Bustle recently did an amazing article and video feature with Leah from The Ripped Bodice and how they've pivoted to an online business model during this pandemic. It's clear from the article and video why The Ripped Bodice is an amazing store for us romance readers! Go check it out and support your local indie stores who love and support romance!
The First Kiss: Welcome Amanda Forester, Author of A Wedding In Springtime!
The First Kiss
by Amanda Forester
The first kiss. There is nothing else like
it. It is the moment when intentions are made clear and two people
move from friends or acquaintances toward becoming something entirely
different. It can be a powerful attraction, or it can be an alert
you've made a terrible mistake. Either way, that first kiss will
always be memorable.
In my new release, A Wedding in Springtime,
Eugenia Talbot has every reason to be wary of Mr. Grant. Five minutes
into her presentation at court, the notorious rogue, William Grant,
makes her laugh before the queen, ruining her debut. To hush up the
scandal, Genie needs to make a brilliant marriage, and fast. Genie's
aunt hires a matchmaker to find a suitor—anyone except the infamous
William Grant—but amiable Genie shows a disturbing tendency to follow
her heart. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than
just her reputation, Genie and Grant are drawn into a dangerous world
of deceit and intrigue, where losing their hearts could mean their ultimate
undoing.
Here is an excerpt from the moment when everything
changed for them, their first kiss.
The weather was indeed unstable, and the few raindrops were soon joined
by others, until throngs of raindrops plagued them from above. The rain
turned into a deluge, and Grant found it necessary to seek shelter or
face death by drowning. He took Genie’s hand, and they both ran along
the path. He expected complaint, as he would get from any finely bred
London female, but Genie had been raised in the country and was made
of sterner stuff. She merely smiled and ran along with him.
Finding a large willow tree, he ducked under the branches, pulling
Genie next to him. The space was crowded with multiple branches, forcing
Grant to pull her close. This was a disaster, stuck with a debutante
under a tree in the torrential rain with his boots surely ruined.
Far from seeing the horror of the situation, Genie’s eyes were dancing.
She screwed up her mouth, trying not to smile.
“My boots are ruined,” said Grant, stating his most pressing concern.
Genie began to laugh.
“I see you have no regard for my boots!”
“I do apologize!” said Genie between giggles. “But here we are
stuck under a tree and all you can think of is your boots?”
“You would too if you knew how much they cost.”
“Yes, indeed. I did not realize they were so dear. I am sure my
bonnet is quite ruined too.”
It was no great loss, but Grant said nothing. Despite the chill, he
was suddenly quite warm. Genie stood next to him, close, inches away.
He could touch her merely by shifting his feet. He would not, of course,
but he wanted to. When was the last time he had been so attracted to
a debutante of all things? When had he last been attracted to anyone
this way?
Genie started to shiver, standing still in the cold. He guessed her
long pelisse was borrowed from Louisa, since it was fashionable in style,
but it was also made of muslin and not intended for inclement weather.
Grant put his hands on her delicate shoulders and gave them a gentle
rub. “You are soaked, poor thing. Here, take my coat.”
“No, no, I couldn’t. You would be too cold.”
No, he wouldn’t. He was not cold at all. He was practically sweating
he was so hot. He unbuttoned his coat, but Genie shook her head.
“Here, we can both be warm.” He opened his coat and wrapped it
around her, drawing her to him.
“I do not think… is this proper?” Genie put her hands against
his chest but leaned close to allow him to wrap his coat around her.
“No, not proper I fear,” confessed Grant. He was truthful, even
if he was a cad. Genie felt delicious. He wrapped his arms around her
and drew her closer, reveling in her small frame, her gentle curves.
She laid her cheek on his chest and he had to stifle a sigh. This was
what he wanted. He wished he could stay under the tree forever, boots
be damned.
His arms around her rubbed her back. He wished to reach further down
but dared not; he could not let this get out of control. Yet in plain
truth, it was already out of control. Genie sighed and melted into him.
There was no other word for it. She fit with him—warm, soft, perfect.
Genie looked up at him, her blue eyes deep and inviting. “I am quite
warm now, thank you.”
Grant was beyond warm. He prided himself on his ability to avoid complications
with the gentler sex, but with Genie, he was a stupid schoolboy.
“I think it is letting up a bit. Perhaps we should try again to
make it to the carriage?” Her voice was airy, her breathing fast,
and he could feel every time she inhaled, pressing her bosom against
him.
“Perhaps,” murmured Grant. He did not care about the carriage
or his reputation or anything except the blue of her eyes and the rose
pink of her lips. He leaned down closer, slowly. This was the time she
should pull away, but instead, she tipped her head up to him. This could
not happen; it must not. He stopped moving and yet still drew closer.
As if moving of their own accord, their lips met. For one beautiful
moment, he pressed his lips to hers and a tingling shock coursed through
his body, energizing, waking parts of him, stinging him to life.
