CLP blog tours

The Position

November 4, 2014 1 Comment

“The Position” by Dahlia Salvatore

Blurb:

Dylan Farrow puts on his pants every morning one leg at a time, just like everyone else at the Kerrigan Advertising Agency. He handles high-pressure projects with a fast turnaround. He’s prized for his keen intellect and admirable performance. But how did he get where he is today—to the level of Junior Executive of Design Production?

Well, that involves how he takes his pants off…
and for whom…

Hoping to break through the glass ceiling under which she’s been trapped for years, Valerie Caplan picks up her life and moves to Seattle. After hearing about the position of Senior Executive of Design Production from an art director at Kerrigan, she decides to apply. When she lands the big interview, she never thinks for a minute that she’ll have any serious competition. She assumes that she has the job in the bag…until she discovers that the only competition has something she doesn’t have—the willingness to go outside the office to impress Danica Stewart, their uptight female boss.

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

(Valerie)

THE WIND RUSHED around me as I stood on the balcony and looked out at downtown Seattle. From my apartment on the sixteenth floor, I could see the space needle and the lights glittering on as the sun set over the Puget Sound. I’d always wanted to live by water. I took in a lungful of air. It was different than the mountain air I was used to in Denver. In this breath, I could taste the sea.

I smiled. I’d never set foot in the city before today, but I could already tell I was going to love it. The opportunities seemed endless and I felt freer than ever before to pursue them. That was especially true because I wasn’t working and had a ton of time on my hands. Unfortunately, I’d given up on most of my hobbies and extra-curricular activities in order to climb the ladder. I was a self-professed workaholic, and, so far, I liked it that way.

Being that I’d given up most social obligations, I didn’t have many friends. There were maybe two or three in Denver, but they had families and their own lives, so we didn’t see each other often. In Seattle, I had one friend—one—and I’d only known him for two months, and only because of my job connections.

In Denver, I’d worked for Trinity Advertising Corp. They were a medium-sized company, but slowly gaining popularity and clout. My problem had been that I wasn’t gaining enough ground for comfort. I was too ambitious to enjoy a stagnant life. This move was about climbing further and becoming more than I’d been before. At Trinity, I’d hit the dreaded glass ceiling and moving on became my top priority. That’s why I had gone to Seattle, on the recommendation of a man who barely knew me.

Chuck had recommended me to his boss for a position as Senior Executive of Design Production. That meant I was going to be overseeing several Art Directors, who in turn oversaw the teams which produced the company’s biggest projects. I badly wanted the job and I damned sure deserved it. Because I’d put so much of myself into making every line on my resume count, I was confident. Maybe overly so, since I’d moved to Seattle before I even landed the position. My plan-b was to apply at the other ad agencies if that job fell through. Anything was better than Trinity, right?

I turned back into the apartment and slid the glass door closed. The emptiness seemed bigger than any sound I could possibly make, but nevertheless, I found the box labeled “sound system” and unpacked my iPod docking station and set it up on the floor. I looked up my eighties mix and suddenly the apartment was filled with Billy Idol’s voice, from the hardwoods to the beams of the vaulted ceiling.

I smiled, dropped onto my butt in the middle of the boxes and began making the empty rooms into a home. After just a few hours, the kitchen and bathroom were completely unpacked. I estimated that if I kept going through the night, I’d be done by morning.

Break time, I thought, wandering into the kitchen. I rinsed out a dusty wineglass and uncorked a year-old bottle of Prosecco. While I leaned on the high granite-top breakfast bar, I felt the evil stab of loneliness convict me of sucking at life. I wished I had someone who I could share this experience with. It would be fun to listen to Madonna and drink with a friend.

It could have been the wine hitting my empty stomach, but I was called to action by a voice in my head saying ‘That’s enough!’ The voice was right. It was time to branch out, meet new people, form relationships—and maybe even find a man. God, I need to get laid, I thought, refilling my glass. I clutched the drink with both hands, bringing it to my lips—Oh, yes, my friend wine. … Reveal to me what I should do with my life.

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About author Dahlia Salvatore: Dahlia Salvatore is a thirty-two-year-old female author living in Seattle, Washington with her husband. She comes from Coos Bay, Oregon and moved to Seattle six years ago. She loves the west coast and doesn’t see herself anywhere else.

Her influences include contemporary writers J.K. Rowling, Mary Balogh, Christina Dodd, Stephanie Laurens, Laurell K. Hamilton, Anne Rice, Stephen King, and many many others.

Contact Dahlia: Website Facebook Twitter

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Dahlia’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

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GIVEAWAY

Click HERE to win prizes!

What I Really Learned in College

September 17, 2014 1 Comment

“What I Really Learned in College” by Addison Winters

Blurb: Alex Rose is a 32-year-old divorced mother of two, looking for a better life for her and her sons. In search of answers, she returns to college to finally get that degree she’s always dreamed of. What she finds is something she wasn’t even looking for.

Mason Brooks is every girl’s dream: 21 years old, tall, with dirty blond hair that curls when it’s wet, sea-blue eyes, and dimples. Hot, sexy…and deliciously naïve and innocent.

Enter a tantalizing world where an average soccer mom utilizes her newfound knowledge of psychology to make life just a little more interesting. Follow along as Alex educates Mason on the art of seducing and pleasing a woman. Take notes as she introduces him to a whole new level of intensity and sexual pleasure. Study the sensual art of tantric sex as Alex creates her own style of silk and lace female dominance.
This little tryst will never survive past college–but Alex is determined to enjoy it the fullest while it lasts.

