BBT Review: Toying with Temptation by Madison Martin

Toying With Temptation
Madison Martin

Publisher: Chances Press, LLC
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Pages: 188

Buy Link: Paperback | Kindle

WARNING: This is not a YA book.

Blurb:


Driven, business savvy Hailey Burton, Vice President of Tryton Financial Institute, has been put in charge of running what could be her first ever failure: the company's Christmas Eve toy drive. Toys and Christmas are beyond Hailey's expertise, but when she's offered the chance for the promotion she's been waiting for if she succeeds, her competitive spirit kicks into high gear.


When every company in Los Angeles turns her down, desperation leads her to Quinn Matheson. Ten years ago, Hailey chose a prosperous career over Quinn, but as she falls for him all over again, she can't deny that they make a good team in business...and more. This second time around, is she finally ready to make the leap and become his partner in love?

Review

This book was one of the best I've read this year!!!

I'm a bit sad that this book was quite short. At some points, I didn't want to read it because I wanted to prolong the romance as much as I can. Obviously, that didn't work out. I just kept reading and reading until there was nothing more to read.

The story was just so amazing. Quinn was left at the altar by Hailey for reasons unknown. He was devastated. I've never read a book where the guy was the one that was absolutely brokenhearted. It was quite refreshing.

In the beginning, the story opened where Hailey came to see Quinn to ask him to partner with her to organize a Christmas toy drive. They tried to punish each other in the beginning, leaving them both physically injured. Eventually, they agreed to stop and be civil to each other. As it seemed, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Old flames were rekindled and they were stuck with each other, not knowing where the other stood, but wanting for them to have a second chance with each other.

A roller coaster of emotions, this book had a most romantic story. A story of giving up control for the one you love and realizing that you can't always be strong by yourself, this book touched my heart like no other.

I would truly recommend this book. You would not regret it :)

Check out my favorite scenes :)

"Are all of them yours?"

He sat down, shooting her a wry smile. "Very funny. Three of my employees each brought in one of their kids to sell cookies."

"And you gave them away free to your employees."

He relaxed in the chair. "Don't worry. The kids got lots of money for their fundraiser."

She raised an eyebrow. "How's that?"
He leaned forward. "I bought all of them first."

She cleared her throat and squared her shoulders. "Good idea. Wouldn't want to ruin your waistline by eating them all by yourself." Couldn't let him know he looked like he spent more than his share of time at the gym. Or that he was still the most generous guy she'd ever met.

"Where'd you learn to bake anyway?" He shrugged. "I like to eat."

About the Author:

Madison Martin is currently seeking help for her life-long addiction to movies, books, and anything else in which she can lose herself in a good story. Madison lives in the Washington, DC area. She is the author of The Deep End: Erotic Stories For Women, The Deep End 2, Briefly Yours: An Erotic Romance Novel, Nights on Catalina, and Toying With Temptations.

Please visit the author's website at www.madisonmartinbooks.com     

Booking Through Thursday (1): Being a Reader

This is my first Booking Through Thursday! This meme is hosted by Deb from Booking Through Thursday, lol.

This week's question is:


Am I the only one who feels this way? That wonders at how other people can simply NOT do something that should be so essential? Who feels almost sad that so many people seem content to go through their lives without stretching their mental wings at all?

Can you imagine NOT being a Reader? How does it shape your life? Your perception of it?

How does being a Reader affect your relationship with all those folks who are looking at it from the other side and simply can’t understand how you can sit and READ all the time?

My answer:

I also wonder how some people don't read at all. At the same time, I can kind of understand because I didn't always read myself. If you've followed me from the beginning, you know that I first got to reading books when I was going through my first (and so far, only) breakup. As with first breakups, I thought it was the end of the world...until I stumble through the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Anyway, back to the topic. Can I imagine not being a reader? Yes, because I was there once. But, if you ask me if I can imagine not being a reader in the future, then no. I'm an avid reader now and I will forever be an avid reader. After being immersed in so many beautiful words, there's no going back for me. As for how reading affects my relationship, well, unfortunately, the world doesn't change just because I read. However, I am happier because of it, and therefore, my relationships are also more positive.

