Today we are welcoming Gail Barrett to the blog! She is here to share some information about her book, and to give away a $25 Amazon / BN (or other bookstore of the winner’s choice) GC to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her other Book Blast on June 21st. To be entered, leave a comment, and to find more places to comment, click on the links to find the list of blogs participating.

FATAL EXPOSURE

by Gail Barrett

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Cold-case detective Parker McCall has spent fifteen years trying to solve his brother’s murder.  Now a chance photo of the killer in the newspaper sets him hard on the woman’s trail.  A former teenaged runaway, reclusive, award-winning photojournalist B.K. Elliot chronicles the harsh reality of life on the streets — until a photo in the paper reveals her identity, blowing the lid off her secret past.  With a powerful murderer now dogging her heels, and her police officer step-father determined to silence her permanently, the last person she can afford to trust is a cop.  So why does sexy police detective Parker McCall tempt her to break her silence and resurrect ideals she’d lost years ago?  As danger closes in, and with more than her own life at stake, Brynn must decide if the duty-bound cop will betray her…or heal her battered heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

His gaze swung back to hers. Several seconds ticked by. His scrutiny made her uneasy, the intensity in his eyes making it impossible to breathe.

And, suddenly, Brynn suspected he knew more than he’d let on—about her relationship to her stepfather, about her troubled childhood, about the horrific abuse that drove her from home. That he was simply biding his time—like the trained interrogator he was—waiting for her to confess the truth.

She couldn’t believe how tempted she was to do just that—to forget that he was a cop, to ignore the danger hounding her footsteps and tell him the unvarnished truth.

But then, Parker’s expression changed. His eyes were just as intense, but hotter, more hypnotic, like whirlpools dragging her under—in a decidedly sensual way.

Her pulse battered her throat. He pushed away from the truck and moved even closer, trapping her against the cab. And that insane attraction rippled between them, that unruly maelstrom of need.

Her breath backed up in her lungs. Her belly tightened, acute tremors of excitement tripping along her nerves. She tore her gaze from his jet black eyes to the black stubble shadowing his granite jaw, and stalled on his gripping mouth. Then he reached out and stroked his finger down her cheek, sending a torrent of pleasure streaming through her veins.

Was he going to kiss her?

His gaze dropped to her mouth. Her heart nearly leaped from her chest.

And for a wild moment she wondered if she should push him away—or pull him close.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A former RITA® and Daphne finalist, Gail Barrett has received the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, The National Readers’ Choice Award, and numerous other awards.  She lives with her husband in Western Maryland.  Readers can contact her through her website:www.gailbarrett.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gail.barrett.961#!/gail.barrett.961 

Links to buy the book:

Amazon Paperback and Kindle

Barnes and Noble paperback and Nook

The post SBB and Giveaway for Fatal Exposure by Gail Barrett appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Today we are talking about Coming, Ready or Not by Liv Honeywell. If this book sound like something that you would be interested in reading, please find some buy links at the bottom of the post and pick up a copy!

Coming, Ready or Not! Release Blitz

Blurb:

Meet Will and Abby. An ordinary couple that you wouldn’t give a second glance at if they were walking down the street. Except they share a wonderful secret and bond as they explore their Master/slave relationship.

This is a loving couple, full of good humour, but nothing in any relationship is perfect and sometimes things go wrong. Even the strongest will in the world can’t always obey and with that comes consequences…

Three vignettes, The Edge, Bad Girl, and Breathless focus on control. Can Abby be taken to the edge of pleasure and not cross over? She wants to obey and to hold on. But can she? And what will happen to her if she can’t?

Holding on has never felt so good…

Excerpt:

“Will, please.”

“Excuse me? I think you mean ‘Sir,’ and do you really think this is up to you?”

“Er, no, Sir. I guess not. I’m sorry.”

“I should think so. Now lie back. Go on.”

I lie back against the chair. I don’t have another choice anyway. My legs are spread wide apart and strapped tightly to the chair legs, so I couldn’t close them if I wanted to, and my arms are tied behind my back and then secured to the back of the chair frame. I’m really not going anywhere until my Lord and Master lets me.

You grin at me, knowing full well that there’s nothing I can do.

I narrow my eyes. “You evil b…”

You grab my chin and force me to look into your eyes.

