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Monday, December 12, 2016

Blog Tour + #Giveaway: Unexpected Rewards (Not Every Girl #2) by Jane McGarry @JMcGarryAuthor @yaboundtourspr



Unexpected Rewards (Not Every Girl #2)
by 
Jane McGarry
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: August 11th 2016
Clean Reads

Summary from Goodreads:


Olivia Davenport is looking forward to her future. After all, Prince Liam has professed his love and King William has promised her a reward for her role on a recent mission. She fully expects to continue her knightly training while enjoying a blossoming romance with her Prince. The King, however, has other ideas, appointing her as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Helen.
Thrust into unfamiliar territory and left to fend against the malicious women of court, Olivia feels awkward and confused. With the help of her new friend, Kat, and her sister, Anne, she tries to find her footing among the courtiers, their protocol, and the added complication of Jocelyn Crawford, a lady who has her eyes set on becoming Liam’s bride.

When, a disturbing prophecy puts the safety of the King in question, fear spreads through kingdom. Intrigue abounds at the palace with an enigmatic witch and a strict Friar at the center of the controversy. Olivia must use her training and instincts to unravel what is truly going on in order to protect the King. Through it all, she questions if she will ever be able to fit into Liam’s life and if, in the end, their love can prevail. 





Not Every Girl (Not Every Girl #1)


Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 27th 2015

Clean Reads

Summary from Goodreads:


Olivia Davenport’s plan is destined to fail.


She is going through with it anyway, of course. After all, it is the chance of a lifetime. The unreasonable rules of others should not stand in her way.



In her small kingdom of Stewartsland, Olivia trains with the squires and harbors a secret dream. She longs to become a knight under the command of the Master-of–Arms, who just happens to be her father. He has indulged her passion so far, but they both know a simple fact – girls may not attain knighthood. Dismayed by the constant discouragement of her ambitions, she makes an impetuous decision to disguise herself as a boy in order to sneak on a mission. The consequences are not at all what she anticipated.



When her deception is revealed, she is sent home in disgrace; however, an unexpected turn of events puts her at the center of a dangerous plot against the King. The ensuing adventure finds her grappling with mercenaries and outlaws, yet these pale in comparison to her newly awakened emotions. She finds not only her life at risk, but also her heart, when the aloof Prince Liam begins to affect her in ways she never thought possible. In the end, it is her courage and unique spirit which must guide her through the challenges she encounters both physical and emotional. 



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An Interview with  Jane McGarry


        What inspired you to write Unexpected Rewards? 

Stories about knights, castles and adventure were always favorites of mine, so that was the jumping off point for Not Every Girl, the first book in the series. I had the idea for this strong female protagonist, who was confident, but had enough self-doubt to resonate with readers as authentic. Olivia’s circumstances change considerably in Unexpected Rewards and I was able to explore other sides of her character.

         When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

From when I was young, I always wrote for myself, just simple stories here and there. I never seriously considered trying to publish anything until a few years ago. When I became a stay-at-home mom, writing became my outlet—time that was purely mine.  Then, I had the idea for Not Every Girl and, though it was daunting to think about penning a full length novel while taking care of two kids, I decided to give it a try. It took several years to complete, but was well worth it in the end.

         What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

 I remember taking a copy of Thumbelina out of the library over and over when I was probably about four. On the cover, there was a tiny girl sitting inside a flower and it simply fascinated me.

     What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

       I read a lot of genres and, while I have a soft spot for the classics, YA has become my favorite. The books have creative plots with relevant themes and vividly portrayed characters. There is also an abundance of strong, female protagonists which serve as great examples for readers of all ages.

         What is your favorite book?

          This is such an unfair question because it is SO hard to pick just one. But, I will say 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is an amazingly lyrical and poignant work that completely changed my vision of what a book could accomplish.

        You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

          Again, so difficult to pick just one.  Jane Austen is one of my favorites because of her strong female protagonists. I also find comfort in knowing that the thrills and hurts of love were as intense a couple of hundred years ago as they are today.

         If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why? 

I have always had this strange fascination with Henry VIII. I would love to go back to the splendor of his court and witness him in action (not as one of his wives though!).

