Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Review & Giveaway: Finding Jordie by H.J. Harley




Finding Jordie

By: H.J. Harley

 

Blurb

 

Jordie is a survivor, tough and independent. She's had to be, since her husband was killed in Iraq. For the last eight years, raising her daughter and owning a popular New York City bar has kept Jordie plenty busy, leaving her no time for much of anything else. Aside from her sassy yet squirrely best friend Rachel, Jordie's social life is bare bones and her love life nonexistent. Truth be told she wouldn't change a thing; she's never been happier.


Then she meets Nathan, and he changes everything with one crooked smile, triggering a chain of life-altering events for the two of them, filled with romance, chaos, and deadly peril. Neither of them could ever imagine their relationship would resurrect an unknown darkness from Jordie's past, lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Jordie has never needed to be stronger for all of them to make it out alive.


Sensuality Level: Sensual

 
My Review:

WOW!  What a great book :)  HJ Harley, you are awesome !!!  I was up til 4:30 am reading this book, I just couldn't put it down.  I'm not usually a fan of first person but this was really written well! 

I loved Jordie from the very beginning, her no-nonsense independent attitude and the witty banter she shares with her best friend Rachel.  I always thought it'd be a blast to own a bar :)  Add in that she also happens to be a mother of a 9 year old totally surprised me but with a little help from her sister in Jersey and a daughter that sometimes even resembles an adult in stature, you have one kick-ass heroine.  A heroine that is totally fine with how things are... her own bar, her own apartment (buidling since she owns it) and her own rules.  Until hottie Nathan enters the picture....

And enter the picture he did.  I really think she fell for him from the very beginning when she was getting her but kicked by a dude 3 times her size.  It was quite a nice change for Nathan to watch this little scrap of a female get knocked down and get right back up fighting.  She didn't need anybody and she didn't know who he was which enabled them to form a great romance with ornery interaction which i loved, without all the pomp and circumstance at the beginning.

Unfortunately for the whole group, there is plenty of that  'pomp and circumstance', paparazzi and even a deadly darkness from Jordie's past to deal with and overcome.  Our author does a tremendous job working these great characters through each sticky situation they find themselves in.  With a great amount of suspense, much love, even more understanding and an unforgettable depth-developed bodyguard or two, this story turned into one of my favorites :)

I can't reveal anymore no matter how bad I want to tell you how it all ends.  You just need to read it and I know you'll love it as much as I did !!!

Currently on the hunt for more HJ Harley books :)  5 stars for sure !!


 ** giveaway at bottom, don't forget **

 

Excerpt

 

“Fuck!” I blurted out as I reached my steps. Nathan was perched there halfway up and, my Lord, he was looking fine.
“Is that a statement or a request?” He grinned mischievously at me, a grin that touched those amazing blue eyes.
Oh shit, he’s here … on my front porch. My heart slammed into my throat and I was pretty sure I had lost the ability to form a coherent sentence.
“Hi?” was all I could manage to say. What was he doing here at three A.M.?
“I wanted to make sure you made it home safely,” he said, as if answering my silent question.
“Nut. Job,” I mouthed slowly to him.
He laughed, unveiling that beautiful, perfect, white-toothed smile that made his eyes even



brighter. Then it happened. With that one smile, I surrendered to whatever it was inside of me I was fighting. I could no longer worry about how this story would end
when all I wanted to do was start it. I walked past him. “Want to come up for a beer or something?” I unlocked the door and waited
for the impact of the rejection.
“Or something.”
I could hear the smirk in his tone.
“Is that a statement or a request?” Ugh, what are you doing? Is this flirting? I silently sighed. Rachel had never been more correct — it had been too long. “Lock the door behind you, please.” I started the two-flight journey to my apartment. We reached my door, and I took a deep breath while I unlocked it. We walked in and I tossed my crap on the table as usual. He closed the door, and I heard the click of the
lock.