“I really don’t think you want to finish that sentence, Abby. I wouldn’t advise it.”

You continue circling my clit with just the tip of your finger, as you have been doing, agonisingly slowly, for the last few minutes. I moan and throw my head back.

“Oh, please, Sir. Please may I come?”

You pretend to consider my request, as if you haven’t already made up your mind. “Hmmmm, no. No, I don’t think so.” You run your other hand over my breasts, pausing to tweak first one nipple and then the other.

“You need to learn that this body does not belong to you any more. It belongs to me and it’s up to me if you get any pleasure and up to me when and how. Understand?”

“Ye…he…Yes, Sir”, I pant, trying desperately to hold on.

“Good girl.” You grin evilly again. “Besides I’m nowhere near done teasing you yet. I’m having far too much fun enjoying that lovely tortured expression on your face.”

I let out another low moan, borne of frustration and desire; at the same time feeling a tingling warmth and excitement in my stomach at your dominance over me.

Your touch builds me dangerously close to orgasm again, leaving me hovering right there on the edge. I try to think of something else, anything else. What are we having for dinner? What shall I make? Are we out of peas? Or perhaps His Domliness will decide he wants to go out when he has finished working up an appetite by torturing me!

The thought brings me right back into the room, back to the sensation of your fingers sliding in and out of me, your thumb lightly rubbing my clit ever closer, ever nearer. I buck in my seat, half torn between wanting to push myself forward against your thumb, wanting release so badly, and not wanting to let you down by coming without permission.

“Sirrrr,” I groan.

“Yes, Abby. What can I do for you? Do you want me to stop? Good idea!”

You remove your hand from my pussy and I let out an animal yelp of frustration. Oh God. This is the third time you have brought me to the brink of orgasm and I really don’t know how much more I can stand.

Coming, Ready or Not is available:

 Amazon US    *   Amazon UK  

Author Bio and links:

When not writing about delicious, hot male dominants and the female subs who love them, I’m usually doing something craft-like, reading, baking, eating the results of said baking, and attempting to satisfy the demands of His High and Mighty Dominance (the cat!). My first story, Imagine, was published with Silver Moon Books last year and Coming, Ready or Not is my first solo book.

You can follow me on my blog – http://liv-honeywell.com, Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/LivHoneywell, Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/LivHoneywell or Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/LivHoneywellErotica

The post Release Blitz for Coming, Ready or Not by Liv Honeywell appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Welcome also to Steamy Saturday!

This is the day of the week where we talk about a book that is on the steamier side of romance. Today’s selection is by one of my favorite authors, Rhonda Nelson. She keeps producing books for Harlequin’s Blaze line which I’m very fond of!. I enjoyed this book, and I hope that you pick up a copy and enjoy it as well.

His First Noelle by Rhonda Nelson

ISBN: 978-0-373-79728-8

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Release: December 2012

Source: I purchased a copy of this book to read and review

Blurb:

Ranger Security Employee Files

Employee #13: “The Protector”

Name: Judd Anderson

Trademark characteristics: Tall, dark and deliciously handsome, this former sniper has wicked aim.

Weaknesses: Saving girls who are trying to save the world.

Joining his twin at Ranger Security is Judd Anderson’s first step toward a new life. But when he’s assigned to protect a key witness in a murder case, the last thing he expects is a rather sexy Christmas angel to land in his lap….

Humanitarian Noelle Montgomery dedicates herself to helping others, so having someone take care of her is completely different. And now that she’s in hiding with her hot bodyguard, Noelle is finding her niceness taking a decidedly naughtier turn.

But when the line between protection and seduction is crossed, Judd is compromised. Will he be able to save Noelle…in time for Christmas?

For those of you who follow this blog, you will realize that not only do I get a subscription to Blaze every month, but I’m quite addicted to these little red books! One of the best books in December’s set was His First Noelle – another book in the Ranger Security set of books. I’ve enjoyed following this group of men as they increase in number! Judd Anderson is the newest recruit at Ranger Security, following his twin brother into the group. His first assignment is to protect Noelle Montgomery, who is the key witness in a murder case.

This is a great little book that combines humor with a scorching hot read. The connection between the twins was entertaining as well! I appreciate the various bits and pieces that come up about the group of characters that populate Ranger security, and  being reminded of past stories.