He pulled back slowly, taking a gulp of cool, moist air. What was
he thinking?
I hope you have as much fun reading A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME as I had writing it! I love to hear from readers
so come visit me at my website, facebook, or twitter.
What was your most memorable first kiss!
New Release: Meant To Be By Terri Osburn
Meant to Be is the first novel in the Anchor Island Series by debut author Terri Osburn. It's a contemporary romance that I was happy to get an early look at and it was fantastic! Here's the blurb:
Sometimes the next best thing is what you’ve been looking for all along…
Beth Chandler has spent her whole life pleasing others. She went to law school to make her grandparents happy. She agreed to marry her workaholic boyfriend, Lucas, to make him happy. And, despite her fear of boats, she took a ferry to see Lucas’s parents just to make them happy.
While suffering through a panic attack on the ferry, Beth meets a tall, sexy stranger who talks her down from her fear—and makes her heart flutter in the process.
Soon, she has a new reason to panic: her gorgeous, blue-eyed rescuer is Lucas’s brother, Joe. But could she ever leave her fiancé for his own brother…even if Lucas is more focused on making partner than on making their relationship work…and even if Joe turns out to be everything she never knew she wanted?
Filled with excitement and delight, Meant to Be is the story of a young woman torn between urban pressures and small-town pleasures.
Meant to Be is on sale today! Go check it out!
Happy Reading - Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Sometimes the next best thing is what you’ve been looking for all along…
Beth Chandler has spent her whole life pleasing others. She went to law school to make her grandparents happy. She agreed to marry her workaholic boyfriend, Lucas, to make him happy. And, despite her fear of boats, she took a ferry to see Lucas’s parents just to make them happy.
While suffering through a panic attack on the ferry, Beth meets a tall, sexy stranger who talks her down from her fear—and makes her heart flutter in the process.
Soon, she has a new reason to panic: her gorgeous, blue-eyed rescuer is Lucas’s brother, Joe. But could she ever leave her fiancé for his own brother…even if Lucas is more focused on making partner than on making their relationship work…and even if Joe turns out to be everything she never knew she wanted?
Filled with excitement and delight, Meant to Be is the story of a young woman torn between urban pressures and small-town pleasures.
Meant to Be is on sale today! Go check it out!
Happy Reading - Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Bare It All Blog Tour! A Review of The New Lori Foster Romance
Bare It All by Lori Foster - Book 2 in the Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor Series
3 Heart Review
Harlequin HQN
3 Heart Review
Harlequin HQN
A cop’s craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal.
As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking. Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire—and into the line of fire…
While the book is very interesting and I adored the side characters, I had mixed feelings about this book for a few reasons. The first is that the heroine Alice was very hard for me to get attached to. I felt she fell a little flat and too easily got over things upon sudden realizations. The second was that I found it too coincidental that the hero Reese is a cop who investigates human trafficking and Alice is a former victim who just happens to live next door.
One of the most important part of a plot for me is that even if it's the most way out there story idea ever, a writer has to be able to get the reader to suspend their disbelief and come along for the ride. That didn't totally work for me with this book. I just kept coming back to this being way too much of a coincidence and it kept me from really getting into the story.
It is otherwise an engaging book and I really enjoyed the side characters most of all! I cannot wait for Rowdy's book and to learn more about Lieutenant Peterson. I think her story might even be one of the most interesting.
I will most definitely be picking up the next books in this series because again, I like the other characters but Alice just didn't speak to me and I couldn't get over how everything just fell into place at the beginning.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Exclusive Interview With Aphrodite From The Pool of Souls Series by Krystal Shannan - Book 1 Now FREE at most retailers!
Aphrodite walks into the interview room. She
twirls a finger through her long curly auburn tresses. Twinkling ice blue eyes
and a friendly smile meet the gaze of Krystal Shannan and Sabrina.
Copper beads dangle from her ears and wide bands
of engraved copper clink on her wrists. White denim leggings, brown leather
high-heeled stiletto boots, and a sparkling champagne colored tunic finish off
the Vogue worthy ensemble.
She sits down in the chair opposite the two
ladies.
Aphrodite: Thank you for having us here today, Sabrina.
It’s so nice of you to help out my author, Krystal Shannan.
OPEN HOUSE is the first story I shared with Krystal and kicks off the
Pool of Souls Series. It’s about a young human couple, Rebecca and Robert. They
are soul mates and it takes some intervention on my part to get them where they
are supposed to be. I don’t usually like to interfere on the mortal realm, but
Ares left me no choice.
K. Shannan: The next book is out now too. Can you tell us a
little about FINDING HOPE.
Aphrodite: Hmmm…without spoiling the story? Let's just say
things are heating up on Olympus and Ares and I have come to an understanding.
*wink* Oh, and those pesky goth lackey's of his get locked up in his palace this
time!
