"Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother."
Author:Lindsey Brookes Pages: 380 pages Publisher: Self Published on Feb 2013 Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review) Genre: Contemporary Romance Amazon:Buy / $6.19 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours ) Barnes & Noble:Buy / $2.99 (Nook)
"After countless attempts to speak with the owner of the retreat for troubled teens she runs on the outskirts of Lone Tree, Montana, Caitlin Myers resorts to kidnapping Brandon ‘The Ogre of Lone Tree’ Barnes in a desperate attempt to change his mind about turning Stoney Brook into a vacation resort for the wealthy.
Retired rodeo star, Dalton Barnes, gets the surprise of his life when he’s abducted by a soft-spoken female with a ‘gun’ and taken to the retreat his family owns. He soon learns she’s kidnapped the wrong cowboy by mistake. She wanted his brother. Things go from bad to worse when a late spring snowstorm strands them together at the cabin. But it’s during their snow-in that Dalton learns why Caitlin has gone to such lengths to save Stoney Brook. Having had issues with his older brother himself and a not so happy past, Dalton promises to do what he can to help her.
When confronted Brandon tells Dalton he’ll hold off on his plans for the retreat, but only if Dalton agrees to stick around and help run it. Keeping his promise to Caitlin, Dalton agrees and what starts out as a common goal to turn the troubled teens’ lives around that summer ends up turning theirs around as well. Can a man who has always avoided putting down roots and a woman with a deep-seated fear of abandonment hang on to the happiness they've found together? Or will the past return to threaten their newfound love?" ~ From Goodreads
I really wanted to like this book and I think I did pretty good 1/3 into it, then it began to lose pace and entertainment value, sure the humor was there but it started to feel slapstick and forced. I might be near alone in this opinion as I've heart great reviews on this book.
In the beginning I liked both Brandon and Cait and their chemistry, and the love of chemistry never faltered, just the story did a little. The "bad brother" Dalton was heavily featured as well which is I believe to see his story, he seemed to have heartache, a bitch ex and some hollywood star caliber package lying around. But of course you got glimpses of a good heart. Brandon had a pretty good story arc from runaway playboy rodeo-star to stand-up ( except for the soap incident ) disciplinarian of teenage misfits, Caitlin was just little coocoo, endearing at times, annoying in others. I wasn't quite sure which won. ;) Perhaps her good heart made her more likable in the end.
The blurb ( even though bit on the long side ) promises some fun, love and drama and you do get that - and a lot reviewers have found this book great, so I'd say if the blurb intrigues you pick up a copy - make up your own mind. :)
Rating :
Lindsey will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour!
Romance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a four time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist and winner of Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contest. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
"Lingerie designer Alicia Clarkson just had to open her stupid mouth. Now thanks to trying to defend a fellow pack mate, Alicia’s been blindfolded, tied up, and carted off to the new alpha of the Oregon pack—Gavin MacKellen.
However, the blindfold doesn't come off so soon. Alicia’s curiosity gets fired up when Gavin refuses to reveal his face to her. Just what happened to him? He talks to her from shadowy corners and behind closed doors. The man is as allusive as a squirrely fox, but Alicia doesn't play games and the quiet spoken, hoarse voiced alpha doesn't stand a chance against her. They settle on an agreement, thirty days for them to get to know each other because that’s the only way this cowboy alpha will have it.
Gavin MacKellen needs a mate. But he knows no good woman would ever want to look at his face after the incident he suffered. After one look at Alicia Clarkson all his plans fly out the window. The woman’s beauty has him damn stunned speechless. She torments his thoughts and Gavin finds himself yearning to know everything about her. As relationship forms, love threatens to grow between them but Gavin struggles to cope with his physical appearance in the face of the beautiful Alicia.
Will she be the one to stand in the face of a monster and accept or will she turn her back on him as everyone else has?"
The Beauty and the Beast is by far my favorite Disney movie. Belle is the perfect heroine and almost one-of-a-kind for a Disney princess. She’s book smart, strong and not afraid to stand up and fight for others. And of course she’s beautiful.
Then enter the beast.
We all know Disney’s version of the beast—a hairy, monster of a man with claws and fangs.
In THE LONELIEST ALPHA, I have written a similar story. Our heroine, Alicia Clarkson is an exceptionally beautiful woman with a lot of courage, heart, and a gift for designing sexy lingerie.
Our heroine is Gavin MacKellen. He is a lykaen, a paranormal creature similar to a werewolf, but he and his kind do not shapeshift. Instead they grow stronger, faster, and more powerful when they channel their lykaen powers.
Gavin also had something terrible happen to him—his face is badly disfigured. This isn't a single scar that simply makes people curious but something ugly that turns people away. It’s through Alicia’s tenderness and understanding that he’s able to finally show her his face and accept what happened to him.
