Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Rock*it Reads: Guest Post with Vanessa Kelly + Giveaway

Vanessa Kelly writes fantastic Regency romance as well as hot contemporary romance with her husband. That's totally awesome! Today, Vanessa is sharing an excerpt from her Rock*It Reads book Fastball as well as what it's like to hang out with 9 fellow authors. Vanessa always has something fun happening on her blog as well as fab giveaways on Facebook. Vanessa's a repeat offender (here and here) when it comes to hanging out at the blog but hey! we love her and she's just fantastic :)

WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG VANESSA!!!

Meet Vanessa:

Vanessa Kelly writes award-winning, Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra. Booklist has named her as one of the “new stars of historical romance,” and she recently received a Reviewer’s Choice nomination from RT Book Reviews for Best Regency Historical Romance. When Vanessa isn’t writing historical romance, she slips into a phone booth and changes into the garb of V.K. Sykes, the writer of sexy contemporary romance. But there’s a catch—she writes those books with her husband, Randy. This collaboration has given her tremendous insight into the workings of the male mind, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Fortunately, hubby is an excellent writer who also has the sense to let Vanessa write all the love scenes and appropriately dress their heroines.

Connect with Vanessa: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Blog
Connect with VK: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter

Rock*it Reads: Guest Post with Kris Kennedy + Giveaway

Kris Kennedy writes sexy medieval romances featuring men with big swords *giggle* The first sentence of Defiant had Kati laughing her butt off and the cover had both of us drooling. Kris is not new to the blog, participated in our first December Joython and now she's back sharing a little bit about the Rock*It Reads project.

WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG KRIS!!!

Meet Kris:

Wife, mom and former therapist & consultant, Kris left behind the office for the wilds of medieval England and Ireland. She still spends time cleaning the wilds of her home, but whenever she can drag herself away from that excitement, she’s writing sexy, adventure-filled historical romances.

She has books published with Kensington Books and Pocket Books, and they’ve made many Desert Island Keeper/Best Of lists. Her second release, THE IRISH WARRIOR, won RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Unpublished Historical Romance in 2008, and came out in 2010. Her third medieval romance, DEFIANT, received a starred Publishers Weekly review. Her fourth, DECEPTION, comes out this August, from Pocket Books.

Kris is excited to write for New York and to do her own self-published writing, bringing the same level of professionalism and commitment to both endeavors. Her goal is to keep writing stories so her readers keep loving them.

Connect with Kris: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Excerpt of Dancing Naked In Dixie by Lauren Clarke + Giveaway

Lauren Clark is currently promoting her book Dancing Naked in Dixie and today she is sharing a fun excerpt from it. She is also giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one(1) lucky blog tour commenter. Read on for details.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG LAUREN!!!

Meet Lauren:

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

Connect with Lauren: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Erotic Contemporary Review: Anything You Want by Erin Nicholas

Anything You Want by Erin Nicholas
Format: PDF
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
Length: 280 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (April 3,2012)

Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted…
It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she’s stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.

Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won’t hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.

Marc Sterling’s first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she’s talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.

When he shows up at her hotel room, there’s something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it’s a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.

And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she’ll only say “I do”, Marc realizes he’s just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.

Warning: Contains two people who don’t like each other very much, a Toyota that can’t quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling.

Get Your Own Copy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Samhain
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

Other Book in Series:

REVIEW:

Kati loves living in sunny San Diego and being able to ogle hard bodies at the beach when ever she wants behind her $5 super reflective aviators. Like a total creeper, only that the guys don't know exactly where she's looking. We giggle at the word wet but salivate over a picture of a man with droplets of water coursing down his body. Yum!

Erotic Contemporary Review: Possession by Melissa Schroeder

Possession: A Little Harmless Military Romance by Melissa Schroeder
Format: ebook
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
Length: 29,000 words
Publisher: Melissa Schroeder Publishing (May 16,2012)

Loving a military man isn't always easy and sometimes living with him is impossible..

Deke Berg has been in love with Sam for ten years. From the moment they met, they could never keep their hands off each other. Their marriage was volatile and short-lived, and they were both much too young. Now, though, Deke knows what he wants in life, and Sam is at the center of his plans. Unfortunately, Sam is wary of marriage--especially to a man who broke her heart.

