of home, and some of the characters resemble people I know personally. The challenges faced by the hero and heroine were very realistic, as were their personalities. I came from the days when Tab was king and Jane Fonda was the Goddess of Fitness, so I was completely amazed by some of the advances dieters have made since then. The ending was fabulous, and I’m excited for the next edition. Great read!

Kylie Gilmore was lucky enough to discover romance novels at a young age as they were strewn all over the house (thanks, Mom!). She writes quirky, tender romance with a solid dose of humor. Her first book in the Clover Park series, The Opposite of Wild, will launch in January 2014 featuring the oldest of three brothers and his lady love. The next two books in the series give each brother his dream girl (eventually).

Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.

Website: http://www.kyliegilmore.com

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/KylieGilmoreToo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KylieGilmoreToo

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/KylieGilmore

Link to Rafflecopter Page, http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjI0Mw==/

Ryan just stood there, his sharp eyes studying her. "You're a puzzle, Liz."

"I am?"

He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear, and her heart caught in her throat at the gentle gesture. "You seem so…uptight," he said. She stiffened and took a step back. "But I know you were checking me out when I was mowing."

She flushed, but rallied quickly. "I was only bringing you water." She crossed her arms and said primly, "You surprised me when you dumped the water on your head. I was merely looking to see if you were going to do any other…surprising things."

His lips twitched. "You're like a librarian just waiting to let loose."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she bristled, hands on her hips.

"There it is." He smiled and stepped close, crowding her space. She drew in a quick breath, but held her ground. "The puzzle—fire and ice."

She put both hands on his solid chest and pushed him out the door. "Next time, mail the check." She shut the door in his face, turned and leaned against it. "Urgh!"

"That's what I'm talking about," he said through the door.

She ripped open the door. "Go away."

His head cocked to the side while he bit back a smile. "Is that any way to talk to your employer?"

"Gah!" She slammed the door and locked it. She heard his low laugh as he walked away.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

BLOG TOUR STOP! MULTIPLE REVIEWS! BIG GIRL PANTIES BY STEPHANIE EVANOVICH (@TastyBookTours)

In BIG GIRL PANTIES, Evanovich introduces readers to Holly Brennan—a 32-year old grieving widow in need of a change. Having spent too much time mired in sadness and grief-eating, Holly heads out of town to settle her husband’s estate and try to move on. Enter Logan Montgomery—a personal trainer to the country’s most famous professional athletes who also happens to be sitting next to her on the flight home.

Holly’s mortified by the way she’s squeezed into the airplane seat, but as they chat, Logan quickly realizes she has a sharp wit and keen insight—a welcome change from the sexy but superficial women he usually dates. When he impulsively offers to train her at his private gym, Holly surprises even herself and agrees.

Holly discovers she’s a natural athlete, and as her fitness level increases, so does a new found confidence. When Logan finally introduces Holly to his best friends, baseball superstar Chase Walker and his wife Amanda (a feisty curvy woman herself), they instantly see what Logan doesn’t; Holly is knockout. As their smoldering attraction starts to spark in earnest, Holly and Logan will have to decide if their love is for real…or just about looks.

BIG GIRL PANTIES is a fun, sexy, smart, and exceptionally saucy romp—a must-have book for the summer and a debut not to be missed.

Holly Brennan is a young widow. After the death of her husband, she became more comfortable with food and gained a lot of weight. She is drowning in feelings of being lost and alone. Holly has a great attitude toward life and things around her. Holly’s battle with weight was very accurate as she came to terms with food and her eating habits. I also loved that she made mistakes along the way. It make the battle more realistic.

Logan Montgomery is a hot and sexy man who is a personal trainer. In the beginning of the story, Logan comes across like a close-minded tool. He does not even seen beyond the exterior of Holly. I did enjoy that he offered to train her because with his help she does beginning to loss the weight. I was on the fence with Logan as to whether I liked him or hated him right up to the end.

The chemistry between Logan and Holly is blistering. However, Logan has trouble seeing Holly and anything other than how he first saw her on the plane. Logan’s friends keep pushing both Logan and Holly together and I wonder even now if that did not happen if anything would have come of the chemistry?

Ms. Evanovich did a great job writing this story. She embraced a tough subject and the attitudes that come with it and a magnificent book is the result. I found this book to be very realistic. The main and secondary characters are interesting. Overall, I hope to see these characters again in the future to see how they are in a few years.

