[Book Tour] Running Hot by Helen Kay Dimon #Giveaway #GuestPost

Running Hot
Bad Boys Undercover # 0.5

By: HelenKay Dimon

Releasing December 16^th, 2014

Avon Romance

Blurb

HelenKay Dimon kicks off her hot new romantic suspense series, Bad Boys Undercover, featuring the fierce men of Alliance—and the only women capable of taming their hearts.

Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he’s on vacation but he’s really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.

When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn’t who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward’s not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.

As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/11/running-hot-bad-boys-undercover-novella.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21546205-running-hot
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/127877-bad-boys-undercover

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Running-Hot-Boys-Undercover-Novella-ebook/dp/B00J7Q620K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416174146&sr=8-1&keywords=running+hot+by+helenkay+dimon&pebp=1416174149581

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-hot-helenkay-dimon/1119887861?ean=9780062357823

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/running-hot/id847613513?mt=11

Author Info

HelenKay Dimon is a former divorce attorney turned full-time romance author. Odd transition, right? She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin and Penguin, Samhain, Carina Press, and HarperCollins. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named "Red-Hot Reads" and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose.

Author Links:   Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://helenkaydimon.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HelenKayDimon

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/helenkaydimon

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/70860.HelenKay_Dimon

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I love the holidays for many reasons.  Being with family and friends. The decorations, the food, the music. Did I mention the food?  I’m not a big cookie eater, except in December when I eat every cookie I see.  In addition to gaining ten pounds, I usually set aside some time around the holidays to read. Publishers and authors help me out with this task by releasing a lot of great books in December.

Here is where I’ll admit I have a romantic suspense novella out this December. It’s called RUNNING HOT and has a tough heroine MI6 officer, an alpha nothing-scares-him CIA agent, and a very bad guy trying to do some very bad things on a beautiful island in Fiji. You should go buy it. And while you’re buying RUNNING HOT, here are a few other books you might want to think about picking up:

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Jill Shalvis.  This is a follow-up novella in Jill’s wildly successful Lucky Harbor series. That is reason enough to get it. The other? Sawyer. He’s a great hero.

HARD TO COME BY by Laura Kaye. Special Forces, covert operations, trust issues, romance and high emotional stakes. That’s probably all you need to know, right?

RAZED by Shiloh Walker. This is the second book in a series about the Barnes brothers. I will read any series about brothers.

DYING TO SCORE by Cindy Gerard. This one came up as a recommended read while I was buying another book. It is inexpensive and short and I’m betting I can fit it in when I have an extra hour one day.

COMING OUT TO PLAY by Robbie Rogers. This is a nonfiction account of the soccer star’s journey to being the first openly gay man to play on a professional sports team in the U.S.  Sounds pretty inspiring.

And one I’m waiting on…TRUST NO ONE by Jayne Ann Krentz. This one comes out after the holiday, but I’m patient. If you have a book I should add to my list, let me know.

Rafflecopter Giveaway (FIVE Digital Copies of RUNNING HOT)

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[Book Tour] Tess in Boots by Courtney Rice Gager #TopTenList #Giveaway

Anaiah Press proudly presents
TESS IN BOOTS by Courtney Rice Gager
a contemporary romantic novel now available!

Thanks for having me on your blog, Melinda! I know you're a booklover, and here we are right in the middle of holiday shopping season. So today, I thought I'd share my picks for the top ten holiday gifts for booklovers. Let's get right to it, shall we?

10. Personalized Library Embosser. Perfect for the super-organized, fancy booklover in your life. http://pinterest.com/pin/295126581803101421/

9. Clear Acrylic Book Weight. This is on my personal wish list! Practical and just plain genius. http://pinterest.com/pin/544583779915666710/

8. Paper Passion Perfume. Yep, it's a perfume that smells like freshly-printed books. I'd wear that. I'm just sayin'. http://pinterest.com/pin/218846863113489272/

7. Old Books Scented Candle. While we're talking scents, this candle smells like the unique deliciousness of old books. http://pinterest.com/pin/29343835047157922/

6. "Fell Asleep Here" Bookmark. A practical gift for the up-all-night reader. http://pinterest.com/pin/334603447288973485/

5. "I Like Big Books" Tote. Funny, and perfect for toting around a ton of library books. http://pinterest.com/pin/179440366376957848/

4. "I Brake for Book Sales" License Plate Frame. Cute, and also safety-conscious. Other drivers, you've been warned! http://pinterest.com/pin/94505292155452958/

3. Zippered book clutch. If you're looking for a DIY idea, and you have mad crafting skills. http://pinterest.com/pin/420805158905515441/

2. Book Pages Wreath. If you're looking for a DIY idea, and you have moderate crafting skills. http://pinterest.com/pin/6473993183865826/

1. Charles Dickens Onesie. For the book-loving baby in your life. Start 'em young! http://pinterest.com/pin/557953841307886544/

And there we have it. While we're talking gifts, if you're a lover of contemporary romance, might I suggest you get yourself a gift this season? Tess in Boots is available now, and it's the perfect escape from the holiday rush. Happy reading (and shopping)!