“Want some breakfast?” I asked him, walking past the large sectional in my living room into the kitchen. Nathan followed but stopped in the dining room and took a quick glance around my place as he leaned against the wall. “Assuming I will be here for
breakfast?” he asked in a sultry voice full of humor.
Flushed, I popped my head out from behind the fridge door. “Smart ass, I meant now. I’m starving. Yes or no?”
“Sure.” He got dimples when he smiled.
“Can you make some coffee?” I pointed to the pantry closet door.
“Yes, ma’am.” He stepped into the pantry. “Pop Tarts? You eat Pop Tarts?” His muffled words became clearer as he walked out, holding coffee in one hand and a box of Pop Tarts in the other. He closed the door with his foot.

“I enjoy a good Pop Tart.” I pouted, crinkling my eyebrows.
“Seriously? Strawberry? I thought you said you enjoyed a good Pop Tart.” He eyed me suspiciously.
“Shut up — it’s the sprinkles. They make me happy.” I quickly looked back down to the pan, trying not to stare at his amazing blue eyes.

“Do you know what these are made of?” He sounded appalled, as if I were eating a cockroach instead of an artificial pastry.
“No, please enlighten me.” I noticed my cheeks hurt because I had been smiling for the past five minutes.
“All right, sassy pants, I will.” He was attempting to be serious, but began to laugh while he poured water into the coffee maker.
“C’mon educate me, I need a good schooling, and have you ever made coffee before?” I playfully grabbed the coffee from his hands, swiftly dumped four scoops into the top of the machine, closed the lid, and pressed the start button.
“Impressive.” He hopped onto the counter holding the box of Pop Tarts again, watching me. “It’s a sugar coma is what it is. I can’t explain it. I just know anything that has a shelf life of fourteen years and is still edible after a nuclear winter can’t be good for you.” He held his head high and tightened his lips as if he was triumphant in convincing me.
I stared blankly at him, trying my damnedest not to laugh, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me as they tightened. We both burst out in laughter.
“Really? That’s all you got?” I snatched the box from his hands and put it back on the counter. “Like I said, it’s all about the sprinkles, so if there is in fact a nuclear winter, at least I’ll be happy.” I tossed him a loaf of bread.
“Can you make toast?”
“Can I make toast?” He hopped off the counter. “Of course I can make
toast.”
When I turned to look at him he was standing at the toaster with a confused look on his face.
“You’re kidding me, right?”
My mouth popped open wide in shock and he laughed.
“Gotcha.” He winked, pushing down the lever.
Oh my, no no no. I won’t survive this night if he keeps shit like that up.
 
 
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About H.J.
 
HJ is just a Jersey girl surviving inthe good ol' South.  She's a fan of sunglasses, good coffee, original stories, her pets and laughing with friends.  Most importantly, she's loves being a mother to her beautiful daughter.
 
 



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** Don't forget the giveaway :) **

 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author... Spotlight & Giveaway !!

...read all about it !!

 
 
Homerun

By: Ruth Roberts


Blurb:

Cynthiana, beautiful, intelligent, and by all appearances, a spoiled socialite, finds herself as chair of the Inner City Youth League Charity Gala. Her Co-Chair, Roberto Luque, is Major League Baseball’s newest playboy from the Domincan Republic. Far from being in the League of men her parents expect her to choose from, which is just fine with her since she has sworn off playboys. But, as they work together she discovers his devotion to the inner city children and wonders if there is more to him than his playboy reputation. Will she break her no playboy rule long enough to find out?

Roberto fought his way into the Majors. Now, a successful pitcher for the Texas Rangers, he is living the life he always dreamed of. Until he faces off with a bad-tempered, blue-eyed, red head that is not his type. So, why is he drawn to her? The Charity Gala gives him a chance to find out. What he finds beneath that socialite veneer captivates him, heart and soul.

When her powerful father threatens to tear them apart, destroying not only their love, but also Roberto’s hard won career, will he be willing to give it all up for love?

