Book Spotlight: Suddenly Cinderella Bundle by Hope Tarr

Title: Suddenly Cinderella Bundle

Genre: Romance
Author: Hope Tarr
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Pages: 420
Language: English
Format: Ebook

Operation Cinderella

Magazine editor Macie Graham devises a plan to masquerade as a modern-day Cinderella and get her revenge on infuriating Texan Ross Mannon. She’ll do anything to uncover the dirt on the famous radio personality but when she finally uncovers a secret that could destroy Ross’s reputation, she faces losing her job or losing the fairy-tale ending she didn’t even know she wanted.

The Cinderella Makeover

Chic fashion photographer Francesca St. James agrees to work as a “fashion fairy godmother” on a new reality TV show, but she doesn’t agree to falling for one of the contestants. Tech company CEO Greg just needs some help transforming himself enough to find his happily ever after, and butting heads with his high-and-mighty fairy godmother isn’t in his plan. The two couldn’t be more different, but as Greg transforms into the smoking-hot, confident guy he was always meant to be, will his makeover find him his one true love?

The Cinderella Seduction

Four months ago, Nick’s bachelor-style life was turned upside down. Now the sole parent to a seven-year-old daughter he never knew existed, Nick doesn’t have time for pleasure. But he hadn’t factored in Stefanie or the intense attraction he’d feel for her. As her seduction heats up, so do the stakes, both professionally and romantically. Can he let business go long enough to allow Stefanie into his heart?

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About Hope Tarr

Award-winning author, Hope Tarr earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Education before coming to grips with the tough truth: she wasn’t especially interested in analyzing people or teaching them. What she wanted was to write about them! Today Hope is the author of more than twenty historical and contemporary romance novels for multiple publishers including THE CINDERELLA SEDUCTION, the finale to her Suddenly Cinderella Series for Entangled Publishing. Hope is also a co-founder and current curator of Lady Jane’s Salon®, New York City’s first—and still only—monthly romance reading series now with satellites in eight U.S. states. The Romance Writers of America’s New York City chapter recently honored Hope as their 2013 Author of the Year. She lives in Manhattan with her real life romance hero and their feline family members. When not writing, she enjoys running, hiking, martial arts—and browsing restaurant menus.

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Book Spotlight and Review: In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

Title: In Bed with Mr. Wrong

Genre: Romance
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Pages: 250
Language: English
Format: Ebook

The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

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ABOUT KATEE ROBERT

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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My Thoughts:
This was a pretty standard love story involving two people so wrong for each other, they have to be right for each other. To say they don't hit it off in the beginning is an understatement of epic proportions. They snap, they snarl, they end up in a very intimate position on her front porch by the end of their first date - which is a set up, by the way. Oh, yes, they're on a blind date. This sets the tone for the bulk of the story where every time they get together, they snipe at each other, then get physical. How these two end up working things out and coming to an understanding is something you just have to read to really enjoy. And though it was so stellar it stood above everything else I've ever read, it was quite enjoyable. So if you're looking for a fun, fast, kind of light romance, try this one out.

Book Spotlight and Review: Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door by Gwen Hayes

Title: Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door
Genre: Romance
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Pages: 67
Language: English
Format: Ebook

Online virile.com dating columnist Dane Martin has no plans to give up his reign as bachelor extraordinaire. He has a reputation to uphold, especially with the upcoming release of his book Coming on Strong.

Holly Winters, everyone’s favorite girl next door, thanks to her blog of the same name, gives advice, but she doesn’t always take it. When she meets Dane Martin, every fiber of her being warns her to turn tail and run. Instead, she risks her future as an authority on relationships, jeopardizing her upcoming self-help book for women struggling to find commitment among the Virile sycophants.

Has the Girl Next Door tamed the most Virile man alive, or is she just another notch on the bedpost?

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About Gwen Hayes

Gwen Hayes lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero, their children, and the pets that own them. She writes stories for teen and adult readers about love, angst, and saving the world.

Gwen’s first novel, Falling Under, was released in March of 2011 by NAL/Penguin and followed up by the sequel, Dreaming Awake, in January of 2012.

