Virtual Blog Tour & Giveaway - Turning Point by Tiffany Snow

Welcome to my stop on Tiffany Snow's Virtual Blog Tour for Turning Point, the third book in The Kathleen Turner series. Please make sure to leave a comment or question for Tiffany to let her know you stopped by. Tiffany will be awarding one lucky commenter at each stop on her tour either a Kindle or print copy of one of her KATHLEEN TURNER books (Winner's choice, Print copy is Cont US only) . You can fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter her Grand Prize giveaway.

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Short Interview for Queen of the Night Reviews

Thank you to Queen of the Night (great song, btw) for hosting me on the blog tour for TURNING POINT, the third book in The Kathleen Turner Series. There will be a total of five books in the series. Book four, OUT OF TURN, will be released on 12/17/13.

Maria: How do you keep characters fresh in a series?

Tiffany : I think the key to keeping characters fresh is not to make them static – they have to grow, change, mature, evolve. Kathleen Turner begins as a very young, very naïve woman in NO TURNING BACK. She’s sweet, kind, and trusting. Sometimes a little too trusting, other times, not enough. The men, Blane and Kade, are also in a different place in book one than we see them at the end of book three. Their relationships with each other changes all of them, and the events that unfold impact their lives and who they are. One of my goals in writing Kathleen Turner was to see how she changes and becomes through the five-book series.

Maria : How strong should a Romantic Suspense heroine be?
Tiffany: That depends on your character and what you want to write. I wasn’t planning on Kathleen being a leather-clad badass in stilettos. She’s rather…normal. I wanted her to be someone readers could relate to, be it as themselves or if they saw her as a friend, a neighbor, or a sister. Strength also comes in many forms, not just physical. Kathleen has a strong moral fiber to her, a pervasive sense of justice, and the internal strength it takes to be caregiver to her mother before she died then pick up stakes and move to a place where she knew no one, to try and make something of her life. It’s who Kathleen is on the inside that affects the two men in the story, Blane and Kade, more so than any ass-kicking she may deliver to the bad guy.

Maria: Romantic Suspense vs. Real Life Female Investigators

Tiffany : Well, I don’t know any real life female investigators, so I can’t properly compare and contrast Kathleen, but the books are fiction and fiction takes liberties. Whether or not your reader will allow you some that’s-not-100%-true-to-life moments or not is up to them. I always say, if you want 100% believable, watch the news (and honestly, half the time the truth is stranger than fiction). While I try very hard (as I’m sure most Romantic Suspense writers do) to make sure the plot and events are as realistic as possible, in the end it’s meant to be entertaining. And if I’ve entertained someone for a few hours, gotten them to live in my world and enjoy the ride, then I’ve done my job.

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Turning Point

by Tiffany Snow

The Kathleen Turner Series, Book 3

Publisher:  Montlake Romance 

Release Date: February 19, 2013

Genre: Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 978-1-611099-83-6

ASIN: B00AI1L6OA

Book Description:

After her promotion from law firm Runner to Investigator, Kathleen Turner is learning the ropes of her new job from none other than assassin-for-hire Kade Dennon, a situation her boyfriend Blane Kirk is none too happy about. But the lessons with Kathleen take a back seat when Kade becomes a target. Previously untouchable, his enemies now know of the chink in his armor – his brother’s girlfriend.

And Kade’s not the only thing coming between Kathleen and Blane. From Blane’s inexplicable defense of a man guilty of a horrible crime, to a mysterious stranger from Kathleen’s past, to Kathleen’ risky investigation into human traffickers, the obstacles mount against a relationship that’s just begun to find trust again.

While Blane considers a job offer that would take him back to the front lines in the war on terror, Kathleen is determined to pursue her new career, with or without his approval. Unfortunately, her current case is far more dangerous than anyone knows. Someone close to Blane will go to extreme lengths to split them up, lengths that may prove worse than death for Kathleen.

Kathleen, Blane and Kade must atone for the sins of the past and the present. The fallout will force Kathleen to a turning point…in her career, and her life.

