Excerpt & Giveaway: Breaking the Rules by Melinda Dozier

Breaking the Rules
By: Melinda Dozier
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Published: July 8, 2013
Genre: Romance

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A forbidden love affair in the past has led Hope Robinson, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, Florida, where she commits herself to play by the rules. This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who—even strapped in a cast—has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.

Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops, though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs—and their hearts—are worth the risk.

Without a word, he grabbed her hand and led her to the back where a piano sat on a small stage. Letting go of her hand, he opened his arms and said, “Your wish is my command.”

Her mouth fell open and she touched her parted lips. “Are you kidding me?”

He shook his head and backed away. “It’s all yours.”

At the closest table to the stage, he sat in a chair and watched Hope stroke the baby grand piano next to her. Her fingers caressed the keys, then she glanced around the room. Looking back at him, she mouthed, “I can’t.”

He mouthed back, “Yes, you can.”

She giggled and bit her lip. Squeezing her eyes shut, he saw her take one of her yoga deep breaths. She sat down at the piano bench, her fingers outstretched on top. After a few more breaths, she looked more at ease. Colin smiled. He couldn’t help himself. She looked like she actually belonged on that stage.

Tucker brought over a beer and gazed at Hope on stage. “She’s a looker.”

“I can’t wait to hear her.”

“Let me get her started, then.” Tucker headed to the stage and stood in front of the microphone. When he nodded at Hope, she nodded back in acknowledgement and then he announced to the seven or eight people in the audience, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an impromptu performance. Give it up for Ms. Hope Robinson.”

A few claps sounded, and then Colin heard the keys of the piano. A soft tune that complemented this soft Hope. Smiling, he took a sip of his beer and relaxed. She actually did this, no qualms, no major retorts, just a simple, “okay, I’m in for it” attitude that turned him on even more.

So far, he’d seen two sides of Hope. There was the Ms. Robinson side, the principal who was all business, straight and narrow. Then there was the fun Hope—his friend, damn it—who laughed at his jokes, relaxed and open. Up on the stage, Hope turned into yet another person. An artist. Soft. Gentle. Almost pure. And she was really talented. So much so that he closed his eyes and imagined she played to him, and only him ... and okay, he couldn’t help himself. She was naked. A man could dream, couldn’t he?

The tune was nice, somewhat jazzy with a touch of classical. He was no music connoisseur, but he knew when music sounded good. Opening his eyes, he saw her lean into the keys, feeling in her touch, her eyes closed and her head moving. This Hope was a sensual one. He wanted her to play him like she played that piano. Stroking, with a tenderness that only she knew, telling a story with the sounds.

Shit. This friends bit wouldn’t pass. If he couldn’t convince her otherwise after today, he would have to ignore her completely, or else he would go crazy. And he didn’t want to ignore her. He wanted to take this to the next level, and by God, he would kiss her again by the end of the night if it killed him.

Melinda Dozier lives in Guatemala, Central America, with her husband, three boys and German Shepherd. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they’re grown.

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Excerpt & Giveaway: The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers

The Switched Baby Scandal
(A Scandals of San Sebastian, #1)
By: Theresa Meyers
Publisher: Bliss
Published: June 10, 2013
Genre: Romance

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His child. Her daughter. One monumental mix-up.

Single mom Taylor Lawrence just discovered that the hospital sent her home with the wrong infant five years ago. Now the headstrong and handsome biological father wants his child back. But Emily has always been her daughter, and Taylor won’t give her up without a fight.

Widower Reece Wallace believed his life was over when a drunk driver killed his wife and daughter. So when he learns of the baby switch, he sees this child as his ultimate salvation. But he never anticipated the fiery woman on the other side of this custody battle—or how she’d stir feelings in him long dormant.

As the media storm surrounding the hospital’s mistake intensifies, Taylor and Reece find there’s more to sort out than custody of Emily—they must work together to protect her while grappling with their growing attraction. Can they pick up the pieces of two broken families and meld them into something new?

