And The Winners Are...

I'm back! The best part of my being back? That I get to pull the winners of all the great prizes we had while I was gone. Thank you again to all the fabulous authors who stopped by while I was out and kept the blog chugging along. You Rock!

So on to the winners!

The Winner of Lipstick on His Collar by Inez Kelly is Linda!

The winner of their choice of a backlist book from Cari Quinn is Sheree!

The winner of their choice of one of Loucinda McGary's books, The Wild Sight, The Treasures of Venice, or The Wild Irish Sea, is Stella (Ex Libris)!

Lastly, the winner of a copy of both Lords of Passion and Mistress by Midnight is Danielle Gorman!

I will send out emails to everyone including details if you are being giving a choice between books on some of the giveaways. You can also reach me at cheekyreads @ gmail.com

Congrats and Happy Reading to All!

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Welcome Guest Author Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe! Comment to Win!

Thanks so much to Sabrina for having me here on my never-ending promo journey. :) It seems like I just did all this, and I guess I did—the two of me (Maggie Robinson and Margaret Rowe) had books come out in May and June. Maggie’s fortunate enough to have a novella in Lords of Passion out now, and Mistress by Midnight releases December 28! Margaret has to wait until March 1, when Any Wicked Thing comes out. Whew! Craziness.

But completely lovely craziness for someone who is a typing class drop-out and suffers from carpal tunnel. I wonder how many words I’ve mis-typed in the seven years I’ve been writing, LOL. Turns out I should have listened to my father, even if he did think that women could only be teachers, nurses or secretaries. But I snuck out of the adult ed night typing class I enrolled in with my then-boyfriend to kiss in his Karmann Ghia convertible. I was a hopeless romantic even back then.

The role of women in society has changed a whole lot from my adult ed days, and even more so from the late Regency period I write about. As a woman of a certain age, I have trouble relating to the innocent ingénue making her debut, so most of my heroines have “a past,” or want to acquire one. Prudence Thorne from “Not Quite a Courtesan” in Brava’s Lords of Passion has been happily widowed and wants to see what all the fuss is about after witnessing the passion of her cousin’s new marriage. The dashing, disreputable hero Darius Shaw finds Pru to be a quick study who even teaches him a thing or two. Laurette Vincent in Mistress by Midnight knows what passion is and has tried to avoid it, but hero Desmond Ryland, Marquess of Conover, has other ideas and breaks every rule to get her back into his bed.

I’ve discovered a recurring theme for my books—mature heroines who’ve been hurt but discover “there’s still a little chicken left on that bone.” Craig Morgan’s country song may be 21st century, but it works pretty well for my 19th century characters.







Here’s my favorite verse:

“But it ain’t over until you say it is.
Don’t pour out your Coca-Cola if it’s still got a little bit of fizz,
Little bit of juke left in that jive,
Little bit of honey left in that hive,
There might not be a lot of roll left in that stone,
Still a little chicken left on that bone.”

Now in case you think I’m writing about absolutely ancient, decrepit people, most of my characters tend to be in their thirties—which was definitely middle-aged in 1820. Thirty sounds pretty young, but the likelihood of having all your teeth back then was not a given. But since I write romance, all my heroes have gorgeous teeth and fresh breath, LOL.

You’re never too old for love if you open yourself up to the possibilities. Hopelessly romantic still? You bet! Does it matter how young/old or virginal/experienced the heroines are in the books you read? I’m giving away a signed copy of both Lords of Passion (Pru, 29) and Mistress by Midnight (Laurette, 29) to one random commenter!

Confessions of a Snoopy Writer - Welcome Guest Author Loucinda McGary & Comment to Win!

By Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy

My mother was a wonderful woman with many fine qualities, but heaven knows, she loved to snoop! Not in a malicious way, she just loved to know all the little details about everyone around her.

All through junior high and high school my sister and I would catch her listening in to our telephone conversations, or going through our notebooks for possible notes our friends had passed to us during class. (You know those folded scraps of paper passed stealthily hand-to-hand right under the teacher's nose.) But most unforgivable of all to my teenage mind, my mother opened every piece of mail that arrived at our house. No matter who it was addressed to, she opened it and read it first. ACK!!!

My sister claimed not to mind. HUH?!?! I think she just liked the extra attention. I was mortified beyond belief, mostly because Mom would openly admit to her snooping and ASK about things she'd read or heard! Oh the horrors! Oh the teen angst!

Looking back on it now, my mom's snooping was pretty harmless. And I'm sure she would tell you she was just trying to be a responsible parent, which was also true. But I think it went beyond that. She genuinely liked to know. I think snooping was one of the things that made my mom an avid reader.

Reading about characters is a kind of snooping. We readers are privy to their thoughts, actions, and motivations. Sometimes we get to find out things (or figure things out) before they do!