Excerpt:

We spent the next several weeks until the end of the semester continuing our naughty little tryst on the afternoons after class. We would disappear to my house four days a week and play for hours. I had turned into the instructor and Mason my willing and eager student. And as time went by, he stayed later and later, under the guise of studying. At least until mid-May, when he mentioned to Max that he had played on his high school baseball team as catcher also. After that, Max was sold. As soon as he’d come home after school, he’d have Mason outside practicing. It wasn’t long before Max had invited him to watch his practices which, of course, led to Saturday morning games.

Lisa and Kim had gotten used to his presence and had stopped teasing me about my beanie boy, at least when he was around. However, the other moms . . . they were a problem. It was bad enough, in general, I was an easy ten years younger than the vast majority of them. Most were successful career women or die-hard stay at home moms. They viewed Lisa and me as social pariahs and a threat to their happy little lives. The married ones felt threatened that we’d flirt with their husbands and the divorced crones hated us for having something akin to a social life. The sidelines at any junior league sporting event reminded me of being back in high school it was so cliquey.

And the majority of these women were vicious. If their husbands so much as spoke to us, their claws came out. It was common to see any one of these women casually waltz over to her husband’s side, place a hand on his arm—a clear claim of ownership, and smile through her fangs as a warning. It was pathetic how sad these women were. They might as well pee a little circle all around their husbands cause that was exactly what they were doing. And the divorced ones were even worse. They truly considered us their competition if not their enemy. They envied our energy and our age. There was an invisible line drawn on every set of bleachers regardless of the sport.

Now, they wanted to begrudge me Mason. I could hear the whispers behind my back about his age, how they called me a cougar when they thought I couldn’t hear them, or the looks of disapproval they would glare at me whenever I looked their direction. I knew they were jealous. There was no way in hell these ladies could ever have a twenty-one year old cabana boy as sexy as Mason.

And it didn’t take long for word to spread. Memorial weekend, I was getting breakfast ready while the boys, Mason included, were playing X-box when my cell phone rang.

“Hello,” I answered without looking first at the number and immediately regretting it.

“Good morning, doll. How are you?” A familiar voice greeted me.

“What do you want Danny?” Annoyance immediately took over. “You know I got Max a cell phone so we don’t have to have these pleasant conversations.”

“I called to talk to you. I have been hearing some interesting things about you lately and I was curious. After all, I am concerned about my boys.”

“Good grief, Danny. What do you want?” I flipped the blueberry pancakes and leaned against the counter.

“I heard you were having a naughty little affair with the paper boy,” he said, trying not to laugh.

“What? Who told you that?” That was the very last thing I expected to come out of his mouth.

“A little birdie told me.”

“Imagine that.” Max must have told him about Mason helping him with baseball and how much time he was spending over here, even after our class was done.

“So, how old is this kid anyway?”

“What I do or who I do is none of your business, Danny.” I tapped my fingers on the counter.

“It’s my business when he’s spending so much time with my sons,” he countered.

“You gave up that right when you gave me sole custody and decided to move across the country. You have no right to say anything about what I do. I would never do anything inappropriate around them, in front of them, or anywhere near them. You know I wouldn’t. Don’t you give me any shit. God only knows what you’re doing down there.” I walked out onto the back deck so no one would hear me.

“Geez, Alex, don’t get your panties in a bunch. I was just teasing you.” He laughed. “Seriously, though, how old is this kid?”

“That’s none of your damn business.” He’s such an ass.

“Oh come on, I’m only playing. What happened to your sense of humor? You used to have one.” He chuckled.

“I don’t know, maybe it went away when my low-life of a husband cheated on me?” I stated flatly.

“Ouch, you might want to get that checked soon. Alex, or you could turn into a real bitter bitch.” His laughter made me wish I could slap him across his smug face.

“I’m hanging up now.”

“Wait, Alex. Seriously, Max told me you were happy.” His laughter died away. “He said you try to play off that you two are only friends but he knows there’s something going on between you two. He said he can tell by the way Mason looks at you that he’s in love with you.”

“Max told you that?” I turned around and looked at my back door half expecting Mason or Max to be standing there.

“Yes, he told me that last night. So why are you trying to hide your relationship from the boys? You obviously like this man,” Danny inquired.

“Jesus, Danny. Really? Why do you think? Mason is younger than me.” I sighed audibly. “Okay, a lot younger than me. He’s twenty-one.” I closed my eyes and waited for that to sink in.

“Good Lord, Alex. He’s a child! What the hell are you thinking?” He laughed again. “When Max said younger than you, I was thinking he was twenty-six or twenty-eight, not twenty-one!”

“It’s just a fling, Danny. That’s all.”

“Does he know that?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.

“You may want to tell him before this kid gets too attached to you or the boys to him,” he pointed out. I hated him for actually acting like the responsible adult when I should have been.

“I know,” I whispered. “I will.”

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**About author, Addison Westlake: Addison Winters graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis with a BS in psychology. She loves music, can be found “dancing” around her house when no one’s home, and is notorious for blowing the speakers out on her car. She’s been known to surprise her children with Jell-O balloon fights and to pull “devious” pranks on her friends. Addison enjoys playing basketball and softball and is proud to be the team captain for the Happy Hooters in the Striking Out Cancer, annual Ladies Softball Tournament. She is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time in her gardens and with her family. She and her husband, Monte, have three children, three puppies, and an oversized cat. They reside in Indiana.

