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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Linda
Mary
Cathy
Book of Choice from Maureen Driscoll

Alicia
His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly

PC
Swag Pack from Sophie Barnes

Lori
Necklace from Bonnie Bliss

Laura
Book of Choice from Elle Kennedy or Vivian Arend


All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

A Historical Christmas Eve Event

We are back at it again


Myself, along with Rita from Not Another Romance Blog have teamed up again this year to bring you an amazing, extra special Christmas event you won’t soon forget! Starting tomorrow, December 2nd, both of our blogs will feature daily holiday-themed scenes written by some of your favorite historical romance authors. This year we've decided to add an extra twist to the festivities and all of the scenes take place on Christmas Eve! Each day you’ll have the chance to enter a daily giveaway on each blog sponsored by the featured author. There will also be an AMAZING GRAND PRIZE giveaway that you won't want to miss out on. Each participating author, as well as both Rita and myself have put together a GIANT box of goodies  (including gift cards, books and swag) that will go to one very lucky person. Sounds like fun right?

Friday, November 30, 2012

ARC Review: Touch of Steel by Kate Cross


I don't even know where to begin with this book. First I will say that prior to reading Touch of Steel, I had not read anything in the Steampunk genre before. Secondly, why haven't I? Yeah, I loved this book. For real. I love the mix of modern with historical. Kate Cross created a world that felt real to me. Not only did she create this wonderful fantastical world, but she created a group of characters that I was really taken with and I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen with everyone.

Claire Brooks is a spy on a mission. She is out to kill the man that she feels is responsible for the death of her beloved brother Robert. She almost succeeds when she is injured and then captured by the Wardens, a rival spy group. When she makes a deal with the Wardens that she will give up any secrets of the Company's (the spy group she works for) in exchange for her release to enact vengeance on her brother, she is in turn placed into the custody of Alistair Payne one of the Wardens top spies.

Alistair wants nothing to do with Claire Brooks. There is something about her he doesn't trust. He knows she is hiding something and he's bound to find out what it is. Yet, he made a promise that he would escort her to find the man responsible not only for the death of her brother, but the man responsible for his best friend Lucas's memory loss. Even though Alistair and Claire dislike each other immensely both can't help but find the other attractive. Though beyond a small kiss, neither acts on the growing attraction.

Slowly but surely the farther along in their travels they get the harder they are finding it to resist one another. Both find that they really can't trust the other, especially in the case of Alistair with Claire. Alistair has been burned and deceived by women in his past so it's even harder for him to let Claire in. Yet, even though he can't really trust her he is quickly realizing that he just might not care.

As for Claire she's realizing the more time she spends with Alistair the more she is growing to like and appreciate him. In a different world he would be the man she would want to marry but here and now, with her future looking all but non existent, she knows that she must keep focused on her mission, you take down the man who killed her brother.

I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. The action, adventure, the romance, it was all so very good. Kate Cross crafted a winner with Touch of Steel and I very much it enjoyed it. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in her Clockwork Agents series. If it's half as good as Touch of Steel was I know I'm in for a treat.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |


Guest Post with Karen Erickson and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC, author Karen Erickson. Karen is celebrating the release of her newest book in her Jane's Gift and has stopped by to chat. Please give Karen a warm welcome.

Romance author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read — sexy contemporary romance and sensual historical romance. Digitally published since 2006, she currently writes for Samhain Publishing, Entangled Publishing’s Bliss Imprint, Avon Impulse and Carina Press. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Places to find Karen:
Site Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest |

Guest Post with Bronwen Evans and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome back to the blog author, Bronwen Evans. Bronwen is celebrating the release of her book To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood and has stopped by to chat. Please give Bronwen a warm welcome.

New Zealander Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She’s always indulged her love for story-telling, and is constantly gobbling up movies, books and theatre. Her head is filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Being able to write her characters stories is never work, it’s a dream come true. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer.

She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. She's finaled in several romance writing competitions and is a member of several writing organizations, including RWA, RWNZ, and The Beau Monde. Her 2011 debut novel, INVITATION TO RUIN, received a 4.5 star rating from RT Book Reviews and was nominated in the RT Reviewers’ Choice awards – Best First Historical.

When not ensconced in her study writing her characters thrilling journeys to their happy ever after, Bron can be found on the golf course.

Places to find Bronwen:
| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Random Acts of Kindness: November Wrap Up

R.A.K, otherwise known as Random Acts of Kindness is put together by the lovely ladies from Book♥Soulmates. It's a way for fellow bloggers to get together and give eachother items on their wish lists. I love participating in R.A.K. It's so much fun and rewarding to give others items from their wish list and it's exciting to see if anyone is going to give you something too.


