Je suis Charlie

Je suis Charlie

Tuesday 28 May 2019

The Earl Next Door (First Comes Love #1) by Amelia Grey

  

The Earl Next Door by Amelia Grey



What does a Wickedly Wonderful Widow really want? One noble suitor is about to find out. . .
Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is all on her own after her husband’s sudden death. The good news? Losing him allowed her to find herself. Finally, Adeline is free to do, go, and be as she pleases. She cherishes her newfound independence and is not looking for another man to wed. But seeking out a new lover? Well, that is a whole ’nother story. . .


Lord Lyon, son of the two-timing Earl of Marksworth, wishes to have a respectable, loving wife someday. When he meets the beautiful and self-reliant Adeline, Lyon is instantly smitten. But Adeline would rather have the handsome suitor in her bed than to take his hand in marriage. It’s a scandalous proposal—and one that’s hard for Lyon to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .and he can find a way to be the Wickedly Wonderful Widow’s lover for all time?


Oh my sweetness, I loved this book! I loved that the hero and the heroine never played games, there were issues and they talked about things and despite the fact that it seemed that they'd never come together, you could feel their love, you could feel the tenderness and the love, maybe even the sparks.

I liked the story on the whole even though some developments were somewhat foreseeable, this book was a sweet and nice read that kept me turning the pages with a smile. Lyon and Adeline belong together and I always hoped that finally now, this would be the moment when...well... nope. It wasn't that easy - and on the other hand, it simply was that easy. Time and love can heal almost everything at least when there are good people around.

This was another thing that I liked, there were no villains. This was just the story of Lyon and Adeline and their love. Even Lyon's father, who is so different from him, is someone whom he respects and loves to spend time with. Lyon has a refreshingly wonderful view of marriage and he is patient enough to know that sometimes one has to wait for things and can't force them and he is also that much in love that he at least hopes that love will conquer all.
Things happen and the book is never dull or boring but it is different, very sweet and charming, I really enjoyed reading it.

★★★


Thursday 23 May 2019

Falling For You (All For You, #2) by Jennifer Van Wyk






 Oh my...I really, really loved this book! This was my first book by Jennifer Van Wyk but the next ones are already on my tbr pile. Rex is a wonderful hero whose helpfulness and friendliness make a huge difference in Chloe's life that has just been spiraling downwards, leaving her devastated and feeling alone. Well, she is essentially alone even though to some extent it is also her choice. Nevertheless, when she needs someone to be there for her, Rex is there.

Very soon it seemed obvious where the story was leading us and I was a bit worried that it would end up as a cliché. I should have trusted the author who wrote the amazing rest of this story that she wouldn't disappoint me though. Everything that happened was authentic and convincing and I loved every single page of this book. I loved Rex and Chloe and their chemistry and I also loved their friends and their family. This book was funny, captivating and full of feelings - I loved it!





Falling For You, an all-new sexy and emotional brother’s best friend romance from Jennifer Van Wyk is available now!

Fake it ‘til you make it has been the motto I live by since my mother died.
I’m also doing a really bad job at the making it part.
The night we met, I was at my lowest.
But you gave me a reason to feel happy again.
For the first time in over a year, I feel optimistic.
You and I? We’re the same.
Don’t form attachments. Follow the rules. Don’t dream of a future.
Too bad our hearts wouldn’t listen.
And this storm we’re going through?
The one that threatens to rip us apart?
It doesn’t care that I’m falling for you.
Falling For You is a different kind of brother’s best friend romance and is as emotional
as it is sizzling.

 


Wednesday 22 May 2019

BLOG TOUR - Undeniable (Cloverleigh Farms #2) by Melanie Harlow #Undeniable

BLOG TOUR 



The story: 
When we were eleven, Oliver Ford Pemberton dared me to jump off a barn roof. He said you couldn’t
break a leg from a 12-foot-jump.

He lied.

(You can also break a collarbone, which served him right as far as I was concerned.)

I wish I could say it was the last dare I ever took from him, the last bet I ever made with him, the last time I ever trusted Oliver Ford Pemberton.

But it wasn’t.

Because he had the nerve to grow up gorgeous, charming, and sexy. And as we got older, the dares only got dirtier—and the betting stakes higher—until finally, he left me in pieces. I swore I’d never talk to him again.

But twenty years after I took that flying leap, he’s back in my life, daring me to risk everything for him: my job, my self-worth, and my heart.