       When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

 It depends on the day. Sometimes the ideas flow so freely, I can hardly keep up when writing them down. Other days are more of a struggle. These days it is usually better to walk away and concentrate on other things. It is amazing how in the middle of doing a mundane task, like the dishes, inspiration springs into my head.

        Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

I have an over-indulged cat, Leo, who is seventeen now and like a little old man. He is definitely the one I like to spoil the most in the house.

        What is your ""to die for"", favorite food/foods to eat? 

          Chocolate chip cookies – especially hot from the oven. Nothing better!

         Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

First, read a lot, especially in your chosen genre so you will know what publishers are looking for in a work. Second, don’t forget that publishing is a business, so make sure you learn about it while you are writing. It will help you immensely when it comes time to submit your work. Finally, be persistent and believe in your work. Don’t give up on your dream. 


About the Author

Reading was always a big part of my life. Creating my own stories developed out of this love. Finally, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel and that was when Not Every Girl was conceived.

I live in New Jersey with my husband, two sons and an extremely spoiled cat. When I am not running around with my family or writing, I can be found curled up with a good book and said cat. It is my belief that a good book, a loyal pet and anything made of chocolate can brighten just about any day.


Author Links:


Blog Tour Organized by:

Blog Tour: Hell Holes By Donald G. Firesmith @DonFiresmith @UFBooks

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Blog Tour ~ Hell Holes
Author: Donald G. Firesmith
Genre: Science Fiction /Paranormal/Fantasy
Hosted by: Ultimate Fantasy Book Tours


Blurb:


When hundreds of huge holes mysteriously appear overnight in the frozen tundra north of the Arctic Circle, they threaten financial and environmental catastrophe should any more open up under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline or any of the many oil wells and smaller pipelines that feed it. An oil company sends a scientific team to investigate. But when the geologist, his climatologist wife, two of their graduate students, a local newspaper reporter, an oil company representative, and a field biologist arrive at one of the holes, they discover a far worse danger lurks below, one that threatens to destroy all of humanity when it emerges, forcing the survivors to flee south towards Fairbanks.

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Author Bio:
Donald.jpg A geek by day, Donald Firesmith works as a system and software engineer helping the US Government acquire large, complex software-intensive systems. In this guise, he has authored seven technical books, written numerous software- and system-related articles and papers, and spoken at more conferences than he can possibly remember. He's also proud to have been named a Distinguished Engineer by the Association of Computing Machinery, although his pride is tempered somewhat by his fear that the term "distinguished" makes him sound like a graybeard academic rather than an active engineer whose beard is still slightly more red than gray.

By night and on weekends, his alter ego writes modern paranormal fantasy, apocalyptic science fiction, action and adventure novels and relaxes by handcrafting magic wands from various magical woods and mystical gemstones. His first foray into fiction is the book Magical Wands: A Cornucopia of Wand Lore written under the pen name Wolfrick Ignatius Feuerschmied. He lives in Crafton, Pennsylvania with his wife Becky, and his son Dane, and varying numbers of dogs, cats, and birds.

His magical wands and autographed copies of his books are available from the Firesmith's Wand Shoppe at: http://magicalwandshoppe.com.

Visit him at:




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Release Blitz + #Giveaway: Steam Ahead! DIY For Kids by Sumita Mukherjee @wizkidsdotclub @RABTBookTour


Children’s Learning and Education
Date Published: 12 December, 2016
 Publisher: Sumita Mukherjee

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STEAM AHEAD! DIY FOR KIDS is an easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction book for parents and children. It introduces kids between the ages of four and ten to the magic of electronics, game and toy designing, printing, understanding basic scientific principles and most importantly, they’ll have a blast making them. Inside this book you will find projects on LED cards, dance pads, handmade soaps, bubble blowers, Play-Doh circuits, cloud lanterns, scribbling bots and more!

Created by NASA STEM certified leader, Sumita Mukherjee, this book is jam packed with projects that will engage any bored child. The hands-on projects are broken into areas of practical implementation: Party, Build, Toys and Art. They have also been sorted according to levels of difficultly and STEAM relevance. Adding one or two experiments per week can get your child excited about science, inventions, science fair projects and overall classroom performance.