(giveaway details below)


Excerpt:

Copyright © 2012 Ruth Roberts

How could she have been talked into this? She was in way over her head. Cynthiana
Davenport did not plan fundraiser Gala’s, she attended them. So how is it that she was now head of the planning committee? And for baseball of all things. She didn’t even like baseball, much less know anything about it. So what if her best friend had married a hunky major league baseball player last year. Just because Stacy had to learn about the sport didn’t mean she did. She was going to call her right now and tell her the deal was off. Someone else would have to take her place.

Cynthiana dug her phone out of her purse and was about to hit speed dial when she sighed in resignation and threw it back into her purse. Stacy was seven months pregnant with twins and on total bed rest. She couldn’t back out, Stacy didn’t need that kind of stress. The Gala was only a month away and everything was practically done. It would be a piece of cake. She could do this. Besides, it was only a big party and if there was one thing she was good at it was throwing parties. Sure, this one was a little larger than she was used to but hey, how much trouble could five hundred wealthy people and athletes be?

Not nearly as much trouble as managing her growing feelings for one very gorgeous, very charming baseball player with deep brown eyes and a killer smile who just happened to be her right hand on the planning committee. Roberto Luque. If she could just ignore his adorable dimples she might get through the next few hours. Roberto was a playboy and she didn’t date playboys. Ever. So she would just have to keep her feelings under tight control until the night was over. She had managed to do just that every time they had seen each other over the past year. Admittedly, it had been getting harder and harder, especially since he seemed to be stepping up the charm. A man like Roberto knew very well when a woman was attracted to him, but she was determined not to be one of them. So far she had been safe by provoking some sort of argument with him any time they were together, that usually cooled things down, but she hadn’t been able to do that since they started working together on the Gala. Thankfully they wouldn’t be alone, the rest of the committee would be there too. Which was a good thing since they were meeting at her house. Heaven only knew what would happen if the two of them were alone in a house together. Spontaneous combustion came to mind.

Her two story, red brick house on twenty-five acres in a small Dallas suburb gave her the privacy of having a slice of country while still close to the city. Deciding they would be more comfortable working in the living room she finished laying out the last of the Chinese food boxes on the coffee table. The door bell rang. Refusing to glance in the mirror by the door, she opened it to find Roberto. Just Roberto. It was dangerous to womankind for one man to be so handsome. That mischievous look in his dark eyes, a touch of humor on his full lips, dark tendrils of hair curled on his forehead and at his nape. How is it that the sight of him made her feel light headed? Get a grip girl, he’s only a man.

“Hi Princesa. I brought the wine and the guest lists as you ordered.”

“I don’t order, I request.” Defensive mode was her method of survival around him. She stepped back and let him in.

Roberto stood just inside and surveyed her house. Lots of windows let in plenty of sunlight. Sheer red curtains over white slatted blinds complemented the white carpeting and black leather sectional with red and white throw pillows scattered over it. Why was it so important that he like her home?

With a smile and a shake of his head Roberto said, “Nice. It suits you. Fiery yet warm. By the way, Jennifer and Raquel won’t be able to make it tonight.” He set the wine bottle on the table next to the wine glasses and the manila folder containing the guest lists on the sofa.

So much for her well laid plans. “Why not? We have a lot to do tonight, and why didn’t they call me?” She wanted to stomp her foot like a child. Fortunately, she was able to control that urge. Unfortunately her face felt as hot as stoked fire. Darn, why did she have such pale skin? Was it anger or the thought of being alone with him? Anger, definitely anger.

“Because they called me,” Roberto replied. “Between the two of us we can get everything done. Not to worry Princesa, hard work is not hazardous to your health.”

“I know that Roberto. Why do you insist on thinking I haven’t worked a day in my life?”

“I never said that. Now let’s eat, I’m starving.”

The man was impossible. Maybe she’d just send him home and do all the work herself. The idea had merit. She plopped down on the sofa as far away from him as possible and still reach the food. She ignored his knowing smile and shake of his head as she picked up a box of her favorite sweet and sour pork. Who cared if he thought she was a chicken for wanting to keep distance between them.