How many chances does love deserve?
Alright, let me just put it out there - I'm not sure if I would have been as understanding as Chloe, our heroine, when it comes to the one hundred and thousand times that our hero lied to her or messed up or...whatever. Especially his lied made me furious sometimes. The moment I realized where we were heading in the story, I would have loved to kick some sense into him. Or just kick him. Either way would have felt great.
Fortunately for the story, on the whole Chloe is much more understanding than I am even if that means that he has to prove himself again and again and again. At least, every time she jumped, he jumped with her -figuratively as well as literally. It started with broken bones, went on to broken hearts and shattered dreams, so, when Chloe has to turn to Oliver in order to realize her dream of a distillery, she is not exactly jumping with joy. Soon though their chemistry takes over again and once again Chloe opens herself to him... Will Oliver finally be able to be less than a douche and more someone who she can really depend on?
Well, if you want to find out about that, you'll have to read the book.
On the whole I really enjoyed reading the book even though sometimes Oliver's actions (or his lack of actions) drove me mad. The book itself is well written with a captivating story, a wonderful sequel to Irresistible, the first book in the Cloverleigh series that I also really loved reading.

★★★

Saturday 18 May 2019

Blog Tour - Payback by Amy Daws #Payback




  BLOG TOUR






 The story

 ALLIE HARRIS WANTS PAYBACK.


Her cheating ex deserves to see her living her best life; a one-night-stand with a hot South

African soccer player would be the perfect revenge. Right?

Wrong. Allie is so, so wrong.


ROAN DEWALT HAS ALL THE MOVES.
On and off the field he’s at the top of his game. Roan respects hard-work, dedication—and
follow through. He’s not a one and done kind of man, and he’s far from being done with Allie

Harris.

One sexy night and two years later, Allie’s job brings her back to town. An opportunity for the

perfect replay Roan has been fantasizing about since they slept together.

THE PROBLEM?
Allie Harris has a secret; one she’s been keeping from Roan all this time. Video proof of their

one night together—taken without his consent.

Will Allie’s payback plan come back to bite them both? Or can she erase her past mistake and

embrace a new future with Roan?



I must admit that I struggled. Sure, I knew what this book was about but I hadn't counted on Roan Dewalt. Roan is simply perfect and amazing, I loved his character, his dedication, and his loyalty so when Allie did what she did, I was a bit upset but, well, things happen and people are not always great at making decisions but when the time went on and her mistake was not rectified yet and she didn't come clean about it either, I could understand her on the one hand but on the other hand, well, it felt like a big, bad betrayal.

Sooo, I loved her character on the whole and I loved Roan, the story was great and different and of course, who could resist meeting the Harris family again? Apart from that though, I was upset and yeah, I guess that I didn't want to see Roan hurt (and Allie either) and had to remind myself not to skip pages when things got rough. Real love and all but with such a thing blowing up, well, the ramifications of that - just thinking of it make me shudder with horror.

Once again I must stress what an amazing person Roan is and seeing how vulnerable he is and how much of an impact the events have on his life, yup, that made me a bit furious. Still, Allie is also sweet and those two are in love and everything considered...am I speaking in riddles? Yes, sorry, I guess you'll just have to read this book yourself!


★★★


EXCERPT #1

Without warning, my uncle pushes open a set of double doors and leads me into a changing
room full of…
Naked. Soccer players.
Butt naked, wet or sweaty—I can’t quite tell—soccer players.
I catch sight of one guy flicking a towel at the bare ass of another, so I duck my head and shield
my gaze. Good-god, if I’m caught ogling several hanging members being swung about all willy-nilly,
I’ll be sure to lose my job! Be cool, Allie. Be cool. You’re one of the guys! And you’ve seen penises before!
I stumble behind Vaughn, who doesn’t miss a step as he continues marching on, walking past
loads more of naked soccer players positioned at their lockers. Seriously, why are they all completely
naked? Don’t they get cold? I thought shrinkage was a real thing! Nothing in this room is shrunken. Shranked?
Whatever…I can’t grammar right now, there’s dicks everywhere!
Vaughn rounds a corner to another set of lockers and states firmly, “Here we are.”

I look up just as my high heel catches on something beneath me. I make a move to extract it,
but my foot hooks on to whatever it is, holding my leg hostage while my body continues propelling
forward. Letting out a yelp, I brace myself for an epic tumble.
But instead of falling down on the concrete flooring like I thought I would, I end up face
planting into a chest. A very manly chest. A very manly, naked chest, whose pecs feel like two
smooth boulders tensing beneath my twitching fingers that are currently clinging on for dear life.
“Ag, careful…That bag’s a biter,” a familiar voice murmurs on the top of my head as two very
large hands wrap around my waist.
I look up and every organ in my body does a somersault as I stare up into the gorgeously pale
brown eyes of Roan DeWalt. My one-night-stand.
Who’s apparently not at all worried about shrinkage.