**Contact Addison: Facebook Twitter

**Find the book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Goodreads

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Addison’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

**Click HERE to enter the giveaway, (prize: A minor character named after you in future book)!

A Masterpiece Of Our Love

September 3, 2014 1 Comment

“A Masterpiece Of Our Love” by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Blurb: Two Lives Torn by tragedy. Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families. Two Souls Seeking Love. Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever. Until he stopped showing. Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye. Two Lives Bound by Secret. Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn’t been back or spoken to Becca in four years. Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear. But someone isn’t happy about their reunion…Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages. Two Broken Hearts Heal as One. With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become. Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?

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EXCERPT

“Guess what I found?” Hunter carried a sweater and a pair of sweatpants in his hands. “You’ll be nice and warm in no time.” He handed them to her.

Becca pointed to his head. She wished her words would just come out already.

“You don’t want to change into dry clothes first?” He raised a brow, then winced. “Damn that hurts. Okay fine, you win. I will probably curse and go stark crazy, so bear with me please?”

She may not have been able to find her voice to speak, but a quiet laugh escaped her throat. At least, that’s what she thought it was.

Hunter crossed his arms over his bare chest. “Are you laughing at me?” Amusement danced in his gorgeous eyes. “That’s so messed up! There is a little devilish side to you after all. I like it,” he teased.

Becca smirked and pointed at the first aid kit. She wondered if he remembered any of the sign language, back from when she’d been mute and unable to communicate all those years ago. But so far, he’d been able to understand what she needed. The very first time he came to visit her, he’d learned it so they could talk. She remembered that day well on her aunt’s back porch when Hunter sat beside her. He asked if she remembered him. She nearly cried that he’d taken the time to understand sign language for her.

“All right little devil, have at it. Just don’t get offended for any swear words I may use.” He cracked a smile. She loved that he could still have a sense of humor. It showed that even though he had some injuries, he was the same old silly Hunter she knew. She pointed down at the floor, wanting him to kneel before her. Again, he cued in right away and lowered to his knees.

Becca opened up the first aid kit and searched for what she needed. As she pulled out a large bandage, cotton swabs and the small bottle of peroxide to clean the wound, Hunter hissed. She flicked her gaze back to him.

“Call it psychological warfare. I’m anticipating that it’s going to sting like you wouldn’t believe. I know, I know, I’m being a baby and I should just shut up.” Hunter raised his hands. “Think you can do that one handed? I might need you to hold mine with the other.”

Becca grinned and held out her hand. She wished her voice would work with her so she could tell him how cute he was being. She couldn’t be too sure if he was putting on an act to make her laugh or if he really was bothered by what she had to do. Regardless, she felt needed. Important. Something she longed for. When his shaky fingers curled over hers, a ripple of electricity zipped through her.

Now those were strange, random thoughts.

“Your hand is so cold. Not that mine is any better,” Hunter said softly. “I know, I’m stalling. I should just man up and take it, huh? You won’t tell anyone about my weak side there, will you?” He chuckled.

She slid him a knowing grin and put a finger to her lips, then ran the finger across them as if to say ‘My lips are sealed’.

“I knew I could count on you.”

Becca opened the bottle and poured a little bit of the liquid on the cotton swab. She raised it and moved it closer to Hunter’s face. She dreaded doing this even more than he dreaded having it done. She didn’t want to cause him any discomfort and she knew this wasn’t going to feel good at all. He flinched as the swab barely touched his skin and let out another hiss. He also squeezed her hand.

She used a small handful of the cotton balls before she considered it clean. Hunter swore and growled like a wild animal, but had held still fairly well. Becca opened the package for the bandage and gently smoothed it over the wound.

“That is some mind-numbing pain right there,” Hunter grumbled. “Thanks Becca. Now do me a favor. Go and get yourself changed into warm clothes. I’d feel a lot better knowing that you’re warm when I leave. When I get back, if you’re hungry, we’ll eat. I think the rain has let up some, although it still sounds pretty ferocious out there.”

She nodded and stood, picking up the folded clothes he’d brought out earlier.

“Bathroom is down the hall and to the left. On a good note, we have working electricity in here. Want me to run out now or wait until you’ve changed?”

She shook her head no and signed ‘Go now’. She hoped he’d understand.

“I’m so glad you were taught sign language when you were younger. It helps a lot. I haven’t used it in years, but I remember it. I’ll go. I won’t take long, okay?”

She hated the idea of him having to go out there. She wished she could tell him to stay, but he had a point. Just because they had power didn’t mean they had food, and both of them could stand to eat.

Her expression must have given her away. Hunter rushed forward and gathered her in his arms. “I know it’s not ideal. I don’t want to leave you, but I don’t think bringing you back out in the storm with me is a good idea either. Just trust me. I’ll be okay, and I’ll be back so fast you won’t even realize I was gone. Okay?” He gently tipped up her face and his dark, concerned eyes bore into hers. “Go on, get warm.” He brushed a kiss on her forehead before releasing her.

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**About author, Nikki Lynn Barrett:

I’m an avid lover of books. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I’ll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

**Contact Nikki:

Website: where you can subscribe to my newsletter.
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com

FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark

Facebook Chat group: Nikki’s Book Nook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

Nikki’s Book Stormers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com, I love to hear from readers!