This is a great little read, well worth picking up!

His First Noelle is available on Amazon

The post Steamy Saturday – Book Review – His First Noelle by Rhonda Nelson appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Today we are welcoming Rebecca Royce to the blog! She is the author of Love in One Night and is touring her book around the blogs with Goddess Fish Promotions. Rebecca is giving away a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card to a lucky commenter. To increase your odds, click HERE and find a list of other blogs she is appearing on leave comments on other blogs!

Love in One Night

by Rebecca Royce

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Melanie is a woman who handles her anxiety by preparing for the worst. She’s ready for any scenario—except love. Griffith is a man who has seen it all. Nothing surprises him until he meets Melanie. Can two people prepared for everything handle the uncertainty of love at first sight?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“I married him because I got pregnant.” She put her hands on her hips. “And I won’t take his money because I won’t take money from the pharmaceutical companies. No offense.”

“Gee, why would I take offense when you meant to insult me?” Melanie’s face turned a lovely shade of cherry as he spoke.

“Truth is, I meant to say something nasty about Victor. I forgot, momentarily, what you do and who you do it for.”

He shrugged like he words hadn’t stung a bit. The pharmaceutical companies did both good and bad things. Griffith didn’t have to feel one-hundred-percent comfortable all the time to still know he worked on the right side of the law.

“Theft is theft. I give them back things they’ve lost.” He moved along the edge of the room. Melanie must be organized. Everything had a label, down to the box holding sponges. “And I’d bet when you get a headache, you take a Tylenol.”

“I’d try magnesium and zinc, but your point is taken. I shouldn’t be generalizing. I don’t like when it’s done to me.”

Griffith had to get out of there before he did anything really asinine, like give the blushing woman a hug. He pulled out his card. “If you hear from Victor or you think of anything, give me a call. I’ll be staying in Austin overnight.”

“Right.” She took his card. “I’m sorry you had to come all the way down here for nothing.”

“I’m not.” Her eyes widened, and he had a moment of sheer male satisfaction. He’d been able to shock her.

“You haven’t asked me why I do this. Why I’m so prepared for a disaster? You haven’t asked. Everyone does.”

“I’ve been a lot of places. I think preparing for things, even if they might never occur, makes pretty good sense. I guess we all have our own reasons for why we do what we do.”

She bit down on her lower lip, chewing on it as she regarded him with narrowed eyes. “So you want to know why I married Victor but not why I formed a whole community dedicated to organic farming in the desert, self-sustaining living, and disaster preparedness?”

“Melanie, if you want to tell me, I’d be really amenable to hearing.” Anything she wanted to say would be fine by him. She could read the phone book aloud, and he’d sit like a good little boy and listen to her.

“Maybe I could. Over dinner tonight.”

His heart skipped a beat. Had she actually asked him out? His mouth opened and closed. When he’d gotten off the plane in Austin, he’d had no idea he’d be stepping onto a sustainable farm, a converted bomb shelter, and asked to dinner by a hot redhead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They’ve just moved to Texas where Rebecca is discovering a new love for barbecue!

She’s in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She’s been told she’s a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you’ll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce’s world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

Website:   http://www.rebeccaroyce.com/books.html

Love in One Night is available:

Decadent Publishing

The post Book Feature with Rebecca Royce, author of Love in One Night appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Today we are welcoming Allie Boniface to the blog! She is the author of Beacon of Love and is here to answer some of our questions and to share some information about her book!

Allie will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR B&N Gift Card AND an e-copy of any title of her backlist (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

You know how to increase your chances of winning! Leave a comment to be entered. Just click HERE and find more blogs to leave comments on! I hope you enjoy learning more about Allie and her book, Beacon of Love!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Barb – How would you describe your book in 20 words or less without using the blurb?

Allie – Haunted lighthouse + spunky travel show host + sexy local cameraman = mystery on the beach and steam between the sheets!

Barb –  Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

Allie – I found my dream location last summer on a trip around the Mediterranean: the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, with an ocean and mountain view that would inspire the most writers’-blocked author, it’s remote enough that I could escape from the rat race of my life in America (insert incessant news stories, cell phones, social media, and a full-time teaching job here). If I won the lottery and didn’t have to work for the rest of my life, I’d buy a villa in Ravello or Sorrento tomorrow.