TURNING POINT TOUR SCHEDULE


February 19
SnifferWalk Books 
The Muse Unleashed
Guilty Pleasures

February 20
Momma's Books
Lori's Book Blog 

February 21
My Fiction Nook
Hesperia Loves Books 
Romancing the Book

February 22
Melinda Dozier
Reading Romances
Simply Ali 

February 23
Musings of a Bookworm 
Storm Goddess Reviews 
Mrs. Condit & Friends Read Books

February 24
Reading, Eating & Dreaming
Reading Between The Wines 
Heart Breaking Reviews
Cocktails and Books

February 25
Little Fiction of Every Flavour 
Scorching Book Reviews
Journey With Books

February 26
Tattooed Book Reviews
Sugar & Spice 
Read Your Writes

February 27
Romance Book Craze
My Life Beyond Labels
Ali's Bookshelf

February 28
Jessy's Book Club
Harlie's Books 
Queen of the Night Reviews


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Cover Reveal - Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge by Eve Carter

Welcome to my stop on Eve Carter's Cover Reveal Tour for Deceived Part 3 - Chloe's Revenge.  Please make sure to leave a comment to let Eve know you stopped by to see her cover.

And now for the moment we've all been waiting for.............................

Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge by Eve Carter 

Genre: Erotic Romance 

Publisher: Carter Publishing House (Self-Published) 

Format: Ebook 

Length: approx. 130 pages 

Release Date: March 15th 2013 

Book Description: 

The steamy Deceived romance trilogy by Eve Carter, in the bestselling tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James and The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller. 

When Chloe Swanson, an innocent mid-western college graduate, lands her dream job in New York City, she doesn't realize what kind of a ride she's in for. 

It doesn't take long before her boss, the charming and sharp businessman Patrick Collins, deceives her into being part of his plan to land the biggest account of his life. 

However, he never expected that he would fall for her. Suddenly, he finds himself trapped between a ruthless billionaire client, who has her own eyes set on Patrick, and his deep affection for the beautiful Chloe. 

What follows is a sensual and passionate journey of self-discovery, as Chloe faces the harsh reality of jealousy, love and money in the big city. 

Stimulating, amusing and highly arousing, Deceived is a romance that will excite and titillate your senses. 

Purchase Deceived Part 1 - New York: Amazon

Purchase Deceived Part 2 - Paris: Amazon

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK: http://www.fmbpromotions.com/2013/02/tour-schedule-deceived-part-3-chloes.html

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway - Wise Men Say by Wendy Burke

Welcome to my stop on Wendy Burke's Virtual Book Tour for Wise Men Say.  Please make sure to leave a comment or question for Wendy below to let her know you stopped by.  You can enter her tour wide giveaway below by filling out the Rafflecopter form and follow her tour here.  

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Wise Men Say (1Night Stand)
by Wendy Burke

Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Category(ies): Holiday-Themed, Military
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 12,300

Buy Links

Amazon

ARe

Barnes & Noble 

BookStrand

Decadent Publishing

Smashwords 



Blurb

More than twenty years ago, Emmy Patterson kissed her fiancé for the last time. Despite bad news from U.S. military services, to this day she has reasons to hold on to hope he's alive and celebrates his life every chance she gets.

Her family, however, thinks her partly crazed, unable to grasp the reasoning behind her perpetual optimism.

Called on a business trip to promote her glass artwork, she spends the winter holidays in Las Vegas. Is this chance travel to the The Castillo in Vegas a coincidence, or does the wise Madame Eve know ‘some things’ were meant to be?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers. 

Reviews 

5 Stars: “one of the best 1NS”

“I have read over 50 of the books in this series and this is one of the best yet. Heartfelt and sexy I totally loved it.”--MLK (Amazon Review)

4 Stars: “Short Story That Is Sweet Yet Satisfyingly Sexy”

“The 1Night Stand series of books from Decadent Publishing can always be counted on to entertain and delight. Wise Men Say by Wendy Burke adds to that reputation with its heartwarming storyline about the unending power of love.

For over twenty years, and despite what she's told, Emmy Patterson has been hoping the love of her life returns from the war. Her loyalty and memories of a lost love keep her going and while this might seem crazy to some, deep down we all wish we had someone who affects us that deeply. So this part of the story worked for me and made the story even more heartwarming once all the events played out. While in Vegas for work she gets an unexpected surprise that is her dream come true and gives her a night she'll never forget that changes her future forever.