There is also a BONUS material list for STEAM DIY KIDS, to make it easier for parents to plan and prepare in advance.


About the Author

Sumita Mukherjee is a NASA STEM certified leader and children’s book author. She has been fortunate enough to travel around the globe, explore many countries and meet different people. Mysteries and adventures have been captured from there in the form of Keiko and Kenzo’s travel adventure series. These books are to inspire young readers to know and appreciate various countries, develop a love for discovery and learn about the world around them. Her series of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) books encourages kids to invent and explore, to empower themselves and see themselves as world leaders and problem solvers. Her books celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children's imaginations! Sumita currently lives in Toronto with her family.

Her website, WizKids.Club was created with a vision to raise the next generation of creative leaders. WizKids.Club offers highly engaging kids activities, educational books, experiments, hands-on projects, DIYs, travel stories and engineering books perfect for children 4-12 years to spark creativity and scientific learning.


Contact Links


Purchase Links


What’s particularly exciting is that STEAM AHEAD! DIY FOR KIDS is available for only $1.99 through December. Perfect for keeping children busy during the holiday season. And that’s not all! For those who purchase the book this week, a freebie downloadable brain doodle book is also available by entering your purchase information at http://wizkids.club/freegift. Don’t miss out. Visit Amazon today to grab this special deal! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRIRG69

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Book Blitz + #Giveaway: This Piece of My Soul by Robyn M. Ryan @RobynMRyan @XpressoTours


This Piece of My Soul
Robyn M. Ryan
Publication date: January 24th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Sports


They believe love conquers all.

One of pro-hockey’s golden couples, Andrew and Caryn Chadwick live in the limelight reserved for elite professional athletes. On their second anniversary, Andrew receives an unexpected contract offer to join the Tampa Suns. As they look forward to a new adventure, neither foresees an event that challenges their love and threatens their marriage.

Until it doesn’t.

A sudden and senseless accident threatens Andrew’s life and inexplicably drives a wedge between the couple. Shattered by the incident, paralyzed by fear that it could happen again, Caryn finds herself at odds with her husband and unable to provide the support he needs—at the time he is most vulnerable.

As their perfect world crumbles, each makes choices that take Andrew and Caryn further apart. Distrust, fears, and secrets construct walls. This Piece of My Soul follows the joint and separate paths the couple navigate as each hopes to rediscover the love that can conquer all.

**Although This Piece of My Soul is the second book in the Clearing the Ice Series, it can be read as a standalone novel.**


Sequel to:
heart
PRE-ORDER SPECIAL!
Pre-order This Piece of My Soul for only $1.99 – sale price ends Jan 31st!
Get This Piece of My Heart, the first book in the series for just 99¢ (regularly $2.99) through January 31, 2017.


EXCERPT:

