REVIEW - ALL OUT OF LOVE + GUEST BLOG BY LORI WILDE (GIVEAWAY)

TO CUPID WITH LOVE

by Lori Wilde

In Cupid, Texas, the lovelorn write letters to Cupid beseeching his help in matters of the heart. But who is Cupid exactly? And how did he become the messenger of love? Here are some fun facts about the Roman god of love.

1. Cupid’s name originates from the Latin word "cupido" which means desire.
2. Did you know that according to legend, Cupid actually has two types of arrows in his quiver? Gold-tipped for true love. Lead-tipped for sexual desire. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "lead poisoning," doesn't it?
3. In one fable, Cupid found his own true love, Psyche, after his mother, Venus ( who was jealous of Psyche ) convinced him to slip into Psyche’s bedroom and scratch her with an arrow so she would fall in love with an unworthy being. But in the process, Cupid scratches himself. Talk about a monster-in-law. That must have made for awkward family barbecues.
4. Cupid has wings to illustrate how fleetly one can fall in love.
5. Sometimes Cupid is represented wearing a blindfold to show “love is blind.” Or maybe he was just into some intriguing sex play.

Have you heard other myths and legends about Cupid? Have you ever felt the pierce of Cupid’s arrow, falling in love swiftly and completely? Do you know the name of the Greek equivalent to Cupid? Leave a comment to win a copy of the first book in the Cupid, Texas series, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

"I couldn't have been more in love with All Out of Love! The story was warm, funny and addictive, putting down this book was hard, and I stayed up as long as I could with it - I just couldn't get enough of Lace and Pierce's love story!"

Author: Lori Wilde
Pages: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon Books on June 2013
Form: E-book (from Edelweiss for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Cupid, Texas #2
Amazon: Buy / $5.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $5.69 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"The second book in a dazzling new Cupid, Texas series by Lori Wilde. Welcome to Cupid, where every wish for love comes true…

For years, a small group of women in Cupid, TX, led by Millie Greenway, have taken it upon themselves to keep the Cupid legend alive. Now Millie has roped her four disbelieving granddaughters into joining the cause.

Lace Bettingfield knows for a fact that the Cupid legend is bogus. As a shy sixteen-year-old, she left a letter at the statue and got nothing in return but heaps of embarrassment when her letter ended up printed in the school newspaper. But now the boy she longed for is back in town and Lace can't help wondering...what if?"  ~ From Goodreads

Man you know it's a good story when you tear up in the end. I couldn't have been more in love with All Out of Love! The story was warm, funny and addictive, putting down this book was hard, and I stayed up as long as I could with it - I just couldn't get enough of Lace and Pierce's love story! Lori Wilde isn't a bestselling author for no reason! The writing is excellent, she's got the chops in writing touching stories with fun, reletable characters and sweet and spicy love stories! I mean injured football star comes back to his little home town only to seriously fall for the woman who used to crush after him as teenage girl, but now is sworn him off - I dare you to write something as hot as that!

I fell in love with Pierce and Lace, she had strength, smarts and conviction, he was cocky, sexy and arrogant - but as the story moved forward Pierce got more down to earth, more solid and Lace begun to respond to him differently - where all his pick-up lines failed to light her up it was his vulnerability about his father's mysterious illness and his messed-up relationship with his brother that chipped her armor. Of course realistically if you've crushed on someone for years how long does it take to fall for a drop dead gorgeous charmer who's obviously head over heels with you! ;)

The romance was so hot! I was smiling over half of the book, Pierce had his undeniable chemistry and his charm which made his challenge to get prickly Lace to surrender to him so so so entertaining. It's no secret that I love playboys-reformed stories and this is in there with the best of them, even though Pierce hadn't slept around as much as he probably could have. ;) Of course the fact he was famous and she was bit plus-size had her feeling inadequate to date him if that had even been a choice, with all the models throwing themselves at him she was questioning why he was giving her the time of the day, boredom maybe?

