Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Catch and Release by Laura Drewry








Title: Catch and Release
Series: Fishing for Trouble #3
Author: Laura Drewry
Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2017



Blurb

The irresistible O'Donnell brothers return in a charming novel from the bestselling author of Off the Hook ("The perfect balance of sweet, sexy, and wonderfully romantic."—Lauren Layne)
Hope Seaver is an up-and-coming TV producer tackling the hardest gig of her career: a reality show set at the Buoys, a scenic fishing destination owned by three handsome, stubborn brothers. Liam and Finn O'Donnell are willing to tolerate her crew for the sake of the business, but Ronan would rather chew off a limb than open up on camera. Somehow Hope has to convince him of her good intentions-and stop herself from swooning every time Ronan walks into the frame.

Ronan knows that he's the reason his brothers gave up their old lives to run the Buoys, and he needs to make it worth their while. So if this out-of-towner with the kind eyes and dazzling smile wants to give them the free publicity they desperately need, Ronan can't say no. He just won't let himself get burned again by a double-dealing woman. But what if Hope's good-girl routine isn't an act? When Ronan lets his guard down long enough to catch a glimpse of the real Hope, he likes what he sees-enough to give love another shot.






My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading this felt like putting on a warm dressing gown and a comfy pair of slippers. It felt like coming home. The Buoys are such 'real' characters, down-to-earth and so believable. I love a book where the protagonists are normal and could be the person next door (or me!)

Ronan is the grumpy brother but we all know all he needs is a good woman. So will Hope be that good woman - she also is an immensely likeable, generous and warm-hearted woman. I really liked that they hero and heroine were mid 30's, rather than young 20 somethings (and just as a hint to all authors, mid 40's and 50's are good too!). The attraction between Ro and Hope is there all along and it is fun watching the two of them bumble along, stuttering and throwing out random trivia in liu of knowing what to day to each other.

I liked the alternating POV's, which were written in the third person, as this helps me connect with both characters. The writing style is really pleasant, the plot is well thought through and travels at a good pace, the supporting characters are entertaining and the entire book is just a pleasure to read.





Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK



Excerpt

Hope shook Finn's and Liam's hands, smiling all the while as she consciously focused on maintaining slow easy breaths. No problem.

You got this.

And then she turned to greet Ronan. From the photos in the Hooked files, she'd cataloged every detail about him—about all of them—so deep in her brain that she could have described him perfectly even with her eyes closed.

From the green eyes, to the single freckle in the middle of his left cheek, to the three lines creasing his forehead. From the way he wore his thick brown hair just short enough that he probably only combed it with his fingers, to the way he stood a good inch or so taller than both of his brothers, and the way he always wore his watch on his right wrist. And, yeah, okay, she'd noticed the way his shoulders and biceps stretched the fabric of his T-shirts. Like it was doing now. Whatever. The point was, none of this was new to her; she knew all of it and more.

And yet not a single one of those details, nor any of the others she'd stored up, prepared her for the real Ronan O'Donnell—for the way his eyes weren't just green but a soft mossy color that looked at her with something more like surprise than the blatant anger she'd expected; for the way his strong handshake, hesitant as it was, somehow infused a bit of strength in her; and for how much actual space he took up.

Sure, she could have chalked up the crowding to the number of people on the dock or to the fact that the low-lying clouds made the whole cove feel socked in, but the fact was, Ronan James O'Donnell had a physical presence that was a little intimidating, a little daunting. Or at least it was right up until he spoke.

"Hope." Ronan nodded slightly as he released her hand. "Good to meet you."

It was silly to think he'd yell all the time, but it wasn't until he spoke her name that she realized that's exactly what she'd expected, exactly what she'd prepared herself for. It had to be why the deep warm timbre of his voice caught her off guard and sent crazy flutterings racing through her blood until she shivered them out as goosebumps.

Nerves, that's all it was. Or maybe relief. She'd prepared herself to meet the loud, angry Ronan and she'd shored up her will to deal with that, to be on the defensive right from the get-go. But now . . . now she could relax a little, right?

Yeah, right. He might not be yelling, but suspicion lingered in his eyes, and if this was going to work, she'd need to find a way to get him to trust her. She needed all of them to trust her, to believe she was the one they could count on, the one who'd protect their interests while providing the network with a ratings winner. She needed to show the O'Donnells they had absolutely nothing to worry about.

Nothing except for the fact that she'd never been the one in charge before, she'd never done this on her own, and one wrong move would no doubt bring the whole show to a screeching halt, putting herself, Kevin, and Chuck out of work.