Do you want more? Well....you get it!


EXCERPT #2

Roan leans forward and fondles my hands. “Do you think your cousins will kill me if you and I
start spending more time together?”
“Time?” I croak, my voice catching in my throat. “In what capacity?”
“In the type of capacity where I buy drinks or food and you drink the drinks or eat the
food…Then we kiss at your front door.”
“That sounds like dating.”
He grins at me. “You’re skipping a couple of steps, Lis, but ag, you’ve been a fast mover since
the day we met, so I’m into this.”
Have I mentioned how much I love it when he calls me Lis?
I glance down at his drink. “You’ve had one beer with me and you’re already wanting to
commit to future time?”
“You forget that I spent the better part of twelve hours with you naked in a hotel room. I’m
basing our dating status on more than tonight. Tonight was just the confirmation I needed to make
sure that all the fantasies I’ve had about you are built on some semblance of reality.” He winks and
downs the rest of his beer in one gulp, his neck contracting in a really attractive way as he does. He
wipes the top of his lip and adds loudly, “That and I’ve seen you naked.”
I reach across the table and plant my hand over his mouth. “Will you please stop telling the
entire pub that you’ve seen me naked?”
The smile in his eyes is panty-melting. Once I’m certain he’s done humiliating me, I release his
mouth and shake my head at him. “Most soccer players would take a one-night stand and never look
back.”
He lifts his brows and shrugs. “I’m not like most soccer players.”



Friday 17 May 2019

She's Like The Wind (Angel Sands #2) by Carrie Elks







Love, life, coffee and running in a small town

There are times in your life when you need a new direction....



Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this book! I already really enjoyed reading Let me Burn, the first book in the Angel Sands series, but I think I loved She's Like The Wind even more - though I guess I'll have to reread the first book just to make sure that I'm right ...and then I might reread this one again just for the sake of it because this is the kind of book that you can read and reread. I loved everything about it. I loved the setting and the characters, I loved the friendships and the lovers, I loved the sparks and the fireworks - and the promise of ever after.

There's something about these charming little coastal towns where social media is always too slow for the local gossip and where people know everything ages before they even switched on their mobiles. There are so much loyalty and friendship, and some meddling and lots of caring and being there for each other, of everybody being in each other's business and trying to help - it's a very special atmosphere combined with a beautiful and sweet story and a bunch of very lovable characters who overcome every obstacle life - and their loved ones - throw at them.
I can't wait for Brooke and Aiden's story, the next book in this series!


★★★★


 He’d be a fool to fall for his long-legged, barefoot employee. But bad decisions have never stopped
him before…

Successful businessman and single father, Nate Crawford, doesn’t need any more complications. That’s why he’s moved his business – and his life – to a small beach town. He’s expecting sun, sea and tranquility, but what he gets is a whirlwind in the form of town sweetheart, Ally Sutton.

Ally’s used to dealing with heartache. But losing the café she’s owned for years is the final straw. Being offered a new job feels like a lifeline – that is until she meets her much-older, and impossibly handsome new boss.

In the space of a few weeks everything changes. And when an accident forces them closer, Nate and Ally can’t ignore the fascination between them any longer. As the summer heats up, the question is when, not if, they’ll give in to their explosive attraction.

**She’s Like the Wind is the second book in the Angel Sands series, set in a small beach town on the California coast. If you like a heartwarming read that’s low on angst and big on feels, this stand-alone romance is for you.**

Saturday 11 May 2019

Danger Next Door (Red Stone Security #2) by Katie Reus






 

 
 Blurb:

After an explosion leaves detective Grant Caldwell scarred he quits his job and tries to hide from his well-meaning family while he heals. When Belle Manikas, a beautiful new neighbor, moves in next door with problems of her own he finds himself drawn to her even while he tells himself she’s nothing but trouble. Even though he knows he’d never have a chance with a woman like her—not with his disfigurement—he can’t stay away.

Thanks to severe health problems as a child Belle grew up sheltered and smothered by her loving, if overbearing, family. Now that she’s finally out on her own she plans to wring everything she can out of life. When she sets her sights on her brooding neighbor nothing can stop her from getting him into bed—until a madman fixates on her.

With Grant now working for Red Stone Security, he sees it as his duty to protect her at all costs. Unfortunately a violent criminal is stalking Belle and will stop at nothing until he’s destroyed her
.


 
This was a short but captivating read that kept me glued to my reader from the first page on. I just wanted to sneak a peek...and suddenly I was at about 67% of the book. Well, needless to say, that I had to read the rest of the book right then and there as well, right?

