Blogoversary Contest 4

From: Renee Greene – January 14, 2011 – 9:04 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Fwd: Shalom

Okay, so I sent my profile in last night and thought I would take a chance that someone emailed me this morning. Yes, I know that seems egotistical thinking that someone would email me so quickly after my profile was posted. And considering it didn’t officially go online until 1:00 am, I’m not sure I want to date anyone who was trolling the Internet for a date in the wee hours of the morning. But, to be honest, I’m kind of excited about the possibilities. Imagine that. Me…being hopeful. Who knew? Anyway, I was elated – yes, elated – to find I had a message. Hurrah! Then I read it. He is very religious, is looking for a “spiritual” woman and lives in Israel. Good lord! (HA! Maybe that does indeed make me “spiritual” enough for this guy.) Israel!!!

Blogoversary Contest 3

Jane Porter’s life is all about fiction, but when it comes to dealing with her inconsiderate upstairs tenant, she’s all business. The cuffs are off when her noisy neighbor jolts her out of a sound sleep with a cacophony of banging thuds and her erstwhile favorite workout musicians, the Ramones. Imagine her surprise to find the offending party is not her flighty neighbor, Amber … but a sizzling, melt-your-panties Adonis, Lucas Moore.

Discouraged when a recurrent nightmare drives Lucas from another sleepless night, he figures a hard run is the perfect physical distraction to help him get back to sleep. But half an hour into his groove, pounding on the door stops him in his tracks. Who knew opening it would change the course of his life. Yet, one look at the breath-taking woman demanding entrance put his whole body on alert—and a serious strain on his self-imposed celibacy.

Can a dangerous, ex-government agent and a friendly, outgoing writer have anything in common other than combustible physical attraction? And when the flames of passion are banked, can Lucas and Jane trust the tentative bond they’re building beyond the bedroom? Sometimes, the right words can make all the difference in the world.

Blogoversary Day 6: Jaydyn Chelcee

Jen: As we continue our blogoversary celebration, today we welcome Jaydyn Chelcee to the blog. Jaydyn, will you please share a short bio with us?

Jaydyn: Yes, but first let me say thank you for having me as your guest today. Now the bio: Jaydyn Chelcee has spent most of her life in Oklahoma, her home state, but at the same time, she’s traveled extensively, at least in the western half of the United States. One of her favorite settings in her contemporary western romances is Montana. She’s the author of the best selling Montana Men series, In the Arms of Danger, No Holds Barred, Too Close to the Fire, and Playing For Keeps.

A member of the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc., her paranormal romances, the Winslow witches of Salem series, written under Tabitha Shay have been nominated for several awards, including the prestigious P.E.A.R.L. Award for Witch’s Moon nominated for Best All Around Paranormal in 2008 and Witch’s Fire, Runner-up for Best Paranormal Book of 2010 at LRC.

Excerpt: Playing for Keeps by Jaydyn Chelcee

“Don’t let it trouble your pretty little head, sweetheart. I told you, you aren’t my type.” He tore off his denim coat and draped it across the back of the only chair in the room. With just that small movement, he groaned and what little color he had left drained away, leaving his face pale as the snow outside on the ground.

Flayme bit her lower lip and sent up another silent prayer that he didn’t die on her. Her eyes widened as she slowly scanned his body. Good grief, the man was armed to the gills. A shoulder holster fit snug against his side. When he turned to lock the door, she saw a second weapon at the small of his back. “You have one of those tucked in your boot, too?”

“What?” He frowned, dragging the chair across the room and jamming it beneath the doorknob, making the room as secure as possible.

“You expecting an invasion?” she asked, half joking. The other half of her mind darkened with fear. If he was this concerned, she thought maybe she should be too, or at the least, a bit more alert of what was going on around her. His unease worried her, because it meant there was something more than someone taking potshots at a little nobody CIA secretary. 

Purchase Links

Amazon

Blogoversary Day 5: Grace Elliot

Writing to Me is….Escapism.

When I think about what writing means to me so many adjectives spring to mind: addictive, essential, rewarding, frustrating…but the one that stands head and shoulders above the rest is ‘escapism.’