Sam has always loved Deke. Being a former military brat, she thought she'd been prepared for life as a military spouse. But the long separations were hard, especially dealing with the stranger who returned home. When he refused to get help, she left and always regretted it. She doesn't know if she can handle that pain again, but after spending a night together in Hawaii it's impossible for her to ignore him.

Old prejudices and painful memories aren't easy to overcome, but there is one thing Deke understands: Sam is the woman for him and he will do anything to prove his love and win her back.

Warning, this book includes: Another hard-headed military man, a woman with a wicked temper, a trip to Hawaii, one Hell Week, a few embarrassing moments, nosey brothers, and two people too stupid to realize they are perfect together. It's Harmless and military, so for your own safety make sure you have ice water nearby. The author assumes no responsibility for overheating of the reader.

Other Book in Series:

REVIEW:

Studio Smexy Saturdays: Model Brittany

Another Saturday and another installment of Studio Smexy Saturdays. But this time, we're featuring one super cute yet at the same time smoking hot girl model. Yup, there are girl models at Studio Smexy *gasp*. She's an absolute paradox. A sexy siren on the cover of romances and a country girl who can shoot a gun when not in studio. We totally want to hang with her!

Welcome to Studio Smexy Saturdays Brittany!!!

A note from Jenn: OMG I love my Brittany. She is such a doll. She is a cowgirl at heart, and comes complete with her own set of assless chaps and badass cowgirl attitude. Not to mention the most extensive collection of cute heels I've ever seen. She was the star of my first completed market cover, POSSESSION, for Mel Schroeder, and she has been on at least seven covers since then, Lara Adrian and Christine d'Abo included.

Brittany is a treasure to work with, and I always include her in shoots, even if we don't have requests for blondes. :)

Guest Post with Tamara Morgan + Giveaway

Last time Tamara Morgan stopped by the blog she was sharing her love for men in kilts and well ladies, we totally agreed with everything she had to say about them. This time around, she's sharing a little history on the codpiece *giggle* Her latest release The World Is A Stage has the hero wearing a codpiece and he's rocking it with confidence.

WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG TAMARA!!!

Meet Tamara:

Tamara Morgan is a romance writer and unabashed lover of historical reenactments—the more elaborate and geeky the costume requirements, the better. In her quest for modern-day history and intrigue, she has taken fencing classes, forced her child into Highland dancing, and, of course, journeyed annually to the local Renaissance Fair. These feats are matched by a universal love of men in tights, of both the superhero and codpiece variety.

Connect with Tamara: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Day Blog Hop: Excerpt by Donna Grant + Giveaway

Today is the release of Donna Grant's Midnight's Master, the first book in her new Dark Warriors series. Innovative Online Book Tours has organized a one day hop for readers to gather Warrior Facts and turn them in for a chance to win some of Donna's books and a gift card. We'll get to the prize details after you meet Donna, read an excerpt and find your Warrior Fact.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG DONNA!!!

Meet Donna:

Donna Grant is the bestselling, award winning author of more than twenty-five novels spanning multiple genres of romance.
She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.
Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.
Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.
Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.

Connect with Donna: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Man Candy Monday: Sexy Villains

Good Monday morning to you! Everyone always forgets the villain or completely dislikes them but ladies, have you looked at some of the villains very closely? What about that sexy Fassy Fassbender as Magneto or Jason Isaacs as well, any villanous character he's ever played? Whether it's the bad boy image (and not like bad boy with a heart of gold) or the total badass vibes pouring in heat waves off of them, these men are totally yummy. So, lets get to the sexy shall we?

Congrats to:

***Giveaway has been over for some time, sorry about announcing winners late. They've already been contacted and have responded***

erinf

Sue Peterson

Maureen

Each has won a copy of Barefoot In the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire

***Giveaway has been over for some time, sorry about announcing winners late. They've already been contacted and have responded***

Kanya Chhet

Lady Varney's Risque Business by Cerise DeLand

Gale Nelson

Shannon G

Lord of Vengeance by Lara Adrian writing as Tina St. John (ebook)

Mel Bourn

Michelle Wilson

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz (ebook)

Winners have been contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Don't worry if you didn't win. We've got more giveaways here.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Blog Tour: Interview with Jill Shalvis + Giveaway

Today is the first day of Jill Shalvis' LUCKY IN LOVE tour and she's stopped by to answer some questions about her latest book in her Lucky Harbor series. An ex-Navy SEAL who's got the town of Lucky Harbor Facebooking about sightings of this Mysterious Cute Guy, an RN who's the town sweetheart and caretaker, some meddling townsfolk and whole lot of SexyTimes and chocolate. A fantastic recipe for the latest must-read book in the Lucky Harbor series.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG JILL!!!