I really liked the way Grant and Belle accept each other especially the way Belle never thought of Grant as someone who was wounded or, worse, disfigured but as someone strong, protective and absolutely attractive. The way they very quickly came to care for each other was touching and despite the fact that they didn't really know each other, their feelings made sense and felt authentic.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book - it was too short. Even though it was well done, well - written and there was nothing left to tell, no cliffhangers, the characters are well developed but still - I would have loved to learn more about them and their story just because I loved those two and their story. I guess that I'll just have to read the next books in the series to find out more about them. I've read some already of them but not all of them, so this is a nice excuse.

★★
 
 
 

Thursday 9 May 2019

Cover reveal - falling for You by Jennifer Van Wyk #FallingForYou



an all-new sexy and emotional brother’s best friend romance from 

Jennifer Van Wyk is coming May 21st 


Look at this beautiful cover!






Fake it ‘til you make it has been the motto I live by since my mother died.
I’m also doing a really bad job at the making it part.
The night we met, I was at my lowest.
But you gave me a reason to feel happy again.
For the first time in over a year, I feel optimistic.
You and I? We’re the same.
Don’t form attachments. Follow the rules. Don’t dream of a future.
Too bad our hearts wouldn’t listen.
And this storm we’re going through?
The one that threatens to rip us apart?
It doesn’t care that I’m falling for you.
Falling For You is a different kind of brother’s best friend romance and is as emotional
as it is sizzling.





Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/FallingYou

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2IDkYmf

Wednesday 8 May 2019

SALE! Their Virgin Captive by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake #TheirVirginCaptive


Just a quick ...
 
✮ ✮ ✮ HOT 99¢ SALE ALERT! ✮ ✮ ✮




Their Virgin Captive, a steamy menage romance from New York Times bestselling authors Shayla Black and Lexi Blake is ON SALE NOW for only 99¢ for a limited time!
If you love all things steamy and hot, grab your copy today!
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2UB1LVD

Brothers Gavin, Slade, and Dex, fall hard for Gavin’s new secretary, beautiful Hannah Craig. The oil executives know they must give her time to get to know them before she can choose one . . . who will seduce the virgin and keep her for his own. But when a dangerous predator begins stalking the small-town beauty, they work together to protect her, abducting Hannah and spiriting her to an isolated hideaway. Once alone with her, none of them can contain their burning desire. Though Slade and Dex don’t mind sharing, Gavin’s tragic past has put distance between him and his brothers. Now, they’re hoping that not only will Hannah love them back . . . but may be mend their fractured family.

After overcoming her initial fears, the men teach her wild pleasure she’s never imagined. She grows closer to each, their devotion melting her inhibitions. Hannah finds herself embracing love with all three men—and hoping she can heal Gavin’s wounded soul. But her new found happiness turns to terror when her stalker finds her. Will Gavin, Slade and Dex lose their woman to a menace that threatens everything they hold dear, or will they finally unite to make Hannah theirs forever?

Tuesday 7 May 2019

BLOG TOUR - Well Suited by Staci Hart #WellSuited





  

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago.
Who: one night stand.
How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.


This is the fourth book in the Red Lipstick Coalition series by Staci Hart. I liked the first one, I loved
the second one and I absolutely and completely loved the third one. "Well suited" couldn't captivate me as much as the other books in this series even though I also enjoyed reading it.

Katherine, our heroine, is not a simple character and not easy to love and to deal with. She is rather stiff and formal and Theo has his work cut out for him when he tries to coax her out of her shell. Most of the action in the book, at least it seemed that way, is rather internal, it's more about Katherine's development than about actual things happening although those happen as well. Katherine has to learn to let loose and give up some of her rigid control and Theo, well, he has to learn a lot about patience and understanding.
I really loved the way he cared for her, made things possible for her to accept and was there for her no matter what happened. Or who happened, actually... It was amazing to see how much he cared for her, understood her and went out of his way to make her feel alright.

Those two are really cute together and the way the story was told, fitted Katherine and her character. Tough, when things got rough, some of what happened felt forced and didn't make sense, at least in my eyes. Suddenly it was as if Theo didn't understand her anymore and -It. Just. Didn't. Make. Sense. And it made me furious and upset. Oh, and I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

The Red Lipstick Coalition is at work once again, finding love and happiness for one of their own and I loved to see how much they care for each other and help each other. Katherine and Theo are the last of the couples to find love and, I think, by far the most complicated of the four but no matter what happens, their friends are there, helping and supporting Katherine and Theo.
I didn't love the book as much as I loved Player and Work in Progress but it's still four well-earned
stars.

★★


Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!