K. Shannan: Tell us a little about Ares. I know you and he
have a history.
Ares, the God of War, is a complicated situation. We had a
relationship and then he ruined it and now... I think he is trying to piece it
back together. He’s certainly making a valiant effort, but we’ll just see. I’d
rather not get into details at this time.
K. Shannan: Do you want to share a little about your soul
mates?
Aphrodite: Of course. You know your soul is immortal,
right? Well, now you do. Most humans refuse to believe such nonsense, no
scientific proof and all. Well, they are wrong. Your souls live lifetime after
lifetime, always looking for their mate. Once two souls have joined as mates,
they are together for the rest of eternity. When one dies, it will wait until
it’s mate dies and then they will reincarnate together in the same decade so
they can be together again. Joined souls are drawn to each other like magnets,
once joined it would take an act of a god to separate them. Souls that are
looking for their mate, but haven’t found them yet, are also drawn to each
other, but the pull is not nearly as strong.
That is where I come in. I assist with that little extra push to make sure the soul mating is complete. Of course that assistance only happens when I have physically meet the person the soul resides in. I must touch the soul to be able to track it. Needless to say, you might meet me at a local wine festival and not even know it. *wink* I love wine festivals. Dionysus and I have a long-standing partnership.
That is where I come in. I assist with that little extra push to make sure the soul mating is complete. Of course that assistance only happens when I have physically meet the person the soul resides in. I must touch the soul to be able to track it. Needless to say, you might meet me at a local wine festival and not even know it. *wink* I love wine festivals. Dionysus and I have a long-standing partnership.
K. Shannan: Why are the souls so important to you?
Aphrodite: I’m connected to them and them to me. When
souls ache, I ache. When souls are joined I am refreshed. It is a symbiotic
relationship. One cannot exist without the other.
Mother Gaia gave me a gift no other Titan received. I am linked to humanity in a way that can never be broken and the Olympian gods have never been pleased by that fact. It keeps me stronger than any of them. All the other Titans were banished or killed, but they cannot get rid of me without getting rid of the human race. And that would just be stupid. The Olympians are not stupid. Petty and vindictive, yes, stupid…. No.
Mother Gaia gave me a gift no other Titan received. I am linked to humanity in a way that can never be broken and the Olympian gods have never been pleased by that fact. It keeps me stronger than any of them. All the other Titans were banished or killed, but they cannot get rid of me without getting rid of the human race. And that would just be stupid. The Olympians are not stupid. Petty and vindictive, yes, stupid…. No.
K. Shannan: Several people have asked why you say you are a
Titan. Most people think of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, as an Olympian.
Aphrodite: There is an Olympian named Aphrodite, but she
is not the Goddess of Love. Zeus named his daughter after me to irritate me. *hiss*
Which it did. That sniveling little cheerleader called a goddess deals in
physical lusts and instant attractions. Superficial passions, I suppose you
could call it. She has nothing to do with actual love and true human passion.
K. Shannan: What do you like to do when you aren’t helping
souls?
Aphrodite: *Huge grin* I love fashion. I subscribe to
every human fashion magazine I can find. Dionysus teases me, but I love
clothes. We may be gods, but we can definitely appreciate many human
conveniences –coffee, clothing, chocolate. I just joined social media, too. I
was tired of being told I needed to join the twenty-first century. You can
visit me at my FaceBook fan page, Aphrodite – Pool of Souls Series, for all kinds
of updates and musings.
K. Shannan: Thank you, Sabrina, for having us here today.
Aphrodite has graciously offered to answer questions from the readers. So
please ask away.
The Pool Of Souls Paranormal Romance Series
OPEN HOUSE | Pool of Souls Book 1
Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human
existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to
matching soul mates.
Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but...How far will the gods go to get their own way?
Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?
Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but...How far will the gods go to get their own way?
Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?
FINDING HOPE | Pool of Souls Book 2
Warning: The plot thickens with a passel of
pissed off Olympians. Ares and Aphrodite are in for a double dose of trouble!
More Olympians join the mix in Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2. A jewel
addict, a kick-ass possibly-virgin huntress, and an insatiable ancient oracle
are just a few. But don’t worry; Ares and Aphrodite are still front and center.
Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?
Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancé tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him?
Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness? Amazon | B&N | ARe | Smashwords
Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?
Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancé tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him?
Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness? Amazon | B&N | ARe | Smashwords
Welcome Guest Author Ana Blaze & Her Latest Release The Best Man & Enter to Win!!!!
Six smoldering…Beta
heroes?
Yup, I’m here to show some love for the good guys. Hi. I’m
Ana Blaze and I was lucky enough to get a coveted invite to introduce myself
and my new release, The Best Man,
here at Cheeky Reads. Thank you, Sabrina and, may I say, that’s a super cute
blog name you’re wearing.
I’m not going to say that I don’t love a good Alpha man. I
am romance writer after all. Alphas are, by definition, hot and steamy and
their testosterone-driven antics can certainly be charming.
But at the end of the day, it’s the Beta boys that stick
with me. They shyly and cleverly worm their way deep into my heart, curl up all
cute and cuddly and stubbornly refuse to leave. They are the guys every woman
really wants to marry.
I’ve narrowed down my favorite beta romantic heroes to a
svelte list of Six Sexy Sweeties.
They will appear in no particular order because Beta guys just aren’t very
competitive.
Edward Ferrars Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Edward. Some of the girls may not think much of shy and
often tongue-tied Edward, but he is a good man. He is studious, unfailingly
kind and honorable. He is a man who will sacrifice his own happiness to keep a
promise. Edward Ferrars might not be as flashy or witty as Mr. Darcy, but he is
decent and loving from his first appearance until his last.
Carter Maguire Vision in White by Nora Roberts (Book 1
of the Bride Quartet)
Carter. He’s a quiet, klutzy, tweed-wearing, English
teacher, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t got any moves. Carter is patient,
persistent and has a delightful and often self-deprecating sense of humor. He
has a three legged cat! Oh, and when he gets embarrassed, the tips of his ears
turn red. Now, tell me you wouldn’t want to kiss this guy…every day for the
rest of your life.
Peeta Mellark Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Okay, let’s talk about Peeta. He’s not a wimp. At sixteen he
can toss a hundred pound bag of flour with ease. But the boy with the bread is
most certainly a Beta. He bakes. He paints. He decorates cakes (with pretty
flowers!). He can’t walk quietly through the woods even when his life literally
depends upon it. Peeta is a classic good guy. He’s the boy next door that girls
overlook during their teen years only to realize he’s a catch later on. He’s
too shy to talk to the girl he loves, but he’ll take a beating to help her. In the face of almost certain death, Peeta
Mellark maintains his deep-rooted sense of right and wrong and that, my
friends, is sexy.
Ford Sawyer Tribute by Nora Roberts
Ford is living the geek boy dream as a successful graphic
novelist. Yup, like comic books but longer. He’s quirky and full of nerdy
references. He’s got a dog named Spock. He does not pick up power tools and
instead he leaves those and the sledge hammer to the heroine. That’s right. He
is absolutely comfortable with himself. He knows his strengths and his
weaknesses. His girl doesn’t have to hide her strength to make him feel manly.
He wants her to pose with that hammer and be his new superhero. Hot? Oh yeah.
Lucas Cortez Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (He
reappears in several other books in her Otherworld series)
Lucas may be a powerful sorcerer, but he is also a rather
nerdy lawyer. He was born into a powerful family (of crime and magic), but
chooses to set out on his own and do good. He actively fights against the
wrongs committed by his own family. When Lucas first appears, the heroine
thinks that the most remarkable thing about him is his utter lack of any
remarkable quality. He changes her mind, of course, and is undoubtedly the only
sorcerer in the world with enough inner goodness to convince her to ignore the
long and hostile history between their races (she’s a witch) and trust him.
Colin Pratt The Best Man by Ana Blaze
I can’t leave without introducing my Colin. He’s shy; if I
don’t say something he might spend the whole evening with his handsome face
buried in a book. Colin is a British Literature professor who dabbles in a
little sci-fi writing on the side. All that time spent reading has given him a
sharp wit and a clever tongue but he hasn’t had much luck with women in the
past. Losing his fiancée to his brother didn’t help his confidence; but when he
finds the right woman, Colin isn’t too proud to chase her.
Beth Chase is too busy planning perfect weddings to worry about the
lack of action in her own love life. But if she was looking for a man, she
wouldn’t be looking at Colin Pratt. Her boss swears that Best Man Colin is a
quiet scholar and science fiction writer who couldn’t possibly cause a fuss at
his own brother’s wedding. He’s clearly never met the man in question. Snarky,
sexy and more than a little inebriated, Colin is the final obstacle between
Beth and the last perfect wedding she needs to make partner. Of course, when
she helps him into a taxi at the end of the night she has no idea that he’s only
just begun to poke holes in her professional exterior. Colin might have the
skills to seduce a romance professional, but can he convince her that he’s the
best man to share her happy ever after?
About Ana:
Ana lives
just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather
demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, IKEA, and cooking. Ana admits
to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to
learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.
Website:
www.anablaze.blogspot.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/AnaBlazeLove
Twitter:
@ana_blaze
Book
trailer: http://youtu.be/PiNLdS1d1h8
Thanks Ana!
One lucky US reader will win The Best Man
ebook and a goodie pack to share with the best man or woman in their life. The
pack contains candles, Godiva chocolate, Tuscan lavender soap, Sensual Massage
Oil from The Body Shop and two lip treatments from The Body Shop. It will come
packaged in a pretty photo box - Click Here to Enter to Win!
