Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Book Blitz & Giveaway - AN OFFICER AND THE VET by Freda Ann

An Officer and The Vet
Freda Ann
(A Bliss Cay Novella, #4)
Publication date: August 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

College sweethearts, Sam and Isla, were crazy in love and looked forward to a life together. That was until his father died suddenly in a tragic accident.

The news sent Sam into a tailspin causing him to spiral out of control. After telling Isla, the woman he hoped to marry, he never wanted to see her again, he hit rock bottom.

Pulling his life together more than a year later, he realizes nothing will ever be the same without his one true love…Isla. Finally locating where she moved to for Vet school, he shows up to beg her forgiveness only to find her kissing her soon to be husband.

Twelve years later, Sergeant Sam Wolfe’s police K-9, Blue, was shot on-duty and suffers from PTSD. Unbeknownst to Sam, his Lieutenant arranged for Isla, the best trauma Vet in Florida, to take over Blue’s care while Sam is on vacation with his son in Bliss Cay.

When they see each other again, neither are prepared for what the summer holds. As Isla helps Blue through his physical and emotional traumas, her and Sam’s worlds collide as skeletons are unearthed changing their lives forever.

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EXCERPT:

“This is Dr. Jensen.” I answer the call that my office manager and best friend put on hold for me.

“Dr. Jensen, this is Lieutenant Vasquez with Colton P.D. I oversee our K-9 Unit. A month ago one of our dogs was shot on-duty and he’s still recovering from the shoulder injury, both mentally and physically.”

“Ah, yes, that was Blue, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was.”

“What can I help you with, Lieutenant?”

“Well, Blue and his handler, Sergeant Sam Wolfe, will be staying in Bliss Cay this summer for a much needed vacation. Since Blue is still under the care of our local Vet for his injury and PTSD, he’ll need to continue his course of treatment while there. Dr. Jensen, you came highly recommended, and I’m hoping you’ll take point with his care while in Bliss.”

It’s not often I’m speechless, but this is one of those times. Sam Wolfe is coming to Bliss and his boss wants me to take over his dog’s care…for two long months? I’m supposed to be in the same tiny room with my past all summer?

“Dr. Jensen, you still there? Hello?”

“I—I’m here. Sorry, one of my patients got loose.”

“Would you rather call me back?”

“No, no, it’s fine. I got her.” I say, closing my eyes and shaking my head after lying to the police. It was only a little white lie, right? Get it together, Isla.

“So, what do you say? Will you help a police dog in need?”

How can I say no when he puts it like that? Plus…it’s Sam’s dog. “I’ll do it.” I blurt out before changing my mind.

“Wonderful! We really appreciate your assistance. I have to tell you, Blue’s had a pretty rough time the last month, not to mention Sergeant Wolfe. Since the shooting, the two have been inseparable.”

“Really, it’s no problem at all. It’s my job and I’m happy to help in any way I can. So, uh, when will Sergeant Wolfe and Blue be arriving in Bliss?”

“They’ll be there Sunday—and if it’s okay, Sam will stop by your office on Monday to meet you and go over a treatment schedule that works for everyone.”

“So—Sergeant Wolfe doesn’t know I’ll be caring for Blue while they’re here?” I don’t know why I even asked that, it’s unlikely he knows my married name.

“Well, he knows of you, but I wanted to get your approval before I told him you agreed to take Blue on as a patient. I know he’ll be relieved since I mentioned your credentials. He loves that dog as much as he loves his son.”

Son? Sam has a kid? My pulse accelerates at the realization. Clearing my throat, I ask, “I assume his family will be joining him for the summer?” Thump-thump, thump-thump, my heart pounds in my chest. He’s your past Isla.


Author Bio:

Freda was born in southern New Jersey but grew up in Florida. She has loved writing her entire life. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, she knew it was time to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a published author.

She's the author of The Hawaii Series, proudly named from her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It's a three-book series with all of them written as standalone books.

Freda loves her large family, horses, dogs, cat, and close friends. She hosts monthly family dinners at her home in the country, which she shares with her husband.

She loves baking (she owned and operated a cupcake business for years), cooking, yoga, crocheting, nature and traveling with the love of her life.