Sunday 5 May 2019

BLOG TOUR - No other Duke but You by Valerie Bowman #NoOtherDukeButYou



BLOG TOUR




Synopsis:

A lady with a love potion. A Duke who takes it by mistake. Romance and mischief ensues when plans go awry in No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman.

SINGLE LADY SEEKS DUKE

Lady Delilah Montebank has her marital sights set on the Duke of Branville. There’s just one problem: he barely knows she exists. But no matter, she’s got a plan to win him over with her charm, her wit—and perhaps the love potion she has in her possession wouldn’t hurt her cause...

Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, thinks his best friend Delilah’s quest to become a duchess is ridiculous. He’s always said he’d rather give up all the brandy in London than commit to one person for life. Besides, he knows that Delilah’s love potion can’t possibly win over Branville…since she accidentally gave it to him instead. But perhaps this is the excuse he needs to show her he’s always loved her...

Delilah can’t believe she gave the potion to the wrong duke. Then again, Delilah could do a lot worse than win the hand of her handsome best friend. Could it be that the right duke has been before her eyes all along?

No Other Duke But You is the last and final book in the Playful Brides series and even though I enjoyed reading it and laughed and giggled along the way, there were a number of things that were a bit annoying. On the other hand, there were many things that made it enjoyable and funny so let's start there.

I loved Delilah and Thomas as a couple and enjoyed all the banter and fun, loyalty and friendship. The whole group of friends is amazing and I like how they help each other and take care of their friends. The story itself was entertaining and considering the play they were performing, I also liked the idea of a love potion that had to be sprinkled on someone's eyes. Yep, exactly like the potion in Midsummer Night's dream - and guess, which play it is that they are performing? Right.

Soooo....all this chaos that resulted from the use of the potion and everything around it was entertaining and funny but it also made me mad. I don't know how often I thought that NOW would be the moment one of them finally said what they felt and for how long they've felt like it and...the moment came and I was sitting on pins and needles and... nope. Nothing. Niente. Nada. They didn't say anything. At least nothing helpful.

Considering the fact that they've been friends for ages and know each other well, even considering the change of circumstances, it shouldn't have been that difficult to simply TALK. You know, the thing where you use brains and mouth and tell the other what you think and what you mean - and what he or she means to you. Soo...a definite lack of communication, a magic potion that may or may not have worked and a kind of mistaken identity as in the wrong person in the wrong bed, add a healthy dose of absolutely evil witch of a mother, greedy soon-to-be relations and a pinch of pathetic fiancé and you got the mix.

And I may not be a stickler for authenticity but there were a bunch of things that were just unrealistic and not in accordance with the time and its society, even if you were unconventional. Some things just weren't done and you couldn't get away with them without getting shunned and talked about.

Despite all that, the book kept me entertained and I enjoyed the wit and banter and loved to see Thomas and Delilah finally get together so I rate it three stars but would still recommend it because I enjoyed it and will definitely read it again as well.




Do you want to know more about the author?
Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at SmithCollege, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her familyincluding her mini-schnauzers, Huckleberry and Violet. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading,traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.