Trust me you're going to want to read this! It's also a very well done stand alone, I never read the first book in the series and it didn't bother me one iota. ;) This comes highly recommended! Oh did I mention he was in full cowboy get up there? No. Just look at the gorgeous cover. ;)

Rating :

LORI WILDE is the New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty books. A former RITA finalist, Lori has received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers’ Choice, and numerous other honors. She lives in Texas, with her husband and a wide assortment of pets. Lori teaches Romance Writing Secrets via the internet through colleges and universities worldwide at www.ed2g.com. Visit her at www.loriwilde.comor @LoriWilde on Twitter.

Lori’s Links: 
www.loriwilde.com
twitter handle is @LoriWilde
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Lori-Wilde/126384860719020?fref=ts

Cupid Texas Series
Love at First Sight Release Date May 28th, 2013
All Out of Love Release Date June 25th, 2013
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/series/99988-cupid-texas

REVIEW - MONTANA MUSTANGS (GIVEAWAY)

"I do love a good murder mystery, when added to that is mythological creatures and a love story what is there not to like. Montana Mustangs is a fantasy romance with suspense weaved in, Aura's hundreds of years of existence seem to vane in comparison to finally opening up and finding love with a mortal man."

Author: Danica Winters

Pages: 208 pages

Publisher: Crimson Romance Publishing on May 2013

Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Nymph Series #2

Amazon: Buy / $4.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )

Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.74 (Nook)

"A Nymph.  A woman with the ability to seduce at will, shift to protect, but cursed with the fate to have the man she falls in love with die a tragic death.  As one of the ill-fated nymphs, Aura Montgarten has spent her lifetime drifting from one place to another hiding from love.  Until she meets Dane.

When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke is faced with the task of finding the killer—even if it means he will be forced to put his life and heart at risk by working with a drifter.  As the truth of Aura’s Mustang-shifting Nymph ways are revealed, Dane learns exactly the amount of danger he and Aura are in, but can’t force himself to leave a case unsolved when the truth is right outside of his grasp. 

When the killer decides he needs to take another victim—Dane—Aura must choose between their forbidden love and her immortal life…  Can there be life without love, or is death her only choice?"  ~ From Goodreads

I do love a good murder mystery, when added to that is mythological creatures and a love story what is there not to like. Montana Mustangs is a fantasy romance with suspense weaved in, Aura's hundreds of years of existence seem to vane in comparison to finally opening up and finding love with a mortal man.

There were plenty of secrets and that created nice chemistry between Aura and Dane, but the mystery of the washed a shore body had it's own major chuck in the book, which I liked but had not expected. The same thing with The Nymph's Labyrinth. I was expecting more romance, and got plenty of suspense added to it, which I did like a lot.

I liked Aura, she wasn't what you might think a nymph would be, she was very likable and pretty single minded about finding her sister Natalie, I loved her ability to talk to wildlife horses especially and pretty much though she was adorable, but with a definite strong streak. Dane was well written as well, he was suspicious of Aura and her meddling in his business, but she grew to be a distraction he wasn't expecting and that just added to the chemistry between these two.

Want a romantic suspense with mythology and murder mystery sprinkled in it? Then pick up Montana Mustangs.

Rating :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger."

Author: Danica Winters

Pages: 218 pages

Publisher: Crimson Romance Publishing on Dec 2012

Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Nymph Series #1

Amazon: Buy / $4.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )

Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.74 (Nook)

"A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed.

Shape-shifting nymph Ariadne Papadakis is tasked with keeping the truth of the group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of the American archeologist, Beau Morris and his troublemaking son, Kaden. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced make a choice—fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger.

Can she have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of her past keep her from her heart’s desire?"  ~ From Goodreads

First of all I love archaeology, I love mythology and I love Greece! Needless to say I quite fell into love with The Nymph's Labyrinth! I expected the story to be just about romance but there was a nice touch of suspense with the Sisterhood protecting their secrets and beau hunting to find the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, there was so much to like!