Received: 


Sent Out:

Here's how to participate:
  • Sign up each month you would like to participate
  • Show off that you are a R.A.K. participant by grabbing the button
  • Create a wish list(on Amazon, Goodreads, on your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K. post for the month
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K. for someone, check out their wish list and contact that person for their address
  • If sending an eBook you must gift through AmazonKobo, or Barnes and Noble
  • If you receive any items during the month you participate in, please email or tweet @Bookbrunette so she can update the Google doc.
  • At the end of the month SHOW US YOUR R.A.K! Make a post saying "Thank you" to whomever granted one of your wishes and then share it with Book Soulmates 

OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there is always Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!
Simple and easy!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

ARC Review: Romancing the Holiday by Christi Barth, Jaci Burton and HelenKay Dimon


Romancing the Holiday is an anthology comprised of three different novellas.

We'll Be Home for Christmas - HelenKay Dimon

Months ago Lila and Spence, who she knows as Austin spent a steamy and sex filled three days together locked in a hotel room. Afterwards, both parted never expecting to see each other again. But like most romance novels, that pretty much goes out the window pretty quickly. 

Down on her luck, Lila is attempting to start her life over and plans to fix up and run her uncle's old RV/Campground in West Virginia. The first order of business when Lila arrives is to head into town and pick up the order her uncle left for her at the nursery. When Lila arrives she is introduced to Austin Thomas, one of the owners of the nursery. Also, the man with whom she supposedly had spent the three nights in the hotel with a few months ago, only this is not the same man. Yes, his name is the same but he isn't the same. As Lila is confessing everything to Austin in hopes of trying to figure out just what the hell is going on Spence walks in. 

Spence has always felt bad about deceiving Lila, but doesn't regret the time they spent together. If he were being completely honest, he regrets that their time spent together was so short as he hasn't been able to stop thinking about their time together. Feeling horrible for his deception as well as wanting to spend time with Lila, Spence offers to help her with the renovation to the campground. 

Slowly but surely these two begin to work out their issues and come to a truce to start over. Quickly the chemistry between these two is becoming more and more apparent and both are finding it hard to resit one another. 

I really enjoyed this story and loved the connection between Lila and Spence. Both are completely attracted to one another and I thought some of their scenes together were pretty hot. I really enjoyed HelenKay's writing and am looking forward to reading more from her. 


Ask Her at Christmas - Christi Barth

Caitlin has been in love with her best friend Kyle for years. When Kyle proposes to Caitlin her heart stops and she can't breath. Kyle has never even hinted that her feelings might be reciprocated and now that he's proposing it's a total shock. Just as she's about to come back around Kyle reveals that it was just a test and that he was just practicing for when he proposes to his girlfriend Monica. 

Kyle might not love Monica and they might not get along as well as he and Caitlin do, but it's what his father wants and Kyle is determined to do whatever he can to make him proud, even if that means marrying someone he doesn't love. Kyle knows that he wants to propose to Monica and he wants it to be special, so he enlists Caitlin's help in the task. 

I have mixed feelings about this story. While I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers tropes, I feel like something was missing from this one. I would have liked to have seen more romance between Kyle and Caitlin. I just didn't feel like there was enough and I just didn't really believe in their HEA. 

The Best Thing - Jaci Burton

Tori Lewis and Brody Kent have always had a combative relationship with each other until several months ago when they shared a heated kiss. Ever since then, Tori has been withdrawn and snappy. Not wanting to jeopardize her job at Kent Construction or her relationship with the Kent family, she brushed it off and has since stopped speaking to Brody. Tori has always had a secret crush on Brody but he has a reputation as a manwhore and she definitely doesn't want to risk everything she's worked for just to be his girl of the week.  

Brody doesn't know what came over him when he kissed Tori but he doesn't regret it at all. What he regrets is the way things have gone down since the kiss. He's has tried on numerous occasions to talk to Tori about what happened to explains things but Tori just won't listen. Brody knows that he has a reputation for being a manwhore but how can he explain to Tori that he wants more from her than to just one night. 

This story was by far my favorite of the anthology. I thought there was so much chemistry and heat between Tori and Brody. Not only did I enjoy Tori and Brody, but I loved everyone else I was introduced to. I loved the camaraderie and the relationships we saw with everyone else.

Overall

I found this anthology highly enjoyable and I definitely recommend it. Each story was entertaining and sweet and made me want to read more. If you are looking for a great holiday inspired read, than this anthology is the way to go.


**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Feature and Giveaway: One Night with a Hero by Laura Kaye and Giveaway


He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Cheryl Dragon

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC, author Cheryl Dragon. Cheryl is on tour for her book The Last Man, and has stopped by to chat. Please give Cheryl a warm welcome.

A lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with sinfully hot erotic romance. Her two favorite settings are Las Vegas and New Orleans...where anything can happen! Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area with her deaf albino cat. By day she analyzes numbers for a division of a large international conglomerate, which leaves the creative juices free for her erotic romance novels.

Places to find Cheryl:

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Feature and Giveaway: Tudor Rubato by Jamie Salisbury


Having survived a near-death experience all Amadeus Tudor wants to do is escape to the countryside of Scotland with his wife Zara so the two can have some much needed down time together as a couple and work on rebuilding their relationship. Life for the past couple of years, however has been “a long, strange trip (it’s been)”* for the internationally acclaimed rock star, with no signs of stopping. (*Grateful Dead - Truckin')

But before the couple can even get away, tragedy hits close to home forcing the couple into almost delaying their new adventure. Grace Tudor, the family matriarch insists the two embark on their new adventure and recommitting to each other immediately.