Nick's never forgotten Emmy but isn't without scars, inside and out. He's a strong and proud man and wants to put the past behind him and move forward with her, but some flashes of the past still remain that are lightly touched upon. The sexual chemistry between them is still hot and their connection is both comfortable and satisfying. These romantically-charged sexual interludes lead to a fairytale ending that, while a bit rushed, will leave readers misty-eyed.

Wise Men Say is a feel good story that reminds us of the power of love. With its fantasy-like feel it becomes every little girl's dream wrapped in an adult package. Those wanting an entertaining start to the New Year will find it with Wendy Burke's newest release!”--J. Faltys (Amazon Review)

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Excerpt:

Usually after so much time in the cold, she’d be tired but instead she tossed and turned.

Office of the Pentagon.

Why did that have to come today?


“Dammit.” Getting out of bed, she went to her closet. Dragging out a step stool, she reached for the box tucked in the furthest corner of the shelving. She got a hand on the container, and with reverence, she slipped it from its resting place. Careful, it’s almost all you have left of him.

Cross-legged on her mattress, with the linens and comforter bunched about her, she smoothed a small area and placed the box there. She slipped off its lid. Inside sat a flat, vacuum-packed plastic bag holding a near-ratty sweatshirt. The word Navy printed on the front, faded and close to illegible, the article of clothing had seen many washings.

But, yet, it hadn’t been washed in twenty years.

Removing the shirt from the bag, she placed it in her lap where she stroked the decade’s old piece of clothing. Closing her eyes, she remembered Nick’s solid biceps filling out the jersey fabric, his well-cut pectorals curving the front. Slipping a hand into the pullover’s opening, she imagined his flat, muscled tummy meeting her touch and her finger tracing a dark trek of cottony down.

She smiled, seeing his salacious grin in return, while his hand grasped hers, willing it further into his boxers.

“Where are you, Nicky?”

Stretching out, she kept the sweatshirt close to her face. It irritated her that she could barely discern his scent considering she’d taken such care to retain it.

He filled her mind. Sure, she had photo upon photo of him, of them together, but those images captured not the essence of her Nick; his kindness, loyalty, dedication to her and to his country, and of course, the physical memories. She cursed herself, reaching far back into her memory, trying to extract the sound of his voice. Would I even recognize it if I heard it?

She clutched the fleece closer, her free hand caressing low on her belly. She fantasized his specter kisses on her neck. Burying her face further into his clothing, she dug her hand under the waistband of her flannel pajama pants.

Even after so many years away, the mere thought of him aroused her; his beautiful, well-cut muscles flexing as he undressed, honed from workouts no gym rat could ever tolerate. The taste of his mouth, bright and pepperminty, his talented tongue, so insistent she swore he had the ability to suck her clit inside out. She gasped into the blue material as she slipped her finger deep between her folds, dreaming of him.

Holding back tears, she recalled the first time Nick had touched her in such a manner. After they’d dated for about a year, Nick got relocated from Virginia to California for SEAL training. Meeting up in Las Vegas proved easy, a cheap flight for both of them—her from Milwaukee and him from San Diego. In her mind, she leaned back into Nick’s broad chest as hot tub bubbles tickled her bare skin. The sunset over the Vegas Strip had been magnificent. After emptying a bottle of Moet to toast Nick’s new career path, some extensive fooling around ensued. In her memory, he lifted her from the tub, carrying her to bed. That moment, he kissed her in a way he’d never done before—and with good reason, that night, with her permission, he he’d taken her virginity.

She panted into the sweatshirt, her tissue swelling around her drenched finger. “Oh!” An electric burning sensation forced her finger from direct clitoral contact, but she forged through it, bringing herself over the edge. She cried out, her arms legs and torso trembling through her orgasm.

“I miss you, Nicky….”

She clutched the one remaining possession of her fiancé and cried herself to sleep. 

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My Review 

Christmas and romance always seem to go well together and that's never more true than in Wendy Burke's Wise Men Say, a sweet, spicy contemporary romance named after a line in a song by Elvis.  While a part of the 1Night Stand series, this can be easily reas as a standalone book.