Her website: http://www.valeriegbowman.com/



Excerpt


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Delilah glanced up and down the dim hallway. It was well past three in the morning, she was still
dressed in the pink ball gown she’d worn to the party, and she clutched the small vial of Cupid’s
Elixir in her sweaty, guilty palm. She pressed her back against the shadowed wall not far from the
Duke of Branville’s bedchamber. She could do this. More importantly, she would do this. She’d come
this far, hadn’t she? What did a little sneaking about in the middle of the night matter?
She’d got detailed instructions to Branville’s room from Derek, who thankfully hadn’t asked
any questions about why she wanted to know. According to him, the room was four doors to the
right, just past the staircase on the third floor. The third floor was where all the bachelor gentlemen
were sleeping. It would be a complete scandal if she was found lurking about alone at this time of
night, but she’d waited until the household seemed quite asleep and then waited a bit longer for
good measure. Anyone who saw her now would be skulking about themselves, which meant they
would hardly be in a position to judge her. She briefly wondered if she’d run into Lavinia.
It was not as if she was out to do anything particularly scandalous. It was more silly and
frivolous than anything else. She’d simply die, however, if Branville woke up and asked her what she
was doing sprinkling pixie water in his eyes. She’d already decided to pretend as if she were
dreaming, thinking she was Puck in the play. Sleepwalking. That would make all the sense in the
world. Wouldn’t it? She swallowed hard. Probably not, but she wasn’t about to let the fear of being
caught stop her. Besides, all of her and Lucy’s matchmaking had turned into a colossal mess. If a
spray of perfume could sort it out, so be it. Of course, Delilah’s conscience reminded her that she
hadn’t offered any of the perfume to Rebecca to use on Thomas. She didn’t want to even
contemplate that. She’d already shared it with one other person, and that made her guilty enough.
The image of Madame Rosa’s disapproving, craggy face had haunted her all evening.
Delilah shook off the thought and turned her attention back to the matter at hand. Pressing
her empty palm against the darkened wall, she inched her way along until she came to Branville’s
door. She felt like a spy. This was how professional spies did such things, wasn’t it? Too bad she
was too embarrassed by her actions to ask the veritable house full of professional spies who
happened to be asleep behind other doors right now.
She transferred the vial into her opposite hand and slowly reached to grasp the door handle.
The metal was cold in her bare hand. She’d discarded her gloves, deciding that they would make her
actions more clumsy. The last thing she needed tonight was to be more clumsy than usual.
Decidedly, she needed to be less so.
She clutched the door handle like a lifeline and closed her eyes, steadying her shaking
fingers on the knob. She was close, so close. Praying that the door wouldn’t squeak, she turned the
handle slowly. The only sound was the thumping of her own heart in her ears.
When the handle was turned as far as it would go, she pushed it, praying fervently that it
wasn’t locked. It took a moment before she realized the door was opening. Its hinges silent, merci a
Dieu. Completely silent.
She slipped inside the cool, dark room. Steady, deep breathing came from the bed. Thank
goodness, she hadn’t woken the duke with her entrance. She could barely see a thing, but she didn’t
dare light a candle. A tiny stream of moonlight filtered into the room through a small opening in the
curtains on the far window. She used that to identify the hulking bed in the center of the room. She
tiptoed over to it slowly, taking care in case there was anything to trip over. No doubt she would find
it if there was.
She made it to the foot of the bed without incident and paused, trying to quell her nerves and
dispel her guilt. She clutched the vial more tightly in her palm, shaking with fear and anxiety. Now
that she was here, she had no earthly idea how to drop liquid on a man’s eyes without awakening
him. Besides, how much of it was she supposed to use? Surely not much. She would employ the
tiniest drops possible so as not to disturb him, but she also needed to ensure the perfume touched
his eyelids. Tricky business, this being a fairy. She had a sudden appreciation for Puck.

Holding her breath, she lifted her skirts with her free hand and tiptoed to the right side of the
bed. Because it was summer, the bed curtains weren’t drawn. The window was open, and a slight
breeze blew through the crack in the curtains.
The outline of the duke’s body was barely visible in the moonlight. He was turned away on
his side, his back to her, his face toward the window. She would have to lean over his body to
sprinkle the elixir on his eyes. The bed was tall. She must carefully climb up to do this task properly.
She only hoped she didn’t jostle the mattress enough to wake him.
She waited in silence for a few moments to ensure his breathing remained steady, then she
carefully lifted first one knee and then the other, bracing them on the mattress and pulling herself up,
still clutching the vial. She winced as he moved slightly in his sleep, but he kept his face turned
away. Blast it.
Once she was fully atop the bed, she paused and hoped the hammering of her heart didn’t
wake him. He smelled good, a combination of soap and maleness that she wanted to breathe in.
There was something vaguely familiar about his scent.
Shaking away that unhelpful thought, she moved gingerly across the mattress on her knees
until she came to a stop at his side. His shirt was off. The beam of moonlight hit his smooth, muscled
arm. She swallowed. The man’s chest was positively swoon-worthy. She took a deep breath to calm
her nerves and uncorked the vial. Then she carefully leaned over as far as she could to locate his
eyes. They remained shrouded in the dark, but she took a guess as to their general direction and
tipped the little vial as slowly and carefully as she could. He turned then, and she was afforded
enough light to see that the first tiny drop of liquid did indeed fall directly onto his eyelid.
He blinked, and she held her breath. When he settled back into sleep, she closed her eyes
and said a brief prayer that she would get away with it a second time before tipping the vial once
more to allow another tiny drop to fall on his other eyelid.
He blinked and rubbed at his eyes while Delilah held her breath again, paralyzed with fear.
Soon, he settled back into his pillow and his breathing returned to its steady pace.
She pressed a hand to her throat. It was over. She was done. All she had to do was extract
herself from the bed and the room without being seen or heard. The difficult part was behind her.
Still praying he wouldn’t stir, she backed away from the duke. Slowly. Slowly. She’d nearly
made it to the edge of the bed when he flipped over to face her. A beam of moonlight slid over his
sleeping features.
Delilah gasped.