November Instagram Photos

Hi everyone! I wanted to share the photos I've taken with Instagram for the month of November. Hope you enjoy them!

Follow me on instagram: ariannecruz07

Book Review: Blood Debt by Nancy Straight

Title: Blood Debt
Touched Series
Author: Nancy Straight
Self-Published
Buy Link: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)
Source: Free copy for helping name the book on Goodreads.

Blurb:

Her whole life, it had just been the two of them. Before her mother’s last breath, she gave Camille the information she had craved her entire life: the identity of her father. Daring to contact him, Camille was welcomed by an entire family she never knew existed. But nothing comes without a price, as she discovers when her family claims a legendary heritage tracing back to a Centaur touched by Zeus.

As she learns the secrets of her Centaur bloodline, she is drawn into a forbidden love with Drake. Her family acknowledges her life may be the blood debt required to pay for her mother’s transgressions. The same person who once held her mother captive, and forced her into decades of hiding, now controls Camille. Her only chance is to seek a piece of her mother’s past that will win her freedom and the life she desperately desires.

Review

OH. MY. GOOD CENTAUR. This book left me SPEECHLESS and begging at times. I haven't read an incredibly moving book in a while until I read this book. It was absolutely a masterpiece!

The book opened up with Camille mourning her mother's death and her struggle within herself on whether to contact her long lost father or to just move on with her life. Her loneliness won causing her to finally calling her father, and the next thing she knew, she was in a plane to meet him.

When she first arrived, she had a nice surprise - five half brothers, and all very attractive. I was wishing I was with her at the time to meet her brothers. I probably would have been so uncomfortable and drooling inside. They were very welcoming and warm to her. She also found that they were incredibly wealthy.

When she finally met her father, she didn't know what to say or do. It was awkward at first. And then, she met his real wife; even more awkwardness. Weirdly enough, Gretchen was very warm and kept reassuring Camille that she was welcome in their house and that they were very happy to have her.

The next day, the bomb dropped on Camille. She found out about her heritage and she was thrown into all the traditions and rules, if you may, of their race. She didn't like it one bit. She had her first taste on her oldest brother's wedding. Let's just say she got herself in a lot of trouble. A lot more if not for a handsome Centaur named Drake.

      Mr. Richardson stepped directly in front of me, his hands tight behind his back. I didn't know what it was about him, but he gave me one final threat, "If you dishonor our agreement, I will not hesitate to take my payment."

      "My eyes narrowed. I didn't need this added reminder. "Mr. Richardson, I am fully aware of the consequences. If at any time in the next five years you threaten my life or the life of someone in my family without justification, I won't hesitate to take yours. Just so we're clear.

Betrothal to a Centauride (female Centaur) was sacred, and therefore cannot be broken. They had a rule that a betrothed Centaur can't look, speak to, or touch another Centauride. Drake was betrothed. Camille kissed him. Cue the chaos.

I will stop summarizing the story here. Just trust me that the book is absolutely amazing and needs to be devoured immediately. One thing that didn't quite sit well with me was Camille's defiance against her own race. It felt weird to me somehow, like it was maybe a bit too much? I'm not sure, but that was just a minor setback and can be overlooked. One thing I did like that stood out was some of the Greek Mythology. I like it in general, but reading it in this book was a very nice touch indeed.

