Kristen Proby's SEDUCING LAUREN Character Hop-August 21

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SEDUCING LAUREN 

Synopsis: In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love. Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy? And don’t forget to read the first book in the Love under the Big Sky Series…

 LOVING CARA CHARACTER HOP SCHEDULE: 

 August 20 Holly’s Red Hot Reviews-Lauren 

August 21 Eye Candy Bookstore-Ty 

August 22 The Book Enthusiast-Jillian 

August 23 Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost!-Cara 

August 24 Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews-Josh 

August 25 Smut Book Club-Zack 

August 26 Reviews by Tammy & Kim-Seth 

August 27 A Book Whore’s Obsession-Brad 

August 28 Naughty & Nice Book Blog-Jack 

August 29 The Rock Stars of Romance-Misty 

EXCERPT: 

Ty: Seducing Lauren 

 I return to Lo’s office and grin when I see she’s still sitting exactly as she was when I left. I turn my attention back to my own work, responding to e-mail and drafting letters to clients. Suddenly my phone vibrates with an incoming text. Lauren: You look hot sitting over there. I glance up to find her staring at her computer screen, smiling while biting her lower lip. “I’m right here, you know.” She doesn’t respond and I go back to my e-mail. Within seconds, I have another text. She must be using iMessage on her Mac. Lauren: I think you should work naked. “I’m sitting in the same room. There is no need to text me.” My voice sounds stern, but I’m grinning. She is so funny. I love her playful side. She still doesn’t acknowledge my words, just pretends like she’s still working. Lauren: Don’t be a killjoy. Take off your shirt. We’ll call it research. I laugh and shake my head, then respond to her text: Heads up.

A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay http://www.podsnack.com/9578A6DBDC9/avpm0kut 

About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.


 Links: Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/
Twitter: @handbagjunkie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18123205-seducing-lauren?ac=1

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Blog Tour - Hearts on Fire by Ashli Rose

It has been five years since Ava Kingston left her parents’ house in New Jersey. She ran and never looked back, all because of one night. One night that could’ve changed her life forever. Now living in Chicago, working as a journalist, Ava thinks her life is finally where it should be. She is working toward a promotion, has a great family, and a few amazing friends. What more could a girl want? Just when Ava comes to a calming sense of closure in her life, her past reappears in the form of the Hunks in Uniform calendar. Will Ava’s feelings for this fearless firefighter resurface against her better judgment? Or will Ava try to forget the one person she ever really loved?

Gavin Sawyer is a Chicago firefighter who is stopping many women’s hearts as a model for the Hunks in Uniform calendar. Gavin only tried out for the calendar because of her—the one person who knew he was worthy of such prestige. He knew how much she wanted him to do it, but then she was gone. Without a warning, Ava left Gavin behind with a broken heart and bruised ego. He loved her, but she ran. One night separated them forever. Now, five years later, Gavin will stop at nothing to win her back. A chance encounter with Ava sets his heart on fire and proves that old feelings really do die hard.