Barb –  What’s your current guilty pleasure?

Allie – Chocolate and martinis. Not necessarily together, though that never hurts

Barb – If you wouldn’t be a writer, what you would be?

Allie – I already have the best job in the world, aside from being a writer: I’m a teacher. And while yes, it would be nice to escape to Italy, that’s only because of the loads of paperwork (and testing, with all the new educational changes going on). Working with young people and having an influence in their lives is the most rewarding thing I could imagine doing with my life.

Barb –  What were the challenges in bringing this book to life?

Allie – Adding the sub-plot, without a doubt. After I finished the first draft of Beacon of Love, I went back and realized there was something missing, emotion, grittiness, something compelling about the story. I spent a lot of time brainstorming, talking to other writers, and using agent Donald Maass’ advice from Writing the Breakout Novel. After all that, the story of the haunted lighthouse took a backseat to the true haunting in the novel: that of Lucas, the hero, and the rest of the town, who lose 6 teenagers in a tragic plane crash 10 years before the story opens. Gave me a whole lot more messy and powerful emotions to deal with.

Barb –  Where do you get your inspiration?

Allie – Everywhere! From news articles and events, from songs on the radio, from things that happen to people I know, from my own dreams. (Speaking of news articles, did anyone see the recent story on the 95-year old woman who admitted to being a “food tester” for Hitler in the 1940s? All I could think was “Now there’s a story to tell!”)

Barb –  What is the one book that you think everyone should read?

Allie – The Fault in our Stars by John Green. It’s a Young Adult novel that is brilliantly written, a terrific portrayal of real people (he’s so good at creating characters). It’s the story of 2 teenagers who experience their first true love – while battling cancer. It’s not a cancer story, though, so much as a love story, but it’s real and messy and the teens are smarter and more in tune with their feelings than the adults in the book. Just fabulous.

Barb –  Where can your fans find you ?

Allie – I’m most reliably on Facebook, and I update my blog three times a week: Monday Mentionables, Writers’ Wednesday, and Friday Fun Facts. I’m also on Twitter, though I don’t check in there as regularly.

Barb – If you could write outside your genre what would that be?

Allie – I’d love to write a Young Adult novel, and I’m actually working on one right now! I think it’s a terrific genre, so great for creating protagonists who develop in profound and meaningful ways. Plus I teach teenagers, so I see and hear their angst and drama almost every day. Stay tuned! There might be a YA book listed on my “New Releases” page one day!

Barb – Are you working on anything new and if so when can we expect to see it?

Allie – I’m currently revising the sequel to this book, another contemporary romance set in Lindsey Point, called Inferno to Love. That will be Finn the bartender’s story By the time I finished Beacon of Love I knew Finn had to get his happy-ever-after as well. So if you enjoy Beacon of Love, look for the sequel sometime next year!

Barb –  Is there anything else you’d like to share to your followers and readers?

Allie – Thanks so much for having me here today! Loved all the fun questions!!

Beacon of Love

by Allie Boniface

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Welcome to Lindsey Point, Connecticut: suspicious of outsiders, loyal to tradition, and absolutely devoted to its local legends.

Enter Sophie Smithwaite, feisty travel show host, in town to film an episode about Lindsey Point’s haunted lighthouse. But digging into the story of a tragic murder-suicide and love gone wrong reveals startling connections to Sophie’s own past. When a gorgeous local handyman fills in behind the camera, Sophie’s life gets complicated by more than just her family history.

Part-time paramedic, handyman, seasonal Santa-Lucas Oakes does it all–except get attached. He’s still reeling from the death of his best friend ten years ago and the more recent infidelity of his ex-fiancee. Yet despite Sophie’s big-city nosiness and her insistence on chasing long-dead ghosts, he’s drawn to her.

But mixing with an outsider means questioning people and traditions Lucas has always defended. When a series of attacks seem to be connected to Sophie’s investigation, both Sophie and Lucas must decide if they are willing to risk everything to uncover the town’s secrets…and their own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

“Want something to drink? Water?”

Sophie shook her head.

“Not thirsty?”

“Lucas.”