Tess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion. So when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.  

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.  

Amazon      B&N     iTunes      Smashwords

 

About the Author:

Courtney Rice Gager graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in creative writing. Courtney is also the author of The Buggy List. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.

Connect with Courtney:

Website      Twitter       Goodreads      Facebook     Amazon

 


Book Excerpt

I heard the sound of tires on the wet road, and looked up in time to see another truck slowing down to avoid crashing into the cow. The truck pulled around the cow and stopped alongside where I stood on the side of the road. The driver rolled the window down, and when I saw his face, I wanted to cry.
Thatcher.
It was not my day.
“You all right?”
I crossed my arms. “I’m fine!”
“Guess your GPS didn’t tell you to go around the cow, did it, Heels?”
I turned away from him and pulled my phone out of my pocket.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m calling for roadside assistance.”
“Good luck. Cell phones don’t work on this stretch of road.”
I turned around and glared at him. “What?”
“I said cell phones don’t work on this stretch of road.”
“I heard you. That’s insane.”
“Go ahead and try. Maybe you have some fancy magical cell phone.”
I rolled my eyes and turned away again, attempting to place a call. He was right. Nothing.
“Get in the truck, Heels.”
I didn’t budge.
“Come on, now. Get in.”
I turned around to see him hop out of the truck, walk around to the passenger side, and open the door.
There was no way I was getting in his truck.
“You gonna make me stay out in the rain all night?” he asked.
I put my hands on my hips.
“You know,” he said, “it ain’t right for a cow to stand in the road like that. You ever heard of Mad Cow Disease?”
I looked at the cow, then back at Thatcher, then back at the cow.
Was he kidding? I couldn’t tell. What choice did I have anyway? I was soaking wet, freezing, and miles from the vineyard.
I balled my hands into fists and took several strides toward the truck. “Fine. But I’m only coming with you because you look like an idiot standing out here in the pouring rain.” I got in the truck, and he shut the door behind me.
“Well, so do you, Heels.” 

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[Book Tour] Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh #GuestPost #ChristmasMovies #Giveaway

Hi!This is my first Christmas with my husband Derrick, and I am so excited to share some of my favorite holiday traditions with him! There will be a visit to see the Christmas Ships Parade in Kirkland. We’ll get some hot chocolate and enjoy the bonfire on the beach as the on-board choir sings our favorite carols. He’s not so sure about ice skating, but I’ll do my best to coax him into a pair of skates to visit the outdoor ice rink in Bellevue. My biggest tradition, though, is watching a holiday movie at home in front of the fire with a blanket, some more hot chocolate (I’m sensing a trend!) and a big bowl of popcorn.Here are five of my favorite holiday movies. I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments! 

1.      It’s A Wonderful Life
I’ve been watching this movie since I was little every year with my parents, my brother and my grandma. It’s another reminder that every life impacts another, whether we realize it or not. Plus, I have a little crush on George Bailey. 

2.      Love Actually
I have seen this movie so many times, and the scene at the end with everyone greeting their loved ones at the airport still makes me cry. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ll bet Derrick gets a little teary, too. Everyone else thinks he’s so scary. He’s actually a big teddy bear! 

3.      The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
Derrick told me he loves the Grinch. We’ll be watching it and singing along! 

4.      A Christmas Story
I’m a nurse. I don’t recommend putting your tongue on a freezing cold metal pole, but this movie’s hilarious! 

5.      12 Men of Christmas
This is a newer movie, but I love it. The New York City girl moves to a small town in Montana for work and ends up falling in love with a guy she initially can’t stand. There are lots of great-looking, heroic men and I’m looking forward to seeing it again with my very own hero! Again, I’d love to hear about some of your favorite holiday movies. Happy Holidays to you and your family, and I hope you’ll love our love story, which is out on December 2^nd!

Holding Holly
Love and Football # 4.5

By: Julie Brannagh

Releasing December 2^nd, 2014

Avon

Blurb

Holly Reynolds has a secret. Make that two. The first involves upholding her grandmother’s hobby answering Dear Santa letters from dozens of local school children. The second...well, he just came strolling in the door.

For the last two years, Holly has not been able to stop thinking about gorgeous Seattle Shark Derrick Collins. His on-field exploits induce nightmares in quarterbacks across the NFL, but she knows he has a heart of gold.

Derrick has never met a woman he wants to bring home to meet his family, mostly because he keeps picking the wrong ones-until he runs into sweet, shy Holly Reynolds. Different than anyone he’s ever known, Derrick realizes she might just be everything he needs.