**Buy “A Masterpiece Of Our Love”: Amazon

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Nikki’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

Tess Thompson

August 27, 2014 1 Comment

Author, Tess Thompson: Tess Thompson is a mother before all else, and a writer after that. She’s also a Zumba dancing queen, though the wearing of the crown is reserved for invitation-only appearances. After honing her craft in theater with a prize-winning play titled My Lady’s Hand, her heart was called to a different storytelling medium: the great American novel.

But, as she recently said to a friend, “Well, maybe not ‘great’ but certainly American.”

The first of these, Riversong (Booktrope Editions), went on to become #1 on Barnes and Noble’s Nook Book chart in October 2011. Two years after its release, readership of Riversong continues to grow, spending weeks in the top 100 Kindle bestsellers; it’s known amongst her friends and family as “the little book that could.”

Caramel and Magnolias, the first in the Legley Bay Collection was released in the fall of 2012. In May of 2013 Tess released the sequel to Riversong called Riverbend and the third in the collection, Riverstar, in August 2013. Tea and Primroses, the second in the Legley Bay Collection was released February 16, 2014. The first in the Blue Mountain Collection, Blue Midnight was released June 30, 2014.

She’s currently working on her first historical fiction, Duet For Three Hands, which will be released December 2014.

Like her characters in the River Valley Collection, Tess hails from a small town in southern Oregon. She currently lives in a suburb of Seattle, Washington with her two young daughters, ages 11 and 8, the loves of her life.

Although currently single, Tess has not given up on finding a love story of her own. Until her prince arrives, she’s content creating what she hopes are epic, page-turning love stories with a little suspense and mystery for additional spice. She writes in her home office six days a week, sipping countless cups of herbal tea, with two naughty but adorable kittens, (Christmas presents for her daughters) Mittens and Midnight, at her feet. But hopefully said Prince arrives soon to save her from becoming a bitter, crazy cat lady. Did she mention how adorable the kittens are?

Tess loves to hear from you. Drop her a line or visit her Facebook Fan Page or follow her on Twitter.

**Contact Tess: Website

**Find the books!: Amazon Goodreads Barnes & Noble

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INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Lyrical fast-paced romantic suspense.

When did you know you wanted to be an author? When I was a little girl I fell in love with reading fiction and have been obsessed with reading and writing all my life.

Hard/paperbacks or eBooks? I get a lot of paperbacks from the library and also read a ton of ebooks on my Kindle.

Describe your writing/editing/publishing process: I write the first draft of a novel quickly then rewrite the entire draft before sending it to my editor. She then does her magic and I do another rewrite.

When working, what is your favorite snack or drink? Apple Cinnamon herbal. tea.

Do you have any writing rituals? I always say a little prayer before I begin the day’s work but besides that I’m just “Butt In Seat” when my girls are at school.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? I spend way too much money on my hair.

If you could meet any author, who would it be? Laura Ingalls Wilder.

How did you celebrate when your first book was published? I don’t remember exactly. Probably steaks and a glass of really good red wine.

Where is you favorite place to write? Anywhere that’s quiet. I mostly write at my desk in my home office because I have to use my ergonomic keyboard because of arm issues.

What do you want readers to take away from your books? Hope. Inspiration. Belief in second chances.

What are you working on now? I’m working on both Riversnow (fourth River Valley book) and the second in the Blue Mountain Collection about Blythe’s sister Bliss. We’re also editing my first historical fiction, Duet for Three Hands.

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“Blue Midnight” by Tess Thompson

“If you change your mind, here’s this.” Finn Lanigan kissed a young Blythe Heywood one last time under a star-scattered Idaho sky. It was the last kiss that ever weakened her knees, the last sky she noticed for over a dozen years. Then she left, returning to her fiancé, the wedding she’d committed to, and the secure life she’d yearned for since she was a little girl.

Thirteen years later, her husband leaves Blythe for his young associate. Devastated, she’s unable to imagine the next chapter of her life as she packs her family’s belongings to move across town. Unexpectedly, she finds the forgotten slip of paper bearing Finn’s phone number in the back of a drawer.

Hadn’t she tossed it years before as a newlywed, when she vowed to be the perfect wife and mother? Apparently not. Here it remained. Her road not taken.

Facing three weeks without her young daughters, Blythe sets out to find the man she left behind so long ago. With only the name of the small town where he once lived, Peregrine, Idaho, and the memory of their last kiss under a starry sky, she heads across the Pacific Northwest in search of him.

What she finds in the foothills of Blue Mountain challenges everything she thought she knew and is the very last thing she expected. Within days, her life changes forever. But it is her destiny and destinies cannot be denied.

The first book of the Blue Mountain Collection, laced with Thompson’s lovable but complex characters, “Blue Midnight” is a mature love story about second chances, family, and the complexities of trust and vulnerability after betrayal.

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**Click HERE to see other stop on Tess Thompson’s Chick Lit Plus Blog tours!

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**GIVEAWAY**

Click HERE to enter to win an eBook of “The Legley Bay Collection”

Photo Play

August 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

“Photo Play” by Pam McKenna

Blurb: Shy Darla Carmody decides to jump-start her flaccid love life by presenting her fiancé with sexy photos of herself. She doesn’t bargain on the photographer, Kon Drummond, being a hunky Dom determined to personally demonstrate what she’s been missing. The photo session turns into a BDSM marathon as Kon introduces Darla to the erotic pleasures of bondage, spanking, and complete sexual submission—all under the unforgiving lens of his camera. Never has Darla imagined herself on the receiving end of such treatment, or guessed the ecstasy it would bring her. Kon has been burned by three expensive divorces and refuses to acknowledge his emotional connection to Darla. He taught her to embrace a part of herself she never knew existed. Will he let her return the favor?