I loved Ariadne, she had the sweet juxtapose character she was quite obedient with her Sisterhood but showed great character and power when she was with Beau. See, weren't they just meant to be! ;) I loved her emotional struggle to make a decision wither to be with Beau and his son or stay with the Sisterhood. I also quite enjoyed Beau, even though I'm not a fan of the get-an-insta-kid storyline, all his scenes with either mythology or Ariadne I loved! Kaden was fun too, showed some bluster but ended up being a good kid, he was 18 but read quite much younger.

If you love Mythology and like to get new modern twist on them then you'll like The Nymph's Labyrinth, there is romance but nothing too hot, more sweet with few hot spots. And great job on the cover, I was immediately drawn in!

Rating :

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic.  When she’s not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery and painting are not her thing).  She always believe the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Website | Blog | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook |

Other Titles by Danica Winters:

Love Under the Christmas Tree

A Christmas Miracle

The Vampire’s Hope

Curse of the Wolf

An Angel’s Justice

Coming Soon from Danica Winters (2013):

Winter Swans, The Nymph Series #3 (Crimson Romance)

CHARACTER INTERVIEW - DEREK SHAW (WIN MY LOVE)

"Wynne Carter’s one-night-stand with Hollywood bad boy Derek Shaw resulted in life-changing consequences in the form of her precious daughter. Years later, she isn’t prepared to face him or his questions when he returns to her small town seeking answers.

With his acting career on hiatus thanks to his wild past, discovering he has a daughter is reason enough for Derek to stick around. Spending timing with her mom isn’t too shabby either, and soon he can’t keep Wynne or her long legs off his mind.

 Wynne knows a man like Derek is made for sin, not happily-ever-afters, but resisting him proves pretty darn impossible. For a while, it looks as if the unlikely pairing of the single mom and the heartthrob might make it after all. Until Hollywood wants its leading man back, and their new relationship threatens to fall apart forever."

INTERVIEW 

WITH DEREK SHAW

Interviewer : Welcome! Glad you could make it Derek! So a small town, what made you abandon LA?

DS : You know, I’ve really realigned my priorities in the last year. I just needed to slow down, have a change of pace. LA is a rough city, and it can swallow you whole if you let it. Sometimes, being under the radar isn’t a bad thing.

I : I've heard rumors of you shooting a film here, visiting family or maybe secret lover, any truth to those?

DS : There’s always a bit of truth in rumors. I’m here for personal reasons. Let’s just say I have a lot of unfinished business in this town.

I : Okay to the main reason you're here today! To connect with your fans at DereksDolls.com, I have some questions here from your fans, things they wanna know about their favorite actor, ready?

DS : Ready as I’ll ever be.

I : Here we go!

Snuggles82 : What's your favorite Disney princess and why? ( I luv U! )

DS : I can’t say I’ve ever given that question much thought before, but my daughter’s favorite princess is Ariel, and I’m sold on anything she loves. Of course, you might also say I’m a fan of redheads.

HomieRoo : Wildest thing you did as a teenager?

DS : I stole my foster parents’ car and went on a road trip with my best friend Logan. The police ended up catching us on the New Jersey turnpike. It was the closest I’ve come to being thrown in jail, but luckily the officer that chased us down had a soft spot for awkward foster kids.

RubyMay : Did you have pets growing up? I have ponies and pigs, and chickens and goats! <3

DS : Sounds like you’re starting a zoo there. A few of my foster homes had pets, but I never wound up staying anywhere long enough to bond. I’d love to have a dog one day.

69Lays : What do you think is the sexiest part on a woman?

DS : I’m a leg man. I love a woman with long, endless legs.

DollyCoors : What's your favorite guilty pleasure? ( you're mine? ;) )

DS : Thanks, I think. My favorite guilty pleasure is chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. Believe it or not, I’ve even been known to bake them.

OdeToDS : Do you wanna have kids one day? Get married? Or single forever?

DS : I recently found out I’m a dad, and I’ve got to say I love every minute of it. As for getting married, if the right woman is willing, I’m not afraid to jump in.

BabeMaggie : What's your best pick up chicks tip?