I really enjoyed this book. I am a plus size girl so even though I would never have contemplated a relationship with Logan, (I think he is a douche who is obsessed with numbers) I thought the book itself was fun. Guys like Logan are so blinded by the things that are on the outside, they miss the incredible person that is on the inside. Logan was into Holly in a sexual way but he seemed to almost resent the fact that lust was there.

Holly was an amazing person and I give credit where credit is due. I am hoping that we see more from these characters in Stephanie Evanovich's future works.

This is a novel that all women should read!

Evanovich has such an amusing, and down to earth way of depicting her characters, I fell in love with them immediately! The mantra of “be the best you that you can be” translates beautifully throughout the entire story. There were times that I laughed so hard, I cried!

I was in an accident a few years back that completely debilitated me and caused me to gain around a hundred pounds, in less than a year. I know how hard it is to get back into a healthy routine, and quite frankly, back to life after you’ve mastered the downward spiral. This author has taken a serious situation and turned it into one of the most comical and romantic stories I’ve read in a long time. Holly is my hero, and I adore Logan! Their story is not unusual, but it is unique. She’s found the courage to live life to its fullest again, and he’s found beauty beyond the surface. Filled with scenes that will make you lose composure for a moment, I highly recommend this wonderfully written novel! Bravo Stephanie Evanovich!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Girl-Panties-Stephanie-Evanovich/dp/0062224859/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1387392610

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-girl-panties-stephanie-evanovich/1113200658?ean=9780062224859

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/12/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for_18.html

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.

Visit Stephanie at facebook.com/stephanieevanovichbooks

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieEvanovichBooks

https://twitter.com/SEEVANOVICH

http://www.stephanieevanovich.com/

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Five Print Copies of BIG GIRL PANTIES)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjIzOA==/

Friday, January 24, 2014

MULTIPLE REVIEWS! A COLLAR FOR CHRISTMAS BY A.E LAWLESS

Title: A Collar For Christmas

Author: A.E. Lawless

Publisher: Loose ID

Publication Date: 24^th December 2013

Genre: M/M BDSM

Hosted By:Luscious Laylah Release Day

For actor Liam, anxiety and panic attacks are old friends, but they only get worse the more famous he gets. Nothing has ever worked to help him control the anxiety until his costar, Aaron, introduces him to bondage. Too bad Liam develops feelings for Aaron and ruins the only solution he's ever found for his neuroses.

Aaron only wants to keep history from repeating itself. He's already had one costar spin out of control, resulting in her tragic death, he can't just sit idly by and watch another friend and colleague destroy himself from the inside out. He'll do anything to keep that from happening--even enter into a non-sexual BDSM arrangement with him.What starts out as a way to control Liam's anxiety becomes so much more. At least for Liam. So, tired of pretending he doesn't want Aaron in his life for good, Liam decides to give him the perfect Christmas gift. The kind that will show Aaron exactly what Liam wants from their relationship: the collar he's been dreaming of Aaron putting on him for months.

I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would, from the blurb the book came across as stereotypical. However, after reading the book it was not that in the least. Liam struggles with panic attacks, anxiety not from his job as an actor but it seems the fame, and the expectations that come with the fame drive it. Liam is an extremely likeable character. He is well aware of his issues and tries his best to work on them. It also seems that Liam has issues one type or another most of his life.

Aaron is Liam’s costar seems to be the only one able to help Liam when his panic attacks and anxiety spin out of control. Aaron seems to be helping Liam not just to help Liam but also to help him deal with his past. Aaron comes across as a hardheaded likable guy that can bury his head in the sand and not face what is in front of him.

The chemistry between Aaron and Liam is blistering. I am surprised they were involved in a non-sexual BDSM relationship for as long as they were. I loved the sex scenes at the end. It was perfect way for their relationship to progress. I admire the strength and courage it took for Liam to tell Aaron his needs even if it meant that Aaron would walk away. Not many people can do that even on their best days.

I found this book extremely interesting. I had a hard time putting this book down. I found it to be well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic. Overall, this was a great book one that I can see rereading in the future (and to me that is the best complement a writer can get). I have not read anything by this author before but I will be keeping my eyes out for more.

Liam is a young star on a hit TV show, but he has a problem. He is shy and has had a serious problem with anxiety for his entire life. Just when he thinks that he can't hack it anymore, in comes Aaron, his friend and co-star on the show.

Aaron wants to help his friend get though his issues, partly out of friendship and partly to make amends for a skeleton in his past. Liam and Aaron figure out a solution to help with Liam's problems, one that really blurs the lines between friendship and something more.