From No Other Duke But You. Copyright © 2019 by Valerie Bowman and reprinted with
permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Thursday 2 May 2019

COVER REVEAL - Undeniable by Melanie Harlow #Undeniable



And another amazing cover:




Publication Date: May 20, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Photographer: Regina Wamba
Cover Designer: Hang Le






The story:

When we were eleven, Oliver Ford Pemberton dared me to jump off a barn roof. He said you couldn’t break a leg from a 12-foot-jump.
He lied.
(You can also break a collarbone, which served him right as far as I was concerned.)
I wish I could say it was the last dare I ever took from him, the last bet I ever made with him, the last time I ever trusted Oliver Ford Pemberton.
But it wasn’t.
Because he had the nerve to grow up gorgeous, charming, and sexy. And as we got older, the dares only got dirtier—and the betting stakes higher—until finally, he left me in pieces. I swore I’d never talk to him again.
But twenty years after I took that flying leap, he’s back in my life, daring me to risk everything for him: my job, my self-worth, and my heart.
How many chances does love deserve?




About Melanie

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, Succession, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the ONE & ONLY series, the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.



Connect with Melanie

 
Stay up to date! Sign up for Melanie’s mailing list: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/




BLOG TOUR - Getting hot with the Scot #GettingHotwiththeScot



BLOG TOUR







ABOUT THE BOOK:

The first in a new series, a journalist focused on her career and a sexy Scottish comedian turn a one
night stand into forever.

Cassie Crow leaves for vacation with two goals: fill up her empty charm bracelet and have a one night stand. For once, she wants to have fun instead of obsessively checking her work email. And kissing a man in a castle who’s dressed as a Scottish Highlander is the perfect solution.

Except when that man turns out to be Logan Reid, the host of a popular sketch show—and Cassie has just been roped into his latest prank. She wants nothing to do with his antics, but that was a really great kiss, and one night together couldn’t hurt.

It’s clear that one night isn’t enough and when Logan’s show brings him closer to Cassie, they decide to give dating a try. Can the woman who’s focused solely on her career and the man who refuses to take life seriously make it work?



I really enjoyed reading this book and am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. This was a fun and charming read with very relatable and likable characters. I loved to follow their Shenanigans - and I loved to see the connection between Cassie and Logan grow from their turbulent start to something much more. You could feel the sparks and you felt with them.
Some more talking about the things that count, might have been helpful at times though. It was sweet to see Logan fight for Cassie when he finally realizes that she is much more than a one-night-stand and not just due to a certain piece of paper that she might want to sign or not.

Things aren't that easy though when two people live on different continents and have to go back to their real life at one point but perhaps, if the stakes are high, someone might be willing to risk it all....
This book was sweet, charming and nice, so this was my first book by Melonie Johnson but it definitely won't be my last. I loved how close all those friends were and how well they looked after each other so I really can't wait to read more about them and their loves.

★★
Do you like to listen to audiobooks?

click*audiobook sample*click 

This one is narrated by Melonie Johnson herself


 ABOUT MELONIE JOHNSON:
A Star Wars junkie and Shakespeare groupie who quotes both Yoda and the Bard with equal aplomb,
award-winning author Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—is a two-time RWA Golden Heart®
finalist who loves dark coffee, cheap wine, and expensive beer. And margaritas. And mimosas. And
mules. Basically any cocktail that starts with the letter m. She met her future husband in that most
romantic of places—the mall—when they were teenagers working in stores across the hall from each
other. They went on to live happily ever after in the suburbs of Chicago with two redhead daughters, a
dog that’s more like a small horse, and a trio of hermit crabs. After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna
cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie taught high school English and Theatre in the
northern Chicago suburbs for several years. Now she writes smart and funny contemporary romance
and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin.



EXCERPT 


Would you look at that? The man is wearing a kilt.
Note to self: Cassie Crow—be careful what you wish for.
The man groaned again and raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight now cutting across the hidden alcove.
“Are you all right?”
“I will be fine once ye douse that blasted light.” He squinted up at her. “Be ye a new chambermaid?”
Chambermaid? She eyed the wide sleeves and open neck of the old-fashioned piratey shirt he wore. “Not sure what kind of weird-ass stuff you’re into buddy, but I don’t do RPG.”
“Weird . . . ass?” His dark red brows drew together as he shaped his mouth around the letters. “Are pee gee?”
“Role playing games. You know, like cosplay or what- ever.” She pointed at him. “Look, you’re the one wearing that get-up and talking like a reject from Macbeth.”
He narrowed his eyes at her finger. “Be ye a witch?” “What did you call me?”
With another groan, he lurched forward. Oh God, what if he was hurt? For all she knew he was a member of some historic castle tour who got lost in a back passageway and hit his head. She leaned down to inspect him for bruises.