For more than twenty years, Emmy Patterson has believed her missing fiancee would return to her.  Missing since the beginning of Desert Storm, Emmy has refused to accept the possibility of his death.  While moving on with most of her life and establishing her career, Emmy still holds out hope for a miracle.

Nicholas Klaussen returned to the US two years ago.  Injured both physically and emotionally, Nick is finally ready to pick up the pieces of his life and move forward.  There's just one thing - he doesn't know if his fiancee has waited for him or moved on.  Contacting the 1Night Stand dating agency was easy, getting a chance to reconnect with the love of his life will be a miracle.

Ms. Burke did a really good job developing Emmy's character in this very short story; while her family can't understand her determination in believing he's alive, Emmy refuses to give up.  Building a life without Nick wasn't easy but it's something she managed to do on her own.  It was very easy to connect with Emmy and while not practical, her hope is believable. 

Will Emmy be able to believe her eyes when she sees Nick alive and well?  And what other surprises will both Emmy and Nick uncover as a result of Madam Eve's intervention?  You'll have to read Wise Men Say to find out.  I thought it was a really cute, hot holiday romance.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 Stars

FTC Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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About the Author 

A TV producer by day and a romance writer at night, sometimes the two employments inadvertently cross –whoops! When not at her fulltime TV job or part-time job in radio, Wendy is either writing or fighting off a furry attack by one of her two cats. She leads a wonderfully silly life with her way-too-cute chef husband in a suburb of ‘beautiful’ Toledo, Ohio.



Connect with Wendy Burke 

Email: wendyburke1994@bex.net
Blog: http://whateverwendy.blogspot.com/

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Giveaway Info:
Prize is 2 eBooks from author's backlist (winners' choice; 1 each to 2 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Mar 6. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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Waiting on Wednesday - Jilted by Kelly Jamieson

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This weeks pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is Jilted by Kelly Jamieson:

Jilted 

by Kelly Jamieson

Promise Harbor, Book 1 

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Release Date: March 19, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 978-1-61921-428-6

Pre-order from Samhain

Book Description:

The wedding's off but the honeymoon is on...

Devon can do this. She can show up at her ex-boyfriend Josh's wedding, even though he's marrying her ex-best-friend. She can show everyone she's happy with her fabulous life in Boston, her great career, her amazing shoes -- and she can show everyone she's over him.

Truth is, her life isn't so fabulous. She's just been downsized out of her job, her Jimmy Choos won't pay her mortgage, and...she's still heartbroken that Josh chose family over her. The real reason she's enduring this wedding is that her next stop is nearby Greenbush Island, her last hope of finding a new job.

Josh knows marrying long-time friend Allie will make everyone happy after the rough time their families have been through, and since the woman he really wanted to marry chose her career and big city life over him -- why not?

But the perfect wedding turns into a perfect disaster when Allie leaves him at the altar for another man. He never saw that coming! But hey, Devon's there, offering to help him look for Allie on Greenbush Island, where he'd planned their honeymoon. Only, all they find are their old feelings for each other and a temptation to risk their hearts one more time...

Warning: This book contains a firefighter hot enough to ignite flames, a woman who doesn't want to get burned again, a honeymoon suite but no honeymoon, and sex not on the beach (sorry).

Why I'm waiting on this book:

1.  I admit it....I'm a sucker for wedding books or books about wedding events

2.  Cover is smoking hot - gotta love a well built man in a tux!

3.  I've read and enjoyed Ms. Jamieson's books in the past:)  

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog and leave your link below or if you don't have a blog, leave it below in the comments.

Super Book Blast & Giveaway - Laura's Light by Donna Gallagher

Welcome to my stop on Donna Gallagher's Super Book Blast for Laura's Light.  Please make sure to leave a comment or question for Donna to let her know you stopped by, Donna will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  You can follow all of her tour stops here, the more often you comment, the better your odds of winning. 