DS : Always appreciate a woman. If she’s got great hair, a cute smile, adorable glasses—whatever it is, let her know.

BabeMaggie : Favorite sexual position?

DS : I’m a man. Who can pick just one?

Interviewer : Okay, better call it quits before we get any racier questions! LOL! Thanks Derek for taking time to connect with your fans online at DereksDolls.com, we wish you the best and hope you turn to Hollywood in no time. ;)

DS : Thanks for having me. It’s been a blast.

Visit

SCARLETT SCOTT

THE BITE OF MÉNAGE: WHY WE LOVE IT - GUEST BLOG (GIVEAWAY)

The Bite of Ménage: Why we love it

by Cari Quinn

       Thanks so much to For The Love of Reading today for having me! Such a gorgeous site. I can tell I’m going to love exploring here! :) I hope you enjoy my post—and there are prizes too, so please keep reading!

       Today I’m going to talk about menage and why it’s so popular. As a writer, I know I enjoy writing threesomes for several reasons. First, they’re hot. I mean, come on, what woman wouldn't love to have two gorgeous, alpha males catering to their every whim sexually? It’s a fantasy for a lot of women for a very good reason. Not only is the idea sexy, it also is such a challenge to write. Both men (or women, depending on your threesome) have to have their own distinct, recognizable personality quirks that reveal themselves in the bedroom too. Not only do you have to make sure all the body parts are doing what they’re supposed to, you also have to make sure it’s clear who is doing what and why. Let’s just say I totally understand those authors who whip out their Barbie dolls to make sure all the positions make sense! Though I’m working on getting a couple of real life research partners – *cough, cough* – ha ha, I wish!

       Another reason I think menage is popular is the complex relationships that come into play when you have three people in a bed instead of two. There are such unique dynamics when you add another person that every sex act takes on a whole new dimension. I love going deeper emotionally as well as physically with my characters.

       In Love Bites, the guys may be vampires, but trust me, Kellan and Lucas are also men through-and-through. And Sydney, their chosen lady for a night—or more—is very lucky to be the third spoke of their trio. Assuming she survives the pleasure from their attention…

       Curious to find out more? Here’s Love Bites blurb and a short excerpt, then read on for a fun giveaway!

"Vampire Kellan Barstow is tired of watching his best friend Lucas Phillips pine after his one true mate. Though he’s jealous that Lucas found his before he found his own, he wants him to be happy and hopes to spur him on to make a move toward his chosen human, librarian Emily Yost. But Kellan’s sick of Lucas's moping and decides one thing will convince Luke he needs to act. 

Sleeping with another woman.

Except when Kellan and Lucas sleep with Sydney, a woman Kellan has flirted with for weeks, things quickly spiral out of control. Because Sydney may be more than merely a woman, and Kellan’s feelings for her soon go way beyond desire. Before long, Kellan and Sydney and Emily and Lucas are caught in a dangerous web of lust and love. And this love may do more than bite—it might end them all. "

“Our car broke down.” Lucas motioned vaguely over his shoulder. “Over there. Engine overheated.”

“Don’t have Triple-A?”

“Nah.”

“What kind of car is it?”

“A Mercedes.”

Sydney cocked an eyebrow as Kellan released her and directed a murderous look at his companion. “Wow. Didn’t think those puppies broke down too often.”

“Bad luck.” Kellan smiled, flashing his teeth. “Until you came along, that is. So what do you say? Up for a ride?”

“Depends. Where you guys headed?”

“There’s only one place I want to be right now.” Kellan leaned forward and braced his hands on her car window. As his stomach muscles rippled underneath his wet T-shirt, her thoughts flatlined. “Inside you.”
She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. Her belly clenched when Kellan’s gaze openly followed the move. “Looks like it’s your lucky day, boys, because I love giving rides. But if we’re doing this, I insist on a hell of a lot more than just one.”

Kellan’s eyes never left hers. “Count on it.”

“You’re of age?” Lucas asked.

The phrasing struck her as odd, but she nodded. “Twenty-nine. Both of you?”