Resentment and anger prickled to the surface of Taylor’s skin.

Reece squeezed his hands together. “This is my natural child we are talking about. I know that down in my gut and any test isn’t going to tell us differently. All I want is what you want, to reconnect with the part of me that is missing and perhaps have the opportunity to be part of her life. Is that so hard to understand?”

Taylor crossed her arms. She realized that posturing was going to get them nowhere quickly. If Emily were indeed his natural child, she would have to allow him access and ultimately attempt to forge a relationship of some kind with Reece. But she needed to know how high the cost was going to be.

“I’m not denying you access to Emily. I’m simply trying to determine what is best for her.” She took a deep breath. “I am assuming that is what you want as well.”

“It is.” He sat back, his gaze confident and unwavering.

“Good, just so we’re clear that Emily’s welfare is our ultimate goal.”

He nodded in agreement. “So what are we going to do when the tests come back positive?”

“I can give you a chance to get to know Emily under the right circumstances, but what do you have to offer me? I get nothing. My natural child is gone, Mr. Wallace.”

“And we’re back to Mr. Wallace already.” He looked down at his hands and twisted the gold band around his finger. Reece lifted his head and looked her straight in the eye.

“I can’t bring Alyssa back. I wish to God that I could. But I can give you something no one else on this planet can. I can make Alyssa real for you.”

Taylor gasped, her heart slamming against her ribs as he kept talking.

“I’m the only one with the memories, with the knowledge of what it took to put her to sleep at night, when her first tooth came in, and her first word. All her baby pictures. I’ll gladly share that with you, Taylor, if you’ll just give me the chance.”

 Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories despite dyslexia that made it difficult for her to write and read until the fourth grade. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books.

She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, two cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd dog, a parakeet and an out-of-control herb garden.

She collects teapots, teddy bears and steampunk gadgetry, and when not writing can be found sewing, painting, canning, baking, or hiding out in a comfy chair reading a wonderful book. On occasion, you might find her scuba diving or riding her white quad with hot pink flames on the sand dunes. Her favorite television shows are Supernatural (Dean Girl), The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time and Grimm (is it any wonder she writes fiction?).

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Review: Wilde Nights in Paradise by Tonya Burrows

Wilde Nights in Paradise
(A Wilde Security, #1)
By: Tonya Burrows
Publisher: Brazen
Published; June 10, 2013
Genre: Romance
Rating:



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He’ll guard her body all night long.

Former Marine Jude Wilde’s motto has always been “burn bridges and never look back,” so nobody is more surprised when Wilde Security is hired to protect assistant district attorney Libby Pruitt, the woman he loved and left. Although she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Jude, they’re forced to fake a relationship for her safety. He can’t ignore the heat still simmering between them, and when her stalker’s threats escalate to attempted murder, he’s left with no choice but to whisk her away to a friend’s safe house in Key West, FL.

Cooped up in paradise together, Jude begins to chip away at Libby’s resolve to hate him. But even as she gives in to his proximity and her body’s demands for his, she refuses to fall for his charms again. Maybe a torrid affair in the sun is exactly what she needs to get him out of her system. But when her stalker tracks them down, can they escape the steamy Key West night without anyone getting hurt? 

Jude's been tasked with the job of protecting his ex-fiancee. The woman who's heart he broke 8 years ago. But if he's being honest with himself, he's thought about her every moment since. Since his parents passed away when he was a kid, he's felt guilt over their death and has been unconsciously sabotaging every good thing that's ever happened to him. Especially his relationship with Libby.

"But part of him in the deepest, darkest pit in his soul wondered how long he could keep smiling."

Now he has to put the past behind him and do his job, but that's kind of hard to do when Libby wants one night together to get him out of her system. Once he's had a taste, one night will never be enough.