When he discovers her holiday letter writing, he is determined to play Santa too. And as the pair team up to bring joy to one little boy very much in need, they discover the most precious Christmas gift of all: love.

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/10/holding-holly-love-and-football-45-by.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21805398-holding-holly?from_search=true

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Holding-Holly-Love-Football-Novella-ebook/dp/B00JDKBU0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414528607&sr=8-1&keywords=Holding+holly

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holding-holly-julie-brannagh/1119887866?ean=9780062363862

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/holding-holly/id852752781?mt=11

Author Info

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of contemporary sports romances.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://www.juliebrannagh.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JulieBrannagh
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/julieinduvall
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7127296.Julie_Brannagh

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Digital Set of LOVE & FOOTBALL Series Bks 1-4)

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[Book Tour] Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney #Rejection guest post

Blurb:

In a world divided by power and greed, seventeen-year-old Lilika harbors an intense desire to return to Winter in the Soul, the place her family left to escape the darkness that was manifesting from a coldness of the soul.

When she meets Talon, their connection is evident right from the start, and together they travel through the Black Kingdom to recover Lilika’s stolen locket. And in search of an answer to the mystery behind Winter in the Soul.

Lilika holds the key to stopping the darkness from spreading. The fate of their world lies in her hands. Will she stop the Black Kingdom before its darkness overtakes them all, or will they succumb to the darkness that is spreading across the land?

Release Date: July 15, 2014

High Goals and Writer Rejection

As a writer, my work has been rejected. It's just a fact of life. I once heard that if you're not getting rejected on a daily basis, then your goals are not high enough. I'd like to think that's true in my case. Even if you're not a writer, yet you have high aspirations, rejection is imminent.

Here's why I don't let rejections stop me. Some people just like to say no. I know that sounds silly, but it's true. I've been teaching English for eleven years. When I was in school to get my teaching credential, one of my professors, who was also a veteran teacher, had some words of advice. He told me that whenever a student asks to use the restroom, always say no. If they ask again, tell them to wait. If they ask a third time during the same class period, then they probably really have to go and I should let them, but not before rejecting them a couple of times first. For some reason, even all these years later, that story has always stuck with me. Here was a professor teaching us to say no without even thinking about the individual situations.

As a writer, I've experienced rejections. Most writers have. I recently read two stories about authors who couldn't get an agent, couldn't find a publisher, but went on to be successful anyway. Both of these authors hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list all on their own. After their manuscript was rejected by literary agents and publishers, they just said forget it and did it themselves.

These stories give me hope. They make me realize that just because I get rejected or someone says "no" to me doesn't mean my work isn't good. It just means that my goals are high.

I learn from rejections, each and every one. If I get personal, specific feedback, I take a good hard look at my work. If it's true, I learn and grow. If it's not, I move on. That's really all I can do with a rejection. The other thing I do is keep writing. Just because one manuscript didn't catch an agent's eye, doesn't mean another one won't. I'm young. I have tons of stories in my head just waiting to be written. I am not done evolving and learning as a writer. I don't think I will ever be done. I continue to learn, create, and write.

Sure, the initial sting of a rejection might hurt, but in the long run, it's not important. It only takes one yes and sometimes, that's what keeps me going.

I aim high, know that rejection is a part of the process, and keep going anyway. That's what I've always done and my first book, Winter in the Soul, comes out this month. I've been writing my whole life, but I only just started pursuing publication seriously last year and already my dreams are coming true. I can't wait to see what this year brings.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Novotney was born in Burbank, California and lived in Los Angeles for most of her life until settling in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. She attended California State University, earning a bachelors degree in journalism, and Northern Arizona University, earning a masters degree in English. After college, she spent several years writing and teaching, including at Pennsylvania State University.

Website: www.jennifernovotney.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jennovotney

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jen.novotney

Links:

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20869515-winter-in-the-soul

Anaiah Press: http://www.anaiahpress.com

Giveaway:

includes 5 autographed posters and 5 keychains

[Blog Tour] Full Exposure by Sara Jane Stone w/ Guest Post: A Different Kind of Alpha Male

Enter to Win

Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Fire HD

No touching allowed …

After serving her country, Georgia Trulane craves adventure—and sex. She's set her sights on her brother's best friend—now her boss, since she took a temporary job as his nephew's live-in nanny. Only problem? Eric refuses to touch her. That doesn't stop Georgia from seducing him. But an earth-shattering encounter leaves her fully exposed, body and soul.

Eric has a long list of reasons to steer clear of the woman he has wanted for as long as he can remember. For one, he refuses to be her next thrill ride. When he claims her, it will be for good. But the attraction is undeniable, and the more they fight it, the stronger it pulls. But will it be enough to conquer their obstacles?