He set the glasses down on the counter. “What?”

“Come over here and kiss me.”

His smile crooked. “Or what?”

She took two steps toward the kitchen, and he took one toward the living room, and they met in the middle. “Or I’m going to go crazy.”

He placed his hands on her cheeks and kissed her forehead.

Sophie closed her eyes, waiting for the slow, inevitable slip of his mouth down her neck. To her curve of her collarbone. Maybe lower.

“There you go,” he said. His hands went away.

Her eyes flew open. “That’s it?”

“You said you wanted a kiss.”

Her fists landed on her hips. “Ha ha. Funny guy. So funny, in fact, I think I’m gonna recommend that comedy special you were talking about to Lon. He’s looking for a new show, you know. Maybe you’re the next big thing.”

Lucas swung her off the ground. Her arms went around his neck and her mouth ended up a fraction of an inch below his. “Maybe I am.” He kissed her again, this time not on the forehead. And not sweetly. “What do you think?”

But she couldn’t answer, couldn’t think of anything at all except his tongue teasing hers, her legs wrapping themselves around his waist and holding on like she’d never held onto a man in her life. Fire sizzled up her spine, and the air in the room went hot. Her hands–God, her hands couldn’t get enough of him. They wanted to be everywhere, in his hair and on his face and unbuttoning that damn shirt and taking off her own dress that was so in the way right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Allie Boniface is a small-town girl at heart who’s traveled around the world and still finds that the magic and the mystery of small towns make them the best places to fall in love and find adventure. From the New England coast to Rocky Mountain hotels to tiny European bars, she’s found more character and plot inspirations than she could ever count. Currently, she’s lucky enough to live in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley with her own “Hometown Hero,” a guy who can fix, build, drive, and grill anything and is the epitome of the strong and silent type.

When she isn’t writing love stories, Allie is a full-time high school English teacher who gets a kick out of helping her teenagers negotiate the ups and downs of writing along with the ups and downs of life (because, really, she’s still trying to do the same thing!). And while she’ll continue to travel far and wide, Allie knows there’s really nothing like coming back to the place where the people who have known you forever welcome you home with open arms.

ALLIE BONIFACE  can be found:

www.allieboniface.com

www.allieboniface.blogspot.com

Twitter: AllieBoniface1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allie-Boniface/213522468685926?ref=hl

The post Interview and GIveaway with Allie Boniface, author of Beacon of Love appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

ISBN: 9781609824860

Publisher: Excessica Publishing

Release May 2011

Blurb:

Janie Lovell is a brilliant project manager working at the Madrid office of a leading consulting firm. Beautiful and aggressive, she has what it takes to be successful in a man’s world and is respected by colleagues and competitors alike. During a trip to the Seattle headquarters, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the sexy new CEO, Dennis Mitchell. During an action-packed weekend in Canada, the seeds of love are sown.

Destiny reunites them in Paris again a few months later, where Dennis declares his love for her. After going their separate ways, Janie finds out she’s pregnant but keeps it from him, not wanting to condition his love. Feeling lonely and miserable, she decides to go back to her native Australia. Before leaving, she spends a few days at her summer house in Ibiza, where she seeks comfort in Diego, her ex-husband. Dennis discovers her secret and unexpectedly appears on the scene, engagement ring in hand, to find her in Diego’s arms. He is outraged and leaves, convinced the baby isn’t his. A year later, they meet again at the Melbourne office and Dennis sees his son for the first time. Realizing his mistake, this time he’s prepared to overcome his fears to win her love back.

But will she accept his marriage proposal?

Warnings: This title contains some graphic language and sex scenes.

****************

Is it difficult for a woman to find love in a man’s world of business?  Can Janie and Dennis conquer their issues and find true love?  Pick up a copy of Sometime, Somewhere and find out!

Janie Lovell works as a project manager for an international company.  She smart, assertive, and successful in a man’s world.  Just when she is ready for a vacation, she is sent to Seattle to do some training for some new clients.  Reluctantly, she agrees to go as long as she can have some time off while she is there.  She doesn’t expect to be so taken with the CEO of her company!  Dennis Mitchell, equally taken with Janie, convinces her to use her days off to take a quick trip to Canada for some horseback riding and sight seeing.  Janie and Dennis’s relationship starts developing on this trip.