What helps her write? Music makes her happy! If music doesn't give her the right motivation, she puts on a romantic movie, usually from the Hallmark Channel, which she can't get enough of!

Freda speaks her mind and pushes perfection to its limit. She strives to be her best, most positive self she can be in life. With time, determination, and practice, she believes anything is possible.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Book Review - HOT SEAL: SWEET & SPICY by Cynthia D'Alba

 


Title: 
 Hot Seal: Sweet & Spicy
Author:  Cynthia D'Alba
Genre:  Adult, Military/Western Romance
Release Date:  July 27, 2021

About the Book:

She’s hankering for some happiness. He’s facing his fate alone. Together, can they find forever on the menu?

Addison Treadway needs time to heal. With her loveless marriage finally demolished by her breast cancer diagnosis, the talk-show host never expected to also lose her job. And since her weekend as a bridesmaid is her last before chemo, the thirty-three-year-old resolves to put her perky girls to good use… and the groom’s hunky brother is the perfect choice to kiss them goodbye.

Without orders to fulfill, Eli Miller feels aimless. With the former Navy SEAL’s duties now turned towards the family farm, he’s confused about what his future holds. And before he can figure out his next move, he finds the supposedly single woman he regretfully slept with at his brother’s wedding is staying in his parents’ apartment.

Grateful to have acquaintances offer their home for her recovery from reconstructive surgery, Addison is floored when the sexy guy who ghosted her walks through the door. But when Eli uncovers the truth and sparks fly again, he starts cooking up something he’s sure she’s going to love.

Can they get past their awkward introduction and serve up a sizzling happily ever after?

Hot SEAL, Sweet and Spicy is a sweltering standalone contemporary romance in the SEALs in Paradise series. If you like characters confronting change, laughter-filled confusion, and red-hot passion, then you’ll adore Cynthia D'Alba’s dish of desire.


Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I am officially in love with Eli Miller. Please don't tell my husband because he just wouldn't understand about "book boyfriends". But seriously! How could anyone resist a hunky, strong, very attractive, Navy Seal, who is also a Cowboy and an all-around good guy who loves to cook!! And what's cooking in this latest novel by Cynthia D'Alba is smokin' HOT.

If you haven't grabbed one of these Hot Seals in Paradise novels, you are missing out! Each one can be read as a stand-alone, but you will frequently find a favorite character or two from previous books in the Hot Seals realm.

As for "Sweet & Spicy", author Cynthia D'Alba has created characters I absolutely loved. This storyline hit home somewhat and I loved how Ms. D'Alba told Addison's story, every heartbreaking moment of what she endured, both physically and psychologically, after being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).

While reading this, I cried. Yes, big old alligator tears running down my cheeks. Sometimes I cried because of what Addison was going through and sometimes I cried because of how heartwarming it was to see how real friends and one very special man could make everything right in Addison's world.

Oh! And I need to mention that the romance scenes were hot! 

My Rating: 


About the Author:


New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Cynthia D’Alba started writing on a challenge from her husband in 2006 and discovered having imaginary sex with lots of hunky men was fun. She was born and raised in a small Arkansas town. After being gone for a number of years, she’s thrilled to be making her home back in Arkansas living in a vine-covered cottage on the banks of an eight-thousand acre lake. When she’s not reading or writing or plotting, she’s doorman for her border collie, cook, housekeeper and chief bottle washer for her husband and slave to a noisy, messy parrot. She loves to chat online with friends and fans.

Learn more about Cynthia D'Alba and sign up for her newsletter on her website at www.CynthiaDAlba.com 



Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Book Blitz & Giveaway - KEEP ME CLOSE by Elizabeth Cole

Keep Me Close
Elizabeth Cole
(The Brothers Salem, #1)
Publication date: October 24th 2017
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Dominic Salem is many things: professional ghost hunter, curse breaker, and demon slayer to name a few. If there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s never pick up hitchhikers. Something about this one made him stop, though. Maybe he hasn’t learned his lesson yet.

Lavinia “Vinny” Wake doesn’t exactly trust her smoking hot ride. Her music is her sanctuary, the only thing she really believes in. But now, Vinny’s dreams have her all messed up, and the last one seemed too…real.