My Review: Every now and then, I enjoy reading erotica short stories, so I decided to read and review “Photo Play”. While I liked the concept of the storyline, along with sometimes liking Darla’s character, I found it difficult to follow. Kon seemed way too forceful–even for an erotica–and I wished that Darla had more confidence in herself to stand up to Kon, especially if she really didn’t want him to be doing anything to her. I wanted to know more about how she felt or thought, as I found it really hard to believe Darla wanted Kon.

As for the writing, I found it to be all over the place. I didn’t know what was happening to Darla, how she felt, or how much time had passed between them.

While I wanted to like this book a lot, I found it hard to get into, nor did I find anything about it erotic.

I give this book 3 stars.

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Excerpt:

“Darla. Listen.” Kon pressed a palm to his chest. “Do you trust me?”

The look she gave him said, You have got to be kidding.

“I mean as an artist,” he said. “You came to me because I’m the best. You’ve seen my work.”

“How refreshing.” Her tone was arid. “A man with a healthy ego. The changing room?”

“There is no changing room.” Kon spread his arms. “What you see is what you get.”

She huffed out a breath. “Turn around, then. I’ll change… over there.” She nodded toward the far corner of the room where assorted pieces of cloth–drapes, scarves and the like–spilled from a cut-off refrigerator carton. “Better yet, you can hold up one of those drapes–high–to give me some privacy.”

“When I’m going to see you naked anyway? Come on, you can’t be that repressed.”

“Stop saying that. I am not repressed.” Darla’s pants slipped from her fingers and puddled at her feet. She struggled to keep her breasts covered as she bent to pull them up.

“If you say so,” Kon muttered. Obviously Darla Carmody had no inkling of her physical appeal. She was shy. Self-effacing. Vulnerable. Kon knew the type well. He should. He’d married three of them.

Which was why he had no intention of letting this one get close. It was just as well she was engaged.

“And I’m not going to get totally naked for you,” she said.

“It isn’t for me,” he reminded her. “It’s for your fiancé. Are you telling me he hasn’t seen you naked?”

“You know what I mean. Will you–will you just–” Darla emitted a growl of frustration as she tried to refasten her pants while holding up her bra. “Will you at least fasten this thing so I can pull myself together here?”

Kon stepped behind her and took hold of the ends of her bra. The instant she released it, he flicked the ugly thing off her and slingshotted it over her head. Darla grabbed her breasts. The pants fell. Kon seized her around the waist and lifted her as he kicked her pants and sandals halfway across the room.

“How dare you!” she howled, fighting like a tigress against his hold, her back pressed to his front. They stumbled around like that, tripping on electrical cords and nearly knocking over Grandma Drummond’s Victorian piano bench.

Darla wore only that wispy, nearly invisible thong, and the muscles of her ass pummeled his cock as she squirmed and thrashed. Not too shabby as cheap thrills went. Her skin was hot satin. She smelled of vanilla and lavender and woman.

“We don’t have time for garter belts and shit like that.” Kon’s words came in harsh grunts. Her hair whipped his face and caught in his mouth. “Settle down.” If he had an extra few hours to kill, he’d let her do the sexy-lingerie routine, let her gradually get comfortable with the process, and with him, while gently coaxing her toward the full Monty. But time, as they said, was money, and as usual, “they” were right.

“If you’ve seen my work,” he huffed, “then you know I don’t do cheesy lingerie shots.”

“I’m the goddamn. Paying. Customer.” She punctuated her words with blind backward kicks to his shins. “I get to decide.”

Kon hauled her off her feet, inadvertently grabbing a breast as he did so. It was a fine, firm breast and made a more-than-decent handle as he wrestled her crosswise onto the bench, pinning her body with his and shackling her wrists behind her back one-handed.

They remained that way for long seconds, panting from their exertions, her butt angled high and still pressed to what was now a blue-ribbon hard-on. Kon felt his heart pounding–felt her heart pounding, too, against his other hand. He eased his grip on her breast, letting it fill his hand like a ripe, heavy fruit. He weighed the silky flesh, gently stroked and molded it. The nipple pulled into a tight bud, teasing his palm.

Kon sucked in a breath. Darla was still breathing hard, but said nothing. Still holding her wrists, he leaned down and kissed her neck. She trembled. He gave in to the impulse to lightly bite the place he’d kissed.

A ragged whimper issued from her throat. “What are you doing?”

“You’re delicious.” He drew the scent of her deep into his lungs, the perfume of desire she was helpless to suppress. “I can’t resist.”

And he couldn’t. Kon was going to fuck this woman. He was going to take her right there, right then, on Grandma’s piano bench under the blazing lights. His cock was practically bursting out of his pants. Darla Carmody was one of the hottest women he’d ever met, a woman of stunning natural sensuality, and the best part was, she had no clue about this part of her nature.

Which, of course, only made her hotter–to him, at least.

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**About author, Pam McKenna: Pam McKenna has been an avid storyteller since she was old enough to put pencil to paper. Her number-one passion is the written word, though if you read her novellas, you might conclude that her true passions lie elsewhere. And you’d be right. Pam loves erotic romance and has never been shy about pulling out the stops and treating her readers to five-alarm fantasies. Pam McKenna is the pen name of a best-selling romance author.