My favorite part, and also the saddest part, is the climax of the book. I was literally saying to myself over and over, "No, please, it's not true. It can't be true. Noooo." I was about to just finish the book in a hurry and write a somewhat angry review to the author, but then, something hit me. Maybe it wasn't true! Maybe there was hope. I mean, really, it just can't be true. I repeated this belief in my head over and over as well. Seriously, can anyone say I'm quite delirious at this point? The author just took my heart, broke it into little pieces, and left it there (this comment also mean something if you read the book *wink*)

OVERALL, Nancy Straight had a rare talent of literally reaching into your heart and making you feel what her character felt in the book. Absolutely magnificent work. I rarely rate my reviews unless I have to, but this book gets a whopping 5/5!

Check out this little enjoyable excerpt :)

      He whispered, "I'll be waiting for you in your closet tonight. Gage will keep you downstairs long enough for me to get into position."

      "You're going to hide in my closet?"

      "Unless you have a better idea. Gage can't come up with a distraction every night; it would cause too much suspicion."

      "So, Gage, he doesn't mind?"

      "Are you nuts? Gage knows how I feel about you. So does Bianca."

      I could hear my heart pounding in my chest, scared that I might ruin the moment, but more fearful of not knowing the answer, "How do you feel about me?"

      [He] gave me the strangest look. Sarcasm oozed from his voice when he said, "I'm fascinated by your threshold for pain. How do you think I feel about you?" His lips found mine in an aggressive and needy way. His hands clung to my flesh as if it would be the last time he would hold me for a lifetime. I didn't know what would happen the rest of the day, and in that moment, the earth could have stopped spinning and I wouldn't have given it a second thought.

Convinced yet? Go and get this book before you regret it!

About the Author:

Nancy was born in Sioux City Iowa, left the cold of the Midwest in 1991 and only returns to see family in the summer time. She spent ten years traveling the world as a US Marine and settled in rural SC. She has two fantastic son, three rotten dogs and an amazing husband. When not writing she enjoys RVing with her family, swimming and reading all types of romance genres. Her favorite is paranormal romance.

Amazon | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads



P.S.
Nancy scheduled a tour with Romantic Maidens Book Tours for next month. Click here and sign up before you miss out on this amazing book!

What's Going On?

Hi everyone...

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple days. I've been sick and don't really have the motivation to come up with blog posts. Tomorrow, however, I have a review of a really awesome book, so hopefully you will check that out.

I'm also busy with school - I graduate in 3 weeks!! How cool is that :)

Let me know in the comments what's new with you and leave a link for any new posts you'd like me to check out :)

Til next time,
Arianne

Wayne Thiebaud

Excerpt/Giveaway: Reawakened by Carrie Pulkinen

Title: Reawakened

Author: Carrie Pulkinen

Publisher: Breathless Press

Release Date: September 13, 2012

Pages: 233

Buy Links: Amazon | Breathless Press | ARe

Blurb:

Her magic has been reawakened. But will her heart let her follow her destiny?

Jules Hume lives in a world where magic is a myth and supernatural creatures are fiction. Or so she thinks. Her boyfriend Ian would have to disagree. When Jules discovers the man of her dreams is not only a vampire, but a vampire king who’s tasked with saving the world from a demon attack, life as she knows it ends. Can she accept her fate and take her place by Ian's side as ruler of the paranormal world? Or will she close her mind and her heart to the chance at love and adventure?

Excerpt

    He kissed me passionately, parting my lips with his tongue, tasting me, exploring me until my head was spinning and I had to come up for air. He leaned his forehead against mine and traced my lips with his finger. "I love you, Juliann…Now, let me help you dress."

    Before I could say any more, my shirt was on the floor, and he was working on my pants. He easily slipped them down over my legs, and I stepped out, heading to my suitcase to get a strapless bra. Good thing I'd packed one. Ian put his hands on my shoulders and examined the back of my bra. 

    "This is not so difficult. He undid the hooks and slid the straps over my shoulders. "I'm a fast learner." He grinned and held out his hand for the strapless one, so I gave it to him. He wrapped it around me, hooking it in the back.

    "I really do know how to dress myself," I said. He turned me around to face him.

    "But, I enjoy helping you so much." He ran his finger along the top edge of my bra. "I like to pamper you."