Both THE LONELIEST ALPHA and Beauty and the Beast are stories of acceptance. Accepting who you are or what happened to you is the only way to overcome. Once characters such as Gavin MacKellen and the Beast move on from their disfigurements/differences then they open themselves up to those who’d love them.
THE LONELIEST ALPHA is such a story. Inside my story you’ll see some things you won’t in the Disney movie. You’ll find erotic spanking over the kitchen table, hot love making, and some sexy lingerie that sends Gavin’s blood roaring. You will find some things that are in the Disney movie. Such as a plot to murder Gavin, the heroine fighting to escape our hero, and more that I won’t spoil here.
If you like Beauty and the Beast style love stories then you will love THE LONELIEST ALPHA.
“When is the last time you were with a man?”
Her body jerked. “Excuse me?”
He sighed, the sound thick not with impatience but caution. “I won’t repeat myself, Alicia Clarkson.”
She froze at the sound of her name even as a part of her understood that he had to know her name. The tone of his voice had changed though, the grating sound becoming a growl.
She answered as soon as she collected herself. “Seven months ago. No six. Yeah, six months, I think.”
“Were you sleeping with him?”
She bit the inside of her cheek, jaw flaring as a blush covered her face. “I don’t see what this as to do with–”
“Just answer the question,” he said in that slow, measured voice. He sounded like someone who didn’t waste words but chose them with care.
“Yes, I did.” Why that admission embarrassed her when she knew there was no shame in what she’d done annoyed her.
Then he spoke and every inch of her stiffened. Even her heart skipped a beat. “What do you look for…in a man?”
“What?” she said, her voice as soft as a whisper. He sounded curious, maybe even a little embarrassed.
“Answer the question, please.”
She shook her head sending locks of hair snapping across her cheek and stood, teetered, then widened her stance to steady herself. “No, I’m done with this. I won’t play your little games anymore. You either explain what this is about or untie me. Actually, untie me and show me the door. I’ve been ready to leave since I got here.”
He stood and she took an abrupt step back. Was it because she feared him—damn right.
“Turn around.”
“Like hell.”
“Turn around so I can untie you.”
Biting her lip, she debated his words. He could by lying. “Promise that’s all you want?”
He grunted some sound of agreement.
She was loathed to give him her back but she did, slowly. Better to show him her back than to keep the ropes on for god knows how long. He grabbed the rope binding her wrists and her heart jumped with fear. He could kill her; hurt her in so many ways.
“Stare straight ahead.”
Naturally, she tried to look over her shoulder but he grabbed the back of her head and turned it to face forward before she could catch a glimpse.
“Don’t.” A warning.
It became difficult to breathe. This close, she caught his scent. It was fresh and masculine smelled of something rugged and outdoors. The lykaen in her rolled onto its back and stretched, content. Whoa. Reel it in, Alicia.
She jumped at the sound of his voice so close to her ear. He had a gravelly, coarse voice, deep as a bass singers. He held the rope hostage as he spoke. “I’m searching for my mate, not lookin’ for no whore. I want you to stay here while we get to know each other. That means I’m gonna have some questions you’ll need to answer. You got that?”
Not really. “Yeah,” she said instead since she didn't see any other options.
Another grunt of approval, then she heard the metal swish of a switchblade coming out. She wiggled, tugging to get her arms free as fear rode her.
“Please don’t hurt me.” She hung her head, arms trembling in his grasp.
“Stay still. I don’t wanna nick you.”
Like that her fear passed. The blade passed through the ropes with ease and her shoulders sagged with relief. The itchy, cursed rope fell away. She smiled at the tiny pleasure of being free.
“You’ll sleep down the hall. I’ll have Will show you the room.”
Fingers touched her forearms, strong and direct. And then it vanished in an instant.
Rubbing her arms at the sudden chill, Alicia turned back only to find he’d retreated back into the shadows.
She didn't mean to ask it but the words flew from her lips. “Why won’t you let me see your face?”
He opened the door, stepping into the hallway. She was so certain he wouldn't answer her that she fiddled with her reddened wrists to hide her eyes.
But then he did answer and his words couldn't have shocked her more.
“I don’t want you to see my face ‘cause I’m an ugly son of a bitch and you’re too pretty to be looking at that.”
She gaped as he quietly shut the door behind him.
I love to write the kind of stories that will keep you up late at night and make your heart pound. It's my goal to make each new book better, more exciting, and more action-packed to keep thrilling you. I'm always trying to push the boundaries with my imagination, and yours, to create something new and different.
Open up one of my novels and you will find hot, erotic stories that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and fly through the pages. I write addictive love stories and I hope you like them.Visit my website to learn more about my books at www.tagrey.com.
"Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves' Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators. Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she's reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who'd kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit. Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?"
Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m menage, and is intended for adult readers only.
Julie poked her head around the corner in time to see Tristan making his way down the long hallway. She quickly got back to work, annoyed that he’d gone so far with his investigation. Their voices had carried well into the kitchen during the heat of their argument. She’d been tempted to intervene, but knew better than to interfere with Alpha business.
Padding into the room, Tristan eyed Julie standing next to the stove, pouring the broth into Tupperware containers.
“She sleeping?” Julie asked, already aware of the answer. He’d been down in her room for well over an hour, sitting in total silence, watching Kalli sleep, and she found it curious that he was taking such an interest in the injured human woman.
“You didn’t bring the soup,” he commented.
“You were busy,” she curtly replied.
“What gives, Jules? Just say it.”
“I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you don’t take direction well, Alpha. Although I guess you’re more used to giving directions than taking them,” she huffed. “I could hear the ruckus all the way in here. No disrespect intended, but I did say not to upset her, didn’t I?”
“Yeah well, it’s not easy being king,” he remarked with a smart-assed inflection, grabbing a bowl of soup. He sat down at the counter and began eating while she finished working.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to be so hard on you. I know you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do. It’s just that seeing her like that….all those scrapes and bruises and bite marks. My God, she was a mess. I suppose I’m going a little mother hen on you. I’m not used to having to deal with such violence. You are good to us, here.”
“No worries. We worked it out. She’s a tough one, you know. Believe me; she’ll be right as rain, soon. My spidey sense tells me so,” he joked.
“All right then, I’m going to leave you some crackers and ginger ale to put next to her bed in case she wakes up in the middle of the night starving. I was able to get a little bit of the electrolyte fluid into her before she woke up all the way. I have to say that it’s unusual for a human not to be dehydrated. I guess she must have been really, really healthy before this happened to her. It’s almost as if…well, never mind.”
Tristan stopped eating and stared over at Julie, who looked deep in thought. “What is it?”
“Oh, I’m just being crazy. I was just going to say that it’s almost as if she had the constitution of a wolf. Silly, huh?”
“Yeah, silly.” Tristan bit into a cracker, considering her assessment. Silly? Or right on target? He felt it too. Something about that woman wasn’t exactly human, but then again, she wasn’t at all supernatural.
Julie gathered up her purse and gave Tristan a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. “Okay, hun, well, call me if you need anything. I’ll stop by tomorrow to check on our girl. Maybe bring up some clothes for her, too. Get some rest, okay? Love ya!” she chirped as she entered the elevator and the doors slid shut.
Tristan reveled in the quietness surrounding him. He needed to think about his next steps, his strategy. He planned to bring in a sketch artist, so they could put a face to the arsonists. The meeting with Jax Chandler was in another two days, and he needed to get his shit together before it all went down. Throwing his bowl in the sink, he went to take a hot shower. He needed to think, without his libido interfering. It was as if he’d just been given a few more pieces of a jigsaw puzzle for which he didn’t have the picture. But he was cunning, and that’s what he did best, work with the impossible to make the possible happen. He was Alpha.
Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2) and Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3).
In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.
Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.
Connect with Kym:
• Website: www.KymGrosso.com
• Email: Kym.Grosso@AutismInRealLife.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KymGrosso
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso
Other Books in Series:
Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1)
Lorelei James is celebrating the release of REDNECK ROMEO with a SEVEN day party. SEVEN great giveaways, SEVEN different posts. Stop by all the amazing blogs participating in the party to increase your chances to win!!! Each blog will post a special REDNECK ROMEO post all seven days ( no weekend posts )
Prize List:
1) Redneck Romeo charm bracelet
2) Kindle fire
3) Basket of goodies, including a McKay brand fleece blanket and other McKay branded stuff and conference trinkets
4) Full set of signed Rough Riders books
5) 1 of a kind handmade small Western purse
6) Arc of TURN AND BURN
7) $100 gift card to amazon.com
The Future of the ROUGH RIDERS
Slick from Guilty Pleasures : Since I just finished reading Redneck Romeo about the last McKay man standing, Dalton, I have to ask who will be the focus of book 16 and is that truly the end? Because I have to tell you having Ky driving and into girls is going to open up a whole can of worms about when the kid's stories are going to be told.