Let me explain.

Life is hectic. I’m a working mother with two teenage sons. My job as a veterinarian is both intellectually and emotionally demanding. Veterinary medicine requires logic and deduction, not flights of fancy or the imagination, but cold, hard scientific facts in order to reach a diagnosis. And then I must translate those conclusions into words that a distressed client can understand without baffling them with long words.

Excerpt: A Dead Man's Debt by Grace Elliot

[Lord Ranulf Charing has rescued Celeste from the fire…but was he too late to save her life?]

Ranulf stirred beneath the bedcovers, trying to shut out the nagging voice in his ear.

“It’s me sir. Smethwick. Can you hear me?”

Ranulf stretched; he’d had a hideous nightmare and waking seemed a good idea. Then a terrible realisation washed over him that it hadn’t been a dream. Merciful heavens Celeste was in danger. He struggled to sit up but his head swam with the effort. A hand restrained his shoulder, that same voice firm but reassuring.

Review: Changeling Moon by Dani Harper

Changeling Moon by Dani Harper
Series: Changeling (#1)
Publisher: Brava (Kensington)
Publication Date: June 2011
Page Count: 354
Source: FSB Associates for review

He roams the moonlit wilderness his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything-until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf’s vicious attack. As the full moon approaches Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming and only Connor can show her what she is and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth claw…and ultimate evil.

Review: The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

Release Date: April 2011

Publisher: Plume
Page Count: 304
Source: Won this one from a contest at Chick Lit Is Not Dead blog

A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.

A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line, The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.

Review & Contest: If He's Dangerous by Hannah Howell

If He’s Dangerous by Hannah Howell
Series: Wherlocke (#4)
Release Date: June, 2011
Publisher: Kensington
Page Count: 345
Source: Book provided by publisher for review

New York Times bestseller Hannah Howell's extraordinary Wherlocke family returns with the story of a passion that will heed no resistance, no matter how deadly. . .

When Lorelei Sundun first finds Sir Argus Wherlocke in her garden, she's never heard of the mysterious Wherlocke clan—or their otherworldly abilities. That changes the moment she watches Argus—the most tantalizing man she's ever seen—disappear before her very eyes. What she's witnessed should be impossible. But so should falling in love with a man she's only just met. . .

Pursued by a madman intent on harnessing the Wherlockes' talents as weapons, Argus meant to seek help from his family, not to involve a duke's lovely daughter in the struggle. But now, the enchanting Lorelei is his only hope for salvation—and the greatest temptation he's ever faced. . .

Review: Only Mine by Susan Mallery

Only Mine by Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold (#1)
Release Date: August 1st, 2011
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
Page Count: 384
Source: Print copy provided by Little Bird Publicity for review

A reality TV show has invaded a small town and turned everyone's life upside down. Dakota has been sent to make sure that the TV show does not to irreparable damage to the small town which is where she meets Finn one day. Finn is in town because his twin brothers have come to be in the show. After caring for them for years since their parents died, Finn is not able to let them give up college to try and be on TV. As the TV show moves along, things come to a head in this little town.

Review: Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal

Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal
Release Date: March 29th, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's
Page Count: 293
Source: Borrowed from library; summer read challenge

Now with this striking new adult novel from author and creator Francine Pascal, millions of devoted fans can finally return to the idyllic Sweet Valley, home of the phenomenally successful book series and franchise. Iconic and beloved identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield are back and all grown up, dealing with the complicated adult world of love, careers, betrayal, and sisterhood.

Review: Waiting for Cary Grant by Mary Matthews

Waiting for Cary Grant by Mary Matthews
Release Date: May 25th, 2011
Publisher: Amazon
Source: Kindle copy from author for review

Harlan Michaels is a powerful trial lawyer who usually flees romance as quickly as his Gucci loafers can carry him. He's immersed in a deadly wheel case when he meets Lana Stewart, a therapist, who is treating his orphaned client. He's immediately intrigued by the long legged blonde's indifference to his wealth and stature. Lana longs for a romance that's like an old Cary Grant movie. When Lana recognizes Harlan as her fantasy hero, she emerges from her cocoon like a butterfly.