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“Come on,” Gavin said as he pulled her over to a group of people gathered around two men singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. Ava turned to Gavin with a look of shock. He remembered. She had told him in conversation the week before that she loved classic rock, especially The Beatles. She also told him that if she ever had a daughter, she would name her Lennon. Thinking back on it, Ava was surprised Gavin asked her out after that comment. Ava held Gavin’s bicep and laid her head against his arm. She closed her eyes and listened to the two men sing one of her favorite songs. At one point, she began to sway, and she felt Gavin pull her into his body. It felt right being with him. Their bodies fit together perfectly, and she didn’t want to break contact with him. Fire was shooting through her veins, and she couldn’t believe that someone’s touch could do this to her. When the two men were done, the crowd erupted in a loud applause. Ava didn’t notice, but she had been crying. That song always did it to her.
“Are you OK, Ava?” Gavin asked as he wiped a tear with the pad of his thumb.
“I’m fine, Gavin. That is my favorite song, and I always get emotional when I listen to it. That was amazing. Thank you.”
“Of course, but you haven’t seen the best part.” Gavin pulled her through the crowd, and in the middle of the circle was a huge peace sign made out of stone with the word “Imagine” in the middle. Along the outside of the peace sign was a bunch of different flowers outlining it. This truly was amazing. Ava could only imagine what John Lennon would’ve been capable of had he been alive today.
Ava looked at Gavin and reached up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you, Gavin. This has been the best date ever.”
Gavin held Ava in his arms and kissed the top of her forehead. “So, could we add this to the list of things that you like?”
Ava laughed into his chest. “Yes, Gavin, we can.”
The next moment happened so quickly Ava didn’t even realize what was going on. Gavin dipped Ava back and planted a sweet kiss on her lips. Thankfully, Ava didn’t scream when it happened, because the kiss probably wouldn’t have been as amazing. Gavin’s lips were so soft against hers, and they tasted like mint and lemons. Ava cupped her hands behind his head and opened her mouth so Gavin could deepen the kiss. Gavin’s hand was on Ava’s lower back, and the other was behind her head. They continued their kiss, dancing with their tongues. They would’ve kept kissing if it weren’t for the applause and whistles they heard around them. They broke their kiss, and Ava buried her head in Gavin’s chest once again.
“Good job, man!”
“Get a room!”
Gavin just waved to everyone, and Ava pulled him toward the street.
“Oh my god. That was so embarrassing,” Ava said with a slight blush in her cheeks.
“Was it really that bad kissing me?” Gavin asked with his hand over his heart, faking insult.
“No, the kiss was amazing. I have never done anything like that in public before.”
Gavin pulled Ava closer. “Good. I like that I was able to share that with you. But, I promise, Ava, the next time I kiss you will be behind closed doors, and I will not stop there.”
Ava’s cheeks burned, and she knew she was red. The thought of Gavin’s lips on hers again was causing a stir in her belly. She wasn’t the type of girl to sleep with someone on the first date, but she could make an exception for someone who made it the best date she’d ever had.
If this date gave Ava any clue as to how their relationship would be, Ava was going to be one lucky girl.

© Ashli Rose, Hearts on Fire 2014

  

Ashli Rose is the author of the new novel Hearts on Fire in the Hearts on Fire Series.

A Jersey girl born and raised, Ashli lives in Bergen county with her husband Patrick and two year old daughter, Laila. She loves spending time with her family, watching teen shows(She’s a sucker for PLL and Teen Wolf), taking pictures of her daughter, and shopping for shoes that she will never have enough money to buy. Ashli is obsessed with all things Michael Kors and would purchase all of his bags if she could.

Ashli graduated with a BA in English from NJCU and during the day she is a Pre-K teacher to 30 energetic four and five year olds. Between them and her two year old it's a miracle that Ashli found the time to write this book. It has always been a dream of Ashli’s to write a book, it wasn't until the New Year that she decided to make that dream a reality. 

 

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THE RENTAL by Rebecca Berto ♥ COVER REVEAL

Title: The Rental, #1

Series:The Rental

Author: Rebecca Berto

Genre: Erotic Romance

Expected Release Date: September 22, 2014

Cover Designer:Berto Designs

 

Synopsis

At first, Rick Delaney watched Vee Wyland with the hungry eyes of a fox as if she were a rabbit … his rabbit. But one day, he slunk away without notice. Months away from graduating high school, Vee’s life is on the verge of crumbling. At home, dire finances and long hours test her family. Her boyfriend hardly pays attention to her. And she can’t shake her feelings for his older brother, Rick. Then, all in one night, tragedy tears her teetering life into shreds. When Rick and Vee reunite, the sparks fly. However, she unwittingly signs away a future for both of them. In his world, a place called The Rental, she becomes Victoria and Rick becomes Rhett. One part of her watches with fascination, while the other unfurls and embraces her sexual awakening. It began as a game, but the consequences are real. Following their heart’s desire is forbidden, but walking away could strip their hope for a future. The Rental is an erotic romance that explores how sex isn’t purely physical; sometimes, it’s a gateway to your soul.  