In addition to writing, Gwen is a freelance editor at www.fresheyescritique.com and is Editorial Director of Scandalous Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishingwww.entangledpublishing.com.

She is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.

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Excerpt One

“I’m not going to sleep with you, you know.”
“I can be very persuasive, Holly.” He pressed a hand into her lower back firmly so that she felt, in detail, the state of his arousal.
He was thick and impossibly hard. That she caused his reaction was flattering and empowering, until she remembered that he was supposedly the most virile man in the city. This was what he did; he seduced women, making them feel good about themselves and weakening their defenses for self-preservation. Impressing them with his penis.
She shook her head. “I like sex too much to waste it on a throwaway night with you, Mr. Virile. Sorry.”
A momentary flash of confusion troubled his brow. He was not used to a challenge, it would seem, and probably most especially one about his sex appeal. “I guarantee you won’t feel like you wasted a night with me.”
“Oh, but I would. You see, sex with a stranger is mediocre, at best.”
“You obviously haven’t had great sex,” he countered.
She felt just sassy enough to press her breasts harder into his granite torso. “No, Mr. Martin, I’m afraid it’s you who hasn’t had great sex. You’re missing out on the next level. When you actually know and care about your partner, it’s…exquisite.”
Good God, there was a smoldering fire banked in those eyes of his. The promise of heat. Sex with him would be amazing, she was sure he was right about that. But neither was she wrong. When there was real intimacy, not just body parts and pheromones, sex was even better. She’d have to remind herself of that later when she was alone lamenting the lost chance she had at getting naked with a veritable sex god.
Holly broke the eye contact first, probably a sign of weakness, but it was getting too intense. This wasn’t just about her and her hormones. She had her readership to think about. Women who depended on her advice. If she couldn’t lead by example, she had no business leading at all.
“This has been entertaining, but I think it’s time for me to go.”
His hand pressed possessively into the small of her back. “This isn’t over, Ms. Winters. I intend to collect on my spoils of the hunt someday soon.”
“Oh, Mr. Martin, I promise you’ll find bigger, better game and forget all about me.”
But would she be able to forget about him?

Excerpt Two

Something hit his chest from the inside. Something warm and explosive and undeniable. Dane had found plenty of women attractive in this lifetime, but he’d never found one so adorable that it made him shake. The moment slowed time down as if they were in their own world. Raindrops collected prettily on her cheeks and eyelashes.
He wasn’t thinking with his dick, and he wasn’t thinking with his brain, either, when he cupped her slight jaw in his hands and leaned towards her, desperate for a taste of this woman. Because he needed to know the flavor of her kiss.
He stopped a scant inch from her lips and looked into her eyes, searching for a red light or hopefully a green one. She didn’t pull back but she also didn’t give him the encouragement he was used to. He wasn’t sure what to do, and that thrilled him unexpectedly, too. He’d been getting what he wanted for too long, it seemed. She was going to make him work for it and everything in him knew she’d be worth the challenge.

Excerpt Three

“Congratulations. What’s your book about?” she asked.
Dane tipped his glass and watched the amber liquid move with the motion. He was proud of his website and even prouder of his book, but suddenly it seemed…shallow. His life’s work and he was ashamed to admit it to this woman. “Dating advice for men.”
Holly sputtered, and her pink drink sprinkled the table. She quickly mopped up the mess with the cocktail napkin in one hand while covering her cough with the other.
“Uh…” he eloquently expressed. Idiot.
“I’m so sorry. And embarrassed. And wanting to die,” she said. “It’s just that…oh my God.” She shook her head.
It occurred to him that he liked the fact that she seemed so human. It seemed like all the women he spent time with were practiced, maybe even a little plastic if he thought about it too hard. This girl with a husky laugh and genuine imperfections like smile lines and freckles felt like a new frontier of some kind. Why did women try so hard to cover them up?
“You’re going to have to fill me in here, Holly. What has you so flustered?”
Smoothing the bodice of her dress, Holly tried very hard to repaint some poise over her composure. “I just realized who you must be.”
Dane felt his eyebrows reaching for his hairline. “And who might that be, exactly?”
She downed the rest of the Cosmo in one gulp. “You, sir, are the antithesis of everything I hold dear.