**Contact Pam: Website Facebook Twitter

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**Buy books by Pam McKenna**

“Binding Agreement”: Amazon Barnes & Noble

“Faking It”: Amazon Barnes & Noble

“Photo Play”: Amazon Barnes & Noble

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Pam’s Chick Lit Plus Blog tour!

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**Click HERE to enter to win eBooks of “Binding Agreement” and “Faking It” by Pam McKenna!

Book Cover Reveal: Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista

August 1, 2014 1 Comment

“Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista” by Aven Ellis

Blurb: Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodities trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills…and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype—so she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.

When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet…

**Contact Aven Ellis: Website Facebook Twitter

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**Click HERE to see other blogs who are hosting the cover reveal**

Destination Wedding

July 28, 2014 4 Comments

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“Destination Wedding” by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Blurb: Life is full of surprises…

Claire Martin’s life is perfect, or at least she tells herself it is. She owns a successful clothing boutique, has a steady, dependable boyfriend, and a beautiful grown daughter who is about to be married. Sure, Claire’s husband of twenty years left her for a younger woman four years ago, but that is all in the past. Now, Claire is looking forward to her daughter’s Bahama wedding and spending a week in paradise. The only thing Claire dreads is her ex-husband and his wife will also be on the island. Claire is determined to make the best of it, though. What Claire doesn’t realize is ignoring her ex-husband for the week is going to be impossible.

James Martin’s life is a mess. His wife of less than four years has made him the most miserable man on earth and now they are in the middle of a messy divorce. He’s happy that he can forget her for a week as he goes off to the Bahamas to attend his lovely daughter’s wedding. Jim is embarrassed to admit to his daughter and his ex-wife, Claire, that he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left her for another woman, so he makes up a story as to why his new wife didn’t come along. When he and Claire are unexpectedly forced upon each other, Jim soon realizes what he’s lost and he begins to wonder if he can find a way back into Claire’s heart.

My Review:

When I first saw the cover of “Destination Wedding,” I knew I had to read it. After I finished the first chapter, I was instantly hooked on Claire’s story, and I was curious as to how it would play out. I really like Claire’s character, but at times I thought she was a little wishy-washy, especially when it came down to dealing with Jim and Steven. However, the more the story progressed, I understood why she was that way. I even felt a little sorry for her. For a cheating ex-husband, I enjoyed Jim’s character, too. He knew he messed up, and it was kind of nice to see how, and if he could, win Claire’s heart again. As for Steven, the moment he was introduced, I didn’t like him, but I’m thinking that was the point.

From Claire and Jim’s sleeping arrangements to a few revelations, it was quite comical to see Claire and Jim get along after all they’ve been through. Another thing I liked was how the author gave mystery at the end, I’m happy to say that I think Claire made the right decision. No, no spoilers. 🙂

Overall, this book was a wonderful, quick read. If you’re looking for a quick page-turner to read this summer, I recommend “Destination Wedding”.

I give “Destination Wedding” 5 stars!

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Excerpt:

They all walked down to the dock and that was when Claire noticed Jim for the first time. He came bounding down to the dock and wrapped Mandy into a big bear hug.

“Dad! Finally,” Mandy squealed. Father and daughter hugged, which made Claire’s heart swell. True, she wasn’t thrilled he was here, but she was happy he was here for Mandy.

As they hugged, Claire discretely looked around for Diane. Claire wondered where she was hiding.

“Hello, Claire,” Jim said, coming up beside her. They hugged awkwardly, more for show than from affection. Claire felt how solid and in shape he was.

“Hi, Jim,” was all Claire managed to say.

Jim went around the group saying hello, shaking hands with Craig and his parents, and giving out hugs to Lisa and Kaylie. Glen slapped him on the back as a good natured greeting.

“So, old man, how are you doing?” Glen asked. Both men were of almost equal height and equal age and both had easy-going personalities. When they were married, Claire and Jim had always had a fun time visiting with Glen and Lisa.

“Old man, eh?” Jim replied, grinning at Glen. “You’re just as old as I am, so watch it.”

Claire frowned as she watched the two men interact. She suddenly realized just how much she missed family get-togethers like this, and it made her sad that they weren’t the same anymore since the divorce.

“Just like old times, isn’t it?” Lisa said to Claire as she came up beside her.

Claire smiled over at her sister-in-law. Lisa was the same height at Claire, but her hair was dark brown and cut at chin length for ease of style. Lisa lived the San Diego lifestyle to the fullest when she wasn’t working as a paralegal in a law firm. She ran every day and played tennis and surfed. Her lean, muscular body showed how much work she put into it.

“Yep. Just like old times,” Claire said, wrapping her arm around Lisa’s waist in a hug.

A ferry worker announced that they’d be leaving in five minutes. The wedding group came together at the end of the dock to board.

“Daddy? Where’s Diane?” Mandy called out to her father. Claire looked up in time to see an odd look cross Jim’s face. He walked over closer to Mandy. Claire inched over toward them to hear what he was saying.

“I’m sorry, honey, but she decided not to come,” Jim told her quietly.

Claire almost clapped her hands in delight, but then decided that wouldn’t be appropriate and stayed still.

“Why not?” Mandy asked, apparently not willing to let the subject go.