As these things tend to do , the relationship gets more complicated by the fact that Liam is developing stronger feelings for Aaron. Liam desperately needs to know if the feelings are mutual so on a whim he buys Aaron a leather collar for Christmas, knowing that one way or another he will get his answer...

I was a little skeptical going into this book as it is not my norm, but I was pleasantly surprised by the authors ability to pull me in and really make me feel for the characters. You really can't help but feel the angst of the main characters and to understand what they are going through. The story moved along at a slow pace at first but picked up as you read on and ended up turning into a good read. I especially liked the secondary characters because instead of just fodder to fill the background with they were well thought out and real, had depth and added to the overall telling of the story. The main characters also developed and changed, which as we know is what happens in real life. All in all a good read, and I definitely will read more books by this author.

Amazon

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18806544-a-collar-for-christmas

A.E. lives in south Louisiana where everything is bigger, covered in camo and made with more butter. She sweats her way through the summers because she loves the people, the food and the culture found only there.

She couldn't manage any writing at all without copious amounts of coffee and her writing partner: her cat Bacon

Website: http://lawlessfiction.wix.com/home
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ae.lawless

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/aelawlessauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7254452.A_E_Lawless

Also by A.E. Lawless

A Perfect Solution

Genre: BDSM & Fetish, Contemporary; LGBT

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18453599-a-perfect-solution

REVIEW BY BRANDY! PIECES OF YOU BY GENNA RULON

Title: Pieces for You (For You #2)

Author: Genna Rulon

Genre: New Adult 18+

Publication Date: December 17, 2013

Cover Designed By: G. Relyea Designs

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~ Synopsis ~

"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460174-pieces-for-you

Like a lot of people I have my own demons that taint my life in someway. The premise behind Pieces of you is one that has filtered into my life. You can imagine the pain that my heart felt at the agony that Sam endured. I have felt that helplessness and the fear that comes from it. Griffin understands Sam in a way that is beautiful to see. The lengths he goes to in order to help her find her pieces is amazing.

I sit here with tears still in my eyes because I know that sometimes you have to face the devil straight on and dance in Hell before you can become the phoenix that you are meant to be. Sam found her fire and rose from the ashes and Genna Rulon managed to capture the essence and emotions that these characters demanded. Ev and Hunter are the type of family that you choose to grab hold of and make yours. I have done that myself a time or two.

Make sure that you read Everleigh's story in Only For You so you get the full story of everything that happened and how. My readers know that I try not to give into spoilers. I find that it taints the story for bookworms like me. I no longer rate my reviews but I will tell you that Genna Rulon is on my to buy list and I would be honored to shake her hand. Thank you for giving a voice to those who have been forced to silence.

P.S. Genna, I hope you know that Lionel made my christmas card list forever.

~ About the Author ~

Genna Rulon is an up and coming contemporary romance author.

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels. Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

Connect with Genna: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr

Thursday, January 23, 2014

REVIEW BY VICTORIA! CLOAKED IN FUR BY T.F. WALSH (@tfwalsh)

A modern tale weaved with a fresh twist on werewolf legends, today's forensics, betrayal, romance, and a dash of kick-ass.

As a moonwulf, Daciana never expected to fall in love with a human. Hell, she never imagined that she'd abandon her pack, endanger everyone around her, and break the worst rule possible. But she did.

A rogue werewolf is killing Daciana's friends, and she sets on capturing the creature. She'll do whatever it takes to stop the beast. The police and her boyfriend, Inspector Connell Lonescu, are starting to question her involvement in the murders, which is endangering the pack's secret existence. But when the pack alpha kidnaps Connell, revealing the awful truth about the creature and its connection to the pack, Daciana must choose between saving the man she loves and saving her pack family from certain death.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Warning: Bloodthirsty monsters, sexy men, and intense suspense.

Daciana, or Daci as those around her call her, is a moonwulf that has fell in love with a human, Connell. Now she wants to leave her pack to be with him for a chance at happiness. However, Daci leaving with endanger everyone around her. Daci is a strong woman but she does not tell Connell who she really is. From early on in the story Daci reminds you of an alpha over concern for those around her.

Connell is a sexy man and a great match for Daci. He is head over heels in love with her. Connell at times comes across as aloof. Connell is commented to his job and telling the truth so when he lies to his boss and those around him to protect Daci it’s a huge sign about how much he loves her. I loved that Daci also “got” the importance of it as well.

As Daci tries to balance finding the dracwulf and not telling Connell who she is, and try to leave the pack as well. She has a lot on her plate and handles it very well. I enjoyed that Daci had flaws she was not perfect. They only thing that would have made this story better was a stronger showing of how much Connell loved Daci.