Needless to say, this little apple didn't fall far from the tree. Yup, I love to snoop too, but I like to think I'm a bit more covert than my mother was, at least when it comes to friends and family. Not necessarily while reading. I've been known to mutter at the characters even while I'm deeply engrossed in reading. On occasion, I've even shouted out, "I KNEW IT!" when a plot twist happened just the way I suspected.

As for my writing, one of the things I love most about it is knowing all the little details of my characters lives. Even if those thoughts, feelings, experiences never quite make it onto the printed page, I still feel more competent to tell their stories just by knowing all about them. I've even been guilty of rubbing my hands together in gleeful anticipation because I know what's about to happen and I know how my poor characters are going to react.

Yes, yes, I know. We writers are a weird lot. But it's so much fun! Besides, snooping on my characters keeps me out of trouble with my friends and family members who would much rather I not do my snooping about them.

What about you? Do you like to snoop? Ever been caught? Or do you snoop openly like my mother used to do?

I’ll give away an autographed copy of one of my novels (The Wild Sight, The Treasures of Venice, or The Wild Irish Sea) to one commenter. Winner’s choice!

Loucinda McGary (Aunty Cindy of the Romance Bandits) writes romantic suspense in exotic settings with a hint of the paranormal. She currently has three books available from Sourcebooks Casablanca. Learn more about her and her books at http://www.loucindamcgary.com/

Were you Naughty or Nice this year? Welcome Guest Author Cari Quinn & Enter to Win!

Thank you to Sabrina for allowing me to blog here today!

Want to win a book? Contests are always fun, plus it's almost my birthday (yes, I'm one of those with the dreaded close-to-Christmas birthdays.) So what better time to offer a chance to win a present if you comment?

Since it's the holiday season and whether or not you celebrate - or if you celebrate - there is always one thing that makes this time of year more fun. Well, more than one, but for the purposes of this blog post I'm talking about curling up and reading a book. Whether you read on an e-reader or prefer the feel of paper in your hands, it's such a wonderful feeling to curl up in a snuggly blanket while you're getting lost in someone else's world. Since I write erotic romance, my choice is, of course, a story along the hotter end of the spectrum. Why not warm up one of the most economical ways there is? And c'mon, for those of us who write or read erotic romance, we all know we like those vicarious thrills. Sometimes they trigger memories of our own pasts or help us fantasize about what we might like to experience in the future. Sometimes they're just fun. ;)

So in the vein of our "naughty" holiday season, I'm wondering what YOU'VE done this year to put you on Santa's list. Were you naughty or nice this year? One random commenter who shares their naughtiest or nicest moment this year will win an ebook copy from my backlist, winner's choice. And if you're like me and don't have any especially naughty or nice moments, what would you do to try to impress Santa? Get as imaginative as you'd like. Santa appreciates creativity (and so do I!)

Before you go, here's the blurb from my latest Ellora's Cave release, Personal Research. There's an excerpt here: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8648-50-personal-research.aspx if you're interested.

Briefs are Elena Thomas’s life, whether they’re legal at her day job or on the men in the erotic novels she writes. She’s just fine with saving her imagination for her books until temptation appears in the form of Nunzio, the smokin’-hot office IT guy. When he discovers one of her scorching books shooting out of the printer, Elena’s not sure if he wants her because she’s inventive or because he thinks she’s desperate. That doesn’t stop her from taking advantage of his “services”.

On her desk. On the copier. And, oh yeah—in her boss’s chair.

Nunzio’s shocked to learn Elena’s wall-hugging persona hides a wildcat of a woman with delicious fantasies and an enticing wit. She’s exactly what he’s been looking for in an adventurous lover—and girlfriend. He knows she enjoys their sexual research. Now he just has to convince her that sizzling sex is only the first chapter of their blazing-hot romance.

Now go forth and comment! I'll pick a winner in a few days. Happy holidays!

Visit Cari at http://www.cariquinn.com/

It's a Cyber Birthday Party with Author Inez Kelley! Comment to Win!

YOU ARE INVITED! To a Cyber Birthday Party!

WHERE: Inez Kelley’s Website
WHEN: Nov. 24th noon until 10PM
RSVP: Nope, just stop by, comment to win any of over 60 books and prizes, not to mention filling up of your beefcake quota.
What to bring: An appetite to read!

It’s my birthday! (Okay, not really. My birthday is the 25th but that is American Thanksgiving and everyone will be stuffing their face with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie so I am celebrating early)

All day long, I will open my wonderful present from my fellow authors and then I will give them TO YOU! Winners awarded all day long from the comment section(so include your email addy!)