Pre - Order The Rental today

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Chapter 1

Rick Delaney was parked outside my house with my boyfriend. He stepped out of his car and lifted two fingers, saluting me at the front door. He shouldn’t have been. How could he return to Melbourne after a whole year when I resigned to a life without him—a life, specifically, with the brother he’d arrived? Bottled-up feelings pounded in my chest so hard I was glad no one was home to witness it. And my boyfriend? He tripped getting out of the passenger seat. That’s what can happen when you looked at your mobile phone instead of your girlfriend’s smiling face. My expression soured as he passed me, not even a peck on the cheek. “What’s with the ride?” I called. Their mum, Mrs Delaney, should’ve been dropping Justin off like usual. But he ignored me and trudged farther into my house. Rick noticed my expression and jogged up the stairs. Elder by three years, he stood tall with the composure of a man compared to his teenage brother. Strong shoulders filled out his dark T-shirt. He was bigger in not only his upper body but everywhere—thick arms and thighs and a solid build. Add that to a smile and he melted the hearts of women everywhere—seventeen-year-old girls included. “Mum and Dad are in Europe,” Rick said. “They call it a long-awaited honeymoon. Justin and I call it a mid-life crisis.” My jaw hung open. How could Justin not tell me? I thought this type of thing excited a boyfriend. Weeks of no parental supervision at home—it’d excite me if not for the sudden pit of worry in my belly. “They’re away? They’re not here?” “That’s what a holiday is.” Rick deadpanned. “It’s just that Justin never told me anything.” “It was only a few days ago.” As if that made it okay. If Justin didn’t spend so much time with his phone in his face, he might have remembered to tell me. I didn’t know why, but it cut me that I didn’t know an important change in his life. I told him every time my dad left to truck interstate for work and that was every few weeks. He was gone more than he was here, and Mum worked odd hours. It was lonely and hard to stay away from the temptations Justin and my best friend, Cara offered me at parties or when we hung out. “Hey, bro,” Justin called behind us. He came up and slammed his hand on the side of the front door. “Come fix the washing machine.” “Washing machine?” I asked. Why are you acting like you live here? I was close to adding. “Yeah,” he held out the front of his top, “got a Coke from your fridge and it squirted everywhere.” “We don’t have any Coke left in the fridge.” “You do in the spare one.” I bit my lip and flexed my fingers by my side. Facing him, I cracked a thin smile. Most of the time, Justin wasn’t like this. Correction, before recently, my boyfriend wasn’t like this. He kissed me like no one else, and made me laugh, but damn it, he either had the memory of a goldfish or was too ignorant to care. “That was for tomorrow night!” I stared into his eyes with hope of making him feel guilty, but he was clueless. “Dad’s back from Sydney tomorrow, and Mum’s got a dinner for us three. You know he loves Coke. You know he’s been away for weeks. You know Mum’s too busy working to buy more groceries before then.” Justin shook his head. “So uptight.” He squeezed my ass, smiling as he planted his lips fully to mine. “I love that about you, but seriously, I forgot. And, your mum works at a supermarket, for fuck’s sake.” True, but Justin drank Coke, and ate all the ice cream, and ate all the chips, and I got sick of explaining to Mum why I was so selfish as to keep putting her out when she only requested little favours like these on special occasions. Such as tomorrow. “I’m not uptight.” I paused. “It’s fine about the top—I’ll hand wash and Rick—” But as I turned to tell him not to worry about fixing the washing machine, my hands met a rock solid chest. I froze. My palms lingered on the contours of his defined pecs with my fingertips at his collarbone. Not able to look at his eyes, I dropped my hands, as if that would undo our moment. It didn’t. I’d spend sleepless nights dreaming about his body, as I did when he was far away and stopped talking to me. Pictures and memories of him were all I had. Justin was hot with his dark eyes and brown hair, but compared to Rick, he was scrawny. Mostly bones everywhere, and when we made out, his hips rubbed into mine. I’d forgotten his shortfalls when it was just him and me. I liked him plenty and that grew to love. But now my past was back, and I had no idea what to feel when seconds ago my hands were on his brother. That brother with a firm build, one that wouldn’t rub against me if we were to … I shut down that thought pattern. I shouldn’t imagine Rick on top of me. We were three years apart, and at my age, sex with him was illegal. I pulled my thoughts in and mumbled, “Oh, um,” then took a breath and tried again. “Dad’s back tomorrow, so don’t worry about it. He’ll fix it then. I feel terrible putting you out.” “It’s fine, Vee, really. Kill some time.” “Thanks, fag,” Justin said, pulling at my arm to drag me away. “God, Justin, you’re such an ass sometimes.” I shook out of his grip. He looked offended, so I added, “Gotta go clean up the Coke, remember?” “Seriously,” Rick said, “you two just chill. I’ll let myself through. This way?” He pointed down the hall. I nodded. “I’ll come with you.” “Fine.” Justin walked the other way. “You two have fun. I’m hanging in Vee’s bed.” “Such a tool,” Rick said, walking to the washing machine. “I know,” I mumbled. I took out the mop and bucket, and then went to the cupboard to grab the concentrate liquid. “I was born with a link to him, but indulge me,” Rick crouched by the washing machine on his haunches, legs spread