Dom can tell Vinny’s nightmares aren’t just dreams—they’re way worse. Something or someone is drawing her into a trap, and Dom has to stop it. Turns out Vinny’s life isn’t the only thing at stake. Her soul is on the line, too. No pressure.

The debut novel in The Brothers Salem, a new contemporary paranormal romance series where a trio of demon hunters–armed with spells and snark–are on a mission to slay some demons, break some curses, and get their girls. Unless the girls get them first.

The Brothers Salem Series:

Goodreads / Amazon

Now available on Kindle Unlimited!

EXCERPT Book 1:

As soon as Dom left the building and sighted his motorcycle, he got sidetracked by something he didn’t usually see along with it—a gorgeous woman.

“Wow,” Dom breathed. He’d seen her before, but not like this, leaning casually against the machine as if she belonged to it.

The worn, cropped black leather jacket fit her frame perfectly. Underneath the jacket he could see the mess of silver necklaces she wore around her neck, easily a couple dozen. She was resting against the side of the seat so that her legs were straight out, crossed at the ankles. The skinny jeans she wore outlined every contour of sleekly muscled legs.

Her black leather boots didn’t come up much above those ankles, and the leather was dusty with long wear, the toes all scuffed up. She had her phone out in one hand and a tube of lipstick in the other. Using the phone as a mirror, she swiped an intense red across her lips.

Dom hated lipstick. But it was still sexy as hell to watch her put it on.

She took her time, pursing her mouth in the mimic of a kiss, though she smiled only at the phone, not even glancing around. Her disdain for her surroundings was louder than any insult she might have screamed. It was defiant. It was unnecessarily provoking. And it looked great.

He was not the only man watching. Two other bikers had strolled up while he was inside. Dom wasn’t sure why they weren’t getting too close. Then he saw his cat pacing in a tight figure eight pattern between the new guys and the bike.

One guy took a step forward, and earned a hiss from the cat, who arched her back in the classic Halloween pose.

They laughed, but didn’t try to move forward. Piewicket could be far more intimidating than her tiny size suggested.

“Pussycat’s got claws,” one said.

“Which pussycat you looking at?” the other said, and laughed again.

Dom did not like that sound. He’d had enough of this place.

He moved faster. Not running, but not wasting time.

“What’s the rush, pal?” the first biker asked, seeing him pass.

Dom didn’t answer.

His passenger must have been more alert to the situation than she seemed, because she somehow put her phone and lipstick away and swung one long leg over the seat by the time he reached the bike.

He pushed the new helmet toward her. “Put this on. And hold onto me, because when I drive out of here, I’ll be doing it fast. Got it?”

She looked dubious, but did it, covering her blonde hair with the shiny helmet. Then her hands slipped around his chest, holding tight.

Dom grinned in spite of the danger he could feel all around him, thinking, After this, I should really find out her name.

Author Bio:

Elizabeth Cole is a romance author with a penchant for history, which is why she lives in an old house in an old city. She can be found hanging around libraries and archives, or curled in a corner reading, cat on lap. She believes in love at first sight. Then again, she also believes that mac 'n' cheese is a healthy breakfast, so don't trust her judgment on everything.

Elizabeth writes the Secrets of the Zodiac series of romantic spy thrillers set in the Regency period. The eighth novel, BREATHLESS IN THE DARK, is now available.

Elizabeth recently completed her Swordcross Knights series of medieval romances set in the beguiling word of Britannia during the period known as "The Anarchy". Start today with HONOR & ROSES.

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Sunday, August 1, 2021

Book Blitz & Giveaway - TO HOLD A RANCHER'S HAND by Kadi James

To Hold A Rancher’s Hand
Kadi James
Publication date: July 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rafe is a volunteer fireman who is sworn to protect his ranch and town. Gail has just lost everything to the devastating fire that destroyed her home. Will these two be able to heal their scars and find new love and happiness?

After the trauma of war, rancher Rafe comes home to help his community as a volunteer fireman while trying to find balance in civilian life. He must carry the mantle of his family, who have been Guardians of Coyote Valley for generations. Now its up to Gabe to protect the town from the fires that ravage the national forests around Coyote Valley. But as he gives his all to the community, he often forgets to take care of his own heart.