I stopped getting birthday presents a long time ago and now wouldn’t even bother celebrating the day (Who really wants to celebrate getting OLDER once you are over the legal age?) except well, I have a new release this week. It seemed fitting to celebrate that and combine the two.

LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR is a red-hot novella from Samhain Publishing, a scorching little tale of a one-night stand that changed into so much more. It has a hot ex-firefighter, a mysterious heroine and a steamy romance with just a hint of that pain in the ass ex that won’t go away.

So come celebrate my birthday, my new release and reap the benefits from a Birthday Blow Out where you get the presents! In fact, Let’s kick this party off right! If you would like a copy of LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR, comment here and tell me your favorite birthday gift ever! Winner’s choice of formats. Contest will be open until Dec. 8th and the winner announced on the 9th or 10th.

LIPSTICK ON HIS COLLAR
He never thought his next wildfire would be wearing a red dress.

“Make me your goddess and I’ll take you to heaven.” This sultry promise sparks a scorching, unforgettable one-night stand. The next morning Bram Winters awakes with a hickey and a head full of wicked memories—alone. His nameless goddess is gone without a trace, along with his shirt. And his heart.

Five months later, he stumbles across his mystery lady in a Laundromat, but she still won’t give up her name. Worse, she begs him to leave, no questions asked. Once he catches the spark of terror in her eyes, though, his firefighter training takes over—and he digs in for the duration.

Lady never wanted Bram to see her life’s ugly underside, but it’s too late—his socks are already in the washer. He was supposed to be her declaration of independence from her unstable ex, a bittersweet memory to carry into her new life.

Except the ex continues to stalks her. And Bram’s reappearance sends her emotions and desires tumbling over the edge. As the minutes wear on, sexual tension rises faster than the steam from a hot water wash.

And Lady’s ex watches from the shadows, growing more furious by the minute…

Product Warnings: Scorching sex, icy scissor play and an anonymous woman taking a wet slide down one hot ex-fireman’s pole. Beware of hot flashes and spontaneous combustion. Correct change not required.

A Month of Thanks - Update Post on Giving to a Family In Need & Fun Giveaways!

Hello friends and neighbors,

Many of you may not be aware that Romance in the Backseat is offering a very special Month of Thanks this November.  The most exciting part is coming from Silver Publishing, a generous giveaway of $100 Grocery Gift Card.

November is a time to give thanks to those in our life who day in and day out make our lives better. To give thanks to friends and family that year after year support us. This year there are a lot of families and friends in need of some extra support and help. That is why Silver Publishing has so generously offered to help pay for a families Thanksgiving dinner.

Please share the news about this giveaway and join us to nominate someone in your life who could use the extra help. All nominations are private, our goal is to add some holiday cheer and some extra goodies to the table this Thanksgiving. 

I want to thank Silver Publishing for this amazing gift. Even if you and your loved ones are lucky enough to have a table of food waiting Thanksgiving day drop in and show your appreciation not only to Silver Publishing, but to the other authors who have come on the site this month and shared their tales of thanks.  To give us a little more cheer those authors have also offered a book giveaway to share with those you love.

Terry Kate
Romance in the Backseat

 

Visit Silver Publishing's Site to find out about their books - http://silverpublishing.info/

Enter Here - http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-food-giveaways-silver.html

Kylie Brant's Giveaway

Deadly Intent

 http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/gratitude-attitude-by-kylie-brant.html

Lydia Dare's Giveaway

The Taming of the Wolf

 http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-lydia-dare.html

Nicola Cornick's Giveaway

Whispers of Scandal

http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/nicola-cornicks-month-of-thanks-blog.html

Kersten Hamilton's Giveaway

Tyger Tyger

http://ritbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/month-of-thanks-with-kersten-hamilton.html

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane...

If you follow me on twitter (Hey - you should follow me on twitter!) you might have caught a tweet or two about my upcoming vacation - CHINA BABY! I'll be gone for two weeks freezing my patootie off in China, starting on Thanksgiving. While gone, I'll have some fun authors to stop by and do guest blogs and giveaways.

I'll pull the winners of the giveaways when I get back around Dec. 9th or 10th and I'll leave all giveaways open for entries through the 8th of December.

Please be nice to our visiting authors and tell your friends to stop by too! Since I won't have access to twitter or email, I won't be able to help promote the guests as much so I'm counting on my great readers to help them feel welcome.

Now, I just need to fill my Sony eReader up with books and I'm all set to travel. To my American readers, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and to everyone else have a great two weeks!

Happy Reading!

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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One of the BEST parts of the Holidays...FREE Starbucks!

I just had to share this with readers so you can make sure to take advantage! I mean, who doesn't want to get a free AWESOME holiday drink from Starbucks? :) Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, you can do the peppermint hot chocolate. Take a friend along and then spend some time talking romance books over those amazing drinks!