I'd love to hear what you think about beta heroes. Have any favorites we should get to know?
WINNERS!!!!!! A Wedding In Springtime and Claim Me Winners Announced:
The winner of A Wedding In Springtime by Amanda Foster is...
Na!
The winner of Claim Me by J. Kenner is...
Erin!
Ladies - drop me an email with your mailing address (if in the US for print copies) at cheekyreads@gmail.com.
Congrats and happy reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Claim Me By J. Kenner Blog Tour - Enter To Win A Copy of Claim Me!!!!
Meet Damien Stark – a snippet from Claim Me (and a Happy Release Day Dance)!
I don’t play favorites among the characters in my books, really I don’t. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that Damien Stark, the hero from the Stark Trilogy, may just be an exception to that rule.
He’s just so … well … yummy, and it’s especially fun to see him through the eyes of Nikki, his girlfriend and the heroine of the series. Here’s a snippet from Claim Me, the first moment that she sees Damien in this book:
He is right where I’d imagined him, standing on the top step, leaning casually against the wrought-iron banister and looking even yummier in real life than he did in my mind. I may have spent the entire afternoon with him, but it doesn’t matter. Every glimpse of him is like ambrosia, and I will never get my fill.
I soak him in, my eyes lingering on every perfect feature. His defined jaw highlighted by the shadow of stubble. The wind-tossed black hair, thick and smooth and so familiar to my fingers. And his eyes. Those amazing dual-colored eyes that are focused so intently right now that I can feel the weight of his gaze upon my skin.
He is dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. But even in such informal attire, there is nothing casual about Damien Stark. He is power personified, energy harnessed. And my only fear is the knowledge that one can neither capture nor hold on to a lightning bolt, and I do not want to lose this man.
His eyes meet mine, and I shiver from the shock of the connection. The athlete, the celebrity, the entrepreneur, the billionaire persona all fall away, leaving only the man and an expression that makes my blood heat and my insides curl with longing. An expression that is so raw and primal that were I not already naked, I’m certain that every stitch of clothing would have turned to ash, burned away by the heat in his eyes.
I hope there are readers out there today who are meeting Damien Stark again or for the first time! I know that I’m celebrating with a little cyber dance, LOL! (And, soon, with a mini vacation and a chocolate martini!)
What’s your favorite way to celebrate?
One lucky commenter will win a copy of Claim Me! (print for US winners, digital for international winners!)
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner has written over 40 books under multiple names including Julie Kenner and J.K. Beck. Her newest release, CLAIM ME (April 23, 2013), is the second book in the bestselling Stark Trilogy, which began with RELEASE ME, continues with CLAIM ME, and which will conclude in July with COMPLETE ME.
You can learn more about her at her website (http://www.juliekenner.com) or connect with her on Twitter (@juliekenner) or on Facebook (http://juliekenner.com/facebook/)
I don’t play favorites among the characters in my books, really I don’t. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that Damien Stark, the hero from the Stark Trilogy, may just be an exception to that rule.
He’s just so … well … yummy, and it’s especially fun to see him through the eyes of Nikki, his girlfriend and the heroine of the series. Here’s a snippet from Claim Me, the first moment that she sees Damien in this book:
He is right where I’d imagined him, standing on the top step, leaning casually against the wrought-iron banister and looking even yummier in real life than he did in my mind. I may have spent the entire afternoon with him, but it doesn’t matter. Every glimpse of him is like ambrosia, and I will never get my fill.
I soak him in, my eyes lingering on every perfect feature. His defined jaw highlighted by the shadow of stubble. The wind-tossed black hair, thick and smooth and so familiar to my fingers. And his eyes. Those amazing dual-colored eyes that are focused so intently right now that I can feel the weight of his gaze upon my skin.
He is dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. But even in such informal attire, there is nothing casual about Damien Stark. He is power personified, energy harnessed. And my only fear is the knowledge that one can neither capture nor hold on to a lightning bolt, and I do not want to lose this man.
His eyes meet mine, and I shiver from the shock of the connection. The athlete, the celebrity, the entrepreneur, the billionaire persona all fall away, leaving only the man and an expression that makes my blood heat and my insides curl with longing. An expression that is so raw and primal that were I not already naked, I’m certain that every stitch of clothing would have turned to ash, burned away by the heat in his eyes.
I hope there are readers out there today who are meeting Damien Stark again or for the first time! I know that I’m celebrating with a little cyber dance, LOL! (And, soon, with a mini vacation and a chocolate martini!)
What’s your favorite way to celebrate?
One lucky commenter will win a copy of Claim Me! (print for US winners, digital for international winners!)
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner has written over 40 books under multiple names including Julie Kenner and J.K. Beck. Her newest release, CLAIM ME (April 23, 2013), is the second book in the bestselling Stark Trilogy, which began with RELEASE ME, continues with CLAIM ME, and which will conclude in July with COMPLETE ME.
