Feature: Romance Novelist Eileen Dreyer - Blog Tour

ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS

By Eileen Dreyer

Series: Drake's Rakes #3

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

Genre: Historical Fiction

His greatest battle is just beginning . . .

Captain Harry Lidge has done his duty. After losing too many good men on the battlefield, he's ready to put his responsibilities behind him and live a life free of care. But first he has one last mission: find out what the most outrageous woman in London, the same woman who betrayed him nearly a decade earlier, is concealing, before her secrets take down the crown.

Her heart is the only thing she won't risk . . . 

Surrounded by ardent admirers and a few loyal friends, Lady Kate Seaton glides through the ton on a confection of couture gowns and bon mots. No one suspects that beneath her lighthearted façade Kate hides a sorrow so scandalous she'll do anything to keep it hidden. But only when she trusts Harry with the truth and only when he trusts her with his heart can they stop the villains all too willing to kill Kate to attain their ultimate goal: destroy England.

Books in this series:

Barely a Lady

Never a Gentleman

Always a Temptress

Eileen Dreyer on the web:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Feature & Giveaway: Beg For Mercy by Jami Alden

Title: Beg for Mercy

Author: Jami Alden

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching . . . And once he has you, all you can do is. . . 

BEG FOR MERCY

Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother-the only family she has left-for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.

Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey. 

Add Beg For Mercy on Goodreads

Jami Alden on the web:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Fun Extras:

BlogTalk Radio Interview

From the desk of Jami Alden

Five Fun Facts

Excerpt

Giveaway Details:

I also have 3 copies of Beg For Mercy up for grabs courtesy Hachette Book Group!

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please :)

Books ship directly from publisher

Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule

Please fill out the form to enter

Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry :)

Ends July 2nd

Review & Giveaway: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Title: Sins of a Highland Devil
Series: Highland Devils #1
Author: Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to ensure peace.

In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.

My thoughts:


Sins of a Highland Devil begins the story of three clans, The Camerons, The MacDonalds, and the Mackintoshes, forced by the King to battle for rights to the Glen of Many Legends after the heiress to the land passed leaving no testament of who will inherit. Until this point things have been mostly amicable among the clans. James Cameron, chief of the Cameron clan, finds himself falling for Lady Catriona MacDonald, sister of the chief of the MacDonald clan. The feelings they have intensify, but both know a marriage between them can’t work because they come from rival clans, and the battle for the land they both call home is looming. 


This is a fantastic start to a new series. A delightful mix of romance and fantasy. Both the main and secondary characters are well developed, and truly a pleasure to spend time with. The author has an amazingly descriptive style of writing. I was impressed that she wrote the romantic rendezvous and blood drenched battles with equal passion and narrative. I felt as if I was standing among the Highlanders on the Glen of Many Legends. The ghost story that played out over the course of the plot was a nice addition. 


As far as main characters are concerned, James and Catriona are top notch. Catriona’s embodies such a large amount of sass and fire. I loved her passion for life. The sexual tension between the two love birds was intense. James was kind without sacrificing the strength and power that goes along with being a Highlander. Such amazing characters! I’ve also developed a little crush on James’s cousin Colin. As if I needed another book boyfriend ;) I hope we see more of him as this series continues. This is a series I can’t wait for more of. I’d recommend this to fans of historical romance and ill-fated love.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder on the web:

Website | Author Bio | Five Fun Facts

I also have 3 copies of Sins of a Highland Devil up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group!

Rules:

Open to residents of the US & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule

Please fill out the form to enter

Comments will not count as an entry, but are always appreciated :)

Ends 2/5

Review & Giveaway: How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

Title: How to Marry a Duke
Author: Vicky Dreiling
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description via Goodreads:


Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom


My thoughts:


Tristan needs to marry in order to produce an heir. After a chance meeting involving a crushed fan, Tristan finds himself imploring the skills of experienced matchmaker, Tessa. Tessa is a woman locals love to talk about. At the age of 26 she has remained unmarried, and is said to have inherited a huge amount of money from her deceased uncle. When asked to help Tristan find a bride, she sees the chance to further her career as a matchmaker. She quickly sets up a courtship with 24 eligible young women. When Tristan and Tessa begin to have feelings for each other, they know they can never act on them. Think of the scandal! Of course fighting the attraction is always easier said than done. Tessa also has her reasons for avoiding marriage along with many buried secrets. When an unexpected visitor arrives on the scene, Tessa begins to fear those secrets will be revealed, and she finds herself having to make some difficult choices.


This book was so much fun! I loved the historical take on the modern day reality television show The Bachelor. Main characters Tessa and Tristan had an undeniable chemistry. Tessa’s independence was admirable, and Tristan was a great catch once he left his notorious rake lifestyle behind. I enjoyed the sarcastic wit most of the characters seemed to possess. Tristan’s mother was probably my favorite character. She turned out to be not at all like I initially expected. His best friend Hawk was another favorite. I can’t wait to read his story in the next book of this series, How to Seduce a Scoundrel. The mystery involving Tessa’s past added a nice element to the plot, and kept me turning the pages. I found the author’s writing style very engaging. The characters developed nicely as the plot progressed, and even the secondary characters had their chance to shine. 


