Dog Martini

When I first saw Dog Martini from Whimsie Doodles, I could not help but laugh and then, you know what happens next, yep, I was coloring it!

eARC Review: Darkness Bound by Stella Cameron

DARKNESS BOUND by Stella Cameron
FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley
GENRE: Paranormal
LENGTH: 326 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 28,2012)

WHEN NIGHT FALLS
After her husband's tragic death, Leigh Kelly arrives on Whidbey Island determined to start over. Yet the tiny town of Chimney Rock is not as peaceful as it seems. Women have been disappearing, and Leigh can't shake the feeling that she's being watched . . . especially at night. Soon, she's experiencing visions she can't explain and fighting her attraction to a handsome stranger who seems to know her most intimate desires.

PASSION TRANSFORMS THEM
As the leader of the Team, a pack of werehounds forced to hide their very existence, former special ops soldier Niles Latimer is desperate to prove a man's heart beats beneath his predator's body. And Leigh-the mysterious beauty possessing powers she doesn't yet understand-may be the one woman who can help him. But Niles isn't the only one who recognizes Leigh's true identity. Something evil is waiting in the woods-and the hunt has begun . . .

Find Stella: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository

I loved it.

REVIEW:

I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading Darkness Bound but what I got wasn’t it… in a good way. I’m going to admit that it through me for a loop but it was a loop that I was happy to be in.

Leigh Kelly is moving on after the death of her husband. She quits her job and moves to Chimney Rock, a place that holds special memories for her. She gets a job as the business manger of Gabriel’s bar/restaurant thinking it will be something to get her mind off the past. Niles Latimer, alpha werehound, has other plans for Leigh. He’s determined to have her as a mate and save his pack.

Now, Chimney Rock is a small town that has a lot of secrets and isn’t very safe. Women are disappearing for days then coming back missing their memory. Not to mention a turf war between the werehounds and the werewolves. I have to give Leigh credit because I would be out of there after the second night and all the

strange things that start happening around her. Good thing Niles is around… and his dog Blue (who I love and if you read you’ll know why).

There are a lot of paranormal creatures in Chimney Rock. Not only do you have the werehounds fighting their enemies the werewolves but also there are vampires involved and some Fae who have yet to pick a side. It can get confusing but the way Stella Cameron introduces them makes it’s very easy to keep track of.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“What would you do if I threw you over my shoulder and carried you off. . . to do all kinds of things to you?”
He settled his hands at her waist, dropped to one knee, and smoothed all the way to her calves. Touching her, even through her clothes, made him tremble. “I am going to do all kinds of things to you,” he said. “Make you scream for me to make you come, again and again. That’ll be before and after I strip you naked— slowly—and lick every inch of you, then suck every inch of you.”

OVERALL:

There is a lot going on so be prepared when you start to read it. And if you do start reading then be prepared to get sucked in to this crazy world. Darkness Bound has a more Urban Fantasy feel then just a normal paranormal romance and I look forward to seeing how this world unravels. Seth, Niles right hand guy, is probably my favorite character and he’s book is next which I’m excited about. Plus I want to see what the deal is with Gabriel. There is something mysterious there.

***review copy from Netgalley***

Winners, Winners...

CONGRATS TO:

***These winners have already contacted or responded to emails, we're a little late in announcing. Sorry ladies.***

Linda Thum

She's won a copy of the full serial The Rake and the Recluse by Jenn LeBlanc 

Jennifer K

The_Book_Queen

They've won copies featuring our Valentine Book Boyfriends

Yadira Alonzo

She's won a copy of Cassandra's Dilemma by Heather Long

***These winners have already contacted or responded to emails, we're a little late in announcing. Sorry ladies.***

Julianne

She's won a copy of A BREACH OF PROMISE by Victoria Vane

Kelli

She's won a copy of FASTBALL by VK Sykes

MissKallie2000

She's won a copy of CADDYGIRLS by VK Sykes

May Pau

She's won some fun swag from Vanessa Kelly

Danielle Gorman

Linda Henderson

They've won surprise copies of a historical or contemporary Lisa Kleypas book.

Yay winners! Winners have been contacted via email. Winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Don't forget about our other giveaways.

Interview + Giveaway with Katharine Ashe

We Hottie Scotties and we sure as heck love secret agents. We're not sure what it is about them that gets our hearts beating triple time. Maybe it's the danger that surrounds them. The lovely Miz Katharine Ashe is here to share her latest release, WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY, as well as sneak peeks into the next two books of the new Falcon Club series.

WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG KATHARINE!!!

Meet Katharine:

The American Library Association’s Booklist named Katharine Ashe among its “New Stars of Historical Romance.” She is a two-time nominee in the Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Awards, and her novella, A Lady’s Wish, launched Harper Collins Publishers’ e-book imprint, Avon Impulse, to rave reviews.

Katharine lives in the wonderfully warm Southeast with her husband, son, two dogs, and a garden she likes to call romantic rather than unkempt. A professor of European history, she has made her home in California, Italy, France, and the northern US. She loves hearing from readers!

Find Katharine: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Ballroom Blog

Kati: Hi Katharine! Congrats on your latest release. It’s a pleasure to have you at the blog again. :)
Katharine: Thanks, Kati. It’s lovely to be here. And congratulations to you on your new partnership with Jamie. (thanks!)

Kati & Jamie: Who is Katharine Ashe? (author, mother, runner, European history professor, international woman of mystery...)
Katharine Ashe: Oh, I like that “international woman of mystery.” Yes, indeed.

With my family I’m “Mommy”, “Katie”, and provider of puppy treats. In my office or on my deck I’m happy writer. Out and about I’m runner and café lover. On campus I’m professor of European religious history. And on twitter I’m cookie-aholic.

K&J: How did you pick the title for WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY?
KA: As I was planning the book, one day I was listening to an oldies radio station and I heard “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. It was so right for the hero, Leam, the Earl of Blackwood, I knew in an instant this must be the title.

K&J: Tell us a little bit about Leam and Kitty.
KA: Leam is a lady’s most delectably sinful dream. He is tall and gorgeous in a rawboned Scottish borderlands fashion, with dark eyes that promise seriously scorching passion. As a secret agent of the Falcon Club, in high society he dresses casually, flirts incorrigibly, and is known to still mourn the tragic death of his young wife years ago. In private he is a man of eight languages, four unquestionably trusting friends, two devoted Irish Wolfhounds, but no heart to speak of any longer. He is a poet and a lord and everything he shows of himself to the world is a lie.

Lady Kitty Savege wears a disguise of sorts too. Pretending cool hauteur in society, she has lived her life seeking vengeance on the man who ruined her, but now her heart aches for something more -- for joy and adventure and, most of all, love. She thinks Lord Blackwood is a barbarian, from his loose neckcloth to his roguish brogue. Nevertheless, she can’t manage to stop throwing herself at him every time they have a moment alone together! He’s far too handsome, she’s far too wanton, and when they come together it’s far, far too hot to resist.

K&J: Do you have any writing rituals? (baking Toll House cookies, listening to music, drinking wine...)
KA: I write everywhere and any time I can! So, no, I don’t have particular rituals. When I write I like my desk to be clear of everything but my laptop and perhaps a cup of coffee. But if a scene is pressing desperately at me to be written, those things don’t matter either.

K&J: Plotter or pantser?
KA: I plot every book, with the most intensely emotional scenes central to that plotting. But I’ll change the plan if that’s where the characters take me. They’re in control!

K&J: If Hollywood came knocking and wanted to make WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
KA: Oh, this is a tough one. I don’t watch a lot of TV, so I don’t know all the stars out there now, and I’d be sure to pass up folks that are perfect for the roles. Can I leave this one to my readers and let you know?

K&J: Can you give us a sneak peek or tell us something about the next two books in The Falcon Club series?
KA: In book #2, How To Be a Proper Lady, Captain Jin Seton is a former pirate with a very dark past and a lost lady in his sights, and he’ll stop at nothing to find her. The moment I wrote the first lines about Jin in Captured by a Rogue Lord, I knew I had to tell his story, and I knew precisely whom his heroine would be -- Viola Carlyle, kidnapped by smugglers as a girl but fighting mad to be dragged back to England now. Jin is sublimely confident and totally caught off guard by his quarry. Their romance is a seductively fiery battle of wills.

In book #3, How a Lady Weds a Rogue, a hardened spy meets his match in a country miss who demands that he play the role of hero in her quest. But the road may prove more dangerous than she imagined when her un-damsel-like desire for her knight in shining armor and his intoxicating embrace turn out to be the real adventure…

How To Be a Proper Lady is coming Jun 26, and How a Lady Weds a Rogue follows on September 25!

K&J: If you could write an anthology with any 2 authors (dead or alive) who would they be and what would it be about?
KA: A wedding anthology with Liz Carlyle and Lisa Kleypas.

K&J: What are you currently reading?
KA: Maya Rodale’s THE TATTOOED DUKE, released yesterday from Avon alongside WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY. It’s soo good!!

K&J: What do your family and friends think about you writing romance books?
KA: I am truly blessed in this. My family and friends are enormously supportive and enthusiastic. They’re always there as sounding boards for plot or character ideas, to brainstorm titles, to “ooh!” and “ahh!” over my covers, to check historical details (many of my friends are professors of history too), to comfort and encourage me when things get challenging, and to pop the bubbly when it’s time to celebrate. They also buy my books, give them as gifts to friends, and recommend them to strangers in bookstore aisles. I thank the Lord every day for their love and support.

K&J: Authors choice.
KA: If a hero from a romance novel came to life and stood right in front of you, what’s the one thing you would ask him?

Kati: Thank you so much Katharine!
Katharine: Thank you, Kati. This has been such fun!

WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY:

London gossips are asking: What use has society of an exclusive gentleman’s club if no gentlemen are ever seen to pass through its door?

After years as an agent of the secret Falcon Club, Lord Leam Blackwood knows it’s time to return home to Scotland. One temptation threatens his plans—Kitty Savege. The scandal-plagued lady warms his blood like a dram of fine whiskey. But a dangerous enemy stands in the way of desire, and to beat this foe Leam needs Kitty’s help…

Kitty never wanted to spend her holidays in a wretched country village! With snow up to the windows, escape is nowhere in sight. A roguish Scottish lord, however, is. His rough brogue sends tingles of heat from Kitty’s frigid toes to her chilled nose, but she’s confident she can withstand that. What she cannot control is the reaction of her carefully guarded heart when she discovers this beast is, in fact, no beast at all…

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository | Powell's

Katharine is giving away a copy of CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD to one(1) lucky reader and it's open internationally. Yay! Here's how to get your hands on it:

• Leave a comment answering Katharine's question: If a hero from a romance novel came to life and stood right in front of you, what’s the one thing you would ask him? (just saying 'thanks for the giveaway' isn't going to cut it)
• Fill out the rafflecopter form. You must comment but all other entries are optional. We recommend following Katharine on Twitter for sneak peeks and giveaways. Seriously.

A huge thank you to Katharine for stopping by the blog today and for offering a copy of CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dude Time Doodles Blog Leap

In honor of Leap Day, Dude Time Doodles is hosting a Blog Leap to introduce you to their new townsfolk. If you've been participating you should have arrived here from Mags, our wonderful guest designer for the month. Since the leap is continuous just keep moving until you've seen them all and remember to leave a comment along the way for a chance to be a winner of a Dude Time Doodles image from the mystery host. I used Jon Jogger who running lightening fast away from work and into retirement!  Now you should leap lightening fast to Dude Time Doodles! 

MouseCat

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I am so excited, I have been invited to join the Can You Digi It design team!  Can You Digi It recently open their store and they feature digital images and papers, clear stamps plus a host of other crafting goodies. They host a bi-weekly challenge on Tuesdays and the winner receives a $10 store coupon! 


A new CYDI challenge starts today and to play along use Denim and Lace in your creation. I absolutely could not resist the cuteness of MouseCat sporting the latest fashion trend for cats, promising to attract more mice than traditional traps! 


For more inspiration please visit the other IT Girls using the links on my sideboard, or if need be, the collage found below. 

Wicked Blog Tour: Interview + Giveaway with Jenn LeBlanc

So our journey with Jenn and her remastered illustrated romance ends today. We may or may not break out the black bombazine to go in mourning for our beloved Roxleigh and Perry. But we know Jenn has great things ahead of her not only in writing and illustrating another book or two or more. She also is first and foremost a fantastic photographer and if you ever need a cover for your book, you should look at her romance stock photos. We do. Sometimes just to ogle.

Meet Jenn: 

I have several constants in life that define me:
Colorado, Canon, CJ, kids and curls.

Born and raised in a household of other people’s children in this beautiful state —very nearly with a camera in hand— I never left. I started my own family, got used to the curls, went to college, built a CJ, and started a business, all with a camera in hand.

I always had another passion; storytelling born from daydreams and nightmares. My fingers were never as quick as my mind, and no amount of practice got them there, so it was difficult and frustrating to have this inside me. When my second daughter was born her inherent traits kept me pinned— my only escape the keyboard. Spending my days in parenting chat rooms I got highly adept with one-handed typing and I can still type just about as fast with one hand as I can with two. It’s a great talent to have when engrossed in a scene and in need of a hit of caffeine. I recently finished my first novel but I quickly realized: I was born a photographer.

From the realization that someone ELSE would be shooting the cover of MY book my control-freak took over. What started as an easy cover shoot ballooned into this completely new kind of media, designed specifically for digital book readers.

I live and thrive off chaos and the constant flow of the creative process. I wear shorts and flip-flops year-round —much to the chagrin of my friends and family— and I am currently working on the illustrations for my second novel.

Find Jenn: Twitter | Facebook | Author Site | Blog | Tumblr (NSFW)

Ah yes, the woman that we have all been waiting for. The one that would reform that scandalous rake. She’s such a surprise and such a lovely, lovely girl. At first we wondered whether or not she would be able to hold her own with our dear Perry considering what happened to her at the hands of another man. Something as traumatic as that would take a while to get over. Perry has been kind enough to accompany the lovely Lilly Steele to talk with us today.

Kati: Hello Lilly and thanks for coming back Per-- my lord. *whispers to Jamie* Do we have to be all formal since we’re in the company of others?

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All Romance

Jamie: Umm, yes. Best behavior Kati. Sit up straight and no slouching.

Perry: *glares*

Lilly: Hello Kati, Jamie, thank you for having me today.

*Perry takes her hand and kisses it*

Kati: We've been waiting FOREVER to finally meet you and Jenn didn't disappoint. It was a pleasant surprise as to who Perry gave his heart to. What was your first impression of Perry the very first time you met/caught a glimpse of him?


Lilly: Well I first met him a long time ago, when I was young, as was he. He was remarkable, even then. But when he returned to Eildon with His Grace, he took my breath away. Still I didn’t even consider...well I didn’t even give a second thought to him. I mean as a man, beyond the title and the rest. He was unapproachable then.

Kati: Has he always been this charming? What does your family think about him?

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All Romance

Lilly: *blushes* I think, yes. Even when I was young he was a charmer. It did not matter who you were, he could charm anyone. Except, perhaps, His Grace. *Perry clears his throat* I mean, his brother. I mean, he is a duke Kati, it is overwhelming. I still just, well. Yes. As for my family? Well. I should let my father’s actions speak to that. They’ve become closer though. It wasn’t easy, that is for certain. As for when he met Daniel—

Perry: *shakes head*

Lilly: Oh...well, I guess I can’t speak on that. *smiles up at Perry*

Kati: Ah yes. I've heard the name Daniel a time or two but Perry is giving me The Gideon so I'll just--- Do you feel you had a better advantage at having a close-knit family because of your station than Perry? Did you like how I changed the subject? Seriously Perry, stop glaring or I'll have to call you Viscount Sourpuss.

Perry: *rubs thumb down his jaw*

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Lilly: I— uh...sorry I was a bit distracted. I— well, I do not know. I believe it possible. We have to work very closely together, and of course we live very close in our small house. I imagine Perry and His Gra— eh-hem...his brother, Gideon, could spend weeks in Eildon and never see each other. There were other factors to their distance though. So I’m not sure. But they have managed to make up for that a bit. They are nearly inseparable. Well, no, they are. But when they are together...to see them together is to know how close brothers can be.

Perry: *clears throat*

Lilly: Oh stop My Lord. You are.

Perry: *eyes widen*

Lilly: *giggles* As for family, I should tell you that once I saw Perry with mine, my fate was rather sealed. It was the first time I truly realized that we could suit, regardless station.

Perry: *raises brows* not before then?

Lilly: Oh well, my father, you know. And then when you spoke with him that first night, well I was rather worried.

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Perry: Your fate was sealed...when you climbed into my carriage.

Lilly: *fans self* *looks to Kati*

Jamie: What was it about Perry that made you let your guard down?

Lilly: I am not entirely sure. I think I trusted him because beneath it all I believed him to be honorable, even though he was a rake. The fact that he was a rake helped because I thought the idea wouldn’t be so terribly outlandish to him. It was happenstance really, being who he was is what allowed for me to put my guard down.

Kati: *narrows eyes at Perry* You randy rake. I'm going to have to call an inappropriate on that. So Lilly, I know this is a VERY touchy subject but Hepplewhatsit... It must have been very scary. Did you carry a knife after that or keep your back to the wall so you knew who was approaching you?

Lilly: No I didn’t. I’m not much for weapons, and I felt as safe as I could in the Duke’s—Sorry— Gideon’s household. I was terribly jumpy though, there wasnt much to be done about that. Well, I mean, there was but... oh my. *blushes*

Perry: *the biggest grin in the world*

Kati: Oh yes, here was much, much, much done about but I won't be as inappropriate with you as I was with Perry 2 weeks ago. Tell me about that train ride, minus the you-know-what. I've only been on a train going from Durango to Silverton. What are the trains like? Are they any different from modern trains?

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Lilly: Modern trains? *looks to Perry* I don’t know, are they different? Will we have a chance to ride one? Stop grinning like a Cheshire Cat and answer a question, please. *Looks to Kati, whispers* We’ve been reading Alice In Wonderland. Jenn recommended it as one of her favorites. I can quite see why.

Perry: Yes, my sweet, we will have a chance for a train ride, the TGV actually, in France. It is one of the fastest trains in the world, and should prove interesting.

Lilly: Well, there you have it. We’ll be riding a fast train. I’m fairly fond of travel by rails. I don’t understand the flight thing, I mean beyond the whole falling from the sky thing, there isn’t much to see. I like to see the country. I know that your generation is fond of speed. I think trains are magical. The sound of the wheels on the track, the screech of the brakes at the station. Then there’s the way they move, and the way they make you feel, you can feel the vibrations throughout, OH! And that great crash when they couple. It’s wonderful. *looks to Perry* Milord, why are you grinning again?

Perry: *shakes head* next question please Kati.

Kati: Oy! Stop that communicating with your eyes thing or I'll have to ask you to kindly step out. Lilly, why did you decide to stow away? What was in London? And why Perry. I know that's quite a bit to answer and I'm a bit of a spaz. :)

Lilly: I suppose it was simple opportunity. I saw my chance to get away and I took it. I had been very overwhelmed in the Duk—Gideon’s household. Everyone was so thoughtful and kind. I know that sounds odd, but it’s actually quite difficult when you are trying your best to move on from something so horrific. I just wanted to get away from everything I knew. He was headed for London. I suppose it wouldn’t have made a difference even had he been headed for Glasgow or France, or anywhere else really. Anywhere.

Perry: As I said, you’re fate was sealed that night. *examines fingernails*

Lilly: I, well. *looks to Kati* are we nearly done? It seems to be getting a bit hot in here.

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Perry: *staring at Lilly* Yes, Kati, are we nearly done? I wish to put my mouth...on my wife. *grabs Lilly and kisses her senseless.* Sorry, I simply could not wait. Ladies?

Kati: INAPPROPRIATE!!! *sigh* I just can’t seem to let you both go. It’s time to break out the black bombazine until Jenn decides to share Warrick or Calder with us. Yes, you may go and put your mouth where ever it takes you *waggles eyebrows*. Don’t be shy. You certainly weren’t on the train, on the chaise, on the bed... *looks innocently at Perry* Whaaaat? We’re all about the inappropriate and sexy here at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance. *Looks towards Jamie* Um, I can’t seem to bring myself to ask any more questions about Hepplewhatsit cause he makes my screen crawl. Thank you so much for stopping by Lilly and *swats Perry’s behind as he stands up* and you can go misbehave now.

Jamie: There is no need to talk about that man, if one can call him that. Frankly, he got what he deserved. *clears throat* Anyway... Thank you so much for coming by Lilly. It was truly a pleasure to meet you and we are very happy for the both of you. And Perry, always a pleasure as well. Do say hi to your cousins for us, especially Warrick and Calder.

Lilly: Bye ladies! It was OH! *Perry sweeps her off her feet and stomps out*

Perry: *leans back through the doorway* This isn’t the last of me yet. *winks*

Jamie & Kati: *sigh*

RETRIBUTION: THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part Six. Perry must find the woman who has managed to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and breaths.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

Okay all you wonderful people, Jenn is giving away the FULL SERIAL NOVEL to one(1) lucky reader. As each installment releases, the lucky winner will get a copy for their e-reader. Here's how to get you hands on this one of a kind illustrated novel:

• Leave a comment for Jenn about illustrated novels, places to do The Sexy at, or any question you would like for her to answer.
• Fill out the rafflecopter form below.

If you follow Jenn's tour here, you'll get a chance at the GRAND PRIZE: a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (in the form of a giftcard so you can get your own). You can find the giveaway rules here.

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Jamie + Kati Review: RETRIBUTION: The Rake and the Recluse Part 6 by Jenn LeBlanc

RETRIBUTION: The Rake and the Recluse Part 6 by Jenn LeBlanc
FORMAT: ePUB
GENRE: Historical
LENGTH: 38,000 words
PUBLISHER: Jenn LeBlanc (February 28,2012)

A woman out of time.
A man stifled by propriety.
A nemesis determined to take her away.
A brother to the rescue.

How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?

THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part Six. Perry must find the woman who has managed to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and breaths.

Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.
How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

Find Jenn: Twitter | Facebook | Author Site | Blog | Tumblr (NSFW)
Where To Buy: Amazon | B&N | All Romance

Go and Buy it NOW!

Other Books In Series:

***the full serial is now available or you can buy each part individually for the gorgeous covers***

REVIEW:

Sexy!

Kati: So it has finally come to an end and I don’t even know where to begin to share my feelings about this last installment. All I can say is it’s sexy, heartbreaking, gasp worthy, helloooo boy cousins (You swear that he’s a secret agent man, and after looking at it five ways to Sunday, I think he is too. That glint in the eye when he’s checking out the walking stick with the super secret knife compartment...) and it’s come full circle. WOW! Can our review be super short? It’s like I don’t want to give anything away. I want people to read this last part. And yes, there is The Famed Piano Scene. Hepplewhatsit gets what he deserves and more; quite a poetic justice. I had so many favorite quotes, I pretty much highlighted the whole thing. Haha.

Again with The Sexy

Jamie: This is what we have been waiting for. But its also sad because we’ve come to love Gideon and Perry and their story which is now over. But let’s talk about Perry and his instrument. Our lusty rake is very adept at using his skills in places one wouldn’t think. A train... a piano... on horseback. There is a lot to talk about but then we would give it all away and there is no fun in that.

Kati: So I suppose we could talk about the illustrations. Um, gah! Those were pretty sexy.

Jamie: Pretty sexy? There was drool on my keyboard. And I was having some hot flashes and getting all flustered.

the Brothers Trumbull

Kati:: So true. The first sexy illustration I got to I squeaked and got a look of disapproval. Oopsie! Got any favorite quotes? I might just have to post a picture of my highlights. That’s how ridiculously highlighter happy I got. I’d give this last part a 6 of 5 hearts if we could but since our rating is only 5 of 5, we’ll give it that. Which makes the full serial (since we review each and every one) 30 of 30 hearts. Eesh!

Jamie: Now, not to get ahead of ourselves there are two very good looking and eligible bachelors still unattached. Calder and (my new crush) Warrick. I sure hope we get some more of them. Do you hear that Ms. LeBlanc?

Kati:I second that!

OUR FAVORITE QUOTES:
Jamie:

"You've changed me just as much as you say I've changed you. I was lost, and you found me. I ran from my brother's house, yet now I understand that all the reasons I left were wrong. I understand how he felt, I understand why he could do the things he did."
He stood, his voice rising with each word. " I relinquish my station. I'll disappear, with you, because I now understand. I understand how he could shun convention and propriety and nearly give up everything he is--no--everything he was meant to be. For her, Lilly, all for her."

Kati:

"It wasn't your fault. I should never have set you on my instrument," he said with a sly grin.
She wiggled her hips. "Your instrument seems to have survived." She leaned over his chest on her crossed hands.
He pressed into her. "I leave you with no doubt as to the condition of said instrument."

OVERALL: Jenn LeBlanc has given us love, laughter, naughtiness and sexiness along with gorgeous jaw dropping, eye popping, gasp worthy illustrations that sent our pulses pounding and our hearts racing. She kept us glued to our inboxes hoping and praying that we'd find the next installment waiting to be read and ogled. She's shared memorable characters as well as quotable quotes which we sometimes just let slip in our everyday lives. The journey comes to a close with the final installment of the remastered, revamped The Rake and the Recluse. Part Six was everything we wanted it to be and more. Miz LeBlanc, Perry was worth waiting for. But now, we want Calder and Warrick. Stat!



***All images are copyright of Jenn LeBlanc. Images may not be downloaded, distributed for monetary gain, used for illegal purposes or in any way that infringes on copyright laws. If you would like to use any of these images please contact Jenn.***


***review copy provided by author***

Cocktail Waitress

Cocktail Waitress by Fawn Palmer was one of Saturday's new releases at Squiggllefly and I am sharing her with you to introduce you to the new challenge that starts today at Squigglefly.  The challenge is being hosted by Holley's Hobbyists and the theme is Spring is in the Air! Show us what spring means to you, flowers blooming, children playing, gardening, Easter, Spring Break, St. Patrick's Day, or just being outside? Maybe spring to you means finally packing the Christmas decorations away. Show us some bright and beautiful cheer. As an extra task use some ribbon. So what does Cocktail Waitress have to do with spring? Well, she has a green apron for St. Patrick's Day. But first and foremost, sunshine!  After all, "A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine -- except on a day without sunshine I can still drink my wine!" So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of sunshine and play along! 

Guest Post + Giveaway with Tamara Morgan

Men in kilts. We're big fans of 'em. Nothing is sexier than a man who can show his legs off wearing basically a skirt. Call it what you want boys but it's a plaid skirt no matter how you cut it: long or short. Tamara Morgan is sharing her recent release, LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD, with us today.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG TAMARA!!!

Meet Tamara:

Tamara Morgan is a romance writer and unabashed lover of historical reenactments—the more elaborate and geeky the costume requirements, the better. In her quest for modern-day history and intrigue, she has taken fencing classes, forced her child into Highland dancing, and, of course, journeyed annually to the local Renaissance Fair. These feats are matched by a universal love of men in tights, of both the superhero and codpiece variety.

Find Tamara: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Why We Love Men in Kilts by Tamara Morgan

There are few women alive who aren’t moved by the image of a strapping, robust man draped in a kilt. It doesn’t matter if he’s a popular actor (I’m looking at you, Gerard Butler) or just some random guy who likes to let it all hang out—if he’s got a kilt on, chances are pretty high I’m going to turn around for a second look. (And possibly a third. Or, if I can manage it, a secret snapshot with my phone.)

On a cognitive level, it doesn’t make much sense. Say your best friend calls you on the phone and tells you about this incredible new guy she’s met.

“He’s so hot,” she might gush, excitement making her breathy and high-pitched. “He wears this miniskirt, you know? And his legs are really pasty white and hairy, but he’s got them covered up to the knees with tube socks so you can’t see most of them. His knees are a little gnarled, too, and he likes to go around without underwear and sometimes wears a leather fanny pack that sits on top of his man bits. I can’t wait for you to meet him!”

I might question this woman’s taste in men…until she mentions that the miniskirt in question is crafted of plaid, and the fanny pack is the traditional sporran. Because now he’s not just some dude in a skirt.

He’s in a kilt. And he’s mine.

I have an explanation for why a man in a kilt is so appealing, and it can be summed up in one word: SWAGGER.

A man in a kilt has swagger, period. It takes quite a bit of confidence for a guy to walk around in a skirt, but it’s not the same kind of confidence that tells him to pop his collar or speak to women in a demeaning fashion. That kind of confidence is vanity—it’s cockiness, the belief that he is somehow above the rest of the world.

Swagger, on the other hand, has less to do with what a man wants you to think and more about his value as a human being. A man with swagger knows he’s in a skirt, knows he’s adhering to an outdated tradition valued by his father and grandfather, knows he’s one strong wind away from flashing the whole world. And you know what? He doesn’t give a damn.

That’s what makes him so delicious. He’s man. He’s in a skirt. And he’s not apologizing for any of it.

***

LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD:

It takes a real man to wear a kilt. And a real woman to charm him out of it.

It might be modern times, but Kate Simmons isn’t willing to live a life without at least the

illusion of the perfect English romance. A proud member of the Jane Austen Regency Re- Enactment Society, Kate fulfills her passion for courtliness and high-waisted gowns in the company of a few women who share her love of all things heaving.

Then she encounters Julian Wallace, a professional Highland Games athlete who could have stepped right off the covers of her favorite novels. He’s everything brooding, masculine, and, well, heaving. The perfect example of a man who knows just how to wear his high sense of honor—and his kilt.

Confronted with a beautiful woman with a tongue as sharp as his sgian dubh, Julian and his band of merry men aren’t about to simply step aside and let Kate and her gaggle of tea-sippers use his land for their annual convention. Never mind that “his land” is a state park—Julian was here first, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Unless that challenge is a woman unafraid to fight for what she wants...and whose wants are suddenly the only thing he can think about.

Warning: The historical re-enactments in this story contain very little actual history. Battle chess and ninja stars may apply.

Where To Buy: Kindle | Nook | Samhain
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

Tamara is giving one(1) lucky reader an ecopy of LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD. Here's how to get in the battle chess and ninja stars action:

• Leave a meaningful comment for Tamara ('thanks for the giveaway' or any variations thereof does not qualify) about re-enactments, men in kilts or whatever tickles your fancy.
• Fill out the rafflecopter form below with the name you commented under and your email address.

A huge thank you to Tamara for sharing some men in kilts action and for providing an ecopy of LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Man Candy Monday: Lip Service

Another Monday, more hotties to ogle. This week we're bringing you some sexy pouters or lip service. And these lips, we'd like to be serviced by. Not that weird Zoolander duck lips thing but luscious, super kissable lips.

Enough words... so pucker up

He's got a bit of the smolder going on but Jamie would love to lock lips with Mr. Cam Gigandet. Yeah, that dude from Twilight who got his head ripped off at the end of the first movie.

If Channing Tatum can do that with those sunglasses, think of what else he could do with that mouth...

Purejoy Purefoy also has the smolder and lips going on.

Baby blues and pouty lips and scruff? Where do we sign up? Mr. Andrew Stetson has got quite the face going on.

Hey Steve! Put that cigarette out and put those lips to good use. Starting with us... Seriously.

Shhh... that's right Chris, don't speak. You've got the right idea. Now remove that finger and let us see your kisser.

Again, with the smolder and lips. These guys have it down to a science. Especially Ian here.

Um, we have no words for this. Just a peek at Magic Mike with Channing and Bomer. They've got lips. lol

And finally a blast from the past... some major attitude with the eyes and lips. Some original eye candy from this blog courtesy of Miz Jenn LeBlanc.

That's it from us. If we kept sharing, we wouldn't have anything left for Twitter tonight. Join us for #mancandymonday at 8PM Central (6,7 &9 for the rest of us) to share, ogle, giggle and swoon. And again, for the love of coccyx! put a warning on the NSFW ones. Examples: butt action, full frontal with front and center peen, partial peen and all variations thereof and lastly, a combination of butt and peen aka side view. Some participants have delicate constitutions which surprise us considering what type of oglers we are but hey, to each her own.

Review: Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsay

LAST CHANCE BEAUTY QUEEN by Hope Ramsay
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Contemporary
LENGTH: 356 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 1,2012)

Dear Reader,
Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty?
Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same.
Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

Find Hope: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it

Other Books in Series(click for more):

available now

available now

coming soon

REVIEW:
This is a charming story full of laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet, down home feel that bring to mind peach cobbler, watermelon festivals and Southern beauty queens.

Caroline Rhodes has worked very hard to separate herself from her small town roots. She's now the aid to a senator and has been tasked with trying to convince the owner of Golfing For God to sell his land to an English lord so he can build a textile factory.

9 Problems and A Mean Girl Is One of Them...
1. The owner of the mini golf attraction is none other than her father. Who happens to talk to angels. Don't laugh. The angels and he have quite the relationship.

2. The dashing English lord (Hugh deBracy aka Lord Woolham) personifies every woman's vision of what an English lord should be. It's like he's stepped out of the pages of a romance novel. *sigh*

3. Caroline's real name is Rocky Rhodes and she's a former Watermelon Beauty Queen. Not something you want to announce to the outside world. She's changed her name, taken to wearing conservative clothes and straightening her hair.

4. Rocky's ex still has a thing for her while her BFF has a thing for her ex. Bubba Lockhart embarrassed the heck out of Rocky in front of the whole town by proposing to her even after she told him 'no' the first time. Now that she's back in town, he's ready to rekindle whatever they had...12 years ago. Rachel, the BFF, has always had a thing for Bubba but being the friend that she is, she kept her feelings to herself.

5. Cissy Warren, the senator's daughter, has her eyes set on Hugh and his loom design. She will do anything and everything to get it. After all, no one says 'no' to Cissy Warren.

6. Miriam Randall has foretold what kind of person each resident of Last Chance will end up with for quite some time and she's never been wrong. She sees a working man for Rocky and someone who will hand him a fortune for Hugh. According to that, Rocky and Hugh aren't supposed to end up together but what do two people who are attracted to each other do? No one wants to end up with their heart broken.

7. Small towns are notorious for having gossip spread like wildfire. It's like a horrible game of telephone where one person says one thing and it ends up being something else at the end of the line. The town thinks Bubba and Rocky are going to get back together then Dash Randall lassos her off the float and rides away with her so now the town thinks they're sweet on each other. But then Rocky was seen kissing Hugh...

8. The Committee to Resurrect Golfing for God... no one likes to tick off a group of church ladies. There's just something about the power of them that gets everyone shaking in their boots. They're totally against Rocky's father selling the land even if it means no revenue to help the small town of Last Chance not end up like other small towns who have been hit by the economic downturn.

9. A bad business partner has got Hugh in a bind. Before disappearing in a "plane crash", his business partner bought some land in Last Chance for Hugh to set up his textile factory. Thing is, there's swampland, the land was bought at a higher price and the man who owns the land next to it won't sell it because of a tourist attraction called Golfing for God. Welcome to the South Hugh.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Too bad her libido didn't believe in Miriam Randall and her forecasts.

OVERALL: A wonderful story full of Southern charm and hilarious small town antics. Um, why have I not read any Hope Ramsay books before? This was such a cute story. Take one former Watermelon Beauty Queen turned senator's aide trying to hide her past, throw in a dashing English lord who either has to make it work in the small town of Last Chance or go home and marry a wealthy heiress, add the resident mean girl and background BFF, some eccentric family members (one both sides including a father and niece who talk to angels and an aunt who can see spirits) and a crazy ex-boyfriend and you've got one heck of an unputdownable read. Take one part Hart of Dixie, 2 parts Sweet Home Alabama and a whole lot of Southern comfort and you get a giggletastic modern day Cinderella. I'll be putting the rest of this series on The List.

***review copy provided by publisher***