Review: Love Letters by Geraldine Solon

Love Letters by Geraldine Solon
Release Date: January 10th, 2011
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Page Count: 355
Source:  Provided by author for review

Bridal shop manager Chloe Rogers will soon marry Richard Foster—so she thinks—until suddenly, she bumps into her childhood sweetheart, Josh Goldman, whom she hasn’t seen in thirteen years. The sparks between Chloe and Josh fly, but Richard provides safety, financial security. Should she follow her heart or her head? The answer comes in a surprise twist. While cleaning her attic, she stumbles upon love letters written to her estranged mother forty years ago from a man she loved. When Chloe secretly brings them together again and sees how much time they’ve lost, she is challenged not to make the same mistake her mother made. Will Chloe opt for security or will she risk her heart and marry her true love?

Review: Pretty as a Picture by Thirteen

Pretty as a Picture by Thirteen
Publisher: Beautiful Trouble
Page Count: 58
Source: Reposted by permission from Violette's blog

Bitter from a bad divorce and cynical of his job photographing fashion models, ex-male model Simon McCallan felt starved of everything: of inspiration, hope, sexual fulfillment, love. That was until he opened the door that stormy morning to his new temp—Adriane Parks. Emotionally warm, insightful in mind, and generous in spirit, Adriane was the feast he’d hungered for but had never dared go after. Even more irresistible was her lush, full figure, a silhouette that even confident Adriane doubted. Simon had no doubts at all. He wanted her on sight, and he was determined to have her.

In trying to trick the sexy Adriane into his arms, however, Simon would get far more than long-denied sexual fulfillment; he’d discover the real man beneath his own photogenic face.

Review: A Soldier's Embrace by Julie Romero

A Soldier's Embrace by Julie Romero
Release Date: December 16th, 2010
Publisher: Bluewood
Page Count: 209
Source: Review copy provided by author

Kidnapped from a stagecoach, debutante Elizabeth Davenport escapes her gold-thirsty captors with her virtue intact, only to find her heart stolen by the dashing Cavalry Officer who rescued her. Elizabeth is anxious to leave behind the dirty, dusty West, but not the Cavalry-committed bachelor, Lieutenant Ryan. Though separated by class, her heart cannot forget him.

Lieutenant Eric Ryan fails at nothing, except romance. Determined not to break Elizabeth's heart, he pushes her toward another. But he has a nagging suspicion there is something hidden behind her fiancé’s scholarly manner. With Eric's desire growing for Elizabeth, he finds himself on new ground. However, he’s soon to realise that falling in love could be dangerous for both of them.

Review & Contest: One Night Scandal by Christie Kelley

One Night Scandal by Christie Kelley
Release Date: June, 2011
Publisher: Kensington
Page count: 325
Source:  Received from publisher for review

Born on the wrong side of the blanket, matchmaker Sophie Reynard understands the consequences of unbridled desire all too well. Despite the many highborn friends she has matched, falling in love with an aristocrat without a pedigree of her own would be an act of futility. But that doesn't stop her from succumbing to one evening of anonymous passion. . .

Nicholas Tenbury, Marquess of Ancroft, knows nothing of Sophie's lineage. He knows only that the enchanting beauty captured his heart in one night and then fled, leaving no trace of her identity. But when he seeks answers from London's finest matchmaker, he finds none other than the woman herself—stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the attraction they share! Now the enamored Marquess has no choice but to sway Sophie with seduction...

Review: Coming Home by Julie Sellers

Coming Home by Julie Sellers
Release Date: April 23rd, 2011
Publisher:  Smashwords
Page count: 137
Source: Book received from the author for review

When Lillian's husband learns he's the cause of their infertility, he's gone before morning. Lillie does what any self-respecting woman would do, she turns to Ben and Jerry's and refuses to leave the house. Eventually, she has to venture out to replenish her supply of Phish Food, and runs into her mother-in-law, struggling with the care of her special needs niece.