But other than that . . . yeah . . . no worries.

"Thanks," she said, pushing what she hoped looked like a bright, confident smile. "Good to meet you, too."

She tucked the straps of her bag high on up on her shoulder, then set in to help off-load the rest of the bags and equipment. Once everything was stacked on the dock, the pilot didn't hang around; he just locked up the hold, climbed back inside the cockpit, and waved as Kevin untied the plane and shoved it away from the dock.

It took a bit of juggling, but once they'd stored some of the gear on Finn's boat and everyone was loaded down with the rest of the bags, Liam led them all up the dock toward the lodge. Kevin walked next to him, followed by Finn and Chuck, which left Hope to pull up the rear with Ronan.

"Here." Shifting the bags he already had, he reached for one of hers, but Hope shook her head.

"It's okay," she said. "I got it. Thanks."

The bags were freakin' heavy, and the drizzle was making the hard-plastic handles slippery, but she needed Ronan and everyone else at the Buoys to believe she was fully capable, not some ridiculous delicate flower who couldn't handle things. And while the rational side of her brain knew that carrying bags had absolutely nothing to do with how well she did her job, it was the principle of the matter.

So onward she trudged, and even though the rest of them were already well ahead, Ronan stayed with her, walking in silence, and looking very much as if he'd rather be getting his chest waxed. It couldn't have been more than a couple of hundred meters from the dock to the stairs, but it felt like miles, especially with neither of them saying anything.

Come on, Hope. You've read everything there is to read on this place-you know its specs, you know its history, you even know how many fish they caught last season. Say something! Anything. Talk about the weather, for God's sake.

"Did you know that Texas horned toads can shoot blood out of the corners of their eyes?"



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK



AMAZON US / UK



Author Bio


USA Today bestselling author LAURA DREWRY started out writing poetry - unbelievably bad poetry - which hopefully will never again see the light of day. With that behind her, she now writes contemporary and historical romance novels with characters who aren't perfect, who aren't always nice, and who tend to be a little (or a lot) on the sarcastic side. Born and raised in British Columbia, Laura spent eight years in the Canadian north where she learned important life lessons like how to get your bananas from the grocery store to your car without them freezing and turning black in the -40C temperatures. She now lives back home in southwestern BC with her husband, three sons, a turtle, two crazy dogs, a handful of chickens, and about thirty thousand bees. She loves old tattered books, movies, music, the New York Yankees, and cheesecake. Lots of cheesecake.



Author Links


Amnesia by Kylie Hillman







Special Release week price of only 99c














Amnesia, a Psychological Thriller

Dr. Jaxon Ray has only ever wanted one woman. He's loved her from afar since their Junior School days, worshiping the ground she walks on, intent on having her for his own when the time is right.
Amber St. George isn't interested in the trappings that come with her family's wealth. A simple life as a teacher at an underprivileged school, a comfortable home with her lover, and good friends; that's all she desires.
Once Jax decides it's time to take what's his, Amber finds herself at the mercy of a madman. A sociopath with access to the latest neurological advancements, who possesses the ability to use her own mind to keep her captive. Programmed to forget. Reprogrammed as her captor's perfect partner. Amber's left with medically-induced amnesia and no idea that she's in for the fight of her life.
When the people who know you're missing aren't on your side, and the love of your life has been led to believe that you've turned your back on him, is rescue possible? When you can't remember the real you, is escape even on the cards?
DISCLAIMER: This story contains triggering content and is not suitable for all readers, especially those under eighteen years of age.