You can learn more about her at her website (http://www.juliekenner.com) or connect with her on Twitter (@juliekenner) or on Facebook (http://juliekenner.com/facebook/)
A Wedding in Springtime By Amanda Forester - Enter To Win A Copy!
Sourcebooks is really excited about the new Regency trilogy coming from Amanda Forester! The first book, A Wedding in Springtime, comes out next month and has already received TWO STARRED reviews! We will be hosting Amanda next month but right now we want to offer a giveaway of a wedding themed prize pack! Included is a copy of A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester along with a mix of other wedding themed books from Sourcebooks.
To enter, please comment below and tell us which two celebrities you've always thought would make a great couple and why. The contest will run from April 15th - 23rd and is open to US and Canada residents. All you have to do is comment to enter to win!
Praise for A Wedding in Springtime:
“Engaging subplots involving unforgettable supporting characters make this one a must-read.”
– Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review
Five minutes into Miss Eugenia Talbot’s presentation at court, notorious rogue Mr. William Grant made her laugh, ruining her debut. To hush up the scandal, Eugenia’s aunt hires a matchmaker to quickly find a suitor—anyone except the infamous William Grant—to help restore Eugenia’s reputation. But amiable Eugenia shows a disturbing tendency to follow her heart, and is again caught in the company of notorious Grant. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than just Eugenia’s reputation, her kindheartedness may be her ultimate undoing…
TONIGHT: Chat with RITA Nominated Authors
In an effort to connect America’s most popular romance writers with their fans across the world, Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is launching an 11-week series of interactive video chat events highlighting 2013 RITA Award finalist authors. Fans will have the unique opportunity to meet one another and ask their favorite authors questions face-to-face in an intimate online environment.
Each week, RWA will host several of the finalists of
a 2013 RITA category in a fun Q&A through Shindig.com. Find out about those
dashing heroes and daring heroines, writing habits, and more!
How to participate: All you need is a webcam and computer microphone. The events are free to the public, but only the first 1,000 people to RSVP will be granted access to each of the weekly events.
Follow RWA on Twitter @romancewriters (#RITAchat hashtag) during the chats.
RITA Reader Series Schedule:
Contemporary Single Title Romance
April 11, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Barbara Freethy, Barbara Hannay, Ruthie Knox, Kim Law,
Roni Loren, Jill Shalvis, and Roxanne St. Claire
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Barbara Freethy, Barbara Hannay, Ruthie Knox, Kim Law,
Roni Loren, Jill Shalvis, and Roxanne St. Claire
Click here to learn more & register
Paranormal RomanceApril 18, 8
p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Kristen Callihan, Cynthia Eden, Angie Fox, J.T. Geissinger,
Larissa Ione, and Maggie Shayne
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Kristen Callihan, Cynthia Eden, Angie Fox, J.T. Geissinger,
Larissa Ione, and Maggie Shayne
Click here to learn more & register
Romance Novella April 25, 8
p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Sophie Jordan, Ruthie Knox, Sally MacKenzie, and Jodi Thomas
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Sophie Jordan, Ruthie Knox, Sally MacKenzie, and Jodi Thomas
Click here to learn more & register
Historical Romance May 9, 8
p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Pamela Clare, Cara Elliott, Anne Gracie, Sabrina Jeffries, Jade Lee, and Sarah MacLean.
Guest appearance by Romance Novella finalist Eloisa James
Moderated by: Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Pamela Clare, Cara Elliott, Anne Gracie, Sabrina Jeffries, Jade Lee, and Sarah MacLean.