Ashamed by her self-indulgent behavior, Lillie finds strength she didn't know she had to create the family she'd always wanted. Later when Jonathan returns, she knows her best option is to forget the past and put her crumbled marriage behind her, or is it?

Review: Garden of Earthly Delights by Thirteen

Garden of Earthly Delights by Thirteen
Publisher: Beautiful Trouble
Page Count: 79
Source:  Reposted with permission from Violette's blog

When Rosemary Davis inherited Earthly Delights, her aim was to sell it as fast as she could and return to Manhattan. The enchanting garden that came with the restaurant and the passionate and creative sous-chef who tended it turned those intentions upside down.

Before Jake Cosgrove met the new owner of Earthly Delights, he simply wanted to talk her into keeping the restaurant and leave him in charge. Earthly Delights wasn't just a place that served food, it was his home and his life. It was also the culinary feather in the toque blanche of its founder, Chef Daphne Davis, his mentor, hero, and the saving grace of those who worked there.

Plans go awry and while an unexpected midnight encounter in the lush garden conceals many things including identities, it doesn’t conceal the spark of attraction between Rosemary and Jake. With the dawn comes reality, however, and clashing agendas. Hoping to win the battle of wills, Jake issues a culinary challenge. Not to be outdone, Rosemary counters with one of her own. During the challenge, Jake begins to realize, course by delicious course that he wants much more from Rosemary than to save the restaurant…he wants Rosemary, herself. Rosemary on the other hand, isn’t quite sure what she wants…other than Jake.

With an enchanted garden filled with fresh summer produce and two talented and competitive individuals, how could either of them lose?

Review: Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
Series: Stephanie Plum (#17)
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Page Count: 213
Source: Purchased eBook for leisure

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum.
 
Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, Stephanie faces further complications when her family and friends decide that it’s time for her to choose between her longtime off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both and choose a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake off.” And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old-world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke.

Blogoversary Contest 2

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away…

Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college.

Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

EdenFantasys contest

Forewarning... this post and the site of EdenFantasys is for people over the age if 18. If you're under 18, stop reading now and please do not visit the site.

Now this site has nearly everything you'd want in the adult toy arena, but I though for my first post, I'd focus on one of the sensual, romantic items for sale to set the stage for romance.

Candles.  We all have them and what's more romantic than a room filled with lit candles?  Well, EdenFantasys has all sorts of candles to create the right mood.  From aromatherapy to mood candles, to travel and beeswax and soy candles, EdenFantasys has it all.



Looking for a massage candle?  Why don't you try this one that is scented in Sandlewood & Snow Pear?  (It also comes in Black Pepper & Pomegranate and Vanilla & Creme de Cacao.)

They also have edible massage candles flavored in watermelon and strawberry!

Massage candles not your thing?  How about some floating heart candles that come in a variety of colors. Or aromatherapy candles to set the mood?  These pillar candles come in Nutmeg/Ylang ylang, Palmarosa/Ylang ylang, and Lemon grass.

With so many choices, you should be able to find just the right candle to set the mood with your special someone.

Contest winners for June 24-30

As always, we thank everyone who has stopped by and supported our guests during their visits.

Here are this week's winners.  They all have until Sunday, July 10th to claim their books or new winners will be chosen.

Danielle Thorne contest -- Becky
Sharon Sala contest -- Sharon, Karen H and Dawn
Bri Clark contest -- Christine
Maria V Snyder contest -- Kara and Kristina
Declaring Spinsterhood contest -- Maureen
Jamie Lynn Braziel contest -- Miss Kallie

And we have an unclaimed book.  So, if you're interested in picking up a backlist title (ebook) from Beth Williamson, fill out the following form.  The contest will end July 5th.

This contest is closed.  Na is our winner and she has been contact.  Thanks to all those who entered the redraw.

And one last winner announcement, Kate Walker chose her winners (or rather her cat did) and congrats go out to Jeff, Karen and Christine.  Ellie is also a winner, but I don't have a way to email her. If you're reading this, please email me at promo.bookblog AT gmail.com before 7/10 to claim your prize.