How to Marry a Duke is a nicely balanced mix of romance, mystery, and snark. I highly recommend it!

Vicky Dreiling on the web:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter 

Author Bio | Five Fun Facts

How to Marry a Duke Trailer:

I also have 3 copies of How to Marry a Duke up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group!


Rules:
Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
No P.O Boxes please
Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule
Please fill out the form to enter
Comments are always appreciated, but will not count as an entry
Giveaway ends February 5th

Review: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Title: Simply Irresistible
Series: Lucky Harbor #1
Author: Jill Shalvis
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


Favorite Quote:


“He pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head, and be still her heart, he had eyes the exact color of the caramel in the candy bar she’d consumed for lunch."

My thoughts:

Simply Irresistible is the first novel in a new series, that follows three sisters who inherited a dilapidated inn from their free-spirited mother. Maddie the mouse is eager to start anew and shed her reputation as meek. Leaving behind an abusive ex, and the job she was fired from in Los Angeles. She is moving to Lucky Harbor with the hopes of convincing her two half sisters to look at the inn they inherited as a lucrative joint venture. Upon arrival they discover the inn will need large amounts of work (and money) to get it up and running. Maddie is convinced they can do it even though her sisters are skeptical. Maddie also finds herself  struggling with her feelings for the super sexy, Jax, who kissed her senseless on her first evening in Lucky Harbor. Not a good thing for a girl who recently decided to give up men. She has to decide if Jax and his heart-stopping kisses are worth the risk.


I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Lucky Harbor, Washington, and can’t wait to “vacation” there again as this series continues. There is just something about contemporary romances in a small town setting that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It is also set during the holiday season, and ideal to read during the month of December. 


While this book primarily focused on Maddie (aka "The Mouse"), we also get to know a bit about Tara and Chloe. I loved the banter between the three half sisters, who all have very unique personalities. Tara is the oldest and referred to as the "Steel Magnolia". She is sassy, classy, and quick to voice her opinion. Chloe is the baby of the family, and the one who is always in trouble. That earned her the label of “Wild Child”. Most like their mother, she also seemed to be closest to her. This leaves Maddie a little envious, and feeling remorse for not trying to strengthen her relationship with her mother before her death. She feels she now has a second chance with her sisters by fulfilling her mother’s wish for the girls to run the inn together.


Love interest, Jax, had me swooning. Sexy, rugged, and a man with his own share of secrets. Maddie and Jax are a perfect match, and the chemistry they created radiated from the pages. Jax is falling for Maddie hard. Unfortunately, certain details from his past, and secrets he can’t reveal, could make or break what they’ve started. 


I’d recommend Simply Irresistible to readers looking for a love story with a little something more. The relationship progression between the three sisters was almost as fun to experience as Maddie and Jax steaming up the pages. This will also be a hit with anyone who enjoys writing with a sarcastic edge mixed with plenty of witty one-liners. Simply Irresistible had me snickering, and earning strange looks from my husband on more than one occasion. The quotes from the girls mom, Phoebe, at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition. While some of the topics are a bit heavy, the author tackled them without leaving the book with a depressing tone. All in all a fun read, with endearing characters you can’t help but to grow attached to. I can’t wait to read Tara’s story next year in, The Sweetest Thing. 


Cover thoughts: Cute, but Maddie’s hair is “tamer" than I’d visualized. Her unruly curls are her trademark. I would have loved to have that conveyed on the cover model.

Jill Shalvis on the web:

Author Bio | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Books in this series:

Source: Publisher

Review & Giveaway: Stronger Than Sin by Caridad Piñeiro

Title: Stronger Than Sin
Series: Sins #2
Author: Caridad Piñeiro
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists. She won't let them harm other innocent victims, like her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete had the best hands in the NFL . . . until an injury forced him to undergo Wardwell's experimental gene therapy. Now Jesse's gorgeous body is superhuman-but his strength comes at a price.

With Wardwell threatening his family, Jesse can't tell Liliana all he knows. Yet he can't resist her compassion . . . or her healing, erotic touch. As their passion flares, Jesse's body becomes dangerous and volatile. For evil men are plotting to change the face of humanity-and will destroy whoever stands in their way.

My thoughts:

Liliana is a doctor, dedicated to trying to stop the horrific effects patients who were injected by hybrid DNA are suffering from. This causes her to become the caregiver to gorgeous ex football star, Jesse. After an injury ended his football career, he became one of many victims when he was treated with experimental gene therapy. Now he is forming bone in places where bone shouldn’t be able to form. Liliana is brought on as his physician under misleading circumstances. When she begins to have romantic feelings for Jesse she questions her ethical responsibilities, as well as the lingering feeling things aren’t quite as they seem. Jesse is also finding himself with feelings he didn’t expect, but with his questionable past and future he isn’t sure if he can make things with the gorgeous doctor work.