 My Thoughts:

This was a pretty quick read and it was kind of fun, for what it was, but there was nothing about it that set it above the rest. The characters were good, the storyline okay, but it was just a way to pass the day. Sure I finished it, but I didn't get that tingle I get from books I get so wrapped up in, I have to know NOW what happens with it, and it probably won't be one of those ones that I have to tell everyone I know to read. However, it had some fun moments, some serious moments, some hot scenes between the characters and a satisfying ending. So it was good, just not great.

Quick Review: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers comes the third book in her sizzling new adult series.

If you play with fire …

Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen's club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny's: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.

Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he's got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming. Because Harrison Yates isn't who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed.

(From Edelweiss)



My Thoughts:

 I loved this book! I wasn't sure I was going to love it as much as I did when I first started reading it because it takes a little to get into it, but I ended up liking it almost better than the others in the series (definitely more than the second book). It had great characters, a nail-biting situation, and hot and steamy love scenes. What more could you want? This is a must read.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Brave Are the Lonely by Jack Langley

                        






Title: Brave Are the Lonely


Genre: Military


Author: Jack Langley


Publisher: iUniverse


Pages: 210


Language: English


ISBN - 978-1-47599-563-3

Jim Mathews is a high school senior in a small town near Little Rock, Arkansas, and his future doesn’t look bright. He works a variety of odd jobs to help support his mother. His grades aren’t exemplary, but at least he graduates. On a whim, he joins the US Marine Corps, and on the last day of August in 1940, he ships out to boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. At the time, talk of war is on the horizon, but Mathews has no idea of what he will eventually face.

Brave Are the Lonely follows the course of his military career—from boot camp to advanced infantry training and Officer’s Candidate School Training at Quantico, Virginia, to tours of duty in four fierce, major battles, including Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, where he is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. It also shares the story of his personal life—how he meets his wife Helen and how he spends his postwar years crisscrossing the country on behalf of the government, recalling his retirement from the military and his life as an educator in a relatively obscure small town in Georgia.

This historical novel provides insight into the battles in the Pacific during World War II and pays tribute to the men who gave their lives.

Purchase your copy:

ABOUT JACK LANGLEY

Jack Langley is a practicing locum tenens general surgeon. He lives with his wife, Janet, in Georgia. They have three children, three grandchildren, and three precocious Tonkinese cats.

Giveaway:

Pump Up Your Book and Jack are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
• This giveaway begins January 7 and ends on January 21.
• Winners will be contacted via email on January 22, 2014.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Book Blast and Giveaway: From Adam to Omega by A.R. Roberts









Title: From Adam to Omega


Genre: UFO Phenomenon


Author: A.R. Roberts


Publisher: iUniverse


Pages: 522


Language: English


ISBN - 978-1-47590-505-2

Extraterrestrial life has been a philosophical issue that has not been high on the priority list for scientific study. Since the UFO issue revolves around possible alien visitors, however, it is essential to determine if extraterrestrial life could exist and, if so, whether it could visit our world. In From Adam to Omega, author A. R. Roberts provides a comprehensive compendium of UFO phenomena, followed by his interpretations of how those phenomena relate to religious and historical texts.

Roberts provides a commonsense approach and a logical evaluation of the most credible evidence available—evidence compiled by reliable researchers and investigators. He examines a plethora of questions:

• Are UFOs real?

• Were extraterrestrials involved with ancient civilizations?

• Are aliens abducting people and performing strange tests and examinations?

• Does the Bible reveal evidence of extraterrestrial visitation?

• Did the US Air Force really retrieve crashed UFOs and alien bodies?

• Are the military, the government, and NASA hiding the truth?

• Is there evidence of an alien agenda?

From Adam to Omega presents thought-provoking and interesting information as it examines the evidence to determine what is fact and what is fiction. Roberts offers a unique perspective on the UFO mystery.