Kellan merely smiled, again showing off a mouthful of blinding white teeth much like Lucas’s. There was something almost feral about them, as if they were blades poised to strike. But rather than concern her, the thought only turned her on more.

“We’re above the age of consent, yes.”

“Then let’s go.” She hit the button to unlock her doors. They opened with a deafening click. “You,” she murmured to Kellan, “can sit up front with me.”

Love Bites Decadent Publishing Buy Link:

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=163&products_id=750&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Love Bites Amazon Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Bites-ebook/dp/B00C0HYMVE

Love Bites Barnes and Noble Buy Link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-bites-cari-quinn/1114910607?ean=2940016276045

Love Bites All Romance Ebooks Buy Link:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovebites-1148156-140.html

I’m offering up an ebook copy of VIRGIN TERRITORY, my first Decadent Publishing novel, to one International winner AND a fun Cari Quinn themed swag pack to a US winner. You never know what will show up in one of my swag packs!

How do you enter to win? Just answer this question: 

How do you feel about menage romance? Do you like three people in your romances or just two?

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. Now she gets to pen sexy romances for a living and routinely counts her lucky stars. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she can usually be found watching men’s college basketball, playing her music way too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.

Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com and be sure to join her brand new newsletter!

Also, if you're on Facebook, I have a co-authored reader group with the fabulous Taryn Elliott called the Word Wenches where we post daily man candy, share smexy excerpts before you can get them anywhere else and hold lots of contests if you're interested in joining! https://www.facebook.com/groups/346424552124487/

Visit Cari on Twitter (Cariquinn) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cariquinnauthor

REVIEW - LOVE BITES

"When Kellan and Lucas sleep with Sydney, a woman Kellan has flirted with for weeks, things quickly spiral out of control. Because Sydney may be more than merely a woman, and Kellan’s feelings for her soon go way beyond desire."

Author: Cari Quinn
Pages: 142 pages
Publisher: Decadent Publishing on March 2013
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Amazon: Buy / $3.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.99 (Nook)
All Romance E-books: Buy / $3.99 (E-book)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Vampire Kellan Barstow is tired of watching his best friend Lucas Phillips pine after his one true mate. Though he’s jealous that Lucas found his before he found his own, he wants him to be happy and hopes to spur him on to make a move toward his chosen human, librarian Emily Yost. But Kellan’s sick of Lucas's moping and decides one thing will convince Luke he needs to act now.

Sleeping with another woman.

Except when Kellan and Lucas sleep with Sydney, a woman Kellan has flirted with for weeks, things quickly spiral out of control. Because Sydney may be more than merely a woman, and Kellan’s feelings for her soon go way beyond desire. Before long, Kellan and Sydney and Emily and Lucas are caught in a dangerous web of lust and love. And this love may do more than bite, it might end them all."  ~ From Goodreads

The story delivers so well what the blurb offers! Love Bites has all the best ingredients for a great Erotic Paranormal Romance, we have vampires, mates, danger, action and love! Quinn has written a nice menage with a twist of jealousy, skepticism and threat and it's been an enjoyable read!

First I thought there was a previous book in the series when it was revealed Lucas already had a mate in denial, but as the story moved forward we saw this was not the case and Lucas had lots to do with Emily later in the book - which did make him hooking up with Sydney cheating in my book. I tried to let that go but Sydney's added sluttiness didn't help it. In general I didn't like Sydney, I'm not if it were due to how she were written ( lightning fast mood changes, oh I don't care you have a mate let me suck your... and so on ). I did though really like Kellan, Lucas and Emily. I loved Emily's resistance to existence of vampires, Lucas's guilt and anger management issues and Kellan's determination to show Sydney what they could be.

The sex was extremely hot, and well written by Ms. Quinn, she knew how to make things hot both relationship-wise and in the bedroom/car/and-so-on. As much I didn't like Sydney I did enjoy both of the relationship, there was chemistry even if it was stranger in some places. And of course the added danger made things hotter, just say 'vampire defending their mate' and you know what I'm talking about. ;)

Rating :