Guest appearance by Romance Novella finalist Eloisa James
Moderated by: Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Click here to learn more & register
Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
May 16, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Maria Geraci, Pamela Hartshorne, Anna Lee Huber, Sharla Lovelace, Kristina McMorris,
Jane Myers Perrine, and Simone St. James
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Maria Geraci, Pamela Hartshorne, Anna Lee Huber, Sharla Lovelace, Kristina McMorris,
Jane Myers Perrine, and Simone St. James
Click here to learn more & register
Short Contemporary Series Romance
May 23, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Jessica Hart, Day Leclaire, Susan Meier, Sarah Morgan, Robin Perini, Christine Rimmer,
and Loreth Anne White
Moderated by: Sarah Wendell, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Jessica Hart, Day Leclaire, Susan Meier, Sarah Morgan, Robin Perini, Christine Rimmer,
and Loreth Anne White
Moderated by: Sarah Wendell, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Click here to learn more & register
Inspirational Romance June 6,
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Elizabeth Camden, Jennifer Delamere, Robin Lee Hatcher, Rachel Hauck, Marta Perry,
Cheryl Reavis, Missy Tippens, and Becky Wade
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Elizabeth Camden, Jennifer Delamere, Robin Lee Hatcher, Rachel Hauck, Marta Perry,
Cheryl Reavis, Missy Tippens, and Becky Wade
Click here to learn more & register
Best First Book June 13, 8
p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Tracy Brogan, Kristen Callihan, Sharon Lynn Fisher, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Anna Lee Huber,
Katie McGarry, and Simone St. James
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Tracy Brogan, Kristen Callihan, Sharon Lynn Fisher, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Anna Lee Huber,
Katie McGarry, and Simone St. James
Click here to learn more & register
Young Adult Romance June 20, 8
p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Robin LaFevers, Katie McGarry, Emily McKay, and Erica O'Rourke
Click here to learn more & register
Authors participating: Robin LaFevers, Katie McGarry, Emily McKay, and Erica O'Rourke
Click here to learn more & register
Long Contemporary Series Romance
June 27, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Jean Brashear, Michelle Celmer, Pamela Hearon, and RaeAnne Thayne
Click here to learn more & register
June 27, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Jean Brashear, Michelle Celmer, Pamela Hearon, and RaeAnne Thayne
Click here to learn more & register
Romantic Suspense
July 11, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Cherry Adair, Cindy Gerard (tentative), Laura Griffin, Bronwyn Parry (tentative), and Sharon Sala
Click here to learn more & register
July 11, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Authors participating: Cherry Adair, Cindy Gerard (tentative), Laura Griffin, Bronwyn Parry (tentative), and Sharon Sala
Click here to learn more & register
We hope you join us for these fun video chats!
What Are You Reading?
Harlequin is also offering up a free download of a Harlequin Kiss book so anyone can try the line out before buying one. This is the link to the download page.
So, what are you reading? Anything lately that you cannot recommend highly enough? Please share and add to all of our TBR piles! Oh - and if you've read any of the new Harlequin Kiss books tell us what you thought! I love that it's a lower price point book that makes it easy to add to whatever you're buying and not have to feel too guilty. I mean $1.94 a Walmart for a book seems amazing to me!
Sneak Preview: The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella
I wanted to share with you a sneak peak excerpt of the upcoming book The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella because I can't wait to read it here at Cheeky Reads! It's getting some great buzz on Goodreads and I'm hoping to read and review it here for you soon.
'Secrets, lies, and raging desires - the journey to love has never been more thrilling!' ~ Award winning author Brownwen Evans
"Vella's characters were vivid and endearing and I hated for the book to end!"~Bestselling author Karen Hawkins, How to Capture a Countess
"A lively regency tale many readers will enjoy." ~ Bestselling author Anne Gracie
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
'Secrets, lies, and raging desires - the journey to love has never been more thrilling!' ~ Award winning author Brownwen Evans
"Vella's characters were vivid and endearing and I hated for the book to end!"~Bestselling author Karen Hawkins, How to Capture a Countess
"A lively regency tale many readers will enjoy." ~ Bestselling author Anne Gracie
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
Book Winners!
Last week I relaunched Cheeky Reads with apost on January 1st and said that anyone who commented would be entered to win books from my bookshelf.
Well...I decided that everyone who commented deserves to win!
If you commented on the January 1st post, please email me at cheekyreads @ gmail.com (no spaces) and let me know what genre you like most and if you are interested in print or audio.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
Well...I decided that everyone who commented deserves to win!
If you commented on the January 1st post, please email me at cheekyreads @ gmail.com (no spaces) and let me know what genre you like most and if you are interested in print or audio.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
What book should I read next?
What book are you most interested in me reading and reviewing next?
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Sabrina
Cheeky Reads is Back From The Dead!
There will be a few changes to the blog over the next few weeks, mostly in terms of how often I post, the way I do book reviews and the other types of posts you'll be seeing.
I hope at least some of you who used to stop by will join in again. I know there are tons of book blogs out there and that by not posting in a bit you might have moved on, but I hope you'll read the blog again and share it with your friends.
Right now, I'd love to hear more about what you'd like to read and see here on Cheeky Reads. Of course there will be reviews and giveaways, author interviews and book previews, but what else would you like to see?
How long and what type of information would you like in your reviews? Do you like author interviews more so than author guest posts or vice versa?
What types of giveaways do you like best - print, ebook, swag goodies, gift cards, etc?
This is your chance to let me know what you're looking for in a book blog. I'd also like to hear what your favorite genre of books are so I can make sure I'm including them in here on Cheeky Reads.
For your help and comments, I'll be giving away some print books from my personal bookshelves as a thank you. Just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win. Sorry, but due to postage costs this giveaway is open to US addresses only.
I'll draw some random comments to win books on Friday, January 4th.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Reads - Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Preview ICED by Karen Marie Moning Before It Goes on Sale 10/30/12
Karen Marie Moning fans have been waiting for this...ICED is almost here! Karen and her publishers are well known for keeping advanced copies and reviews off the web so that readers get the full experience of the book without spoilers, so I'm super excited that they are sharing a free preview excerpt with us!