I liked the idea behind this story. The fact that you have a independent career driven woman who isn't afraid of some stalker. She's not about to let some guy scare her away from doing her job as an attorney. So in steps her ex-fiance, the one who cheated on her and broke her heart. Not only is he her new bodyguard but when the threats escalate and her life is put in danger, she's whisked away to a private estate to live with Jude until the person behind the threats is caught.

Of course there is a lot of sexual tension throughout the entire story. Even after they knock boots, Libby decides to keep her distance from Jude. However, no matter what, they find themselves rediscovering each other regardless of how hard they try to stay away.

There wasn't a lot of suspense since a lot of the time the story revolves around the two of them hiding out. I would have liked to have had more suspense since Libby was supposed to be in danger but once they hide out at Jude's friends house, the danger is all but forgotten. I still thought this was a good read and liked the whole second chance theme to it.

"There are so many ugly places and people in this world, I've learned you have to grab hold of the places like this, the moments like this, and cherish them."

Review & Giveaway: Act Like You Love Me by Cindi Madsen

Act Like You Love Me
(Accidentally In Love, #2)
By: Cindi Madsen
Publisher: Bliss
Published: June 10, 2013
Genre: Romance
Rating:


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What would you do for a second chance with your first crush?

 Brynn McAdams isn’t the awkward drama geek she was in high school—she’s grown up and confident, or at least she likes to think so. But when her old crush, the impossibly handsome and impossibly unattainable Sawyer Raines, comes back to town to direct her community play, Brynn finds herself determined to be someone other than the girl he doesn’t even recognize. Good thing she’s an excellent actress.

After his bad breakup in NYC, the last thing Sawyer wants is to get involved with another actress. But the glamorous and beautiful Brynn draws him in, even though as her director, he knows she’s off-limits. There’s just something about the woman that feels…familiar. Like home.

As Brynn’s lies start to snowball, she struggles to stop acting and come clean. But what if Sawyer is already falling for the fake Brynn, not the Brynn she truly is?  

We've all had a crush on someone in our life and Brynn is no exception. She was awkward in her high school days and of course found herself crushing on the football player who didn't even look her way. So when she finally got the nerve to talk to him and ask him to prom she's crushed when he blows her off. Almost a decade later and not only is Sawyer back in town but he's now the director of the play she's in. He has no idea who she is and not wanting to be that girl anymore she decides to pretend to be someone else. Pretty soon Brynn finds herself caught in her web of lies.

I really liked Falling For Her Fiancee and was really excited to start this one but I wasn't able to fully immerse myself in the story. I found Brynn's character really immature. Instead of confessing who she is, she plays along that she's some actress from Los Angeles. She then decides to practice her flirting on Sawyer. Meanwhile, she's cursing him in her head for the way he ignored her in high school. I just felt like she held her grudge against him a bit too long. Not only that but she ran so hot and cold when it came to him that I just couldn't keep track.

I did like Sawyer's character though. It wasn't that he was outright rude to Brynn as a teen. He just didn't pay her any mind. At the time his father was dying and he was dealing with a lot of stuff at home that he sort of wasn't really that into all the high school stuff.

I liked that they lived in a small town. So everyone knows everyone. It was hard for Brynn to keep her secret around Sawyer but somehow she managed to keep her real life separate. If Brynn didn't hold such a grudge against Sawyer throughout the entire book, I think I would've enjoyed this story a bit much but I just wasn't a fan of the main character.

"Guys are like fish. You wave something shiny at them and then once you get your hook in, you yank real hard and reel him in."

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

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Previous reviews from Accidentally In Love
Falling For Her Fiance


 

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Review: Chasing Mrs. Right by Katee Robert

Chasing Mrs. Right
(Come Undone, #2)
By: Katee Robert
Publisher: Brazen
Published: March 25, 2013
Genre: Romance
Rating:


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It was only supposed to last one night…

 Roxanne Stokes doesn’t believe in love. She does, however, believe in the sexy-as-sin stranger who literally knocks her off her feet in front of a nightclub. The chemistry sparking between them takes her breath away, and she’ll do anything to ease the pain in his eyes…until she realizes the handsome stranger is her best friend’s older brother who’s just come home from war.