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ABOUT FROM ADAM TO OMEGA

A. R. Roberts was a musician in the 1960’s and traveled the country with different groups, one of which appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in December, 1964. He later worked in the hotel industry before opening a photography studio. He became interested in UFO phenomena in 1954 while serving as a volunteer in the Ground Observer Corps. Roberts is now semi-retired and lives in Florida.







Giveaway:

Pump Up Your Book and A.R. are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
• This giveaway begins January 7 and ends on January 21.
• Winners will be contacted via email on January 22, 2014.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Book Spotlight: Three Month Plan by Kimberly Patterson

How I was inspired to write or this book? 

This is a wonderful question, and one that I think is so important. As a writer, it's hard to tell what type of stories your readers are going to love. What may start off as a great idea for an award winning novel to you may sound ridiculously boring to someone else. There really is no happy medium with your writing, and not everyone is going to like it.

So then why even bother to write and publish books? Because writing is creative. It's therapeutic and worth doing. So many personal details often get written into my manuscripts, and a lot of what transpires in the story stems from real life experiences. For me, writing has always been a release of what I couldn't quite get out verbally. Maybe some of my readers can relate. I was always shy growing up and never liked being in front of a crowd. I had a hard time expressing my emotions, especially in-depth about love. The easiest way I could do that was by writing it down. That has sort of always stuck. Writing allows you to fully take the time to convey what your message is, and not react just on emotion. This way, I don't walk away thinking "Man, I wish I would've said that instead," because chances are I already did.

When I wrote my first novel, Red Rock, I joined an authors critique group. It was made of three other published authors who offered to help me with my story. The manuscript was finished, but needed some work. I can remember the first email I got back from them with the first two chapters attached and how discouraged I was to see all of the corrections they suggested. I almost wanted to give up. But, one of the other authors must've known how I was feeling because he emailed me and told me to not get discouraged. There are so many edits involved in everyone's books, but it's all for the better if the story itself is good. Overall, I feel like this is what really motivated me to keep writing. After awhile, my writing itself improved so that in my second manuscript there weren't as many errors.

The main challenges always come when your book is finished. The editing and constructive criticism is easy compared to the review process. As I mentioned, not everyone is going to love your book. And those that don't, really have no problem telling the world exactly how much they don't like it. Initially, it's very easy to get your feelings hurt, and take every review to heart. Some you might even want to cry over while you destroy a pint (or more) of Ben and Jerry's, but ultimately everyone has their own opinion. Sometimes you just have to grow a thicker shell and accept that fact. The rest of the time you just know that the story is important to you, and that you are proud of it. I am very proud to have accomplished writing and publishing both of my books. My first book was a YA western, and a little bit harder to market. Although my reviews were great (for the most part), most younger readers weren't into the western genre. My latest book, The Three Month Plan, is a YA Romance with comedy.

The Three Month Plan is a YA romantic comedy that most dating age females can relate to. In addition, any guys or anyone who has ever had that "friend" they were secretly in love with can relate. 

About the Book:

Kelly Callahan had everything going for her. Everything that is, except for a relationship. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, it just seemed like she was a magnet for all the wrong ones. But all of that was about to change the minute she laid eyes on Jake.

On a dare from her close friend, Michelle, Kelly accepts a challenge to date and become Jake’s girlfriend within three months. The consequence of losing is global humiliation, and she refuses to lose.

Enlisting the help of her childhood friend and confidant, Brian, Kelly manages to catch Jakes attention. She also unknowingly hooks Brian who tries to sabotage the plan. Kelly finds herself with a dilemma; take the final step with Jake and win the plan or follow her heart and reveal her feelings for Brian.

About the Author:

Horses were one of my first loves, and writing soon followed. As a child, I spent hours writing poems, and short stories (about horses). My parents realized that I was horse-obsessed and decided to buy me one after taking riding lessons for two years. I think they hoped that all of the hard work, and hours spent mucking stalls would help me give up this expensive hobby. They were wrong. Writing is still a passion of mine, although now I primarily write fiction. My first novel, Red Rock, was published in 2010, and big surprise, there are horses in it. My second novel, The Three Month Plan was released August 2013.