Happy Reading!
Sabrina
Iced: A Dani O'Malley Novel (Fever Series) by Karen Marie Moning
One Wrong Move By Shannon McKenna Winner!
The randomly selected winner of a copy of One Wrong Move by Shannon McKenna is...
Comment #1 - Elizabeth H!
I'll forward your email to Kensington's Publicist and they will contact you about the book.
Congrats and Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Comment #1 - Elizabeth H!
I'll forward your email to Kensington's Publicist and they will contact you about the book.
Congrats and Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
One Wrong Move by Shannon McKenna Book Review & Giveaway!
Book Review: One Wrong Move
By: Shannon McKenna
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Romantic Suspense
3 Heart Review
Book Blurb:
Alex
Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his Ukrainian mafia
family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who
ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say
goodbye. He’s prepared for anything except the call from his friend,
Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a
mysterious woman with a deadly secret and a white hot passion that binds
them together.
Social
worker Nina Moro knows her life is forfeit if she makes a wrong move
and the ruthless syndicate hunting the terrified Ukranian prostitute she
is hiding discovers her involvement. And so Nina avoids the inscrutable
interpreter who suddenly appears on her doorstep. Until that
six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle is the only thing between
her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time,
death, and their desire for one another…
What I enjoyed most about this book is that you are left without any doubt that the hero and heroine of this book totally belong together. While both Nina and Aaro are self-proclaimed "damaged goods" they find their perfect counterpart in each other.
From the way Nina can laugh off all the extremely rude and crude sexual advances Aaro sends her way, to how he can get her past her paranoid craziness, they just work. That working together as characters means we readers get some insanely hot but graphic scenes and boy does Aaro have a dirty mouth!
What didn't work for me was the slight paranormal slant the story took on. It felt like an editor had suggested the author work that angle into the story to fit it into a certain category. I could have done without it and felt it took away from what could have been a very strong contemporary romantic suspense.
If the book had stayed out of the paranormal realm, this could easily have been a 4 Heart Review, but it just threw me out of the story more than pulled me in. By the way, this book is part of a series of books by Shannon but I had no problem at all with reading it and not having read the rest of them.
Fast pacing, a hot, dirty-mouthed hero and a solid plot make this a book I can recommend to lovers of romantic suspense. I'll be excited to check out more books by Shannon and maybe I won't be as surprised by the paranormal aspects of her next story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shannon McKenna is
the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of super-sexy, super-scary
romantic thrillers. After a bizarre assortment of jobs, from singing cocktail
waitress to medical secretary to strolling madrigal singer, she decided that
writing hot romantic suspense suits her best. She lives with her husband and
family in a small seaside town in southern Italy. Readers can visit her website
at www.shannonmckenna.com.
Giveaway Info
Shannon is giving away TWO prizes, a copy of one of her books at each blog stop on her tour AND a grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Touch!!! There are several copies of One Wrong Move, Blood and Fire, Ultimate Weapon, and Fade to Midnight up for grabs!
1) To win a book: leave a comment on this blog post to be entered to win a book. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner. This giveaway ends five days after the post goes live.
2) To win a Kindle Touch: Click the link to go to Shannon’s website and enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. A winner will be selected on September 27th. Here’s Shannon’s Website.
Shannon is giving away TWO prizes, a copy of one of her books at each blog stop on her tour AND a grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Touch!!! There are several copies of One Wrong Move, Blood and Fire, Ultimate Weapon, and Fade to Midnight up for grabs!
1) To win a book: leave a comment on this blog post to be entered to win a book. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner. This giveaway ends five days after the post goes live.
2) To win a Kindle Touch: Click the link to go to Shannon’s website and enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. A winner will be selected on September 27th. Here’s Shannon’s Website.
Monday Morning Cuteness - Now on Facebook!
Because of photo image rights and changes to many of the cute photo sharing sites, I've decided to take my Monday Morning Cuteness post to the Cheeky Reads Facebook page.
What? You didn't know I have a Facebook Page? Well I do and the more followers I get over there the more I'll start posting and interacting over there as well.
You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/CheekyReads.
There will be Monday Morning Cuteness posts, sharing of contests, what authors are doing and more. It won't just be a redo of the content on the blog so I hope you'll stop by and like the page!
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
What? You didn't know I have a Facebook Page? Well I do and the more followers I get over there the more I'll start posting and interacting over there as well.
You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/CheekyReads.
There will be Monday Morning Cuteness posts, sharing of contests, what authors are doing and more. It won't just be a redo of the content on the blog so I hope you'll stop by and like the page!
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Winner of Deceiving the Witch Next Door!
JenM - email me at Cheekyreads @ gmail.com so I have your email address to pass on to Entangled Publishing so they can get your the book.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and entered and don't forget to check out Melissa's book!
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
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