Ian Walser had no idea the gorgeous woman he slept with the night of his homecoming party was his little sister’s best friend—or that she’d be gone before morning. Roxanne’s touch soothes him in a way nothing else can, and he’s not ready to walk away from that yet. Not when spending time with her gave Ian a glimpse of everything he’s ever wanted. When his sister unwittingly pushes them together, he sees his chance. But convincing a woman who doesn’t believe in love that she’s his Mrs. Right might be harder than any mission Ian’s undertaken. Good thing this soldier likes a challenge…

Ian's just come back from living his life in the military. Due to circumstances while being deployed he no longer can tolerate huge crowds and loud noise. So when his family throws a welcome home party for him in a club filled with people, it doesn't take long for him to bolt out of there and plow down a poor woman outside the door. He finds that being around this sexy woman calms him in ways that his deep breath exercises have never managed. After a night of passion, he wakes up in an empty hotel room with no idea what her name is, until he bumps into her and his sister. That's when he finds out that the mystery woman is his sister, Elle's, best friend.

I must admit that I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the Come Undone series which focuses on Elle and her HEA. So I was a little nervous going in that I would feel like I was missing something and even though you could tell that there was a story previously that was obviously about Elle, the author did a great job filling you in.

Clearly Ian has issues from his time in the military but Roxanne has her own as well. Her mother went through men like crazy and drilled into Roxanne's head at a young age to never trust men, they always leave. So when the perfect gentlemen falls into her life, she's skeptical that he's any different from the men her mother warned her about. However, he does everything in his power to reassure Roxanne that he's not one of those men.

I really enjoyed this story and the heat level is definitely steamy. Katee wastes no time jumping the characters and the readers into bed. The characters were likable and I enjoyed reading their story. Now all I have to do is read the first book in the series. Yes, I know it's out of order but sometimes, that happens.

"Woman, I've always been country. I'm just refinding my roots. Though we can go cow-tipping later is you're feeling squirrelly."

Review: Skin in the Game by Jackie Barbosa

Skin in the Game
By: Jackie Barbosa
Publisher: Brazen
Release Date: May 27, 2013
Genre: Romance
Rating:


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Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.

Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position.

But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.

Many years ago a freshman laid into the high school's star quarterback about poor plays that would ultimately cost them their championship if he didn't change the way they were playing. Now, years later, that quarterback is none other than NFL quarterback, Cade Reynolds. He still remembers that freshman firecracker who lit a fire under his butt in high school. He has no idea however, that that girl is now the hot chick he's ogling in the coffee shop or the woman who he will be working side by side with.

I will admit that I am not a fan of football. I don't understand it first of all, and second, it bores me to tears. So I'm glad to say that there is little football time in this story, which may deter others, but for me, it was a good thing.

I found the characters to be likable. Even though Cade is an NFL player, he doesn't really have the "I'm hot sh*t" attitude. He's pretty down to earth and when his coach needs help with the high school football team while recovering from medical problems, Cade is right there to help out.

Angela was definitely an interesting character. She immediately recognizes Cade but when she realizes that her has no idea who she is, she isn't forthcoming to clue him in. Instead she plays along with him as if they've never met before. I thought it was funny that she was very uncomfortable with calling her father to let her know that she was going to be spending the weekend with Cade and that he would have to fend for himself. Yeah, she's in her late twenties but heck, even I'd be uncomfortable having that conversation with my father... and I've been married for 8 years. It's just weird. HaHa

"'Love you, too. Bye, Dad.' Angie pressed the end button on her cell, completing the most uncomfortable conversation she'd ever had. It was silly, of course. She was twenty-nine, not eighteen. But still... there was something about telling her father she was spending the weekend with Cade Reynolds-and knowing her dad knew exactly what they were doing together-that made her want to crawl into a hole and die."