Ms. Walsh does a great job of sucking you into the story and not letting you go until the very end. I found this book to be very well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic. Ms. Walsh is very descriptive especially with the action scenes. They just come alive. I really hope with is the beginning of a series because I want to know what happens next for Daci, Connell, and the rest of the pack. This was a magnificent book!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

BLOG TOUR STOP! THE BANOVIC SIBLINGS BY GILLIAN FELIX (@gillianfx)

College boy Kevin Banovic’s casual affair with Savi DaCosta suited him perfectly. Things change when he finds out that Savi is his mom’s high school bestie. When Kevin tries to end their affair, Savi blackmails him. After Kevin rescues Savi’s stepdaughter, L’Wren, from her abusive boyfriend, he can’t stop thinking about her. He must find a way to handle Savi, protect L’Wren, and keep his sanity.

Bad girl Adriana Banovic is pleased with herself for getting her nemesis expelled from Westwood Academy. As feelings between her and her latest victim Haze Lyndon escalate, an unexpected rival discovers her secret and threatens to expose her. With emotions on the line, will her new rival beat her at her own game or end up another casualty of Adriana’s wrath?

Zax Banovic has it all. Tall and handsome, he’s an academic genius, with a killer smile and a heart of gold. When his best friend gets into trouble, he feels responsible and covers for him. But his best friend is not as honorable and has other plans for Zax.

The Banovic Siblings learn that blackmail is a gift that keeps on giving. This is the second book in the Family Portrait novel series.

If you like shows like the original Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210 and Nashville, where the guys and girls are hot and the schemes are hotter, you will like The Banovic Siblings.

Just for the record, I received a copy of this in exchange for my review.

I am a fan of Gillian Felix's work. This book picks up and takes you on a drama filled roller coaster. Her characters are real and flawed. I love that in a book! There are only so many "perfect" characters you can take before you chuck the book out the window. These siblings are a handful that I feel you either love or hate. I have to say that no good deed goes unpunished and I think that you guys will love the Banovic crew!

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.

Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.

Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjUzMTkyNzE4NTcwZjY1MDliNWU1MGM0MWRiMzMwOjQ=/

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

PROMO! RUN FOR LOVE BY ANNA V. MOORE

Synopsis:

Gia is a successful business woman. She is smart, kind and very attractive. She thinks she has everything she wants in life until she meets Joe. He is a sexy, successful man. Run for Love follows their story.

Buy it on Amazon and add Run for Love to your TBR on Goodreads

Excerpt

“Please, Scott, for seven years I’ve loved working here, even though I work fifty to sixty hours a week. I love running with you and going to charity events with you, but most of all, I love being myself with you. I’ve never felt that I had to prove myself to you or that I had to explain our amazing relationship to anyone. I’ve always felt blessed to have the best, and I mean best, boss in the world. But I’ve never thought of us beyond that. I certainly never thought you did either. It scares me to hear you say these things.”

Enter for a chance to win 3 ecopies of Run for Love & Swag a Rafflecopter giveaway

Like Anna V. Moore on Facebook

BLOG TOUR STOP! SOMETHING TO PROVE BY SHANNYN SCHROEDER (@TastyBookTours)

Two ambitious people team up to prove themselves to their families—and find there may be more to their partnership than just business…

Elizabeth Brannigan is determined to show her father she’s capable of running the family business. Saving his struggling Chicago bar seems like the perfect project. But she’ll need a little help dealing with the rough crowd. Who better to assist her than the handsome co-owner of a thriving Irish pub? Of course, with so much work to do, there are bound to be a few late nights…

Colin O’Leary’s father passed away before he could prove to him that he wasn’t a screw-up. Now he wants to show his brother he’s responsible enough to own a bar of his own—and Elizabeth may be able to help him. But when their professional aspirations clash, tempers—and passions—flare. Are they mature enough to mix business with pleasure—or will they have to choose between the two?

Colin shows up at the hotel where Elizabeth is interviewing candidates to work with her at the bar. He tries to convince Elizabeth that she should partner with him.

“You don’t have the business management experience or education the other candidates have.”

He smiled. “Neither does my brother, but you went to him.”

“Like the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. He’s a success. Just because you share a branch of the family tree doesn’t guarantee me anything.”

“But you’ve seen me with people.” He thunked the chair back down on all four legs. “I was good with you.”

Between his intense blue eyes and his low bedroom voice, his words warmed her blood again.

“And that would be another reason to not work with you. I don’t have time for someone who’s more interested in flirting than working.”