and hands dangling between, “why is someone as smart and gorgeous as you with him?” “I ask myself why—” I stopped. He said I was smart and gorgeous. “Oh,” I managed between strangled breaths, “thanks.” He half-smiled then got to work. His T-shirt rode up on one side as he leant over. Just above his pant line, the angular ‘V’ at his lower back peeked out. Hard as I tried notto gawk, it was impossible when I was alone with him in this small space. “The um,” I started and almost forgot what I was going to say. Luckily, I recovered. “The machine won’t start. Not sure what it is. Mum and I have been hand washing for now.” Rick turned, focusing his attention on the washer. I wiped the laundry bench and cupboard and mopped the floor, trying to concentrate on the mop end and not Rick’s ass or his body bent over the machine. After I was done, I went to my room to hang with Justin, but he wasn’t there. I did a lap of the house, called his name, and checked the other rooms too, but he had literally disappeared. I paused a moment in the kitchen, steadying myself on the corner of the bench while I let the realisation absorb. He left without a goodbye, without much of a hello for that matter. “Rick!” I called. He emerged wiping his top down his face. I looked away as fast as I could, but the image of his lean eight-pack projected in my imagination anyway. Justin might’ve been outside or somewhere I hadn’t checked. He had to be. I pushed aside the topic. It would be stupid to suggest he left. “Thank you so much,” I said, meeting Rick’s eyes, “for in there.” I pointed behind him. “But you don’t know if I fixed it.” “You tried.” He smiled with his lip jutted out and nodded, as if I impressed him. “Well,” he said, “you can be a woman of modern technology from now on. All fixed. It was a loose belt. Slipped off.” “Oh, lucky me.” The silence became louder, and judging by the tightness between Rick’s eyebrows, he had just noticed Justin’s absence. “Justin?” I queried, and he nodded cautiously. “Yeah, I looked everywhere for him. This might sound stupid, but I think he left. I couldn’t find him. He’s just not here.” Rick tensed his jaw, scoping the open living area. “Bull,” he said, but by the dismissive tone, he sounded like he was saying it to himself or about something else. He stalked off toward my backyard without another word, so I scampered after him, my little legs no match for his long strides. I flipped the light on outside and Rick walked down the steps, following the shallow lighting spilling over the clumpy, yellowed grass and shrubs lining the property fence. “Unbelievable,” Rick muttered, I thought, but I couldn’t be sure with his back facing me or by the growl to his tone. He eased me back with a polite hand and walked around to my front door and beyond. He surveyed the porch and front yard in the same swift and efficient manner as the back, and then turned to me. We were facing each other separated by my whole house. The front light slammed behind him and it made him glow. I supposed I looked the same, and wondered if I seemed as mysterious and alluring as he did. Not possible. We shut the doors and walked towards each other, meeting near my kitchen bench. “Did he tell you he was leaving?” “Not at all,” I said, scratching my head. “I just came from the laundry and he was gone. Maybe …” but I trailed off, feeling stupid for thinking it. “What?” Rick said, eyes narrowed. “Maybe he texted me letting me know why.” Rick shrugged. “You could check.” I did, returning with my mobile phone. I had one new message. Justin: Had to go. Sorry, babe xoxo “Unbelievable,” I muttered, embodying the same rage as Rick. “What? He didn’t—” Rick looked at my mobile which I handed over, and he cut himself off to read. “He did. Where did he even go? What a bastard.” Rick’s cheeks were inflamed now, and a telltale vein popped from his forehead. He scrubbed his temples with the heels of his hands. I remained there not doing a thing. I hadn’t seen Rick for so long. I hadn’t a clue how to calm him down or what would be appropriate. “It’s not a big deal,” I said. “He’s my boyfriend, not yours.” “He’s my brother. I’m here to look out for him and the kid slips from my fingers.” “Look out?” I asked. Rick’s face blanched. He stood there with these big helpless arms dangling on either side of his body. He coughed and said, “Parents are away. Someone’s gotta keep him out of trouble.” “Oh.” I sighed. “It’s nice of you to come back to keep an eye on him. I’m sure he doesn’t think so. Now he can’t run amuck with freedom.” I had so many questions to ask Rick, like whether London was an extended holiday or was he there for work or did he miss me? I couldn’t ask any of them though when we had more important things on our minds. “I don’t think so either,” Rick said in a solemn tone. The severity of it hit me square in the chest like a physical force, and my body stood immobile while I adjusted to the weirdness of everything. Justin leaving, but also the aloof Rick Delaney that had changed since I last knew him. “I better go search.” He patted his pockets, looked over the bench, and then ducked into the laundry room. When he emerged, he walked to the front door. I followed, and we both turned to each other at the same time, emitting a startled chuckle from me. I placed my hand over my chest. “Thanks for everything. It’s good to see you back, Rick.” I leaned up to kiss him, and he stooped to my cheek, pecking it so lightly, only the bristle of his stubble grazed my skin. He jogged down the front steps, unlocked his car, and was about to jump into it when he looked up at me, this big, lost expression on his handsome face. “See ya,” he called. And then he hopped in and drove. At least he said goodbye, but the whole night had left me shaken. • • •