    "Okay then. Pamper away." That made him smile. He had such a striking smile. Actually, everything about him was beautiful. And he made me feel beautiful.

    He carefully took the dress from the bed and held it out for me to step into. Then he laced up the back and tied it.

    "Well, what do you think?" I spun around.

    "It's perfect. You are perfect."

    I looked in the mirror, and it was a stunning dress. I was supposed to be a queen, but in that dress, I felt like a princess.

    "It's missing something, though." He grinned and held out a little burgundy box. I opened it and found a spectacular diamond encrusted hair comb. It looked very old, but it was exquisite and strangely familiar at the same time.

    "Oh, Ian this must have cost a fortune."

    "It did." He shrugged. "A very long time ago. It is yours."

    I took it out of the box to get a better look. "I love it; it's so beautiful. I feel like I've seen it before, though. Why is it so familiar?"

    He took the comb and carefully put it in my hair. I turned to look in the mirror, and it was perfect. The diamonds caught the light just right and sparkled in a million colors.

    "It was my gift to you," he said as he held me from behind, and we admired it in the mirror. "You wore it on our wedding day."

    "I…you…kept it? For this long? Oh, Ian!" I turned to him, buried my face in his chest, and cried. I wasn't usually an overly emotional person. Really. But, Ian tended to have that effect on me. And, he kept my hair comb for a thousand years. My heart filled with joy.

    "Did I do something to upset you, my Jewel?" 

    "No." I sobbed. "I'm just so happy. You just…you're amazing, Ian. I love you so much."

    He held me close and whispered softly in my ear. "Shh…Come, my love. Do not cry. We will never be apart again. I am nothing without you."

    We stood there in each other's arms as I got my emotions under control. So much love filled me, it felt like my heart was going to burst. It almost hurt. I looked at him, tracing my finger along his jaw line and across his lips. Then he playfully bit my finger and sucked on the tip as I pulled it out of his mouth. I smiled and kissed him. 

    "Just let me go freshen up a little bit; then we can leave. Okay?" The sun had set, so I wasn't worried about him getting sick any more. I supposed my blood did energize him. I briefly considered telling him about my new ability, but I got distracted with my makeup and forgot about it.

    I freshened up my lipstick and added some extra eye shadow and blush to go with the dress. Ian waited patiently for me in the bedroom, finally allowing me to do something for myself. Not that I minded all the pampering. That was definitely something I could've gotten used to. Makeup application just wasn't his thing.

    When I came out of the bathroom, he held out his arm to me in an elegant gesture. "Shall we? We must get to the Summit early to ensure your safety."

    I took his arm, but paused when he mentioned my safety. "What's going to happen tonight? I'm scared."

    He turned to face me and kissed my forehead. "I will keep you safe. Do not worry about that. As for what will happen tonight…I'm sure everyone will be as enamored of you as I am."

    "Right," I mumbled as he escorted me out the door.

About the Author:

Carrie Pulkinen has always been fascinated with the paranormal. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her father's insatiable love for monster movies, and you've got the perfect recipe for an exciting storyteller. 

Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. Now she's able to channel her love of the English language into stories of amazing sex with devilishly handsome men. In her free time, Carrie likes to read, take pictures, and play with her kids. She invites you to contact her at carrie.pulkinen@hotmail.com, or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarriePulkinen.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Giveaway

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you all have a safe Thanksgiving and a lot of good food with family and friends.

ANTM Review: The Girl Who Becomes ANTM

Who else watched this episode???

Leave it to Kelly to ruin a photoshoot...

Last season's winner, Sophie, is back!!!!

Leila was the most Nylon!!!!

Of course Leila had the best Nine West photo as well.

Laura had a sexy picture - there's nothing she can do about it.
Kiara had a pea-head.
Leila was the perfect combination of high fashion and commercial!!!!! -Tyra

Leila tripped twice on her first walk! Oh no!
Kiara had the best walk.
Laura was stiff.