“Sweetheart, you flirted with me. I took your cues and acted on them. I’m completely capable of working with a partner without sleeping with her.”

Part of Elizabeth felt relief at his statement. More of her felt another sting of disappointment.

His steely blue gaze bore into her. No sign of lust. Nothing to imply that he planned to kiss her again. Not even a hint of sexual attraction. If they pretended that night had never happened, a partnership could work.

She steadied herself for a strong negotiation. “I’ll offer you twenty-five percent profits and a bonus twenty percent when I sell, assuming you hold up your end of the bargain and bring in the customers. I remain the manager and boss and all decisions go through me.”

“Make it forty percent profits and thirty percent on sale.”

“You bring personality to the table. No proven experience, and you expect me to give you almost half the business?” She leaned back in her chair.

“My personality is the one thing you need most. It can’t be taught or bought.”

“Thirty profits and twenty-five at sale.”

He narrowed his eyes as if computing, then leaned forward. “Deal.”

“One more thing. No flirting. Just business.”

He sighed like she was being insufferable. “Contrary to popular belief, I am capable of being professional. When do we start?”

“It’s locked up, so we can start tomorrow. I’ll have the contract drawn up for you to sign when you get there. Nine a.m.?”

“I’m closing at O’Leary’s tonight. Make it eleven. Even I need my beauty sleep.”

“You plan to continue to work at O’Leary’s?”

“It’s my family’s bar.”

“I’m not a simpleton. There are only so many hours in a day. I won’t have you thinking you can drop by The Irish just to collect a check.”

His smile was disarming. “Sweetheart, simple isn’t what anyone would call you. I’ll prove my worth soon enough. Seems a lot of people expect that.” He rose and extended his hand. “I’ll sign your contract, but a handshake will do for me.”

She shook his hand and tried to ignore its strength and warmth and the zing of her nerves. As he turned to leave, she enjoyed the view and immediately began to question her sanity. She’d just created a business partnership based on a man’s charm. What the hell was she thinking

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/something-to-prove/id686497843?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-to-prove-shannyn-schroeder/1116524336?ean=9781601831835

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Something-to-Prove-O%60Learys-ebook/dp/B00EF51JF6

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/09/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for.html

This is a dramatic read that both delighted and frustrated me!

Elizabeth’s a very serious, intelligent, businesswoman that has absolutely no street smarts, and no social skills. She’s bitten off more than she can chew, and her only saving grace is a sexy bartender with a tempting offer.

I didn’t love this character, but I didn’t hate her. She has a serious case of tunnel vision, is terribly paranoid, and internalizes her anxiety. All of this, of course, is caused by a dysfunctional family. The only time she’s ever at ease is with Colin, but she can’t see past her own agenda long enough to enjoy what’s right in front of her face.

Colin’s ready to branch out on his own but he’s used up all of his resources. Every step he takes towards the door only rehashes memories of a time when he was less than admirable. When a stuffy, new patron turns out to be a bar owner looking for help, he takes the opportunity to prove his worth. The silver tongued devil has finally met his match, however, and has to earn his keep.

The more I read, the more I liked Colin. At first, his intentions weren’t pure, but there’s more than what meets the eye with him.

This is an interesting romance that doesn’t quite contradict the old mantra, “opposites attract”, but doesn’t fit perfectly, either. While both characters have similarities that bring them together, their differences are an attraction as well. I loved the sensual scenes and was quite taken by the sweet nature of the relationship at times. There’s a great deal of family drama, both good and bad, a love that blossoms, and a saboteur in the shadows. I enjoyed the writing style, the plot, and the ending.

Shannyn is a former English teacher, who now works as a part-time editor while raising her three kids.

Even though she wrote from high school through college (mostly poetry), she’d never considered a career as an author. Writing fell by the wayside as she focused her energy on creating lesson plans and new and fabulous ways to torment her teen students. One group in particular dubbed her “The Torture Master,” a title she carried into motherhood.

After the birth of baby number two, Shannyn resigned from teaching and fell in love with reading romance novels. She read so many books so quickly that her husband teased, “If you’re going to read so many damn books, why don’t you just write one?”

So she did.

That first book is safely buried on her hard drive, but the process set Shannyn on the path to where she is today—agented with a debut ebook coming out with Kensington in late 2012.

She is recovering from her Diet Coke addiction, fears putting her foot in her mouth on social media, and has a renewed appreciation for the bad girls of the world.

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Nook Simple Touch ($79.00 Value), TWO Digital Copies of Winner’s Choice O’Leary Romance or FIVE Keeper Kase with O’Leary’s cards)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjIzNA==/