Other Loves: My family, yoga, skincare and makeup, sushi, and raising money for pediatric cancer. I have two rescue dogs and would have more if there weren't zoning restrictions. I'm always trying something new, as I tend to get bored very easily. Thankfully, my love of driving around with the gas light on fuels some excitement. I love novels with happy endings, and am a hopeful romantic. My latest obsession is browsing Netflix, and I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 30 seconds. Do I feel a wager coming on?

Guest Post: The Reverend Peter K. Stimpson

Did you ever wonder if there were secrets about life, the answers to which would help you find happiness? Well, over my life of being both a priest and a therapist, I have found 3 secrets, which now I share with you.

1. INSECURITY: This may be a shock to you, but all people feel insecure. Growing up, I had this image that on the other side of the hill were all these “normal” people, and that when I went through that magic door into adulthood at age 21, I would be like them. Well, I am now 67 and there is no magic door. I have counseled people from all walks of life to whom others often turn for advice: clergy, doctors, lawyers, professors, corporate executives, as well as others who are rich and famous, and they all have one thing in common, they are human! They are just as insecure as you and I. If they honestly admit and face their clay feet, they grow. If they hide behind masks of superiority, making you think that they “have it all together”, they don’t.

2. POWER: Who has the power to define your self-worth? Thinking that love is conditional upon performance, most people nervously give their power away to those from whom they hope to get praise and affirmation: parents, teachers, employers, and spouses. Giving away your power condemns you to always worry about what others think. Remember, all people feel insecure. So, why are you giving them the power to determine who you are? The secret is to take back your power, and define your own self-worth. OK, so you have some weaknesses, join the club. But, in general, you are probably a nice person. Once you rely upon your own judgment about yourself, it is as if you are wearing a psychological suit of armor. Others can hurt your feelings, but their demeaning criticism can no longer devastate you to the core. Why? Because you, not they, have the power.

3. SUCCESS: Most people equate success as attaining something big: a job, title, house, car, bank account, etc. If they do not, they feel like a failure. But, while pursuing achievements is good, it is the “little goal”. The “big goal” is how your personality develops along the way. Homer once said that “the journey is the thing”. Your job will end with a gold watch, your house will pass to someone else, your car will rust, but your soul will live forever. Who you become is defined by the choices you make in life: to be kind or cruel, loving or manipulative, humble or a snob. Life is a process of creating a work of art: YOU. Your death signals the end of your growth, and the judgment of God is to simply accept your judgment, allowing you to be as you have chosen to be, for all eternity. So, don’t get mixed up; the big goal is who you become – the little goal is what you attain. Your Lexus will not fit into the coffin with you, but your soul will.

The Reverend Peter K. Stimpson

Title: Map to Happiness

Genre: Inspirational/Self-Help
Author: The Reverend Peter K. Stimpson
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 206
Language: English

What is my purpose? How can I be happy? For thousands of years, people have pondered these big questions, often finding the answers elusive. In Map to Happiness, Peter Stimpson, an Episcopal priest and experienced therapist, doesn’t claim to have all the answers. Still, he generously shares a wealth of wisdom he has learned by counseling and ministering to people for more than thirty-five years.
Stimpson anchors happiness in a pyramid of principles: insecurity, power, and success. He explains that by understanding everyone is insecure, we can take back our power from others to define our worth and reach for success in lasting values, not things. His message is clear: who you become is more important than what you attain.

Stimpson illustrates the power of his trilogy by answering today’s ubiquitous questions related to love of yourself, your spouse, your children, and life’s challenges of stress, work, illness, anger, and death. Using both spiritual and psychological perspectives, Stimpson frankly discusses how we stray off the path to happiness, but more important, how we can get back on track.

If you are confused or lost, open this map and begin your journey. You’ll find help sifting through confusing issues with easy-to-understand explanations and ready-to-use solutions.

ABOUT THE REVEREND PETER K. STIMPSON

Peter K. Stimpson is an Episcopal priest and a licensed clinical social worker. He has counseled people from all walks of life since 1972, has written a popular advice column since 1983, and is the director of Trinity Counseling Service in Princeton, New Jersey.