At 73 pages, this is a quick read that feels like a novel.  Although this book has some graphic sex, it reads like a classic romance for the most part.  Janie and Dennis meet, they start developing feelings for one another, and then they are separated.  This relationship continues on and off over the next year and a bit.  Work gets in the way and the inevitable misunderstandings also conspire to keep them apart even longer.  I like the gentleness of this story.  It wasn’t a drop the laundry after the first date kind of love story.  Dennis and Janie took time to get to know one another over a period of time.  They seem to show their compatibility over and over throughout the story.  The only criticism that I have of the story is the slowness with which Dennis acts.  I found it frustrating.  He is the CEO of an international company, I would think he would be more decisive.  Likely other readers would see this aspect of the story differently than I did.

If you are looking for a more gentle love story, give this one a try!

Sometime, Somewhere is available on Amazon

The post Steamy Saturday – Book Review – Sometime, Somewhere by Brooke Adams appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Welcome also to Steamy Saturdays! This is the day of the week where I review a book that I’ve read that is on the steamier side of romance. Most of you know how fond I am of the Blaze line from Harlequin – here’s another one of these lovely little red books! Enjoy!

One Man Rush by Joanne Rock

ISBN: 978-0-373-79682-3

Release: April 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze

Source: I purchased this book to read and review

Blurb:

Matchmaking Case File #114

Requested Match: Kyle Murphy, pro hockey player. (This guy can score.)

Challenge: Not looking for anything serious (yet).

Notes: Ridiculously attractive, sexy, irresistible…and I want him for myself!

Matchmaker Marissa Collins is looking for a man. A hot, successful man. But the man she’s considering—hockey player Kyle Murphy—is for a prospective client. Marissa’s matchmaking professionalism goes MIA, though, when she meets Kyle…who’s not coming along quietly.

Kyle isn’t looking for a match. He has his eye on the prize—the Stanley Cup—or at least he did before Marissa dropped into his life. Now he’s playing a new game, one where getting Marissa in bed is the goal. And if he has to play dirty…that’s even better.

One Man Rush by Joanne Rock is another Blaze novel that arrived in that little brown box, once each month!

These little red books are mind candy.  They fit in my purse and entertain me when I get stuck at a dance studio, ice rink or swimming pool!  They are the perfect spicy read!

This story is no different than most of the Blaze stories that I read.  It is ultra hot, entertaining and well written.

Marissa Collins is the daughter of a famous singer who was injured in a car accident.  Marissa is now responsible for supporting her mother, and has turned to matchmaking to make money.  She has had some successes and some high profile clients.  She has been hired to match hockey player Kyle Murphy with a socialite.  The meeting goes from bad to worse when she first meets him.  The chemistry between the two of them is intense!  It wouldn’t do for word to get around about her stealing potential clients!

Kyle Murphy is a man who knows what he wants.  He has his head screwed on right and he is entering the playoffs.  He needs his full concentration on his game and doesn’t need to be messing with a relationship.  After one screwed up practice, he decides that he needs Marissa at his side so that he can concentrate on his game.  That starts the beginning of a pursuit that ends in a HEA!

I liked the characters of Marissa and Kyle.  I liked the old fashioned values that were present despite the steaminess of the story.  I’ve read many books by Joanne Rock, and I continue to enjoy her writing!  Pick up a copy of this book and enjoy a few hours of reading!

The post Steamy Saturday – Book Review of One Man Rush by Joanne Rock appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Blurb:

She’s from the twenty-first century…

Thrust back in time, Frankie Mathews is the quintessential fish out of water. She’s gone from running a major money market fund to a world where women milk cows. Too bad for Frankie that the nearest she’s ever been to a cow is a “Got Milk” commercial. Now, she has to save the life of Confederate Colonel Benjamin Craig and return to her own century with him in tow, before she changes history beyond recognition—and gets killed in the process.

He’s been fighting the Civil War in 1864…

To survive the Union deserters and his grasping, widowed sister-in-law, Ben needs Frankie’s quick thinking and never-give-up attitude that comes from her independence as a 21^st Century woman.

But can the two lovers span the centuries between them and find a common future?