In My Mailbox #4

In My Mailbox is weekly meme hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren. This meme lets bloggers socialize and network their blogs, it’s also a great way for bloggers to share upcoming releases! Here's what's arrived in the mail (both physical and email) this week:

Blogoversary Day 4: Courtney Breazile

Jen: Today we welcome Courtney Breazile to Romancing the Book as our blogoversary celebration continues. Courtney, will you please share a short bio with us?

Courtney: I live in North Idaho with my husband and two daughters. I have always loved to read romance and erotica and started writing it when I was 18. I absolutely love everything about it and am always hopeful that my readers will get as much joy out of reading it as I got writing it.

Jen: Tell us about Green Embrace and where is can be purchased.

Courtney: Green Embrace is a paranormal FF that is part of a series I have been writing. This is #6 in the series and the first FF. In this story a half witch-half Animal Elf who is being held captive contacts a witch through astral projection to gain her aid in escape. Their interactions through this astral projection are heated and when they meet for real their passion continues. This book and the whole series can be found at http://www.extasybooks.com

Blogoversary Day 3: Faith Smith

Jen: We are excited to have Faith V. Smith as our guest as we continue to celebrate our blogoversary.  There is a contest, so read on through to get the details.  Now, on to the interview.  Faith, will you please share a short bio with us?

Faith: Hi Jen, I am thrilled to be here! I started as a book reviewer back in 2000, evolved into a columnist, editor, public relations rep, and finally an author. I am blessed with a grown daughter who is my PR assistant, and with furry babies whom I love.

Jen: Tell us about Immortal Justice and where is can be purchased.

Faith: Immortal Justice can be purchased at The Wild Rose Press, as well as several other venues. Amazon, and there will be more as the books are loaded. It is the story of Darach MacRath, a highlander who is killed but resurrected to fight demons for the Arch Angel Michael. The book is set in New Orleans, and Darach’s love interest is Abigail Dupree who can see demons even as they hide in human form.

Blogoversary Day 2: Sondrae Bennett

Our anniversary celebration continues as we welcome Sondrae Bennett to Romancing the Book.  And we do have a contest, details at the end of the post.

I’m a huge reader. I think you have to be in order to write. When other girls went to the mall to buy clothes in high school, I headed straight for the bookstore. There is no greater feeling than picking up a book and sinking into the story, to be transported to a different world. By far my favorite world to escape to is romance. It has been since the first time I picked up a Nora Roberts book when I was twelve. My tastes have varied over the years, from contemporary to historical to erotica to paranormal, but through it all, the one constant has been the heart of the story.

Blogoversary Contest 1

Excerpt from Temptation Triggers:

Saturday, February 13, 1932

Today was a day I won’t soon forget. I met with him early as we had discussed the night before. He had a horse and carriage waiting for us outside the hotel. He helped me onto the bench and covered us with a blanket. The driver cracked his whip and the horse drove us around the city of Savannah.

There was a cold chill in the air but the blanket and my new friend kept me from noticing. As the carriage took a sharp turn, he took advantage of this opportunity and moved closer to me. I didn’t mind, I welcomed his advances. I would have sat on his lap if I hadn’t been so worried about appearances.

Another blog hop

I Am a Reader, Not a Writer is hosting another blog hop.  If you love contests, then you'll want to check out this hop.  There are almost 250 blogs all giving away book related prizes.

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/06/freedom-giveaway.html

We are not participating in this hop, but we have tons of contests open for you all month and will be back hopping with our fellow bloggers in August.

Random Acts of Kindness

During all my web surfing of other blogs, I came across Random Acts of Kindness at Book Soulmates.  I love the concept, so I've signed up this month.  I look forward to participating!

RULES RE-CAP:

• Sign up each month that you'd like to participate.

• Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button :)

• Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!  Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy breezy!!

LINKS YOU WILL NEED:
Sign up for July [HERE]
See who else is participating in July [HERE] 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact via the following:
Vanessa at Twerd413[at]gmail[dot]com or @booksoulmates
Isalys at booksoulmates[at]gmail[dot]com or @isabooksoulmates
(Twitter is prob fastest method)