Loner Gail has just lost everything to the devastating fire that destroyed her home. When the handsome rancher who saved her offers to let her stay at his place, it seems like the perfect solution. Until she remembers she doesn’t really like living with people. It’s why she was living up on top of the mountain in the first place.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“You’ve been back a couple years.” Javier sipped his coffee as he gazed pensively at his former ward. “I think you’ve got a better handle on it than you let on. But it’s alright. I’d rather you take it at your pace and maybe think about settling down.”

“Settle down?” Rafe couldn’t stifle his laughter. “With what? All I ever see are the sheep and dogs.”

“Well, you’re always pent up in this house.” Javier motioned to encompass the kitchen and the rest of Rafe’s home.

“I spend fifteen hours a day working out on the ranch.” Rafe chided, sliding his breakfast onto the plate. “I’d hardly call that pent up in the house. You know I’ve never had much luck with women.”

“It’s only because you don’t actually ask any of them out,” Javier said with a chuckle.

“I just haven’t met a woman who, well, a woman who made sense to me.” Gabriel took a big bite of his toast and egg.

“Maybe you need to rethink how you make sense to other people.” Javier stood up to wash out his coffee mug. “Maybe it’s the way you’re looking at it.”

“I’ve never even had a girlfriend,” Rafe said. “That is as awkward as they come.”

“Well, it’s hard to have a girlfriend when you’re in the military. But I was married when I was 21. You know you need a support system to get you through some of these things in life that you’re going to face.” Javier placed his cup in the drying rack.

“I can’t imagine facing worse than I have.” Rafe took another bite.

“I pray you don’t,” Javier said. “But whatever you face, a wife sure helps with that. Martha is the only reason I was able to make it through when your parents died. Here I was all of a sudden responsible for a whole ranch and a small, grieving child.”

“Well, I don’t have a child to take care of.” Rafe shrugged as he finished his breakfast.

“No. You’re going to have a hundred children to take care of as soon as these ewes start lambing.” Javier laughed and drained his coffee.

Rafe was just rinsing his plate when a loud static sound filled the air. A dispatcher’s voice called out over the radio. “Report of a half-acre in the grass, moderate rate of spread. Coyote Valley vegetation fire…Cow Mountain Road near mile post 12.38. Command 8. Tactical 2. First at scene will establish roadway IC. Stand by for check back on command 8.”

Gabriel and Javier exchanged a look. “That’s on North Ridge.” Gabriel left his plate in the sink and headed to the entry hall to grab his gear.

“All volunteers report to base,” the dispatcher continued. “Fire house 13 we have a report of a blaze starting up on Cow Mountain we need all hands to the fire department please including the volunteers we need as much help as we possibly can get. There’s a fire on Cow Mountain heading south.”

Javier squinted out the window and the trees swaying in the wind. “There are a few houses up on North Ridge. It’ll get to those first.”

“People living up there, still?” Rafe hoisted his web gear onto his shoulder and slung his boots and helmet up in his other hand.

“Yeah, I think there are about five houses up there,” Javier said, pulling out his phone and preparing a group text. “I’ll get the guys together.”

“I’ll head to the houses. It’s probably near where the fire started.” Rafe nodded to Javier who pulled the door open for him. “It’s not like there was a lightning storm going on.”

“You get what you need to get done,” Javier said. “I’ll send the boys up the mountain as soon as I can.”

“We’re going to need all the hands we can get,” Rafe threw his gear in the back of the truck and tipped his hat to Javier. “If the wind is blowing south, the fire will be headed straight to us.”

Author Bio:

Kadi James was raised on a ranch in Northern California riding horses, writing stories, and waiting for true love to happen. Her passion for storytelling took her around the world to experience global cultures, history, and mythology, always looking for the similarities rather than the differences. After years overseas, country roads brought her back home again and she returned to California, her family, and the ranch where she grew up. Today she writes Sweet Ranch Romance that touches reader's hearts by reminding them of the simple things that really matter in life; family, kindness, and always...love.

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