He poured them each a glass of wine and sat down next to her. He scooted closer to her as he handed her a glass. Now he seemed to ignore her scowl as he took a sip of wine, set down his glass and chose his own box.

“You’re always starving,” she said a few bites later, “it must be some sort of rule for athletes that they can eat whatever they want and still look great.”

“You think I look great?”

Darn! Why did she have to say something to make him smile? There were those dimples again. Heat started creeping up her neck and face, the telltale signs of a blush coming on. Be more careful with your words!

“All athletes look great, it’s not just you. Don’t let your head get too big, if it gets any bigger we won’t both fit on the sofa, I’ll find myself on the floor.”

He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. “Don’t worry, there will always be a place for you by my side.”

His teasing tone turned serious causing her to look up at him. He stared down at her, his expression unreadable. Was he joking? Was he serious? She couldn’t tell and her heart was doing funny little flip flops, his fingers stroking seductively up and down her arm weren’t helping either.



Author Bio:

Ruth Roberts has worked in public relations for fifteen years. She lives in Texas with her very own romantic hero of eighteen years, their teenage daughter and their dog, Kimi. Her hobbies are reading romance novels and writing them. Her family says she is addicted to books, in her opinion that’s not a bad addiction to have. You can find her on Facebook or on the web at RuthRobertsRomance.com. You can also email her at ruthrobertsromance@yahoo.com. She loves hearing from fans.

Don't forget about the giveaway :)
Leave a comment below along with your valid email
for your chance to win a $5 gift card !
Thanks for stopping by :)
Make sure to swing by and follow the tour,

Review: A Gift for Emily by JP Galuska





 A Gift for Emily
 The Emily Stokes Series #2
by
 
 J P Galuska

 

 

Book Description:

 

A Gift for Emily picks up right where A Kiss for Emily leaves off. She is discovering that
dating a ghost, solely composed of dense water molecules, has more challenges than she ever imagined. And when a bouquet shows up on the doorstep from an unknown suitor, life really gets complicated.   

 
Buy Link: Amazon
 
 

My Review:
 
I was a little bummed before I started reading A Gift for Emily because i'm a super huge fan of books in a series and knowing this was book 2 made it difficult to start it.  Thank goodness and kudos to JP Galuska that we do get a brief summary of what happened in A Kiss for Emily but i still think I want to go back and read it just to get the feel for the whole story. 
 
Anywho, what a great book, this #2.  I am more and more becoming a fan of paranormal romantic suspense.  The thought of having a ghost boyfriend, not to mention one made of water,  intruiges me most definitely but not being able to kiss him would be a bit of a downer, especially knowing it could damn Emily to hell.  *eek* 
 
As Emily and Sam search out a way to help Sam, my heart was heavy for Sam as he watched Emily and the sheriff become closer and Sam wondering if David wouldn't be better for her in the long run.  I loved the great amount of suspense and mystery the author wrapped us in when Emily started getting gifts that eventually got scary and turned stalkerish and I did not expect to be so shocked at the end and definitely left wanting more !!!
 
JP Galuska, please hurry with book 3 :)  In the meantime, i'll be reading book 1!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
About the Author:

 

J P lives in Minnesota with her family, a crazy dog, and the world's best cat.

 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Author, author... Interview & Giveaway with S.L. Scott

...read all about it !!



Great to have you here S.L., can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, thanks for having me on your blog. I’m S.L. Scott and I write new adult and contemporary romance. My first novel was published last November and is called Naturally, Charlie.  I’ve also written several best-selling novellas. I am a mother of two awesome kids and two Papillons, the wife of an amazing husband, and I’m following my passion and writing full time now.


What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?

I wanted to be an actress, but always loved writing and wrote a few screenplays and earned my degree in Journalism. Writing has always captured my imagination.