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Laura's Light 

by Donna Gallagher

League of Love Series, Book 3

Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing

Release Date: February 25, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-781842-27-0 

Product Description: 

Forty-two- year- old single mother Laura Harris devoted more than half her life to raising her son. She remembered the concept of having sex but it had been aeons since she’s actually been a participant - especially with a real flesh-and-blood partner. But it’s time to reclaim her life. Her son is a man now. And the rising star of the Jets rugby league team. Their future is brighter than ever and, for the first time, financially secure. But Laura is starting to think agreeing to have dinner with Trevor Hughes could be biting off more than she can chew. Not that she can’t see herself taking a nice big chunk from the absolutely gorgeous thirty-four-year-old sports commentator’s rump, he’s one prime piece of masculinity! She just isn’t sure how or when the whole sex thing will become an issue. She can’t even get past the what-to-wear step. Let alone the when-to-take-it-off stage…
 

Trevor Hughes usually avoids the woman with substance - he has enough of his own demons to deal without trying to care for anyone else. But there’s something about the upbeat, sexy, one-woman-dynamo Laura Harris. The woman is pure sunshine and happiness. And that’s surprising when you look at what life has handed her. Nothing seemed to dampen Laura’s spirits and she quickly becomes someone Trevor needs in his life…Until misunderstandings come between them. Can Trevor put things right?



Excerpt:


“I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I’m sorry… I should have left hours ago. This isn’t what is supposed to happen these days, I suspect.” Laura caught sight of the light shining from the corner of the closed drapes.

“The sun is up! I have no idea what time it is. What on earth is Mitchell going to think?” Laura started to struggle in an attempt to free herself from Trevor’s hold, tried to remove herself from his arms, his bed. Then, realising she was naked, she froze. How the hell was she going to make a gracious exit when she would have to hunt, completely naked in front of him, for her clothing? Any chance of her maturing body’s flaws remaining hidden in the room’s darkness was now fading as the sun rose. Not to mention the walk of shame she was facing, going home in the probably now rumpled clothing that she’d left home in last night. Laura groaned.

“Oh, this is so embarrassing. I’m not really up on the etiquette this sort of thing involves. You know, the morning after the night before. What the hell was I thinking?” Laura buried her face into the pillow, thinking that hiding from the world might magically make all her uncertainty and embarrassment go away.

She heard Trevor chuckling next to her, and anger was the first emotion to take hold.

“This might seem funny to you, but I’m not some young bunny that hops from bed to bed. This is my first one-night stand and I’m a mother, for goodness’ sake. What will I tell my son? ‘Yes, Mitchell, it’s okay for me to stay out all night without letting you know, but heaven help you if you do the same to me—I’m the only one allowed to worry in this family.’ Not to mention the fact I’ve never stayed away from home before. No, I’m sure Mitchell is feeling just fine that his accusations proved correct, that we did end up in bed together. My God, what must he think of me?” And if the embarrassment of admitting her lack of a sex life hadn’t been enough to completely humiliate her, then bursting into tears left her in no doubt.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sydney-born Donna Gallagher decided at an early age that life needed be tackled head on. Leaving home at 15 she supported herself through her teen years. In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -- especially rugby league -- probably overriding her good sense.


The seven-year marriage was an adventure. There were the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field. There were always interesting characters to meet and observe and even the opportunity to live for a time in the UK.

Eventually Donna returned home a single woman, but she never lost her passion for watching sport, as well as the people in and around it.

Now happily re-married and with three sons Donna loves coffee mornings with her female friends, sorting through problems from the personal to the international. But she's on even footing with the keenest man when it comes to watching and talking rugby league.

Donna considers herself something of a black sheep in a family of high achievers. Her brother has a doctorate in mathematics and her sister is a well-known sports journalist.

An avid reader, especially of romance, Donna finally found she couldn't stop the characters residing in her imagination from spilling onto paper. Naturally rugby league is the backdrop to her League of Love Series, published through UK publisher Total-E-Bound, spicy tales of hunky heroes and spunky heroines overcoming adversity to eventually find true love.


http://www.donnagallagherromance.com

http://facebook.com/donnagallagher63

https://twitter.com/donnag63

http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=251

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1866 

Don't forget to leave a comment or question for Donna to let her know you stopped by, Donna will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  You can follow all of her tour stops here, the more often you comment, the better your odds of winning.