This is the second book in the Sin series. I haven’t read the first, but really wished I would have before reading Stronger Than Sin. The author did provide enough background info to help readers figure out what was happening.  I just would have liked a little more background on some of the characters mentioned. This is in no way the author’s fault. I know better than to read a series out of order ;) I’ll definitely read the first, Sins of the Flesh, when I have the chance. 

I thought the whole hybrid gene thing really made the premise of this one fascinating. I also enjoy books with lead characters that are doctors, and dig all the medical jargon that comes along with it. While there are no vampires or werewolves, the gene mutation gives it something I feel will appeal to readers who enjoy a good paranormal romance novel.

This one also contained really great lead characters. Jesse and Liliana both suffered harm from those they’ve trusted in the past. For Liliana it was at the hands of an ex, and with Jesse it was the doctors he’d hoped would save his career. I loved watching them learn to trust again together. The chemistry between Liliana and Jesse was HOT. I also felt the progression of their relationship was well paced. While they started to fall quickly it didn’t feel rushed. I like how they weren’t even really each others types, but couldn’t deny the attraction when thrown together under perilous circumstances.

Stronger Than Sin is a nice mix of romance and suspense. I’d recommend it to fans of both romantic suspense and paranormal romance. 

Caridad Piñeiro on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Five Fun Facts

Books in this series:

I also have 5 copies of Stronger Than Sin up for grabs! Thanks Hachette!

~Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
~No P.O. Boxes, please
~Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail. 

~Book ships directly from publisher

~Ends December 3rd

~Please fill out this FORM to enter.

Source: Publisher

Review & Giveaway: Montana Glory by R.C Ryan

Title: Montana Glory
Series: Montana Trilogy #3
Author: R.C Ryan
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult 


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


The last thing in the world Zane McCord wants is a wife. But after returning home to the family ranch in Montana to help his cousins search for the lost treasure that is their legacy, Zane can't help notice that love and marriage seem to be contagious. Both his cousins have succumbed, but he refuses. Determined to stay a bachelor till he dies, Zane wants to devote his time to filming documentaries and taking care of the ranch...and then Riley Mason walks into his life.

The last thing on Riley Mason's mind is romance. Sent to the McCord ranch to save the family's accounting problems, she only wants to impress her firm in Helena and be on her way. Life as a single mother isn't easy and she needs to impress her bosses for a raise. But when Zane McCord opens the door, her breath catches in her throat and a desire she's never experienced before takes over her. When the McCords insist that she and her daughter, Summer stay at the ranch, she's forced to give in and before long, she's pulled into their search for the long lost treasure. But she absolutely draws the line at getting involved with Zane McCord, playboy and heartbreaker extraordinaire. 

But as they all get closer to finding Coot's lost treasure, a dangerous series of accidents target Riley and her daughter Summer. Can Zane keep her safe while trying to win her heart?


My thoughts:


Riley Mason is running from her past. When the opportunity to work at a ranch in middle of nowhere Montana becomes available, Riley is convinced it will be the best thing for her and her daughter. It will also make a great place to hide. She never expected to be tempted by the likes of a sexy cowboy named Zane. Zane is planning to live the life of bachelor for as long as possible. After witnessing the dramatic demise of his own parent’s marriage, Zane has no desire to get hitched. Then he meets Riley and her adorable little girl, and they both start slowly winning his heart. Will he be able to break through the emotional walls Riley hides behind?


What a sweet story with a breathtaking setting! I’ve always wanted to visit Montana. The author made you feel like you were actually witnessing life on a working ranch. This is the final book in a trilogy about the McCord cousins, and their search for the lost family treasure. I haven’t read the first two books, but had no problems catching up with what was happening. The characters were charming, and I enjoyed the quirky locals. The mystery added a nice edge to the plot. The sexual tension between Riley and Zane was intense. Major chemistry alert! Zane’s softness when it came to Riley’s daughter had me swooning. There is nothing sweeter than tender moments between a big hunky guy and a child. 


The story also explores the relationship between Cal Randall and Cora McCord. After loving her from afar for most of his life, Cal is still afraid to confess his true feelings. I really liked Cal. He is a no nonsense kind of guy, and total opposite of the artistic free spirit know as Aunt Cora. Kudos to the author for giving readers two love stories in one unputdownable book!


Just an all around great read that leaves you feeling good. Check this one out if you have a thing for sexy cowboys or want a romance story that will leave you smiling.


Cover thoughts: I am completely smitten with the cowboy on the cover. Reminds me of Milo Ventimiglia who I find absolutely delicious. 

R.C Ryan on the web:

Website | Facebook

Fun extras:

Five Fun Facts | Author Info

I also have 5 copies of Montana Glory up for grabs. 

Rules:

*Book will ship directly from the publisher

*Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

*No P.O Boxes please

*Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail. 

*Please fill out this form to enter

*Comments will not count as entries, but are always appreciated :)
*Ends 11/30 @ 11:59 PM CST

Source: Received from publisher in exchange for participation in the Montana Glory Blog Tour