Andrew Chadwick jerked awake as the phone vibrated on the bedside table. He glanced at the screen as he quickly pressed “ignore.” He slipped from the bed, hoping the noise and movement didn’t wake his wife. His eyes adjusted to the darkness and satisfied that Caryn still slept, he grabbed clothes and headed downstairs. Don Wilson calling in the middle of the night can only bring news I don’t want to hear. Andrew quickly texted a response to his agent, then dressed and splashed cold water on his face. He grabbed a Coke, and quietly opened the door to the courtyard patio. He sat in the Toronto predawn light, staring at the phone a few minutes before he returned the call.
Don apologized before Andrew could speak. “Sorry to call so early. I know you’re headed out today and had to catch you before you two fall off the grid.”
“What can’t wait ten days?” Andrew twisted the bottle cap and took a long drink.
“Tampa sent an offer sheet an hour ago.”
“Hudson signed with Chicago?”
“Late last night.”
Andrew sighed. “How much?” He closed his eyes and his agent relayed the amount and terms. Not what I want to deal with today. “The Blues’ response?”
“Just got off the phone with Jenkins. Andrew, if you sign the sheet, the Blues can’t match the offer without making some quick moves. This totally blows up their salary cap.”
“No indication they’re interested in a deal?”
Don barked a laugh. “Oh, they might sign the deal we discussed last month.”
Andrew’s fingers drummed against the table. “Your take on their lack of interest up to now?”
“The Blues can’t afford you long-term; you’ll be traded before your current contract expires.” Wilson waited a beat. “The Suns are a contender right now, Andrew. They want you to fill a huge hole in the starting line. This may be the offer you can’t refuse.”
“How long do I have?”
“Obviously, the Suns would like your answer as quickly as possible. They’re willing to fly us down so we can discuss this face-to-face, and you and Caryn can look at the area. I can hold them off a while, but probably not ten days.”
Andrew stood and walked across the patio. “No, I don’t want this hanging over our heads that long.”
“If you tell me your trip plans, I will rebook it out of Tampa.”
“Good try, Don, but no, I’ll take care of that.” He laughed a little. “Give me a few hours. I need to discuss this with Caryn and think things through.”
Slipping his iPhone into his pocket, Andrew stepped back inside. Way too early to wake Caryn. His thoughts drifted to the trip they were scheduled to begin that morning. An anniversary tradition that began with their honeymoon two years earlier. Destination his secret and Caryn packing according to his ambiguous suggestions—casual or formal, warm or cold, passport just in case. Despite her best efforts to pry information from him—even during their most intimate moments—Caryn never knew the destination until they arrived at the airport. Even then, he might insert a plane change mid-route.
Last year, she thought they were going to California’s wine country, but when the plane landed in San Francisco, he took her hand and led her to another gate. He laughed softly as he remembered her expression of delight, mixed with pure panic at the thought of getting on another plane that would take them over the Pacific Ocean to reach the final destination, Fiji. He’d pushed her to her limit…well, beyond her limit. Despite the unforgettable ten days in the lush secluded villa, he carefully planned this year’s trip to minimize her discomfort.
Andrew leaned against the counter and gazed out the kitchen window, the darkness slowly retreating. Tampa’s offer cast a shadow over their plans, not just the anniversary trip but the upcoming move back to St. Louis before training camp. Caryn’s made St. Louis a second home, her client list managing corporate and individual social media accounts expanding monthly. Not to mention that her best friend, Lauren, just landed a marketing job in St. Louis and plans to move from Vancouver in just a few weeks.
He pushed away from the counter and wandered to the living room, closing his eyes and sitting back in the chair. It’s a no-win situation. If I sign the Suns’ offer sheet, the Blues will either decline to match—or worse, trade teammates to keep me.
His ambitions had never included owning one of the highest contracts on a team. But, if he didn’t sign the offer sheet, his agent’s prediction very likely would play out. Come March, he’d find himself playing on a different team, worst-case scenario traded to one of the teams in the midst of rebuilding.
The Suns were a contender now. They’d made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season. They couldn’t re-sign the league’s leading scorer, but extended the offer sheet to the Blues last night. The offer catapulted him into an entirely new level, both in terms of money and the pressure of replacing the team’s leading scorer. Andrew knew he could fill the slot—on the ice at least—but at what cost to Caryn, their friends in St. Louis, the chemistry that existed among his linemates?
He didn’t hear Caryn approach until her hand rested on his shoulder. “You’re up early, Drew. I planned to surprise you with breakfast in bed.” She pressed her lips against the top of his head. “Happy second anniversary.”
Andrew slipped his arm around her waist and drew her onto his lap. “My favorite day of the year,” he whispered before her kiss chased all thoughts of Tampa from his mind.
“Shall we just skip the breakfast part?” Her voice purred in his ear.
He closed his arms around her, his mouth finding hers. He shifted his body until he could stand with her locked in his embrace. He stepped across the room and gently placed her on the sofa, breaking the kiss with a soft curse as his phone vibrated in his pocket. He sat on the edge of the sofa as he pulled the phone from his pocket and glanced at the display. Don. Again. Now what?
“You’ve got something?” He caught Caryn’s questioning look at the impatient tone in his voice as he stood and began to walk across the room.
“Just spoke with Jenkins again. Wanted to see if they are open to revisiting our contract negotiations before you decide anything.”
“And?” He stopped for a moment, anticipating the response.
“He said their offer is on the table.”
“Take it or leave?” Andrew felt Caryn’s hand grasp his shoulder, but he shrugged it off as he continued pacing.
“More or less. You owe it to yourself to talk with the Suns. The Blues best offer is two years only. You could be looking at a long-term deal with Tampa.”
“Yeah. Give me a little more time. I’ll call you back.” He ended the call and tossed the phone across the table before turning toward the door. His mounting frustration threatened an angry release.
“Drew?”
He held up his hand. “A couple minutes, Cary. I need to clear my mind.” Without waiting for her reply, he jerked the door open and stepped outside, closing it firmly behind him.