Meet Jill:

USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis is the award winning author of over four dozen romance novels. The 4-time Rita nominee and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

Connect with Jill: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

LUCKY IN LOVE by Jill Shalvis
Format: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 386 pages
Publisher: Forever (May 22,2012)

Sometimes it's good to be bad...
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she’s expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she’d like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he’s only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he’s gone…

For the first time in his life, Ty can’t bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all…anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

Get Your Own Copy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

Other Books in Series(click on covers for excerpts):

REVIEW:

Studio Smexy Saturdays: Model James

It's Saturday and you know what that means... Smexy pictures. Today we have James, who can be seen on Claiming Her by Kris Kennedy. Now, Jamie was going to write a nice introduction but got distracted by James's answers and is trying to find a way to make his dream shoot come true. Anyway, she's thinking that you don't want a big introduction and would much rather look at the pictures. So, ladies, meet James. Not only is he hot but pretty playful with his answers.

Welcome to Studio Smexy Saturdays James!

Interview with Alexia Reed + Giveaway

Today on the blog we've got Ms. Alexia Reed sharing her debut release Hunting the Shadows. A woman with extraordinary telepathic abilities, a researcher with a conscience and a serial killer on the loose. Sounds like a great read right? A bit of sci-fi, a dash of paranormal and a whole lot of romantic suspense.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG ALEXIA!!!

Meet Alexia:

Alexia Reed is a dark paranormal romantic suspense author. You can find her on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

XOXO, Romance Girl

Lots of links today friends. Brenda Novak's Annual Auction, Goodreads giveaways, author giveaways, Kindles steals and deals (helloooo back lists!) and completely gratuitous eye candy. So let's cut to the chase and let the link sharing begin!

Erotic Contemporary eARC Review: A Little Harmless Fascination by Melissa Schroeder

A LITTLE HARMLESS FASCINATION by Melissa Schroder
Format: PDF
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
Length: 210 pages
Publisher: Melissa Schroeder Publishing (April 29,2012)

Wanting her isn't smart, seducing her is inevitable, but falling in love with her could be downright deadly for both of them.
Security expert Conner Dillon isn't a man who often takes a vacation. So when he is ordered to take a month off, and his sister insists on a trip to Hawaii, he isn't very happy. But, after seeing his landlady Jillian Sawyer again, he might just find something—or someone—to occupy his time.

For years, Jillian has always had a crush on Conner. Now an erotic romance author with a thing for Doms, she finds herself beyond intrigued by the man. He is good to the core, but there is something else darker in him that calls to her.

After one night in bed, they both find themselves addicted. In Jillian, Conner has found the perfect sub…and in him she finds someone she can trust. Falling in love isn't what they expected, but walking away is impossible—especially when they realize someone wants Jillian dead.

WARNING this book contains the following: An uptight security expert who prefers schedules, a romance writer who does not, tattoos, a trip to the Aloha Swap Meet, two hunky neighbors who irritate our hero, and of course this would not be a Harmless book without a trip to Rough 'n Ready. Ice is recommended as any Harmless Addict will tell you, but the author takes no responsibility if a reader should become overheated. Read at your own risk.

Other Books in Series:

REVIEW:

Sinful Siren Giveaway Hop (US)

The lovely ladies at Under The Covers Book Blog and Guilty Pleasures have teamed up to bring you the Sexy Siren Giveaway Hop!

When we think Siren, sexy, sultry and totally skilled in the carnal arts comes to mind but, not all Sirens know the power of their femininity. We're giving away one of our favorite scorching hot reads and by scorching we mean melt-your-panties-off hot. It pushes the boundaries on all the things we thought we would be comfortable with. It's sexy, steamy, seductive, heartbreaking and leaves you teetering on the edge waiting for more.

We've been pimping this book and you're probably tired of it (fellow romancers, we're looking at you) but for those of you who like your kink on the authentic side, you'll want to add this to your collection.

Warning: Excerpt is hot! Proceed with caution...

Blog Tour: Interview with Erin Nicholas + Giveaway

Meet Erin:

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters. She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios. You can find Erin on the web at her site, the Naughty Nine Novelists blog, on Twitter and even on Facebook (when necessary).

Connect with Erin: Author Site | Twitter | Naughty Nine