“Welcome home.” My mother greets us in a singsong voice. “I trust you’re both feeling relaxed and recharged from your little break?”
Both sets of parents are waiting in the foyer of our house, apparently ready to celebrate our return from our honeymoon. I lean into Jax, close enough so that only he can hear my comment.
“Somebody’s had her Stepford pills today.”
I can feel his low laugh where it rumbles in his chest below my palm. It calms my fears about returning home. During our flight, I was worried that the connection between me and Jax would be lost. He seemed to grow more aloof the closer we got to home. Tension that hadn’t been in his hard frame during our three-week honeymoon became more noticeable by the minute. It diluted the tenderness I felt for him after such an amazing honeymoon, which made me feel guilty, so I’d spent the remainder of the flight trying to find ways to recapture it with small talk and inane observations.
“Seems someone’s missed hers,” Jax replies loud enough for our parents to hear. He takes a step to the side, putting distance between us and causing me to stumble from the unexpected loss of his body. I right myself, bright spots of embarrassment making my face burn. “I have work to do. Amber, you should rest. We have a battery of tests organised for you first thing tomorrow. It’s time to see if you’re able to live up to your end of the bargain.”
Jax strides out of the foyer in the direction of his office, my father and his falling into step with him. Left alone with our mothers, I look between them to see if they’re going to comment on how my husband just acted. They meet my perusal with deliberate blankness, although my mother does seem to be more nervous than usual.
“Is anyone going to tell me what tests he’s talking about?” Their mouths fall open at my belligerent tone. Internally, I shrug it off. They’re lucky I didn’t stomp my damn foot. I certainly want to. “No? No one?”
I give them my back, extending the handle of my biggest suitcase and tilting it so it will roll behind me. I signal the maid to bring the rest of my bags with her. Jax’s luggage can sit in the middle of the entry until the end of time, for all I can. When I reach the curved staircase, I immediately regret my show of defiance. There’s no way I’m going to be able to pull my bag up there.
“Maria.” My mother snaps her fingers at the maid. “Bring some refreshments to the lounge, then have their luggage taken to their room.”
She sniffs when Maria takes too long to move. “Come now, Amber. Tell us about your trip.”
I follow, with reluctance in each step, sitting on the loveseat closest to the window. It’s a beautiful day outside. Bright sunlight and barely a breath of wind. It’s a day that I could spend with my husband, if he wasn’t a workaholic who barely drew a breath before he dived straight back into his job.
“I think you’re mistaken as to how things will run from now on.” Jax’s mother, Elizabeth, speaks first. I run my gaze over her, taking in the perfectly coiffed hair and her straight unnaturally posture with her hands tucked between her knees. Looks like she had her Stepford pills today, as well. “My son is a very busy man. It’s your job to make his life run as effortlessly as possible. There will be no further allowances made for your delicate state.”
She stands, pacing in front of me. I assume that her “delicate state” gibe is a reference to my ongoing amnesia.
“You’ll take over the running of this house. It is not my place to do so now that he’s married. However, I am happy to provide some tips so that the transition is smooth. The same goes for Jax’s social calendar. That will require close attention so that your influence as the only St. George heir benefits my son from the outset. Once you are with child, Cynthia and I,” Elizabeth indicates my mother with her jutting chin. “will assist you so that you are able to concentrate on your most important duty—providing as many heirs as possible.”
“So, that’s what the tests are for tomorrow?” I slouch in my chair when they both incline their heads in agreement. “Well, I guess I’d better rest then. Wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of my ability to breed.”
“I feel that you would benefit from a lie down.” My sarcasm goes straight over my mother’s head. “It will improve your disposition.”
My feet are in action, removing me from this conversation before I say something I regret. I can’t take this farce, anymore. We’ve been home for less than an hour and my life is already being dictated by the expectations of “society”.
Isn’t that one of the reasons you ran away in the first place?
My stupid heel catches in the corner of the rug when that random thought pops into my head. I stumble, steadying myself with a hand on the back of the settee. Balance regained, my shoulder clashes with the person currently entering the room as I restart my hasty exit.
“My apologies.” I give Seb a ghost-like smile as I pass.
He takes hold of the top of my arm to slow me, a shopping bag dangling from that same hand.
“It’s time. Be ready.”











Wife to a Harley riding, boating and fishing, four-wheel driving, quintessential Aussie bloke.
Mum to two crazy, adorable, and creative kids.
Crohn's Disease sufferer and awareness campaigner.
She’s also an avid tea drinker, a connoisseur of 80's/90's rock music, and is known for lacing everything she says with sarcasm and inappropriate innuendo.

Formerly working in finance, she was forced to reevaluate her plans for her life when severe Crohn's Disease brought her corporate career to a screeching halt. Restarting her childhood hobbies of writing and reading to alleviate the monotony of being sick and housebound, she found her calling and is enjoying life to the max. A typical day is spent in the "real" world where she hangs out with her awesome family and "book" world where she gets to chill with her fictional characters.

Kylie writes the books she wants to read. A lover of strong men who aren't perfect and aren't afraid to admit it, straight talking women who embrace their vulnerabilities, and real life gritty stories, she hopes these themes shine through her writing. An avid reader of all genres, Kylie hopes to release books that keep the reader on the edge of their seat- be it with suspense, heart-stopping thrills, or laughter.

Author Links













Bless Her Heart by SJ Sawyer







Title: Bless Her Heart
Series: Like A Lady #6
Author: S.J. Sawyer
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2017



Blurb

He’s so hot. Like hotter than the Oklahoma sun in August sort of hot. Like steal your breath and scorch your panties kind of hot that will leave a good girl begging for anything.