Author Bio:
By the time she was an eight-year-old tomboy growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Robyn M. Ryan definitely knew what she wanted to do when she grew up—play major league baseball or write. This goal grew throughout elementary and high school, first composing novels featuring favorite TV and music personalities, then venturing into sports writing. 

Attending UGA’s journalism school launched her career in public relations, which included an internship with the Atlanta Flames NHL hockey team. At that time Robyn wrote books she and her friends wanted to read. With the encouragement of a writers group on twitter—WritersThatChat—This Piece of My Heart, a hockey romance, and the first book in Robyn’s series Clearing the Ice was published May 2016. The second book in the series, This Piece of My Soul, introduces the Tampa Suns professional hockey team. This Piece of My Soul is set for release January 24, 2017. 
Besides writing, Robyn’s passions include following NASCAR and the New York Rangers, reading all the great books in the sports romance genre, and splitting time between homes in Atlanta and Palm Coast, with two brilliant Westies who definitely rule both homes. 
As do many writers, Robyn chooses to write using a pseudonym—hers is a combination of her sons’ names, a contribution from her youngest nephew. 

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NBTM + #Giveaway: Westmorland Alone by Ian Sansom @ian_sansom @GoddessFish



Westmorland Alone
by Ian Sansom
GENRE:  Mystery & Detective


BLURB:


Welcome to Westmorland. Perhaps the most scenic county in England! Home of the poets! Land of the great artists! District of the Great lakes! And the scene of a mysterious crime…

Swanton Morley, the People's Professor, once again sets off in his Lagonda to continue his history of England, The County Guides.

Stranded in the market town of Appleby after a tragic rail crash, Morley, his daughter Miriam and his assistant, Stephen Sefton, find themselves drawn into a world of country fairs, gypsy lore and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. When a woman's body is discovered at an archaeological dig, for Morley there's only one possible question: could it be murder?

Join Morley, Miriam and Sefton as they journey along the Great North road and the Settle-Carlisle Line into the dark heart of 1930s England.


Excerpt:

It was the most violent collision. There was a moment’s shudder and then a kind of cracking before the great spasm of movement and noise began. I fell forward and struck my head on the luggage rack. I was momentarily stunned and knocked unconscious. When I came to I found we were all tilted together into a corner of the carriage – me, the mother and the baby. Our coach seemed to have tipped to the right, off the tracks, and become wedged against an embankment. What were once the sturdy walls of the carriage were now buckled and torn like the flimsiest material: the wood was splintered, the cloth of the carriage seats split, everything was broken. I remember I shook my head once, twice, three times: it was difficult to make sense of what had happened, the shock was so great. The first thing I recognised was that the mother and baby were both crying loudly – though thank goodness they appeared to be unharmed – and that the carriage was shuddering all around us, shaking and groaning as if it were wounded.

‘Are you OK?’ I said.

The woman continued crying. Her face was streaked with tears.

‘Are you OK?’ I repeated.

Again, she simply sobbed, the baby wailing with her.

‘We must remain calm,’ I said, as loudly and authoritatively as I could manage, above the sounds, trying to reassure both them and myself, willing them to be quiet.

‘Where’s Lucy?’ she said.

Where was Lucy?

I stood up, still rather disorientated and confused.

‘I don’t know—’ I began.

‘You have to get us out!’ said the woman, between sobs.

‘I have to find Lucy.’

‘OK,’ I said. I was still gathering my thoughts, trying to work out what to do.