He threw a hand out, palm up, warding her off. “Back away, sorceress,” he hissed.
“Seriously?” She slapped his hand out of the way. “Here, let me help you out of there.” Cassie tugged gently on his shoulder. The voluminous shirt was loose, but she could feel—and appreciate—the thick spread of muscle beneath the soft fabric.
Just my luck, I finally run into a hot Highlander, and he’s delusional.
The man waved off her assistance and struggled to his feet, shaking a wild tousle of thick, red hair out of his eyes. Cassie never fancied herself to be a ginger girl, but it worked on him . . . or maybe that was the kilt talking. She eyed the swath of plaid fabric wrapped around his hips and wondered, like any female in her position would, what might or might not be under there. Reluctantly, she raised her gaze and caught him scrutinizing her in return.
“What be these strange breeks ye wear?” he asked, moving in a circle around her.
Cassie swore she could feel the weight of each of his eyeballs resting on her denim-clad backside. Fair enough. After a prolonged moment, she glanced over her shoulder. “Get a good look?”
“Aye.” He swallowed. “’Tis most unseemly, lass.” He shook his head, gaze still glued to her ass.
“They’re called jeans.” She pivoted to face him. “Are you for real?”
He met her gaze, his answer falling from his lips in a deep, rich brogue with trilling r’s that curled her toes, “Aye, lass, I’m real.”
Cassie’s heart hiccupped. Of course he’s real. Unles those shots were stronger than I thought. “Were you at the whisky tasting?”

“Whisky?” His green-gold eyes lit with interest. “Do ye have whisky for me, then? I could use a wee dram. Be a good lass and fetch it for me.”
“Ha! I think you’ve had enough, mister. Is that how you ended up stuck in there?” Even as she said this, Cassie doubted it. She didn’t smell a hint of alcohol on him, though she did pick up other pleasant smells. Mint and clove and man and . . . Stop being ridiculous.
His broad shoulders lifted and dropped. “I dinna ken.” “How long were you in there?”
Another shrug.
Cassie dragged her attention away from the wide curve of his shoulders and leaned past him, inspecting the dark, narrow space behind the bookshelf.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, panic edg- ing his voice. “Nay, lass. Doona be going in there.”
“Why not?” She inched forward and tried to get a bet- ter look.
“It canna be safe.” He tugged on her wrist again, his fingers warm and firm.
Tiny butterflies danced along the path where his skin touched hers. She brushed away the tingling sensation and slipped out of his grip, careful not to snag her bracelet. “Well, you were in there, and you appear to have man- aged.”
“Are ye daft, wench? I was trapped!”
She sniffed, not sure she liked being referred to as a wench, and frowned up at him. “What’s the last thing you remember?”
He closed his eyes and slumped against the shelf. “I canna recall anything afore the moment I woke to find my-self crammed within yonder wall.” He blinked and fo- cused intently on her. “The moment I found you, lass.”

Cassie decided she liked being called lass much better than wench, especially when he was looking at her like that. Gazes locked, her other senses sharpened, heighten- ing her awareness of his body and its proximity to hers. She cleared her throat. “Hm. I think it’d be more accurate to say I’m the one who found you.” Telling herself she was only searching for injuries, she reached up and tentatively skimmed her palms along his temples, her fingers trailing his scalp.
“Looking for devil’s horns?” The man cocked one wicked brow at her as he raised his arms to mirror her movements, running his hands over her head and shoul- ders before brushing his palms down her back. “Ye’ve naught got any fairy wings, so I’d say we’re even. In fact,” he whispered against her hair, standing so close the low burr of his voice became a purr in her own chest, “ye feel perfect to me.”
Like the migrating monarchs her dad studied, the but- terflies made a return trip, enveloping her in a fluttery haze. She shivered. Whether it was the Scot or the scotch or both, Cassie didn’t care. He was here and she was here, and damn it all, it was about time she skipped to the good stuff. With a forceful mental click, Cassie turned off her brain, tilted her chin up, and caught his mouth with hers.
He made a low sound in the back of his throat, of pro- test or surprise, she wasn’t sure. But then his hands settled at her waist, and he returned the kiss. His mouth was somehow soft and hard at the same time, and when he slipped his tongue between her lips, she felt more light- headed than if she’d downed every shot of whisky that had been on that tasting list.

Cassie rolled her tongue against his, savoring the delicious contact. He met her thrust for thrust, deepening the kiss until she was swept away on a tidal wave of desire. This. This is what I’ve been waiting for. She clung to him, hands gripping his shoulders, swimming in sensation, drowning in it.


Does that sound good? 

So get your copy, sit down and have a nice cup of tea while you enjoy this story!