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GUEST POST

Soldiers, Cowboys, and  . . . Loggers? A Different Kind of Alpha Hero 

There was a day about twelve months ago when I stared at the cursor on the blank page wondering if I should post a plea for help on Facebook.  Wanted: one good-guy, Alpha hero for Georgia Trulane, a strong heroine who served her country and now craves adventure—and sex.

Instead of begging my Facebook friends and fans for help, I began typing. 

Georgia Trulane walked into the kitchen wearing a purple bikini, hoping and praying for a reaction from the man she’d known practically forever. Seated at the kitchen table . . .

Who was seated at the table?  A soldier?  No, my heroine was a twenty-something veteran who was struggling to readjust to life after her time at war.  A cowboy?  I love the mental image of a man in a Stetson mounted on a big horse as much as the next girl, but it didn’t feel right.  And then it clicked.  I’d found my hero.

Seated at the kitchen table, Eric Moore, her brother’s best friend, now her boss since she’d taken over the care of his adopted nephew until he found another live-in nanny, studied his laptop as if it held the keys to the world’s greatest mysteries. Unless the answers were listed between items b and c on a spreadsheet about Oregon timber harvesting, the screen was not of earth-shattering importance. It certainly did not merit his full attention when she was wearing an itsy-bitsy string bikini.

Yes, Eric Moore was a logger.  These days he spent more time in the office wearing suits.  But when a forest fire threatens, he is out there with his crew wielding a chainsaw.  And he is a good man.  A hero who would think twice about getting involved with his friend’s little sister, especially knowing that she was struggling with PTSD. 

Once I had written the first paragraph—and found my hero—the rest of the story flowed.  Eric Moore’s world shaped much of the external plot, adding the fire and a potentially disastrous investigation into the flames’ origin into the mix.  And Georgia’s struggle with her memories from war, her nightmares, and the fears that she wished she could ship back to Afghanistan, drove their internal conflicts. 

By the time I typed the final words of the book, I had fallen in love with my good-guy logger hero, who turned out to have some emotional hang ups of his own.  (Don’t they all:) But after a few twists and turns—and some very steamy interludes—Eric and Georgia found they’re happy ever after.  Still, I wondered if readers would raise an eyebrow at logger hero.  Or maybe it is time for Alpha-logger heroes to take their place alongside the soldiers, cowboys, and yes, even the billionaire tycoons.

What is your favorite type of Alpha hero?       

After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream—writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Visit her online at www.sarajanestone.com or find her on Facebook at Sara Jane Stone.

http://www.sarajanestone.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7036481.Sara_Jane_Stone

https://www.facebook.com/SaraJaneStone

https://twitter.com/SaraJaneStone

UNVEILING YOU by Samantha Grey #Guestpost #Excerpts

When I'm promoting a new book, I like choosing what excerpts to send to bloggers for promo posts or for my own blog. Every now and then, though, I have to think about the context. Does this portion make sense to someone who hasn't read what comes before this? Sometimes it doesn't make sense at all.

Like these 5 sentences that could mean anything:

  She looked at me like I’d grown an extra head. 

Why? Had he actually grown an extra head? Maybe he's just professed his love for her. Maybe he broke out into song and dance.

It was this crazy urge that came out of nowhere. 

An urge to. . .kiss somebody? Kill them? Say something she knows she shouldn't say?

“Of course I want to,” she whispered. 

Want to what?! You're killing me.

  Unlike last night, this was slow and deliberate. 

Oh, my. So what was last night like? And what are they doing that's so slow and deliberate?

  “You have a lot of sexting sessions?” 

Said who? To whom? In what kind of a voice? Is the speaker turned on, offended, upset, amused? Let your imagine run wild. You could even use them for your own writing, if you're a writer and you need something to start your next story. You have my permission. Or you could read the book and see what's up with sexting and crazy urges. Then all your questions will be answered. 

  The price of secrets can be too high… 

 Amy is starting the internship of her life for a prestigious antiques dealer. She knew it would look good on a resume, but a surprise trip to Paris and an assistant who is determined to keep her around make her want more. She could make this into a permanent job. If it weren’t for Caleb. He’s returned to his grandfather’s for a new job, even though he doesn’t need the money after selling his company. She’s up to the competition to prove herself, but soon it’s hard to ignore the sizzling tension between them. Neither are willing to give in if it means losing the chance at the job, but their attraction may be too strong. They risk everything if they’re found out — and Amy has been keeping secrets since she arrived, ones that could separate them forever.

   

  Available Today! 

  Visit Samantha's website for buy links 

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJGB15O/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unveiling-you-samantha-grey/1119131253

 You can also enter to win gift cards for Amazon or Barnes & Noble! 

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