This book spans centuries to bring two soul mates together.  Craig’s Legacy combines outstanding characters and a beautifully told love story mainly set in war torn Virginia to produce a engaging story that is a must read.  One of the most realistic time-travel romances I’ve read in a long time!

Craig’s Legacy  was a wonderful surprise for me to read.  I’m not sure what I expected from the blurb, but what I found was a wonderfully warm, humorous, gentle romance. Frankie Matthews has been voted the Twenty-First Century’s Financial Wunderkind.  She’s a tiny little thing, but she carries a punch in the financial world as she is the portfolio manager for a major investment fund.  She was orphaned at an early age and has grown up with her Aunt Ginny and Uncle Max as her “parents”.  They own Craig’s Knoll – property that has been handed down through the generations, and Frankie has decided to move back home after being away from home for years.  But her dreams start up again and neighbours claim that the house has a ghost.  Next problem – she can see the ghost and he’s yummy!  Not only that, he talks to her about saving him and leaves her flowers.

Ben Craig was killed by deserters in 1864 while trying to protect his family.  He is now a ghost waiting for the right woman to go back in time to save him and recover his legacy.  He feels that he has found the right woman in Frankie.  He says “We’re soul mates.  We’re meant to be together, in life as well as death.  You must trust in yourself and me.  We’ll be joined, but not in your time.”  Frankie is understandably unwilling to go bak to a time with none of the comforts that she currently enjoys, but Ben pushes her into a wardrobe and she lands in 1864.

This is one of the few time-travel novels that I’ve read that dealt with the “realities” of a person being in a different time well.  Frankie was not pleased to be sent back in time.  The lack of e-mail and tampons did not make her a happy camper!  She was continually being caught doing or saying something modern and as a result was looked at as being a bit touched in the head!  The situations that she got herself in had me chuckling and even laughing out loud at points!  Ben, the ghost, was an attractive, charismatic man accustomed to the customs and conveniences of the 21st century.  Ben in 1864 was a somewhat chauvinistic man, typical of his time.  It was interesting to see the clash of a woman from the 21st century and a man from the 1800s!  It made for some lively disagreements!

The secondary characters were also outstanding.  Beatrice is one of the evil characters and was so well written you just wanted to slap her!  I loved the character of Uncle Henry.  He was smart, pragmatic and full of humor.  He served as Frankie’s ally and his character allowed the author to bring in all sorts of information, from the place of slaves in the 1860s to folk medicine.

This isn’t a short cute story.  At about 400 pages, it could be an intimidating read.  I found that it started out slowly – the first 50 or so pages almost dragged as it set the scene for the rest of the book.  The slow feeling really didn’t last beyond that, in fact, I became so absorbed with the story that I read the last 200 or so pages without stopping.  Happily finishing with tears and a kleenex!

I certainly recommend this book! It is a great time-travel novel and filled with great information on the civil war!

Craig’s Legacy is available on Amazon

The post Book Review – Craig’s Legacy by Terry Campbell appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Steamy Saturday is the day of the week where I review a romance that I’ve read that is on the steamier side!  I hope you enjoy this week’s selection!

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Mine by Jill Noelle

Blurb: In a decadent empire of the far distant future, Gabriella is chosen to serve as a sexual companion for the king. However, Brie has no intentions of joining the Select Few. In fact, she has another mission, entirely…one that is destined to alter the future of the kingdom’s poverty-stricken population.

Michel also serves the king. It’s his job to train Brie to suit the king’s sexual preferences. Trouble is, Michel wants Brie for his own.

Gabriella is one of many chosen at a young age to serve the king.  It is something that she has always know is her destiny while growing up.  The time has finally come for her to enter her training to sexually serve the king and her tutor will be her friend Michel.  Gabriella is attracted to Michel, she sits and watches him exercise, fantasizes about her training.

Michel serves the king as a trainer.  He “trains” or initiates all the girls that will serve the king.  He has been doing this for years, but he has reached the point where he can no longer support his king and has another agenda.  He hopes to bring down the king’s corrupt rule.  What he doesn’t realize is that Gabriella has an agenda as well.