Today's I'm Doing Something Different...

It's a different kind of post from me today. I've had big things on my mind and couldn't bring myself to write the latest review to post and actually give it the write-up it deserves.

Today is the 3rd anniversary of my mother's death.

On the 1st anniversary my Dad was still alive but not doing very well and ended up in the hospital during this week. It kept me from focusing on Mom being gone.

For the 2nd year, Dad was still sick and getting much worse. Taking care of him, making sure he was taking his medicine, dealing with his loneliness and depression, keeping his old house from falling apart - they all kept me focused on him. I had to be strong for him. Couldn't let him see my emotions because I had to be strong so he could be the one to cry, the one to be sad and depressed.

I felt like in order to be there for him - to support him - I didn't have the right to lose it. To just let go and feel it all - all the emotions that for 2 years had been bottled up.

I was being strong.

As I said, this year is the 3rd anniversary and the first since my dad passed away last year.

This year it's different.

This year I'm feeling every bit of the emotion I didn't get to feel before.

A part of me is relieved - I was scared because who loses their Mom and then doesn't grieve? Did I not love her - am I some sort of heartless woman who only thought she loved her Mother more than anything? Shouldn't I be crying?

So much guilt. Honestly, there has been so much guilt. Trying to be there for dad, but feeling like not focusing on Mom and remembering her made me feel so guilty. Would she have understood? Is she somewhere sad that I wasn't crying or depressed those 1st 2 years? Did she get it - that Dad needed me?

I've asked myself those questions a million times. And tons of other questions too. Questions like: Did she know how much I loved her? How proud I was that she was my mom? How much I appreciated her friendship - not just for being my Mom?

So many questions.

Today, I mark the 3rd anniversary and I'm so happy to say I'm crying. I'm staring at one of my favorite pictures of the two of us. I'm sitting at work remembering her laugh, the jokes she used to tell. The secrets we shared.

Most of all today, I'm celebrating the things about me that I think are just like my Mom. On any given day I can say something or tell a silly joke, or laugh a certain way and it catches me by surprise. Wow - I sound just like Mom. Or, Mom would have loved this. I'M SO PROUD TO BE JUST LIKE MY MOM IN SO MANY WAYS. 

I miss you Mom.

Please - I ask all of you to spend time with your Mom telling her how much she means to you today. If she is no longer with us, I'm so sorry but please never forget the special things that made her your special Mom. 

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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A Special Holiday Post: Nominate a Family In Need

A Special Message from Terry at Romance in the Backseat:
Hello Readers and Friends,

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year, where we thank those in our lives that have done so much for us throughout the year.  Romance in the Backseat is also taking part in saying thanks.  We have authors giving away books as well as some truly generous giveaways.  Those of food for families in need this Holiday.  Come and Visit Romance in the Backseat.  Nominate those who need some cheer for the book giveaways and those you know who are in need to win the Food Gift Cards from Silver Publishing and author Kylie Brandt. 

 Thank you and please share the links to these giveaways everywhere you can.

Join us and enter to Win a $100 Food Gift Card from Silver Publishing



Author Kylie Brandt is doing a special $50 Holiday Food Giveaway on RITBS

The Kraken's Mirror Winner!

The winner of a copy of The Kraken's Mirror from Mauren Betita is...

Pam S (pams00)

Congrats! As soon as The Kraken's Mirror releases, I'll get a copy out to you at the email you provided.

Happy Reading and huge thanks to Maureen for stopping by and all the lovely things she said. :)

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Welcome Special Guest Author Mareen O. Betita & Win The Kraken's Mirror!

A Beta Reader You Can Trust


Hi, I’m Maureen O. Betita and I’m taking over Cheeky Reads today, by invitation, don’t worry! I’m a new author, with my first release upcoming from Decadent Publishing.

It’s called The Kraken’s Mirror, a captivating romantic adventure featuring pirates, a kraken playing cupid, ipods and a curse of good luck. With a bit of time travel tossed in for fun. Along with waltzing vampires, a swamp full of zombies and a pack of werewolves running in the forest. Yes, Tortuga will never be thought of the same!

Bwah ha ha!

When I dreamed up this menagerie of a story and saw it develop into more than just a lark I knew I needed a beta reader with some experience to help me see past the love affaire I’d fallen into.

Yes, I love this story. I still do, especially after the beta experience. In fact, my beta reader proved invaluable at pointing out some real holes in my narrative. She drew my attention to areas where I lacked descriptive detail, for one thing. Like many new authors, I was caught up with knowing my world so well I just sort of…well…skipped describing it. With her help I brought the pirate festival to life, adding color, pulling up vivid memories and inserting them for the reader.

Thanks, Sabrina!