It should be illegal to walk around without a shirt on, looking the way he does. His sculpted arms are sinful. His chest is just as sturdy, all hard planes and chiseled muscle. Dirty blonde hair and icy baby blues complete the package deal.

Lazy little rich boys shouldn’t have those sort of muscles everywhere. It’s a total lie. He’s never known a day of hard work in his life. Everything has been spoon fed to him since he was an infant, but apparently, no one told God.

It’s ridiculous. We couldn’t be more different, right?

I should not be attracted to Jake Roberson. ~Cassie


Life’s great when you’re a Roberson: new cars, the best of everything, and more chicks than you can possibly sleep your way through in a lifetime. It’s all so easy. But then a chance accident puts her right in my arms, throwing everything off course.

She is the most sheltered girl to ever walk the planet. She’s a total do-gooder, always working and volunteering for this or that. Forget being a teacher’s pet, she’s the town pet. Everyone loves her. We can’t possibly have anything in common, and since when do I even care what I have in common with a someone? I don’t.

And I damn sure don’t care about being good friends with a chick. Except…now, I do. I want to see her step down from her pedestal, let her wild curls go, and live. There is so much she hasn’t experienced but should. And I’m going to help her, as her friend.

But no matter how many times I tell myself to get my act together, no matter how often I swear I don’t want in those tight little shorts of hers, I can’t deny it any longer.
 

I should not be tempted by Cassie Hall. ~Jake







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU






Also Available


Get part one in the Like A Lady series for FREE

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AMAZON US / UK / AU / CA

Free in Kindle Unlimited



AMAZON US / UK / AU / CA

Free in Kindle Unlimited





Author Bio


Twenty-something, Okie girl S.J. Sawyer enjoys creating the best book-boyfriends in a mix of romance, humor, and reality, loving her heroes swoon-worthy and stubborn. Author of the Sealed series and Like A Lady serial, writing new adult, romantic comedy, and contemporary romance. Mom of three; wife of one. Graduate of SOSU with a Bachelor’s degree in English Lit. Lover of books, young and old. Sucker for the happy ending.



Author Links

Game Changer




Sports Romance 

Game Changer: Seattle Steelheads (Game On in Seattle)

Jami Davenport

Release Day: 2/28/2017





Blurb:

When horse racing and football collide, Hunter McCoy, star tight end of the Seattle Steelheads and neophyte horse owner, finds himself in a battle of wills with a sexy horsewoman and a stubborn, opinionated race horse.

Kate Vanderhof-Carrigan's family has raised champion Thoroughbreds on their Kentucky bluegrass farm for over a century. Lately the farm has fallen on hard times, but Kate is determined to return Oak Brook to its former glory. First, she must satisfy an odd clause in her grandfather's will. She's been given five years to produce a winner of horse racing's biggest prize of all, the Derby, or lose the farm to her siblings and their development plans. Time has run out, and Hunter's talented horse stands between Kate and her last shot at the Derby. Only Kate never counted on her heart entering the race.

Hunter is juggling his responsibilities to his two-dozen investors, his blind sister, his football career, and his commitment to his tribe. The last thing he needs is an unwanted attraction to a spoiled rich girl who doesn't fit into his carefully crafted plans. Not only are they rivals on the race track, but she doesn't understand or appreciate his dedication to his Native American heritage. Yet despite the odds, all bets are off when Hunter and Kate find themselves in a relationship they can't resist.

With the stakes much higher than the Derby purse, can these two long shots win the biggest race of their lifetime or will their hearts finish out of the money?






Buy Links:




Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling Author Jami Davenport is an advocate of happy endings and writes sexy contemporary and sports romances, including her two new indie endeavors: the Game On in Seattle Series and the Madrona Island Series. Jami’s new releases consistently rank in the top fifty on the sports romance and sports genre lists on Amazon, and she has hit the Amazon top hundred authors list in both contemporary romance and genre fiction multiple times. Jami ranked Number Seven on Kobo’s Top Ten Most Completed Authors, an honor bestowed on the year’s “most engaging” authors based on an average page completion rate by their readers.

Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Green Beret-turned-plumber husband, a Newfoundland cross with a tennis ball fetish, a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat, and an opinionated Hanoverian mare.
Jami works in IT for her day job and is a former high school business teacher. She’s a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan and is waiting for the day professional hockey comes to Seattle. An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion, it’s the most beautiful place on earth.

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