This short little story is plenty spicy!  At just over 70 pages the story is over and done with quite quickly.  The author manages to pack alot of action into these pages and although this story doesn’t have many pages, it feels like a full length story.  There is a comment at the end of the blurb on Amazon that although this story is set in the future, it has a “historical” tone.  I thought that was an odd comment to make, but it is true.  This story kind of feels old fashioned, somehow.

The characters are well formed and interact well together.  I like the secondary characters.  The king is suitable evil and uncaring towards his people.  His character is so well written that his behavior elicits a strong negative feeling from the reader.

Pick up a copy of this book and experience it for yourself.  Jill Noelle has several other stories published.

The post Book Review – Mine by Jill Noelle appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.

Today we are welcoming Melanie Atkins to the blog! She is touring her book, Blood Bound with the help of Goddessfish Promotions and is here to not only share some information about her book, but to give away one of her back list eBooks to a lucky commenter. To increase your chances of winning, click HERE to find the list of blogs that are involved in the tour and leave some comments.

Blood Bound

by Melanie Atkins

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BLURB:

Fueled by grief after his fiancée is brutally murdered, Detective Sam Walker focuses on finding her killer — a calculating predator who binds books with human skin.  Dani Barrington, the newest member of NOPD’s Victim and Witness Assistance Unit and a survivor of another frightening attack, helps him discover the terrifying link between the monster’s known victims.  Despite his anguish, Sam is struck by Dani’s strength and determination, especially when her inquisitive  nature makes her the killer’s next target.  He must find a way to protect her or risk losing the one woman who can bring his dead heart back to life.

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EXCERPT:

Kristen was gone.

She wasn’t at work. She wasn’t at home. She hadn’t gone out to run an errand. She had simply… vanished.

New Orleans Detective Sam Walker stood in the center of his fiancée’s cluttered bedroom and struggled to piece together the timeline of her disappearance. Last night they were supposed to meet for dinner, but he’d caught a case. They’d talked on the phone around eleven, and he’d asked her to meet him for lunch today.

He hadn’t spoken to her since.

She was supposed to arrive at the Victim and Witness Assistance Unit for work at nine a.m., but never made it. One of her co-workers had called him about ten o’clock. He’d tried Kristen again, but she hadn’t answered.

So he’d come here and found her car in the driveway.

Yet she sure as hell wasn’t here.

Her bed was meticulously made, the way she left it every morning, dumping him out if he’d stayed over. A damp towel lay beside the bathroom sink. Soulful jazz drifted from the iPod dock on her nightstand. What terrified him most, though, was the spot of blood marring the door frame and the lone pink sandal lying in the living room floor beside her purse, keys, and cell phone.

His heart lurched. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. Simply could not absorb that she was missing. They’d been engaged for five months and three days, with only a month to go until the wedding. They should be mulling over the guest list, squabbling about where to go for their honeymoon, and deciding where they wanted to live.

Instead, Sam stared at an empty bed.

“There’s no sign of forced entry, so she either let the guy in or he jumped her when she went after the paper this morning.” Major Sabbatini’s voice seemed to come from far away. “I’m thinking she fought him off and ran, and he caught her here in the bedroom.”

“She would have clawed him.” Hell, she would’ve drawn blood with those nails. Sam should know. He had the marks on his back to prove it. Moisture blurred his vision as he eyed the smudge on the door jamb. “She… she just had her nails done a couple of days ago. They’re like talons.”

“We’ll check the blood for DNA. You know that. What were her plans for today?”

“Um… just work, far as I know. She and I were supposed to have lunch.” Sam shook his head. “Then tonight, she was going to a wedding shower. I just–”

“When was the last time you spoke with her?”

“Late — last night.” Sam’s eyes fell on a partially-filled mug on the table beside Kristen’s favorite chair, where she liked to read. A hard knot formed in the center of his chest. “She didn’t… even finish her coffee. She loves coffee.”

“We’re gonna find her, son.”

“You don’t know that.” Sam’s voice cracked. He turned to his boss. “What if I never see her again?”

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AUTHOR Bio:

Melanie Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, an editor for an online publishing company, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

Melanie is an active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronic and Small Press Authors’ Network (ESPAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Southern Writers, the Mississippi Authors Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.

www.melanieatkins.com

www.wordpress.melanieatkins.com

The post Super Book Blast – Blood Bound by Melanie Atkins appeared first on Sugarbeat's Books.