Leila not winning the competition is very disappointing. Absolutely disappointing.

Winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 16..

Inks & digital colors

Pink Spotlight (17): H&M

Hi everyone! How was your week? Anything extra exciting happen? What did you do on Veteran's Day? Well, I went shopping last Monday courtesy of the holiday.

I heard on the radio that H&M had a sale of buy one get one free so I just had to go and shop. Unfortunately, not everything in the store was buy one get one free. I did get a beautiful dress and I'm so excited to wear it! By the way, it's wrinkled because I tried it on.

I just LOVE IT! It makes my waist look smaller and gives me all the right curves :D

Right now, I'm actually obsessed with stripes... They just make me look slimmer than I actually am. I want to shop more at H&M but I'll try and find the bargains... Their prices are expensive!!!

So, do you shop at H&M, too?

Book Review: Intangible by J. Meyers

Title: Intangible
Series: Intangible, #1
Author: J. Meyers
Self-Published
Release Date: January 29, 2012
Pages: 349
Buy Links: Paperback | Kindle

Blurb:
Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they've helped those in need on the sly. They've always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they've always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke's ability? He's always right.

And he can't do anything about it.

Excerpt

And then she knew. No vision had ever terrified him. Never. In seventeen years. It was as if his own life were at stake. But he didn't See his own future. He only saw other's. She suddenly had a terrible feeling that she knew exactly whose future he'd Seen. Her voice was a whisper. "Do I get hurt?" His face contorted, but he didn't say anything. "Oh my god. Do I die?" He closed his eyes. "Oh." The air rushed out of her lungs on that one word. She was going to die. Luke's voice was tight, tortured when he said, "We gotta go." He bent down to pick up Sera's bag again, then headed out the door. Sera looked down at her feet. Their book bags lay there. She should probably pick those up, she thought. Luke was already on the porch, waiting. She reached down and grasped the bags, then woodenly stepped outside. Luke stared at her a moment, searching her face, then reached around her and locked the door. He started down the steps, but her voice stopped him. "Luke?" He turned to look at her. She was going to die. She knew she was going to die. But she couldn't stop herself from asking even though she already knew the answer. "Have you ever had a vision that didn't come true?" she said. "Ever?"

Review

This review is way overdue, and oh my, I should have read this book sooner! For a self-published book, it was well edited, and well-written!

When I read the blurb again before reading it, I was skeptical about this book. It was about twins and their powers. It didn't say in the blurb if there was any romance, so I had my doubts going into this. I mean, what's a book without romance? Fortunately, this book had enough romance to satisfy me.

One thing I did not like about this book was the insane secrecy that the "protectors" kept up. It was absolutely annoying how Fae kept telling Luke and Sera that she will explain later, but for now they needed to do as she said. I mean, really, if I was Luke or Sera, I wouldn't listen and just be stubborn and ask! That would have annoyed the reader further so I'm glad Luke and Sera weren't stubborn in that way.

As for the story itself, it was amazing. It was so well-written that I couldn't predict what would happen next. For me, when a story is able to do that, then it is beyond amazing. The mystery was there and it was there until the very end when the conflicts were resolved.

The imagery and the vividness of the story also caught my attention. The author truly did a great job painting a picture in my head of the Realm, Lilith's lair, etc.

Overall, the story and characters were beautifully presented in this amazing book. It deserves more attention than it is getting for sure.

So, what are you waiting for? Scroll up and get your own copy!

Check out my favorite scene :)

"You helped me."

"Yes." She glanced at Luke.

"I didn't ask for your help. In fact, I told you not to help me."

"She never listens," Luke said. Sera shot him a look.

"You needed help," she said.

"And you didn't change me."

"You didn't want me to." She'd done it. She'd actually done it. She'd been able to guide the healing energy, not just be a conduit for it.

"So you can control it?"

"Apparently I can."