The change of scenery proves exactly what Amadeus needs to reboot his songwriting and his all encompassing bond with Zara. Together they embrace their new adventure as slowly Amadeus, with the guidance of music icon, Peter McNichol embarks on what promises to be another notch in Amadeus’ career.

The road is full of twists and turns for the pair as one moment finds them frolicking in the meadows outside Edinburgh to the next learning the shocking and sinister side of one of Amadeus’ own brothers.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords |

Guest Post with Nona Raines

Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC author, Nona RainesNona is on tour promoting her book Her Perfect Man and has stopped by to answer some questions. Please give Nona a warm welcome.

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.

Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. She is thrilled to finally be able to call herself an author and looks forward to hearing from readers.

Places to find Nona:
Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter |

Monday, November 26, 2012

ARC Review: Texas Wide Open by KC Klein


I couldn't put this book down, it was so good. I love the way the author blending the past and the present. The chemistry between Cole and Kate was explosive and I found myself rooting for them for the entire book. I'm so glad these two got their long awaited HEA.

Seriously, this book was so good. The raw emotion you feel from the characters is so in your face and it leaves you wanting more. I found myself unable to turn away from my kindle because I was so engrossed with what was happening.

Cole is sexy and it breaks your heart to see him struggle to do what he believes is right. All he is wants is to do right by Katie and it breaks your heart to see this man struggle with how deep his feelings truly are towards Katie and the way his life takes a downward spiral when she subsequently leaves him. I never expected his feelings to be so strong and so deep.

Katie has known since she was eight that she would marry Cole. It was the mantra she said into her pillow each night. The older she got the stronger her feelings became and all that much more difficult it was to hide them. When she finally makes her move it's met with everything she always wanted then followed by devastating results which led to her moving away to college.

Now she's back and all of the feelings she thought she buried and left in the past have come rushing back to the surface. She's aware of his every breath and move and she's finding it hard to keep all of her repressed feelings to herself. Will these two somehow be able to work past all of their issues with each other and find a way to finally make it work?

Oh my goodness these two had me in a emotional wreck. I just couldn't take it. I just wanted them to find a way to get past everything and just when I thought things were bad enough, the author throws me a curve ball I never saw coming. This book is truly amazing and I can't wait to read more.

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |


Guest Post with Author Madison Martin and Giveaway


Today I would like to welcome to RFTC, author Madison Martin. Madison is on tour for her book Toying with Temptation and has stopped by to chat. Please give Madison a warm welcome.

Madison Martin is currently seeking help for her life-long addiction to movies, books, and anything else in which she can lose herself in a good story. Madison lives in the Washington, DC area. She is the author of The Deep End: Erotic Stories For Women, The Deep End 2, Briefly Yours: An Erotic Romance Novel, Nights on Catalina, and Toying With Temptations.

Places to find Madison:
| Site | 

Feature and Giveaway: Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 1 and 2

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories 
Episode 1 and 2

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories has a little of everything. From your everyday Contemporary Romance (The Getaway) To your Hot and Heavy Rockers turned Werewolves (Crave) and your Sci-Fi/Paranormal with Erotic overtones…. (The Genesis Project) Each Episode will entice its readers, draw them in. A quick Bedtime story before they dream, keeping them pleasantly satisfied while peaking their interests for next month’s installment. All for 99 cents. During the interim there will be previews of next month’s Episode…

Thanks to Danielle for allowing  me to stop by on the blog today!

Episode 1 Out Now
Purchase: | Amazon |

Sunday, November 25, 2012

ARC Review: Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis


Let me just say I love the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. Yes, I've actually only read the most recent released ones but I love the series none the less. With Under the Mistletoe I was introduced to a bunch of new characters (which are actually old characters) and I loved them. It definitely made me want to read the first set of books all that much more. What I appreciate though, is that even though I haven't read the first books I didn't feel overwhelmed or lost. I was still able to get a great feel for the characters.

All Mia wanted was to spend Christmas surrounded by the people she loves most, her family and her boyfriend Nick. Now she's nursing a broken heart back home in Lucky Harbor. Nick admits he handled things wrongly with Mia and now that she's gone he will do everything in his power to get her back. Even if it means having to venture to Lucky Harbor and beg her forgiveness in front of her entire family. 

Even with a little bit of words, Miz Shalvis was able to weave a story with a beginning, middle and end. I just LOVED Nick and Mia together and thought that their relationship was so sweet. If you are a fan of the Lucky Harbor series or someone looking for a quick Christmas read, Under the Mistletoe is definitely worth picking up. 

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |


Guest Post with Christi Barth and Giveaway


Today I would like to welcome back to the blog, author Christi Barth to RFTC. Chrisit is gearing up for the release of her novella Ask Her at Christmas and has stopped by to chat. Please give Christi a warm welcome.

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi lives in Maryland with her husband.

Places to find Christi:

Feature and Giveaway: Alpha Pack series by JD Tyler


Founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…

After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.

On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads the Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive…

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |