Lusting for Covers (78)

 

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!

Once you are ready to join the fun, please fill out Mister Linky below with your name/blog name and the direct link to your Lusting for Covers for this week!

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Here's my candidate for the week:

Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

Publisher: Kensington (November 6, 2012) [Reprint]

Series: Wilder, 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.--the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .






The Doctor Is In Deep   Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair's last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father's clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .

When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma's sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here--in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist. . .

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

Why?
The cover seems simple, right? Well, that's one of the things I love most about this one. It's not crowded, it's not too busy...

Plus, it's sweet, and I don't mean that in a "sugar-coated" kind of way. The simple romantic embrace/kiss, when done right, can do wonders for a book cover. :)

I've never read any of Jill Shalvis' novels, but they are all on my list. And although this is a reprint, I personally like this cover a little better than the old one (see here).

What about you? Do you like the simple covers like this? Or do you prefer the older cover for Instant Gratification?

Looking For: Contemporary Romances

Contemporary Week is almost at an end, and I've loved every moment of it! I hope you have, too. But don't worry--it doesn't end until Sunday night (12:01am), so be sure to check out all the fun posts and enter the Contemporary Week giveaway!

Also, international readers: the giveaway for you will be open until the end of this event (July 1st) but if you haven't entered yet, be sure to do so!

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 What Should I Read? [Contemporary]

I'm always on the look out for great contemporary romances. They can be new, old, reprints, or upcoming--I'm not picky! :) It may take me a while to read them (ignore the TBR mountain in the corner, please!), but I like having a list to consult when I do need to go book shopping again!

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: I really want to get into more contemporaries, yes, even Harlequins (good ones though, please!). :) So go through your favorites list, ladies, because I want a BIG list of recommendations for this genre!
Do you have any reccomendations for me? How about my TBR pile-- is there a contemporary book in it that I must read right NOW? Or is there a book I've already read that you'd like to reccomend to other readers, too? Share, please! :)



See what else is going on for Contemporary Week!

Enter the Contemporary Week Giveaway (US)!

Enter my Blogoversary Giveaway (INT)!

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Guest Post w/ Maureen Fisher + Giveaway (INT)

It's Contemporary week here at TBQ's Book Palace as part of my 4 year blogoversary celebration! I'm all for show-casing new authors, and, for me at least, Maureen is a new author. I'll be putting her books on my list though, and I hope you do, too! Enjoy! 

And don't forget to stop by this post to enter my Week 3 giveaway for the event!

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The skirl of bagpipes still brings a wee tear to my eye. An only child, torn by well-meaning parents from my beloved Scotland at the age of seven, I sailed to Canada, kicking and screaming. I immersed myself in the imaginary world of books for ten years, surfacing only to attend school (boring) and eat (much, much better). Unfurling my wings at the University of Toronto, I studied Fine Art between social engagements. Shortly after graduation, my first marriage precipitated a move to Ottawa where I succeeded in convincing the federal government to hire a Fine Arts specialist as a fledgling computer programmer. After a rocky start in the world of bits and bytes, I discovered bridge, downhill skiing, and women’s canoe trips.

To learn more about Maureen, check out her bio here!

 

Where to Find Maureen:

Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Animals in My Books: Guest Blog  + Giveaway

Many thanks for the chance to be a guest on The Book Queen’s Palace. It’s great to be here. Please feel free to comment or ask me any question you want. One lucky reader who comments on my blog will be randomly selected to win a copy of my ebook, Fur Ball Fever. Good luck!

I’m a big fan of all animals, be they furry, feathery, scaly, or leathery. Okay, so I draw the line at mosquitoes, but I find dogs, ferrets, moose, aardvarks, turkeys, even the so-called ickier creatures like snakes and toads fascinating. If you don’t believe me, I can prove it. When my youngest son was 10, I let him have a pet rat. That’s right. A white-and-tan ultra-friendly hooded rat called Ben. Ben was an extrovert who loved people. In spite of gnawing gaping holes in my sofa cushions, he won my heart. Hey, it was an old sofa. And after my son discovered girls and lost interest in all things ratty, Ben spent many an hour snuggled up on my lap or shoulder, keeping me company while we watched our favorite TV shows or read romance novels.

It’s a ton of fun to incorporate animals in my books. I try not to let the beasties steal the scene, but it’s an uphill battle. When asked recently why I write about animals, I came up with several reasons (other than the fact that I love them). I use animals in my books to reveal character and move the plot forward. They’re also great to inject humor. But mainly, I try to give readers what they crave, and it seems that the majority of romance readers love animals as much as I do. In my opinion, a tough alpha-male protagonist is ultra-sympathetic if he has a soft spot for animals.

The excerpt from Fur Ball Fever I’m about to give you is loosely based on a real-life event involving my dog Sheena (a mostly border collie/terrier mix) from my teenaged years. Sheena, may she rest in peace, was a canine glutton. That dog ate anything that wasn’t nailed down. One Saturday, my lovely mother, a woman who could destroy a perfectly good cut of meat in the space of a few hours, decided to incinerate, ahem, I mean cook, a rolled rib roast. She succeeded in shrinking the meat down to half its size (an ancient Scottish tradition), and left it on the counter to rest while she got ready for guests, who were arriving in half an hour.

Twenty minutes later, a shriek alerted me to the fact that all was not right in the kitchen. My father and I ran toward the sound. All that was left of a 6-pound roast (make that a 3-pound roast after my mother had incinerated it) was a length of butcher’s twine, a chunk of gristle, and a smear of grease. We found Sheena zonked out on the living room sofa, her stomach rock-hard and distended. I thought she looked slightly green under her fur, but it might have been my imagination.

That night, the guests ate barbecued burgers instead of roast beef. Sheena, on the other hand, didn’t eat a bite for three days. She spent a ton of time in the back yard. In the end, the dog experienced no lasting ill effects. Wish I could say the same about the lawn.

Later, we pieced together what must have happened.

·         Sheena saw her opportunity and formulated a plan (mutts are smart dogs).

·         When the coast was clear, she hopped up onto a chair, which was pulled away from the kitchen table.

·         Once on the chair, it was a piece of cake to boost herself up onto the table.

·         One four-foot leap from table to countertop, and Sheena was beside the meat.

·         Gorging happened.

·         The getaway was the easy part, what with gravity and all.

There was no other way it could have gone down.

~Maureen Fisher

 

Please check out my website at http://booksbymaureen.com. I’m always on the hunt for funny animal stories I can incorporate into my books.

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Fur Ball Fever by Maureen Fisher

Publisher: Maureen Fisher, via Smashwords (September 20th, 2011)

Genre: Contemporary

Fur Ball Fever is a romantic crime mystery spiked with attitude (most of it warped), tons of humor, and enough steamy sex to drive those who dare read it racing for a cold shower.

5 Stars: “One for the Money meets Best in Show.”
5 Stars: “I laughed out loud and so will you!”
5 Stars: “Fun romance with laugh out loud humor!”

An impulsive pet spa owner loses her elderly client’s prize pooch—a shoo-in to win the annual Jersey Shore Fur Ball. Lives, money, and careers are in jeopardy. Too bad her helpers consist of an aging hippie aunt, a renegade schnauzer, and a drag queen. Worst of all, the only man qualified to help is her former flame, the hunkiest bodyguard north of the Mason-Dixon Line, who has his own agenda. Hazards soon multiply like bunnies, exploding into romance, murder, and mayhem, culminating in a Fur Ball extravaganza the locals will never forget.

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Smashwords

Maureen: The following is an excerpt from the conclusion of Fur Ball Fever. The protagonists, including Murphy the dog, are in costume for the Pet ’n’ Owner Grand Parade, always the high point of the Annual Jersey Shore Fur Ball.

Fur Ball Fever by Maureen Fisher
Excerpt:

Murphy darted through the kitchen door, a strip of grease-soaked paper dangling from his mouth. His doggy-sized Confederate jacket had a food smear down the front. The cap hung askew, still anchored by wide elastic tucked underneath his sweet furry chin. Decked out in latex and feathers, Auntie Beth puffed behind the dog as he skidded into a U-turn upon sighting Nick.

“Down,” Nick said in a firm tone.

To Grace’s surprise, Murphy flopped down and displayed his belly.

“Easy, boy.” Nick crouched to rub a rounded tummy. Murphy wriggled, and made little whimpers of adoration.

Grace empathized.

Nick gave her a look of astonishment. “I guess the training worked.” He pried the paper from Murphy’s mouth and straightened. “What’s he been into?”

“It wasn’t my fault.” Auntie Beth’s expression dared criticism.

Grace started getting a bad feeling. “What wasn’t your fault?”

“I needed a snack or I’d never make it to the supper buffet. I skipped breakfast, seeing as how I don’t want to explode this here new dress.”

This was like pulling teeth. “I get it. You were hungry. What happened, Auntie Beth?”

“There was this leftover pizza, you know, the kind I love with hot banana peppers, spicy Italian sausage, olives, and high-fiber crust.”

Grace stalked toward her aunt. “Please don’t tell me you let Murphy—”

Auntie Beth eyed Grace cautiously. “I go to the fridge for the pizza, and there’s the extra cheese steak from last night and a bunch of Krispy Kremes too. So I pile everything on the table. I was only going to have one teeny-tiny taste.”

Grace tensed, held in place only by Nick’s warning arm squeeze.

“Go on, Beth,” he said in an encouraging tone.

Auntie Beth licked her lips. “I’m unwrapping stuff, then the phone rings, and it’s Milt. I go outside so’s I can have some privacy in case he wants phone sex.”

Nick made a muffled snort that sounded like a laugh. Grace shot him a quelling glance, and turned to Auntie Beth. “Are you telling us that while you and Milt had telephone sex, Murphy chowed down on the pizza?” she asked, her voice all breathy due to corset compression.

“There were only six slices left,” Auntie Beth said.

Grace eyed Murphy. His furry tummy bulged as if he’d swallowed a basketball. “Please, please tell me he didn’t eat anything else.”

Murphy released a low moan followed by a quiet burp.

Auntie Beth gnawed her lower lip. “As God is my witness, I was on the phone for less than five minutes. Milt’s pretty speedy for a man his age.”

Grace tapped her toe, knowing guilt would loosen her aunt’s tongue. Sure enough, after turning as pink as her dress, Auntie Beth admitted, “Okay, so maybe a couple of donuts too.”

She glanced at Grace, who glared back.

At last, Auntie Beth said, “Make it five donuts.”

When Grace grabbed the strip of greasy paper and waved it, Auntie Beth heaved a sigh. “And a twelve-inch cheese steak plus most of the wrapping.”


“What goes in must come out,” Nick muttered. “Heaven help us all.”

 

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Maureen is offering up ONE e-copy of her book, Fur Ball Fever, to a lucky commenter!

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

How to Enter:

Mandatory: You must leave a comment on this post--Please Answer Maureen's Question!

^A note on email addresses: Your email address must be visible to be entered into this contest. Why? This makes it easy for me to contact the winner and therefore get the prize out! Visible means: a) Email is left in your comment (ninja style is perfectly fine); b) Email is visible on your Blogger profile (or other such website--Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc); or c) Email is used to log-in and fill out the Rafflecopter.

Maureen's Question:
Do you have any animal anecdotes you would like to share? I would love to hear them. One commenter will win a free copy of Fur Ball Fever.

Giveaway open June 22nd through June 29th! I will pick and announce the winner Monday morning (July 2nd). Good Luck!

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See what else is going on for Contemporary Week!

Enter the Contemporary Week Giveaway (US)!

Enter my Blogoversary Giveaway (INT)

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Interview: Lillie Spencer

It's Contemporary week here at TBQ's Book Palace as part of my 4 year blogoversary celebration! I'm all for show-casing new authors, and, for me at least, Lillie is a new author. I'll be putting her books on my list though, and I hope you do, too! Enjoy! 

And don't forget to stop by this post to enter my Week 3 giveaway for the event!

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Lillie likes to joke that she is a mother, author, and wife – usually in that order. Although she holds a degree in Wildlife Biology, writing has always been her passion. She was a teaching assistant for English Composition and English as a Second Language in college, and wrote countless stories in her free time before she was brave enough to submit one for publication. A preview of Manhunt was an editor’s choice recipient at textnovel.com in 2009, where it is still #10 on their “Most Popular” list, and was a semi-finalist in the Dorchester Next Best Celler (sic) contest. Lillie was also recently awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2011 RWA-Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight competition for her work-in-progress, The Circle, a paranormal romance. When not writing or freezing at soccer games, Lillie loves to cook and play video games with her family.

 

Where to Find Lillie:

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

The_Book_Queen: Hi Lillie! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Lillie: I'm a mother of two wonderful middle-school aged children who are my whole world.  I also have a very spoiled cockapoo who we found on the street in the middle of a thunderstorm and an overweight Persian cat I inherited from my grandfather. 