"Impressive." Luke grinned at her. "One question."

"Okay."

"Right before Jonas came to?"

She nodded, waited.

"Did you have your whole escape planned out or just partially?"

Sera's eyes immediately flipped back to Jonas.

She could feel the heat rising to her face. "Whole," she said, biting back a smile.

"And were you taking me with you or sacrificing me to the vampires?"

Her smile broke through. "You said one question." Jonas laughed, a sudden loud ricocheting sound.

Sera and Luke jumped back. "What?" he said.

"You laughed," Luke said.

"You're funny," Jonas said. Sera and Luke just stared at him. "What?"

"No, you laughed," Sera said.

"Yeah?"

"Well," she said, "you're a vampire."

"Yeah?"

"Do vampires laugh? I've never even seen you smile."

"Sera." Jonas laughed again. "I lost my mortality, not my sense of humor. Why would you think we don't laugh?"

"Vampires are evil. Menacing. Scary." She glanced at Luke. "That's what it said online." She waited for Jonas to respond. He didn't. "Aren't they?"

"Am I?"

"Hell, yeah. Sometimes."

"Are you a total delight all the time?" Jonas said.

Luke spoke up. "Hell, no." Sera looked around for something to throw at him. There wasn't anything. "I speak from experience," he said, laughing.

"I still have my human ways," Jonas said. "We all do."

About the Author:
J. Meyers grew up in Vermont and now lives in Central New York. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s chasing her four kids around, exploring the outdoors with them, relishing the few quiet moments she gets with her husband, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. Though she cannot actually see the future nor heal with a touch of her hand, she likes to think her children believe she can. Intangible is her first novel.

MUST BE 18 TO ENTER: Interview/Giveaway: Laura Kaye

Title: One Night With A Hero
Series: The Hero Series, #2
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: October 20, 2012
Pages: 188
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

Interview

1) Where did you get the idea for your Hero series?

Thanks for hosting me here, Arianne! *grins* The Hero series first came to me through the hero in the first book, Her Forbidden Hero. At first, what I saw were mostly impressions of a tortured man, usually in a musical setting of some sort. Gradually, that vision sharpened into the image of a badly damaged man struggling in the near dark to play the guitar. And Marco Vieri was born. Right away, I knew Marco had a best friend that he’d not only grown up with, but served in the Army Special Forces with, and that was Brady Scott, the hero of my newest contemporary romance, One Night with a Hero. And now I’m hooked. There will definitely be a Hero #3!

2) What makes someone a hero in your opinion?

Here’s the dedication to One Night with a Hero:

To all the everyday heroes,

thank you for all you do.

Thank you for acting despite your fear.

Thank you for serving with no expectation of reward.

Thank you for helping because it’s right.

Thank you for inspiring each and every one of us.

Those first three define a lot to me about what a hero is. Heroes don’t have to be fearless—they act in spite of their fears. They’re courageous. Heroes don’t serve because they expect to be called heroes, or to receive any other kind of reward. In fact, most heroes reject those things. They do what they do because it’s right.

3) How did you come up with your character names?

Good question! This time, the character names really just came to me. Marco was just Marco. Brady was just Brady. Even Alyssa’s name (the heroine from Her Forbidden Hero) came to me pretty quickly. The only one that took longer was Joss’s name (the heroine from One Night with a Hero). Initially her name was Jessica/Jess, and something about that just didn’t feel right but I also couldn’t let it go. When I learned more about her and realized she had pink highlights, I went looking for images of girls with brown hair and pink highlights, and found the PERFECT girl…and her name was Joss. Joss Stone. And it was like ding ding ding, THAT’S why Jess wasn’t feeling right, because my character’s name was Joss. I just needed the nudge to realize it!

4) What do you do when you have a writer's block?