Jim took a deep breath. “Well, sweetie, I just think she didn’t feel comfortable spending an entire week with our family.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Mandy shot back. “We’ve done everything possible to make her feel welcome. What more does she want?”

Jim stepped closer to Mandy. “Don’t let it upset you, dear. It’s not about you, believe me. Let’s not let her ruin our good time here, okay?”

Mandy nodded then turned toward Craig and walked away. It was obvious she wasn’t happy with this new development. Claire understood how she felt. After all, everyone, Claire included, had been kind to Diane despite the situation. How dare Diane act as if she were the persecuted one.

Jim just stood there, looking lost. For some unknown reason, Claire felt badly for him. She walked over and spoke quietly. “I’m sorry Diane isn’t coming.”

Jim turned to Claire and tossed her one of his rakish grins. “Are you? Really?” he asked. Then he winked, turned, and followed behind Mandy and the rest of the group.

Anger rose inside of Claire. Here she was, trying to be nice, and he had the nerve to question her sincerity. And with that damn grin of his. No man, especially one his age, had the right to look so damn cute when he was pissing her off. He was intolerable.

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DeannaLynnSletten **About Deanna Lynn Sletten:

Deanna Lynn Sletten is a bestselling and award-winning author. She writes women’s fiction and romance novels that dig deeply into the lives of the characters, giving the reader an in-depth look into their hearts and souls. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Deanna’s women’s fiction novel, Widow, Virgin, Whore,made the top 100 bestselling books on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble in 2014. Her romance novel, Memories,was a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2012. Her novel, Sara’s Promise, was a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Indie Books of 2013 and a finalist in the 2013 National Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her northern Minnesota home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing in the boat on the lake in the summer.

**Contact Deanna: Blog Facebook Goodreads Twitter

**Buy “Destination Wedding”: Amazon – Kindle Amazon – paperback Barnes & Noble – Nook

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**Click HERE to see other stops on Deanna’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours!

**Click HERE to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Zara Kingsley

July 10, 2014 1 Comment

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About Zara Kingsley, author of “A Moral Dilemma”: Luckily I was born and raised in a City I love living in: London, UK. And it’s just as well, as I can barely afford to go on a camping holiday much less move. I have a gorgeous 9yr old daughter, yeah, I’m a single mom, (judge me later), and I like to think of myself as a yummy mummy, when in reality I’m still working on shifting this damn cellulite of my ass. I do actually make it into the gym from time to time, but mainly to appreciate the…ahem …view 🙂

So what kinda stuff do I write?

Well, I write what I love reading, Romantic Comedy and the original kinda British ChickLit. I don’t do vampires, werewolves, or horror, because sheesh, I wanna sleep at night. In my bed. Not underneath it. So if you like Bridget Jones or Shopaholic, then you might dig my stuff.

My heroines are women in their late twenties / early thirties. My heroes are hot, cute and not too hunky. My stories are about life, love and friendship, with a few twists and turns and tons of fun. They’re not particularly deep, nor meaningful, they’re a lighthearted, easy read, that go well with a glass of wine and a few chocs, and just might make you laugh out loud.

Contact Zara: Facebook Twitter

Buy “A Moral Dilemma”: Amazon – U.S. Amazon – U.K.

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INTERVIEW

Describe your writing style in five words: Fresh, fun, contemporary, humorous, light-hearted.

What made you want to be a writer, and how did you pick the genre in which you write? I’ve always loved writing and it seems I’ve been doing so all my life, albeit for my own pleasure. I’m a sucker for romance and I love to have a laugh, so ‘Romantic Comedy’ is the perfect genre for me to make my debut.

Who or what inspires you? I know it sounds cliché, but life inspires me. More specifically, the tangled web of romantic life that we sometimes find ourselves in.

If you could meet any other author, who would it be? I would love to meet E. L James……and her whole marketing team!

What was the writing/editing/publishing process like for you, and which was your favorite? The writing part was huge fun. The editing, not so much. I wanted the book to be as grammatically correct as possible, so it had to be proof read like a zillion times and then had to be professionally edited. The whole process took forever, (actually only 8 weeks – but felt like forever!)

Where is you favorite place to write? I love writing in my bedroom, surrounded by chocolate treats.

If you weren’t an author, you’d be a…: A sweet shop owner or a cake baker 🙂

What is the best advice you’ve been given? If you love it: publish it. Others will love it too. If you think its cr*p, don’t publish it. As others will think so too. Luckily for me, I actually love it!

How has social media helped you career as an author? Hmm, well I’m rubbish at social media but there are some real social media book goddess’s out there who have helped massively to spread the word about my book.

Which term do you prefer, chick lit or women’s fiction? Chick Lit.

What is one thing about yourself that people would be surprised to know? OK, here goes…… My boyfriend’s going to propose to me this summer! He just doesn’t know it yet. I’m mastering the art of ‘Jedi persuasion’.

What are you working on right now? The follow up to A Moral Dilemma! Yaay.

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Blurb of “A Moral Dilemma”: Think you would never date a married man? … Think again!

Rebecca Hardy isn’t a naturally deceptive person, but it seems her boyfriend might be—and when she theatrically catches him cheating, she decides she’s had it with these modern-day men who can’t commit. She has even less regard for these immoral modern day women, who don’t hesitate to prey on men in committed relationships. What is wrong with them?! Don’t they care that they’re breaking hearts and destroying lives?! Rebecca, with her high morals and family values, would never even consider dating a married man. Which is why her friends are so shocked when Rebecca finds herself doing exactly that—albeit at the fervent request of that man’s very own wife, the notorious Isabella Coombs.

Excerpt

Wheelers, was an average enough, discreet British pub, on an average enough discreet City street, and was also Jeremy’s choice location for a not so discreet illicit tryst.

“Look, would you be ordering something or not lass?” the barman asked me with a slight Irish accent.

Shoo shoo shoo I had wanted to say, but for fear of him drawing any more attention to me, and in light of the fact that he was actually blocking my view of Jeremy and Miss Thingy, I quickly deduced that I had in fact better order something. “Coke please,” I snapped off, throwing down a fiver.

“Diet or regular?”

Oh for chrissakes, will you just move! Aargh! “Regular!”

“Ice?”

“No!” rolling my eyes. He actually seemed to be enjoying this little exchange. Maybe he knew Jeremy and knew what both he and I were up to?! No. Not possible.

“Lemon?”

“Look, can you get me a coke or not?” I hissed.

“OK, OK, keep yer knickers on,” he said smiling cheekily and finally turned to go get me a drink. I quickly realigned myself to get a better view over the bar and through the window to the courtyard where Jeremy, the bastard, and Thingy were sitting extremely close to each other and laughing easily at this point. Still not incriminating evidence, but the night was young. I saw Jeremy lean into her and started talking into her ear. I would’ve said ‘whispering’ but he didn’t know how to whisper sweet nothings at the best of times let alone after he’d had a few, which by the way his face was flushed and his tie, usually perfectly positioned, was loosened and off centre, he obviously had.

“There you go now. Coke and change,” said the barman. I ignored him and continued fidgeting with my camcorder, hidden behind by handbag, whilst still keeping a sharp eye on the fornicators. “Pity you don’t get to catch the conversation with those things from a distance.”

“Excuse me?!”

“You need to get up real close to them to record conversation.”

“I haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re talking about,” I said turning beetroot, and started to scuffle about with the camcorder, desperately trying to stuff it back into my bag.

“Oh,” he leaned back comfortably against the bar, folded up his arms and nodded toward Jeremy and Thingy. “I thought for a sec you were spying on that pair.”

“I beg your pardon?!” trying my best to sound alarmed but at the same time careful not to draw any attention to myself…

“Oh, it’s no skin off my nose either way,” he said, “but let’s assume you were spying on that pair.”

“Which I am most definitely not!” I said furiously, whilst still trying to shove my camcorder back into my bag, but what, with my current state of panic and the fact that every time my head bent down my wig was starting to slip forward, I couldn’t quite manage it.

“Ah, but, if you were, you’d be doing it all wrong.” I looked up at him from under the fringe of my wig. “You’re too far away to even know what’s going on.”

“As I’ve already told you, I am not spying on anyone. But IF I were, I am able to see quite clearly exactly what’s going on.”

“Ah jaysus, you can’t tell a thing from what you see. They could just be having a great crack, with nothin’ in it at all.”

“Oh he’s having a crack all right.” I slumped on the bar, completely fed up, with the camcorder sticking out recklessly from my bag. I’d given up trying to tuck it away, just as I’d given up trying to film them. He was right of course. The barman. The footage I’d so painstakingly gathered proved nothing at all. Jeremy would be able to talk his way out of this one in a nano-second, and I knew that I’d believe whatever he would tell me, as per usual, because although I had doubts, many, many doubts, I never ever had any real concrete evidence of any disloyalty. We watched them silently for a few seconds, but when Jeremy slipped his hand up Miss Thingy’s skirt and started talking into her ear again, I just squeezed my eyes shut so I wouldn’t have to see, and so the barman couldn’t see the tears of humiliation that were starting to well up.

“Look, just pass it here,” he said reaching out his hand to me.

“What?”

“The camcorder. I’ll get up close and record what they’re saying for yer.” I gave an incredulous stare and opened my mouth to say something, then as if on autopilot, I handed him the camcorder. “Ah, you can thank me later,” he said with a wink. And was off. Headed in their direction with the camcorder hidden underneath a bar towel on a tray. My heart started hammering against my ribcage and I wanted to dive under the bar and hide as he got to their table and started hovering, collecting glasses, wiping, and re-placing ashtrays. I half expected Jeremy to look up and wave at me but he didn’t even notice the barman floating around. Too engrossed in impressing Miss Thingy, which by the way she was giggling and batting her false eye lashes at each word he uttered, seemed easy enough to do.

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Click HERE to see other stops on Zara’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

To enter to win a $35 Amazon Gift Card, click HERE!

Just a Reminder!

June 17, 2014 3 Comments

Hey, everyone, and happy Tuesday!

I’m writing to remind you all that my online book blog tour started yesterday! It’s the first of many tours I plan on going on, and I can’t thank Samantha at Chick Lit Plus for organizing it all. (Click HERE to check out all the stops, enter to win prizes, and be sure to follow the tour daily!)

Also, don’t forget that “The Right Design” is on sale for $0.99 until July 1st!

Purchase links: Amazon (Kindle) Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Here are a few things readers are saying:

“Find a comfy chair and read this book!!”

“There is humor, even in the more difficult situations, and this fun, easy read will provide a satisfactory ending, and perhaps even set up for a sequel!”

“Throw this one in the beach bag!”

“The Right Design is a wonderful debut novel that has enough romance, humor, and drama that every chick lit fan craves!”

“The author has captured the spirit of romance in her first published novel.”

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