Another thing she spotted had to do with how my heroine reacted when a betrayal was revealed. Emily needed more connection to what led to it, more connection to why she might feel betrayed. And why she might feel the moments of insecurity the way I painted them.

This was harder to do, had to back up quite a bit…but I saw the hole because she pointed it out to me. Gently. Because she’s Sabrina and she knows how to work with sensitivity.

There were several other bits and pieces Sabrina helped me with and I look forward to her eventually reading the finished product, reviewing it here on CheekyReads and giving me how every many kisses she deems it worthy of. I trust Sabrina, my beta reader.

She made the book better. And no, I’m not just playing kissy-kissy. I hope you will enjoy The Kraken’s Mirror when it comes out and remember to thank Sabrina…she helped a lot!

A Sneak Peek At The Kraken's Mirror:

Treated by our youth oriented society as invisible and sexless Emily Pawes attends a pirate festival to recapture the make believe magic she knew as a younger woman. She wins an interesting bit of booty at an old woman's bric-a-brac stand. The Kraken's mirror is a magical portal and transports her to a land of Hollywood piratitude, where swashbuckling heroes own iPods. With little choice, she embraces the madness, deciding she’ll play pirate until she figures out how to get home. Or wakes up in a padded cell.

Instead of men in little white coats, she encounters the handsome Captain Alan Silvestri. He is a man haunted by a strange curse. Good luck is his to command, but it comes at the cost of any place to call home or people to call family. Resigned to die shunned by all, forced to sail every three days, he begins to dream of a special woman.

When they meet, sparks fly, passion flares. He needs her to be free, but more than that, he needs her to be whole. They set sail, uncertain of who has control of the wheel, seeking to defeat his curse of good luck and discover all the Kraken’s mirror plans for them.

Learn more about Maureen and The Kraken's Mirror at the following locations online:
http://www.maureenobetita.com/
http://believinginsecondchances.typepad.com/
www.twitter.com/maureenobetita

A Special Note From Cheeky Sabrina:
Ok, seriously folks I did not pay her to say all those awesome things. Really I didn't. Maybe I blackmailed her a little, but no money actually exchanged hands. :) I had no idea that she'd write about my being her beta. Thank you so much for the lovely post Maureen. It means so much to me that you think I helped even a little. And isn't that an awesome cover!


Maureen is both an amazing woman, a true friend and a wonderful writer. I was surprised and honored when she asked me to be a beta reader for her and hope that some of my comments really did help. The Kraken's Mirror is a really fun and original story chock full of pirates. I said PIRATES people! And not just of the male persuasion. There is a whole crew of kick-ass awesome lady pirates as well and I had a blast reading about them.

To help spread my love of Maureen and her debut release The Kraken's Mirror, I'm hosting a giveaway! When the Kraken's Mirror releases, I'll personally purchase a copy and send to a lucky Cheeky Reads reader. All you have to do is leave a comment with your best made-up pirate name! Be creative - make it something fun, or even give yourself a Cheeky pirate moniker.

Contest is Open to all users including Internationally. I'll announce a winner on Monday. Please feel free to share this contest on your blog, Facebook or tweet about it!

Cheeky Trick or Treat Winner!

The winner of our first ever Cheeky Reads Trick or Treat Giveaway, as selected by random.org, is...

Comment #7 - Karen!

Congrats Karen! Email your mailing address to cheekyreads @  gmail.com (no spaces) and I'll get your prize out to you soon! I'll be checking out my TBR shelves tonight and picking the perfect book to send you. *Crossing fingers for some good Fairy books!*

Thanks to everyone who entered and you never know...I might decide to giveaway more treats today... :)

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Cheeky Trick or Treat Giveaway!

In honor of Halloween I'm doing a Cheeky Trick or Treat Giveaway! All you have to do is tell me what are your favorite type of paranormal or urban fantasy characters and you'll be entered to win. What do you win? How about a suprise book from my personal TBR pile that features the creatures you like the most? :)

So, let's hear it - are you a fan or witches, werewolves, vampires, shifters, fae? What's your favorite character type? Leave a comment letting me know and you're entered. It's that simple.  

I'll announce the winner on Monday, Nov. 1st. US and Canada only.

Fun with Book Trailers & a Cheeky Trick or Treat Event!

Book trailers are becoming more and more popular as a marketing tool for writer's to spread the word and build the anticipation about thier new releases. I've also seen some fun trailers that bring you up to speed on a series so you are ready for when the next book releases. I've watched quite a few videos lately and wanted to share just a few of them with you.

Enjoy and I'd love to hear if you think book trailers would help you decide to buy a book or not, or if you couldn't care less about them. What do you like or not like about them and what do you think might make one stand out for you? Oh - and be sure to stop by later and over the weekend as I'll be doing a special Cheeky Trick or Treat giveaway event!