Write. When you’re writing under contract, you can’t really allow yourself the luxury of writer’s block. Forcing myself to write—maybe even telling myself I just have to write 100 words today—will usually get me into the flow of writing even more. Sometimes, if I can’t seem to make a scene work, it’s because I’m writing in the wrong point of view—I’m trying to tell the scene from the heroine’s perspective, but this chapter really ought to be from the hero’s. Or, push comes to shove, jump to a scene further into the story you know really well and come back later and connect them. Those can all be tricks to help yourself push through.

5) Is there any young adult books in your future?

I enjoy reading young adult, but I don’t have any current plans to write it. I have had a few ideas I thought would be fun, but right now most of my ideas are in adult contemporary and paranormal romance.

6) Anything you would like to ask our readers?

Well, first I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the readers out there who love books and embrace characters! You guys make what we do possible! But I’d enjoy knowing how all of you define what a hero is. And GIVEAWAY: one commenter who leaves their email address will win an ebook of One Night with a Hero.

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Website| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

See the whole One Night with a Hero Tour here and enter Laura’s Pandora Bracelet Giveawayhere!

“Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”

~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. 

A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Also check out Her Forbidden Hero - I am working my way into reviewing this book very soon!

Title: Her Forbidden Hero

Series: The Hero Series, #1

Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: May 14, 2012

Pages: 146

Buy Link: Amazon 

Blurb:

You always want what you can't have...

She's always been off-limits...

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.

When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection--not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she's determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...

ANTM Review: The Girl Who Freaks Out on Horseback

I loved this episode, except for the elimination!

I don't get it. I thought Kiara got the best photo because Tyra is going to put her picture in her house? Oh well, I love Leila's best photo in the house!

Laura thought she had the commercial in the bag because she grew up with horses. That's not always the case, though. I'm so happy for Kiara, she did a great job when she won the challenge. She just needs to work on her cursing though. Can't be doing that during a shoot.

Nastasia looks great, but she really does look like she's petite. She didn't do so well in the commercial shoot. She practically gave up.

The Dream Come True shoot seems like it's always the biggest challenge for the models. I guess future models just need to learn how to act and project it on their pretty face.

Ew, what is wrong with Laura's face in panel?!

It's starting to look like Leila and Kiara would be left in the top 2. Wouldn't that be interesting?!

The points were so close! 0.3 difference! That is just sad. I hoped Nastasia would have made it, but hopefully she will be somewhere else and make it big one day. She has what it takes in my opinion.

Birthday Boy

Four years ago today began an unimagineable journey. After days of labor, miles walked around the halls of L&D, hundreds of lunges and squats, 18 hours of pitocin and finally an emergency csection Cruz Kingston entered the world and changed our lives forever. Even during labor and delivery he kept us guessing, chose to do things his own way, and kept us on our toes. Much like every mom would agree, in four years I have learned so much.  In four years and still to this day I have probably only slept through an entire night a handful of times. I often feel more like a zookeeper than anything else trying to contain messes, find my kids swinging from the trees and yes ducking the poop being thrown at me. I have been an interpreter, an advocate, a nutritionist, a quickly schooled in all things 'Special Needs'. I have learned that in addition to all of the first time mom nuances and experiences, I have learned about terms, conditions, therapies, labels, and diagnosis' I had never heard of before...

My heart grew double that day. Not just for my son but for children everywhere. He tapped into this unknown resource of love that literally softened my heart to the world. There have been so many tears of frustration and so many celebrations and praises for improvements and growth. There's no words to describe this complex little guy. As I type this I was just punched in the back and then peed on. He keeps me on my knees in prayer for sure. While we are still learning more and more about him, despite the frustrations, my love for him never changes. Which in turn gives me greater and greater understanding of my my heavenly father's love for me. I am constantly reminded of my flesh, my selfishness, and my faults. I could go on and on and on... on this day I am thankful for grace, for second chances, and forgiveness... from Cruz each time I make 'sad' choices, each time I snap at him, each time I mess up. He is ready to hug. I am so thankful.