TBQ: What made you decide to start writing? Why romance?

L: When I was a teenager, I used to spend the weekend at my great aunt's house.  She taught me my love of crafts, of cooking and baking, of scrapbooking, and of reading, although I don't think she knew about the last part.  She had a subscription with Harlequin, got a box full of books from them every month, so the guest bedroom closet was literally filled with them.  Fabio was everywhere!  I used to sneak and read them after I went to bed.  I loved being swept away to other worlds, caught up in the romance. 

TBQ: Your debut, Manhunt, came out in May. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?

L: It's a story about a young woman named Nikki, who wakes up in the hospital with amnesia.  In storms this handsome stranger who tells her they have to leave, and her gut tells her she should follow him, so she does.  The man, Michael, turns out to be her high school sweetheart who claims to still love her.  She doesn't learn until later that he is wanted for the murder of the man who put her in the hospital.  Nikki starts to remember her life a little at a time while they are on the run, primarily through dreams.  At its heart, it's a story about love, loss and redemption.

TBQ: Are there other genres you would like to write about?

L: I will always stick to romance, but I like to write other subgenres.  I am currently working on a paranormal romance.

TBQ: I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?

L: I love the classics, and I'm a huge fan of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.  As for contemporary authors, I have too many to name.  Check out my favorites list at Goodreads  lol. [Yep, that is a much more precise and easy answer! lol]

TBQ: Have you ever fallen for a hero, either from one of your books or from another author? If so, who is he and what drew you to him?

L: I can still remember reading The Outsiders in high school and falling hard for Darry.  He was really a minor character, and my girlfriends were all about Ponyboy and Johnny, but I loved Darry.  He was their caretaker, and even though he struggled with that role and made mistakes along the way, I loved him for stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility.  He's probably the reason I am drawn to the broken bad boy lol. [Ah, loved that book! :) Brings back memories..]

TBQ: What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?

L: I'm currently working on a paranormal romance called The Circle about a shapeshifting immortal druid.  It was a semi-finalist in the RWA-Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest last year, and I'm very excited about it.  After that, I'll be writing a companion piece to MANHUNT about Michael and Nikki's best friend, Christian.

SPEED ROUND:

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa? 

Can I have a day at a spa on a secluded island? [Wish granted!]

Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?  Spicy romance

Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?

Sexy highlander

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights? 

Cold winter night with a fire, warm blanket, mulled wine and either a good man or a good book. [Hehe, oh what a choice to make--good man or good book...hmmm..... :) ]

Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness? 

Mountains, definitely

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?

Medieval Scotland [A girl after my own heart! :) ]

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?

Blurb fan

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?) 

Novel - I love the build up to the steamy parts

And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:

1 - I worked for Wendy's in college and one day they made me dress up like Wendy and wave to people on the street.  It was the middle of August and I had grease-pencil freckles and no sunscreen.  At the end of  the day I was sunburnt with white dots all over my face where the freckles were! [Ouch!]

 

2 - In my work with wildlife, I've been hugged by a real bear, crapped on by a komodo dragon, and bit by a donkey.  He was a real ass.  ;) [*Snort*]

 

3 - I was never able to learn Spanish or French, but I learned Swahili.

  

TBQ: Thanks so much for stopping by, Lillie, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

Lillie:

Do you have a friend that you can call at 3am, for any reason at all, and they'd be there for you?

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Manhunt by Lillie Spencer

Publisher: Tulipe Noire Press (May 1, 2012)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes you have to forget it all to remember what really matters.

Michael Brennan's life and career come to an abrupt halt when he receives a phone call telling him the love of his life, Nikki Wright, is in the hospital after another attack by her ex-boyfriend Sebastian Cross. Rushing back to Hershey, PA, Michael turns up at Nikki's hospital bedside covered in Sebastian's blood and telling her they have to leave immediately. Though her injuries have induced amnesia, Nikki inherently feels she can trust this man with her life. Soon, they find themselves on the run from both their own troubled pasts and authorities hunting for Sebastian's killer. But with each new day and each touch drawing her further into Michael's embrace, Nikki remembers more about this fugitive she once loved, and who still loves her enough to risk everything to protect her and keep her safe.

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK
ARe | Publisher

 

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Thanks so much for stopping by, Lillie; I enjoyed reading your answers, and I hope the readers do as well! :)

And don't forget to answer Lillie's Question:
Do you have a friend that you can call at 3am, for any reason at all, and they'd be there for you?

See what else is going on for Contemporary Week!
Enter the Contemporary Week Giveaway (US)

Enter my Blogoversary Giveaway (INT)

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "The Virgin's Revenge"

The Virgin's Revenge by Dee Tenorio

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (July 3, 2012)

Series: The Rancho del Cielo, 4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

If you can’t beat ’em…seduce ’em.

A Rancho del Cielo Romance

Amanda Jackman’s love life is the stuff dreams are made of...which is fitting, because it’s all in her head. Thanks to six oversized, overbearing brothers who treat her like the family jewel, she’s lived in a padded little box.

Determined to get a life before she needs a padded little cell, she sets out to throw off the yoke and live on her own terms. Except she seriously underestimates the lengths to which her brothers will go to keep her safe and sound.

Cole Engstrom’s life might just be at an end. Cornered by all six of the massive Jackmans—men he normally considers his friends—he learns he’s their choice to marry their sister...or else. Make that first choice, but not the last.

Rather than watch Amanda’s brothers club their way through potential mates, Cole figures it’s best to just play along for a while and buy her some time to find a man of her own. It’s a good plan. Until Amanda figures it out—and decides he’s the one to relieve her of her “sheltered little virgin” status. One seduction at a time...

Warning: This sexy romp of a book contains a virgin, a man and a plan. Game. On

 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK 

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

My Review:

Ah, the old “friends-to-lovers” troupe, with a slight twist—the heroine's a virgin, and she's tired of being placed in a glass box. One way or another she's going to lose her pesky virginity. And the guy she wants to take it from her is her brothers' best friend. Oh yes, this should be fun...

Amanda has six brothers. Yep, six. Needless to say, she's been coddled, protected, and unable to even date much since she reached puberty. Of course, the one man she wants to date (and oh so much more...) doesn't have the same feelings for her. After all, she's just his best friend's younger sister, just another one of the guys...right?

Cole has a secret, one that he won't even admit to himself (yet). He's in love with his friend's sister. Yep, the ultimate “no-no” in guy world, but he can't help it. But Amanda can't be interested in him, he's not the type woman fall for...

Things get even more complicated when Locke, Amanda's oldest brother, tells Cole that he will marry Amanda. It's time for her to get hitched, and Cole seems to be the first choice. But not the only choice; if Cole won't do it, Locke will just move on to the his next candidate. Needless to say, Cole agrees just so Amanda won't be passed around like a giveaway prize. But he doesn't want to marry—ever. Not even Amanda.

But if he did...well, Amanda would be the one. Assuming she felt the same about him.

The Virgin's Revenge is a quick, entertaining read, and one I really enjoyed! This might have been my first novel by Dee Tenorio, but it will not be my last! :) The characters are all great, and I look forward to learning more about many of them. The story was good, and the romance was believable—sweet, spicy, and real, not something that sprung up suddenly.

And I loved Cole—he wasn't the typical romance hero. He's not buff, brawny and athletic. He's not an alpha male, like Amanda's brothers. He's fit, but not big (heh, not that way dirty minds! Lol). He's a proud geek/nerd, a computer programer who speaks Klingon and Elvish. In other words, a welcome reprieve from the usual, and I would take Amanda's spot in a heartbeat!

Favorite Quote^:

“There's more to sex than just going at it.” He pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, then another along her cheek. She turned her head to give him more room. “There's not much satisfaction in that. You should have build-up. Anticipation. Temptation. Seduction.” He kept kissing, sometimes a nip, sometimes a nibble, punctuating his husky words on his way down her neck.

 

Cole, you are my hero--you just described how a relationship should work out, both in real life and in the romance novels I read! :)

4 STARS! A sweet, funny contemporary romance, The Virgin's Revenge is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a quick weekend read. I highly suggest you try Dee's books if you haven't already---I think I am now a fan for life!

^Quote belongs solely to the author. I do not claim it in anyway.

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I received an e-ARC of this book from Novel Sidekick, in exchange for my honest review!
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Enjoy!


Until Next Time,

  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Guest Post: Carol Cassada

It's Contemporary week here at TBQ's Book Palace as part of my 4 year blogoversary celebration! I'm all for show-casing new authors, and, for me at least, Carol is a new author. I'll be putting her books on my list though, and I hope you do, too! Enjoy! 

And don't forget to stop by this post to enter my Week 3 giveaway for the event!

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I'm just a young woman from the small town of Ringgold, VA who's living her dream of being a writer.

In December 2008 I started my first book Going Home Again, which was released February 24, 2010 by Romance Divine. I can't tell you how wonderful it felt, to have my work published was a dream come true.

Now my second book Westmore, the first in a line of volumes is about to be released. This time I went the self publishing route with Createspace. I'm currently working on Volume 2 of Westmore and hope to have it out by the end of the year.

Aside from my love of reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with my supportive parents, my two brother who love to tease me, and my three dogs and two cats.

 

Where to Find Carol:

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Today I’ll be talking about my book Westmore, it’s the first volume in the series, and it’s what I describe as a literary version of a soap opera. With all daytime serials, you have mostly romance drama. There are different types of romance storylines, there’s the love triangles, the couple who wants to be together, but are forbidden, and the couples you just want to break up because you can’t stomach them being together.

In Westmore, a majority of the characters experience relationship drama and I’ll be discussing a few of them.

We’ll start with Charlotte one of the lead characters, she married her college sweetheart Michael, when she was just twenty. They gave up their dreams of being a musician and actress to settle down in Westmore and raise their four children. They lived happily for twenty-five years, until a car accident ended Michael’s life. She was torn up over his death, and she vowed never to date again, in fact she thought she could never find anyone as special as Michael. Then one night she becomes a victim in a mugging and Detective Jim Bryant comes to her rescue. Afterwards a friendship develops, but Charlotte’s feelings for him turn romantic and she begins to rethink her decision to enter the dating scene.

Daughter Alicia on the other hand, has always been a pessimist when it comes to love. She’s had her fair share of boyfriends and was the perfect girlfriend, yet she couldn’t say the same about the men in her life. After her last break-up, in which her ex cheated on her, she swore off dating. Her motto is “All they do is break your heart.” Yet, one night when she’s performing with her band, she attracts a new admirer in Jacob Reynolds. Even though Jacob tries to pursue a relationship with her, Alicia’s hesitant due to her insecurities. But soon Jacob wins her over with his charm and slowly she regains her trust in men.

While, Charlotte and Alicia are experiencing happiness, Elizabeth Braxton isn’t so lucky. She’s been married to Andrew for nearly twenty-five years. They’ve had a very turbulent marriage; Andrew’s a control freak, while Elizabeth’s an independent woman. Even though there are problems in the relationship, Elizabeth loves her husband and holds out hope they can save their marriage. However, she begins to realize her fairy tale life isn’t meant to be and begins contemplating divorce, especially when she learns how Andrew’s latest evil deed affects their son.

Laura Reynolds is a newly single mother, who returns to Westmore with her daughter. Laura’s husband Elliot is a doctor, and they moved to Connecticut when he got a better job offer. However, cracks soon developed in the marriage and Laura felt neglected due to her husband’s work schedule. She was unhappy with the way things turned out and she developed a friendship with her neighbor Rick, which soon turned into an affair. They carried on their affair for months until the secret was finally revealed and everyone in town shunned her due to her infidelity. Laura couldn’t deal with the humiliation and returned home to be with her family. Just as she settles into her new life, her ex shows up and her world is thrown for a loop.

Will these ladies find love? Or will they experience heartache? All I can say is stay tuned because there’s lots more to come.

~Carol Cassada

   

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Westmore by Carol Cassada

Publisher: CreateSpace (April 11, 2011)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Set in a fictional New England town, follow the lives of three families; The Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds. The Greens: * Widowed matriarch Charlotte never thought she could find love again after the death of her husband Michael, until handsome Detective Bryant comes to her rescue. * Youngest son Peter returns home from college with his new girlfriend, who's ten years older than him, and is a problem for Mama Charlotte. * Scott and Alicia are singing siblings who are on their way to the top, until tragedy strikes one night. The Braxtons: * Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and powerful businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company, with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, he'll do everything in his heart to stop him from leaving. The Reynolds: * After the divorce Laura Reynolds and her daughter Megan move back home with her father, where she plans to start life anew, but little does she know that it's not easy to escape your past.

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle

 

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Thanks so much for stopping by, Carol; I enjoyed reading your guest post, and I hope the readers do as well! :)

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