When did you first start writing?

I’ve been creating books my whole life. They started off as folded pieces of paper stapled at the spine with pictures I drew inside. Humble, but pretty common beginnings I think.


What is a typical writing day like for you? 

Take my kiddos to school and then return and start writing. If my scene is not fully developed in my head, a walk will help me to focus, and then I return and start writing again.


Do you have any specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?

I plop down on my couch, pull my laptop onto my lap, and start typing.


What is your favorite part of writing?  Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?

I love creating stories that entertain me. I write what I like to read. Editing can be tedious after ten or more rounds, but I will never regret the efforts I put into my stories.


What is your favorite length of book to write?  (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?

I like novels because it gives you more time to spend with the characters and know them on a deeper level. You get more day to day with them instead of smaller snippets of their lives.


How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?

My family is super supportive and proud of me for following my dream and pursuing my passion.

 
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?

Yes, I have a stack of eight books on my nightstand and probably at least ten ebooks on my Kindle. I have everything from Mary Whitney’s More Than Rivals to The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons and Aleatha Romig’s Consequences. Lots of romance in other words. ;)

 

Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 

Favorite 5

1)  Favorite Holiday – Christmas by far and away is my favorite. I always go overboard in presents and decorating.

2)  Favorite Drink – a Margarita does the soul some good. lol

3)  Favorite Author – Jane Austen. She just never disappoints.

4)  Favorite Book – I’m a romantic at heart and will go with Pride and Prejudice

5)  Favorite Animal – I love giraffes.

And for a bonus:  What is a typical mood for you?  And is your mood different when you’re writing?

I’m pretty content and happy, but I do get anxious to chain myself to my laptop and write at all hours when I’m working on a new story.

 

Where can our readers find you?? 

Twitter: @slscottauthor
Facebook Authors Page: https://www.facebook.com/slscottpage
Amazon Authors Page: http://www.amazon.com/S.L.-Scott/e/B009L9SPDK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Huffington Post Contributor Page: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sl-scott/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/slscott1

 

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

A Prior Engagement is my new novel. It’s a star-crossed lovers story—a little angsty, a lot romantic.

Living in a world built on pretenses, Everleigh Wright discovers how carefully orchestrated her Upper East Side life has been.  Trapped in an arrangement for social prestige and financial gain, she finds life is not as idyllic as she once thought.

William Ryder leads a life rich in family support and endless determination.  While attending university in Manhattan, he becomes enamored with a classic beauty who holds many secrets beneath her quiet propriety.  William falls head over heels crazy for her, and she falls for him and his unfaltering optimism and kindness. 

William and Everleigh may come from different worlds, but their attraction is instant and their love undeniable.  Hoping love conquers all, they will find out if their love is unstoppable when faced with the consequences of breaking a prior engagement.

"Right here, right now is all that matters."

It released on Amazon on April 16, 2013.

It will also be available on Barnes and Noble and iTunes within two weeks of the release date.

Amazon Authors Page: http://www.amazon.com/S.L.-Scott/e/B009L9SPDK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


 
 
One last thing before we let you leave us today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.

Because I’m eating one right now, it seems fitting to share my family’s mini cheesecake recipe.

Mini Cheesecakes

18 servings

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Use 18 aluminum foil cupcake liners

Place a Nilla Wafer at the bottom of each cupcake liner

 

2 - 8 oz. cream cheese packages

2 eggs

¾ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon lemon juice
 

Mix the 5 ingredients together.  Pour into the liners. Bake for 20 minutes and then cool. Add your favorite pie filling topping such as cherry or blueberry or enjoy without.

This is a super easy and delicious recipe. Hope you enjoy.

*****
Don't forget about this great giveaway too :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Oh thanks so much S.L., cheesecake is my weekness :)  Congratulations on your release of A Prior Engagement.  Can't wait to read it !!

Readers, you know the drill, get this one while it's hot and make sure to enter the contest !!!

Until next time, happy reading!

Krista