Lorelei : No fun, I know, but no comment on Rough Riders book 16 yet...I'll clue you all in a bit further down the road. I get a bajillion questions about why I'm ending the Rough Riders series at book 16. And yes, I could probably write a second generation of McKays ( Love Love Love my readers but you guys are driving me insane with the "When will you write Boone and Sierra's book?! Crazy rabid fans, I keep threatening that if you keep nagging me it'll be...never -- ha ha, yet I'd never do that because I want to know what happens too! ) but I've always considered this series a western saga that DOES have an end. I've been fortunate that I've been allowed to write the books how I want, at the pace I want, with the subject matter I want--all with 100% publisher support. That is rare. Since the books have such a great following, there is that mindset to continue to "cash in" on the popularity of the series and characters. But I won't do that because at what point do the new books just become a rehash of the older books? I'd much rather end the series on a high note, at the height of popularity than wait until the series might be considered "tired" and I start to lose readers. Plus, I have lots of ideas, situations, characters and areas to explore in other fictional worlds. I hope readers come along for the ride.
“Smart, sharp, sizzling…Against the Ropes is a knock-out.”
—Alison Kent, bestselling author of Unbreakable
"He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…
Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.
All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…"
Lorelei James is celebrating the release of REDNECK ROMEO with a SEVEN day party. SEVEN great giveaways, SEVEN different posts. Stop by all the amazing blogs participating in the party to increase your chances to win!!! Each blog will post a special REDNECK ROMEO post all seven days ( no weekend posts )
Prize List:
1) Redneck Romeo charm bracelet
2) Kindle fire
3) Basket of goodies, including a McKay brand fleece blanket and other McKay branded stuff and conference trinkets
4) Full set of signed Rough Riders books
5) 1 of a kind handmade small Western purse
6) Arc of TURN AND BURN
7) $100 gift card to amazon.com
Fun Facts about Lorelei James
Favorite book? This is cheating but I'm currently reading an arc of THE MISTRESS by Tiffany Reisz. Favorite thing to do in your free time? Drink and drunk text. KIDDING! Hang out with my family, zip around on our boat, catch up on my TV shows and watch the occasional movie. Favorite flavor of Vodka? Pinnacle Gummy Fish. Favorite pair of boots? A rocking pair of red and black Old Gringos with silver studs. Favorite sexual position? All of them! Favorite time of year? Summer Favorite Guilty Pleasure? Oreos while I'm reading Entertainment Weekly.
"Rock star and werewolf Aaron Rixx has it all, except the one thing that truly matters... love. Yearning for a woman to see him for who he is, he lets Madame Eve make all the arrangements. He never anticipates to find the one woman on the planet who doesn't recognize him on sight... or the one he and his wolf identify instantly as their mate."
Author: Mina Carter Pages: 34 pages Publisher: Decadent Publishing on May 2013 Form: E-book (from the author/publisher for an honest review) Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance (+18 Only) Series: 1 Night Stand #167 Amazon:Buy / $1.99 (Kindle)( EU price, click to see yours ) Barnes & Noble:Buy / $1.99 (Nook) All Romance E-books:Buy / $1.99 (E-book) Excerpt:Chapter 1
"Melody's love life is in a bit of a dry spell... for the last two years. Content tracking down archaeological evidence of werewolf packs, she spends her time wearing wellingtons and covered in mud rather than looking for a date. Knowing her worried brother isn't above arranging a kidnapping to get her to go on a date, she agrees to a match with 1Night Stand, figuring Madame Eve has to be a better matchmaker than her beloved brother.
Money, fame, looks—rock star and werewolf Aaron Rixx has it all, except the one thing that truly matters... love. Yearning for a woman to see him for who he is, he lets Madame Eve make all the arrangements. No matter where he goes, as the lead singer of the world famous band, Lyric Hounds, he's always recognized...so all he expects is a night of hot sex and a quiet weekend with his music.
He never anticipates Madame Eve might find the one woman on the planet who doesn't recognize him on sight...or the one he and his wolf identify instantly as their mate. Will one night be enough for him to convince Melody she's his forever?" ~ From Goodreads
There are so many things I love about this novella! * counts with fingers * Rockstars. Werewolves. Archaeology. Strong Heroine. Super sexy 1 Night Stand turned Forever. It's a handful of yummyness! I can't seem to read a 1Night Stand novella and not applaud, whoever is gathering these gems together is doing a banging job! Yes bun intended, lot of banging going on in these. ;)
Loved cocky Aaron and his werewolf rockstar stamina! He was genuinely surprised that Melody hadn't heard of him and even more pleasantly surprised to find out she was to be his mate - one night was quickly forgotten to be replaced by an ache for forever. Melody was a no nonsense kind of girl, her adversity to glitz was charming as were her care-not attitude towards the "rockstar wannabe" statues of her one night of fun - that she was guilted into by her brother. These two had chemistry a mile wide, and Melody's brassiness surprised not only Aaron but me, who knew an archaeologist with no outside-work desires wasn't afraid of a little dirty talk!
Oh and if you're a bit of a cover whore like me... isn't the cover just drool worthy!?
( EU price, click to see yours )
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