Game, Set, Match by Nana Malone


Demon From the Dark by Kresley Cole


Wicked Highlander by Donna Grant


Undertow by Cherry Adair

Book Review: Backstage Pass: Sinners on Tour by Olivia Cunning

Book Review: Backstage Pass: Sinners on Tour
By: Olivia Cunning
Sourcebooks Casablanca
2 Heart Review
HEAT LEVEL: EROTIC ROMANCE
Five Stunning Guys, One Hot Woman and a Feverish Romance...

For him, life is all music and no play...

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune...

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory...and sin...

Right off the bat, I want to say that I've never been a huge fan of musicians as heroes. It's not that I particularly dislike them, but I usually find that they tend to act like assholes. Knowing that, I was really hoping for a book that would present a musician I could cheer for. Backstage Pass wasn't totally it, but it was an entertaining read even if it's not something I would read again. If you are a fan of heroes who rock out, then this book might be much better for you than it was for me.

My main issues with the book were that I just couldn't get into a group of men with groupies and that I found the sexual music trance the hero goes into a little too hard to believe. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the word so I can't know for sure, but I did find it hard to believe that musicians write music while getting it on.

There were also a few sex scenes that I felt were thrown in as extras to make the book go more to the erotic side of romance and I felt the book would have been better without those.

The Sinners are an interesting group of men and since this is the first book in a series we'll see all the men find their true love. The author did do a good job of creating five very different guys that you do wonder how they will turn out and what kind of woman (or man) will be the one to make them change their ways. (Groupies, circle blow-jobs, etc. They really do act like an 80's rock band on tour)

I don't think I'll be reading any more books in the series, but not because it wasn't an interesting read, but because I don't think I would do the author justice to talk about her books when I already know I would have a hard time with the hero.

What about you...Do you enjoy a musicians as a hero? If so, what is it about them you love? If not, what is your favorite hero type or occupation?

Reading Withdrawls: What's Your Book Genre Crack?

Lately my life has been jam packed with special events, crazy day-job hours and projects, and unexpected family tragedies. It left me without much time for reading and I realized that the longer I go without reading a book, the stronger the siren song of my TBR pile.

The reading withdrawals have also made me start thinking about what specifically I want to read the first chance I get. What book in the TBR is calling out the loudest? Or is it an keeper shelf favorite that has me in her clutches? Then the responsible adult part of me asks "What book do I need to read to review first?"

Sometimes those books that you know publishers and authors are waiting for reviews on can make looking at the TBR pile almost lose it's hold on me. Not entirely, but knowing people are waiting to hear what you thought can feel overwhelming when sometimes all you want to do is pick the book you are most in the mood to read!

And I've said it before, but I really want to review books when I'm most in the mood to read that genre. I mean if my heart is calling out for a historical, am I really setting up the best reviewing scenario if I pick up that paranormal that I know is releasing soon and feel is more time sensitive?

It's a hard question to answer. I do think that great books speak for themselves and as soon as I start reading, if it's a good book, it will pull me in no matter the genre. On the other hand, sometimes feeding the addiction with the right drug, ha - genre, seems to me would make for a happier and more fulfilled reader.

It's a balancing act, and one I try my best to do when scheduling what I'm reading and reviewing. I do try very hard to give myself enough time to be able to pick up a book for review when I'm in the mood for that genre. It doesn't always happen, but I'd say 80% of the time I can get it to work that way.

Times like now though, it kinda goes out the window. I'm starving for a the hit of a good book and the longer I go the more I can tell I will only be satisfied by X genre. I know exactly what genre book I'm picking up next and hopefully reading one good (again, hopefully) book in that genre will feed the beast and let me relax into reviewing/reading what needs to come next.

So, when you haven't read a book in a what seems like forever (which for me is like 2-5 days) what genre are you drawn to? Is it the same genre every time or do your tastes change according to your mood? Let's hear it!

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Book Review: A Tarnished Heart by Leslie Dicken

Book Review: A Tarnished Heart
By: Leslie Dicken
Samhain Publishing
3 Heart Review

She can save him—or bring him to ultimate ruin.


The Earl of Markham’s life is unraveling before his eyes. The harder he tries to pick up the frayed ends, the quicker his carefully guarded control slips from his iron grasp. Five years after the death of his wife, the threat of blackmail hangs over his son’s inheritance.

His only hope to quell the gossip before it begins lies in a headstrong young commoner as wild and free as the English countryside she loves. She is wrong for him in every way. Yet she brings life to his colorless world—and warms his heart with a fire that threatens to shatter the wall around his heart.

Lizzie Parker is content with her garden, her village and caring for her aging father. She wants no part of the glittering London Season, but her father will not be denied his wish to see to her future. Still, she plans to do everything in her power to vex the man charged with taking her away from her beloved home. The man who once broke her heart. Markham.

She never expected his kisses to tame her resistance. With each touch he rouses her senses, until suddenly she’s not at all sure where she belongs...

I'm a big fan of Leslie Dicken and truly believe that she's an under the radar author that more readers of historical romance should check out. Her book Beauty Tempts the Beast was one of my top books of 2010 and a 5 Heart Review here at Cheeky Reads. Seriously, you are missing out if you haven't read it yet.

All of that leads me to point out that my expectations for Leslie's latest book were very high and I do think that's part of the reason why I gave A Tarnished Heart 3 Hearts. Beauty Tempts The Beast is a hard act to follow! In fact, I finished reading this book weeks ago and was having the hardest time trying to figure out exactly what it was that it was missing for me.

It's not that A Tarnished Heart isn't a great story - it is. I loved how strong-willed the heroine was and how willing she is to do anything to stay with her father and take care of him. She's also a smart, tough lady who is willing to fight for her freedom even if it jeopardizes her own reputation and potential future.

One thing I felt was missing for me was for the villains in this tale to get theirs. Lady Fallston and the man who helps her (name withheld to avoid spoilers) needed to have something bad happen to them or at least for the reader to feel like they had to pay for their transgressions. I'm a big fan of making sure that the people who have caused harm pay for it. This was a problem I had with Jennifer Haymore's A Touch of Scandal. The ending with the mother really threw me out of that story and kept it from being a 5 Heart Review for me. I had the same issue with A Tarnished Heart.

**Both of the following plot points are revealed very early in the story so I didn't feel that they counted as spoilers, but wanted to warn you before reading on.**

The other thing that stuck out to me as not quite feeling right to the story was Lizzie's blaming of Markham for her sister's death and how badly she took his reaction to her declaration of future marriage. The blame for the death seemed off and there is an answer to that later, but it took me out of the story every time it was mentioned. As for the declaration of love, all I could think was that she was still a child and no man in his right mind would have reacted positively to that. Let alone a random child coming upon a carriage on a country road and declaring this to the man inside.

What I did really enjoy was the romance between Lizzie and Markham and the sexual tension between them, which I think Leslie writes so well. Both characters were strong and you really wanted them to come to their senses and love each other. It's a solid romance story with two characters you will enjoy and cheer for. The only major thing this book suffers from is not being Beauty Tempts the Beast, which I've said before was one of my favorite books of 2009 and maybe even of the past 3-5 years.

If you haven't read Leslie, please check out her books. I sing her praises on twitter all the time for good reason! Have you read Beauty Tempts the Beast or A Tarnished Heart? If so, what did you think?

Late Review: September Harlequin Blaze Quickie Reviews

I read two Harlequin Blaze books this month and even though I know new ones are already out on the shelves, I wanted to do a quick review since you can still get your hands on these books at http://www.eharlequin.com/.

September Harlequin Blaze Reviews:

Hot Island Nights by Sarah Mayberry – 4 Heart Review

Sweet Surrender (3 Encounters) by Lori Wilde – 4 Heart Review Overall
Night Whispers – 4 Hearts
Never Enough – 3 Hearts
No Turning Back – 4 Hearts

Hot Island Nights:

Elizabeth Morgan didn't intend to abandon her very proper life. But that's the best way to find her true – and less proper – self. So here she is in Australia, standing in front of a man who's clad only in a towel. Nathan Jones is so tempting he could be the ideal candidate to help this good girl be very bad!

Sure enough, thanks to Nathan's talented hands, Elizabeth is living all her sensual fantasies. And while the sex is great, something more is developing. She trusts him, and wants to share her secrets with him, and... Suddenly this feels more like a real relationship than some fun in the sun. Luckily, there's a cure for too much commitment – more wickedness!

The back cover blurb for this book did absolutely nothing to prepare the reader for the amazing story within. This is not a light and carefree Blaze of “wickedness”. There are some major issues handled in this book and in a very deep and fulfilling way. The blurb gets the general idea of teh couple right, but doesn't hint at all at the wonderful story inside.

This was a book that I read quite a few people discussing on twitter so I had to read it. They were not wrong. It's packs way more emotional punch than I normally expect from a Blaze and I thought it was exceptionally well done.

Sweet Surrender:

The Dilemma: How to get over a man-summer gone bad? Ban males next time out.

The Bet: No sex this summer vacation. So who will not hold out the longest?

First there was Bianca: Bianca St. James is desperately pretending her billionaire playboy client isn't fiendishly hot. Self-control...not a chance!

Then Madison: Safely away from temptation, Madison Garrett's confident she'll win the wager...until she sees her travel companion. Will all bets – and clothes – be off?

And Finally Emma: Emma Jacobs was set up. Now she's alone in the wilderness with her achingly hot former high school sweetie...surely no one will notice if she's a little bad, will they?

May the best woman win!

Night Whispers: This was a fun little story that I liked because for once, time passes in this book as the couple learns about each other and falls in love. It was very nice to see an alpha male who nurtures the heronine and helps her learn about herself and her heritage. I did wonder how in the world this woman wears the same undies every day (as all the heronines in the story do)?

Never Enough: A well written story, I gave this one 3 hearts because I didn't buy the 1-2 day fall in love timeline. I don't care if you talk to someone for 24 hours straight, it's asking too much to suspend my disbelief that they fell in love that quickly.

No Turning Back: I LOVED that this was a reunion story and how easy it felt - and how right. Very well done and even though this could easily have been a full-lenth story of its own, the author did a great job leaving you satisfied with the shorter length.

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Monday Morning Cuteness!

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New Updates Coming Soon...

Sorry I've been MIA a little the past few days, but I've had some bad news about a family member and haven't been up to writing my reviews and posting them. I'm trying to get past it and will hopefully be updating again soon.

I hope everyone is reading something awesome and have a great weekend!

New & Recent Releases I’m Excited About…

There have been a slew of recent releases that I’m dying to read or whose covers caught my eye and they’re now on my radar. Below are just some of them, but head over to your local bookstore to check out what else has slipped onto the shelves without you noticing!

Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin

The Best of Friends by Susan Mallery

The Surrender of a Lady by Tiffany Clare

Eat Prey Love by Kerrelyn Sparks

Trial by Desire by Courtney Milan

Me, Myself and Why? by MaryJanice Davidson

Aching for Always by Gwyn Cready

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven Winner!

Thank you again to Stephanie for coming on Cheeky Reads and answering some questions for us about her new Harlequin Nocturne release, Poisoned Kisses. I've seen quite a few 5 star reviews for this book on twitter this past week so I'm so excited to be giving away a copy!

The winner of that copy, as randomly selected by random.org. is...

Comment #1 - arceli

Congrats! Email me your mailing address to cheekyreads @ gmail.com (no spaces) and I'll get the book out to you soon.

Happy Reading!

BEST Audio Book EVER! (Well, mightly fine one at least)

Confession: I'm only half-way through a book and I'm ready to call it a winner. Seriously, I've been tweeting all morning on how freakin' fantastic the current Audio Book I'm listening to is. Which one you ask?

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Cruise released in audio by Brilliance Audio.

THIS is why I adore audio books and why I keep singing their praises to readers who have yet to try them out.

The story is performed by Angela Dawe and she nails every voice, owning every character. This is the first time I've written "performed by" and totally meant it. These characters come alive off the page and do great justice to Jennifer Cruise's story.

I mean it's a Jennifer Cruise story, which means chances are that it's going to be pretty good if not great, but this just raises it to another level. I can honestly say I think the Audio Book version might be better than the book itself because - I'll say it again - Angela Dawe owns these characters.

So fantastic! If you were looking for your first audio book to try, or if you tried one in the past and hated it, PLEASE try this one. It's the perfect example of what an Audio Book should be and can be!

Here's Brilliance Audio's website with a sample of this audio book. The audio book just gets better and better the further into it. :)

Here's an Amazon link.

And a Borders link.

Have you read or listened to Maybe This Time? Tell us what you thought or tell us the best Audio Book you've found!

Monday Morning Cuteness!

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Someone's got a case of the Mondays...shoot me now!

BLOGMANIA WINNER! Drumroll please...

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Cheeky Reads during Blogmania! If your a book lover that you'll stop back by and visit again!

With Blogmaina now over I wanted to say I had a great time visiting all the blogs and finding new ones that I'll be checking out on a regular basis. I'm also super excited about all the great comments I recieved in response to my favorite author question. So much so, that I've decided to take some time this weekend and compile a list of every author that was mentioned. I mean what better recommendation list than a list of all-time favorites! I'll post the list here and I'm planning to feature many of those authors in the coming months.

Now, for the news everybody really wants to hear. :) I wrote up all the eligible entries this morning, placed them in a bag and pulled one out.

The randomly selected winner is...

Amy! Here is a screen shot of the winning comment (with email removed) so we can be sure which Amy it is. :)

Congratulations Amy and thank you for entering. Please email your mailing address to me at cheekyreads  @ gmail.com (no spaces) and I'll ship out your items. The books and audio books will ship from me, and the chocolate I will be ordering from online so it will ship seperately.

I wish everyone else luck on all the other great giveaways!

Happy Reading
Cheeky Girl Sabrina