Read the first 3 Chapters on Wattpad (free, no sign up required):

http://www.wattpad.com/66159659-the-rental

 

About the Author

Rebecca Berto writes stories about love and relationships. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her books, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She's strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction. Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their pets.

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Reed¹s Reckoning by Ahren Sanders Cover Reveal

Book Title: Reed's Reckoning Author: Ahren Sanders Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: August 2014 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

 

 Arianna 'Ari' Williams thought she experienced the depths of true love until the man of her dreams dismissed her with no explanation. Heartbroken and humiliated, she found herself changing the course of her life and picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. Now four years later, she has a successful career, amazing friends, and a young son with crystal blue eyes that reminds her every day of the love she imagined. Emotionally she has moved on but the wounds never healed. Reed Matthews has it all. Playing professional football was his always his dream. Being one of the most successful wide receivers in the league comes with money, fame, and all the women he wants. Even with all his wishes coming true, he never stops thinking of the one woman that owned his soul four years ago. A chance encounter brings Reed to the realization that Ari Williams not only hid a life changing secret from him, but also things weren't as they seemed all those years ago. He's determined to get her back and build their lives together. When the truth behind their deception is revealed- friendships are tested, families are torn apart, and the one person behind it all is relentless. Can Reed protect those he loves and build the future he dreamed of?

 

 Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing. They have one amazing daughter. Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”.Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand.I started writing my Surrender Series, in the spring of 2013 and have received incredible support from the Indie community.Throughout this year, I have been privileged to meet some amazing people that I am thankful to have in my life.

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