This is the first book by Jackie that I've read but I hope that she turns this into a series. I think it would be interesting to follow Warren Harris who is one of Cade's best friends, who's also a NFL quarterback who's recovering from an injury. 

"None of that 'Oh, I'm not hungry; I'll just have a salad' crap so many woman pulled, as if he'd think they were less attractive somehow if they ate like real human beings. Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, what was the point in taking a woman out for dinner if she didn't like food?"

Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway: Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier

 

Time Changes Everything
By: Melinda Dozier
Release Date: Entranced Publishing
Published: May 13, 2013
Genre: Romance

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Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his heart?

 

In high school, Amanda was someone special. Hell, even before then. Their parents were best friends, which had forced Jake and Amanda together. At first, he’d thought it was a hindrance. Later, when she developed longer legs and a bigger bust, he found himself around her more. After discovering her quirkiness, her love of art and her sense of humor, he actually enjoyed being around her. But he never touched her.

He contemplated running his fingers through her hair like he did his first year of college –– the last time they were alone –– the night he left town and never saw her again.

Did she remember the night he left? Of course she did. Seven years ago, he’d ruined their friendship. He knew Amanda almost as well as he knew himself. Well, he’d known her. Now she was a different woman.

Jake leaned in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”

Amanda fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

“I’m thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held her chin. “It’s been way too long.”

Amanda licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.

She moved closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”

“Exactly.” He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans olive.

Jake leaned on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her. “Look at you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “A beautiful face.”

Amanda hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than anybody.”

Because his fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over and held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now.”

Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV., traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

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Thank you for stopping by today. For those who are not familiar with Time Changes Everything, do you mind telling our readers a little bit about it?
Hello and thank you for having me today! Time Changes Everything is a friends to lovers story. Jake and Amanda have known each other pretty much their whole lives. But when they run into one another in New York City, their teenage crushes turn into something much steamier – and they soon realize time changes everything. 

Release day is one week away, May 13. Don’t miss it!


What inspired you to write this book?
Time Changes Everything is a special book, because it’s my first completed romance novel. I’ve been an avid romance reader since I was a teenager and I’ve had a goal to write and publish one day. Jake and Amanda started to talk to me in my dreams – yes, I know that sounds weird – and basically told me they would drive me crazy until I wrote their story. They wanted their happily ever after and insisted I write it.

Amanda sounds like quite a workaholic. Would you say that you fall under that category as well?
Definitely! I’m a teacher by day and a writer by night – oh and in between I’m a wife and mother which is a whole job itself. Somehow, I juggle it all and I’m very happy. Maybe there is a bit of me in Amanda after all. Amanda is driven and successful. She works hard, but eventually finds time for love.

I noticed that you have another book coming out, would you mind telling us a little bit about it?
Yes! Breaking the Rules will be released in July by Crimson Romance. This book is closer to home since it’s about a klutzy middle school principal who always follows the rules. Hope Robinson is very much like me in that sense. She meets Doctor Colin Calaway, a widower and father of a student, who pushes her to “break the rules” and follow her heart.

You are stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous after all so I must ask... are you a book sniffer?
I absolutely LOVE books and I’m always sniffing around for the best reads. My faves are from Jill Shalvis and Shannon Stacey.

We always end our reviews with our favorite quote/part from the book and I know with Time Changes Everything being your baby, it will be hard to choose but what is your favorite part or quote?
This is totally not fair. I love it all! I had a lot of fun writing a long-distance sex scene. Sounds intriguing, right? I also love Jake and Amanda’s first kiss – especially since Jake, the non-commitment type, is the one to push for it. Here’s a teeny-weeny teaser:

He scooted her back and put his arms around her, holding onto the counter. “We both feel it. Don’t give me any of that friends crap, Mandy. We’ve grown up. Things change. And I bet you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you right now.”

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