‘GET US OUT!’ yelled the woman, suddenly frantic.

‘I have to find my daughter! You need to do something.’

I didn’t know what to do.

‘You need to do something!’ yelled the woman again.

‘Help us!’

The carriage continued to rock and sway all around us; clearly, we had to get out.

I looked around: the window was open to darkness and the tracks beneath us.

‘What’s under there?’ cried the woman. ‘Is Lucy under there? Lucy! Lucy!’ She did not wait for a response – she was hysterical. ‘Lucy! Lucy! Lucy!’

‘Look!’ I said. ‘You just have to let me check that everything is safe.’ I was worried that Lucy might be trapped beneath our carriage.


An Interview with Ian Sansom


What inspired you to write Westmorland Alone?

Alas there was no moment of inspiration, no hand upon the shoulder, no book, no flash, no revelation. I simply decided I was going to write. And so I began.

When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

This year I will turn fifty. Even now I’m not sure I want to be a writer. All I do know is that I like to write.

What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

I was a very late developer. In school I was in the slow learners’ group. It wasn’t until I was in my mid- to late teens that I began reading seriously. The first serious book I read was The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. I was 15. I was amazed.

What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

I am omdamniverous. I read everything. I tend not to think in terms of genre – I think only in terms of pleasure.

What is your favorite book?

The Bible.

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Without a doubt my favourite author is the late great Czech novelist Bohumil Hrabal. If you never read another novel you should I Served the King of England. Why? Read it and you will find out.

If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

I would travel back to the 1850s – somewhere in England, wherever Dickens was doing one of his famous readings. I would love to hear Dickens read. Who wouldn’t?

When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Writing for me is a bit like exercise: it’s always a problem but it’s also the solution.

Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

I used to have a dog. When the dog died my heart was broken. I’ve not had a dog since.

What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

I love a good pickle.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Yes. I have lots of advice. Most importantly, don’t listen to advice.


AUTHOR BIO:

Ian Sansom is the author of the Mobile Library Mystery Series. As of 2016, he has written three books in a series that will comprise a projected forty-four novels.
He is a frequent contributor to, and critic for, The Guardian  and the London Review of Books.
He studied at both Oxford and Cambridge, where he was a fellow of Emmanuel College. He is a professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies at the University of Warwick and teaches in its Writing Program.


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Giveaway:

Copy of the book
 



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Book Blast + #Giveaway: A Crazy Reunion: Book 2 in the Crazy, Texas series by Cate Baylor @CateBaylor @GoddessFish



A Crazy Reunion: Book 2 in the Crazy, Texas series
by Cate Baylor
GENRE: Contemporary Romance


BLURB:

Raney Hoffman eloped with her high school sweetheart believing they’d found their happy ever after, but her world crashed down around her when he left after less than two years of marriage. Nearly twenty years later he’s back in town. Her broken heart tells her she should still hate the jerk. But her traitorous body surges into sexual overdrive at the sight of him.

Rob Coleman was devoted to Raney the moment they met in high school. After they married, his twin brother died unexpectedly and Rob’s grief thrust him into an identity crisis he couldn’t recover from. The decisions he made in that haze of grief have haunted him for nearly twenty years. Now he’s back and completely befuddled by the strength of his response to seeing Raney again.


They rebuilt their lives without the other but their unexpected reunion makes it clear their history is far from resolved.

Excerpt:

She decided to call ahead to Daphne’s house and see if one of the ranch hands could come fetch her. She’d be late for the party but she’d still make it. As she was removing her gloves and setting them on the ledge of the engine block, she noticed a red dually pickup loaded with crates and equipment pull up behind her with its hazard lights blinking. It wasn’t uncommon in such a tight-knit community for folks to stop and help one another, but she didn’t recognize this truck that had “Oak Grove Mobile Vet” emblazoned on the side.

Raney studied the shiny paint job and the fancy chrome bumpers. Clearly the truck wasn’t long off the new-car lot. City slicker.

But that didn’t stop her curiosity as a long, denim-clad leg descended from the truck. A tall man with broad shoulders stepped out, donning a well-worn cowboy hat. Suddenly, a large yellow Lab leapt from the cab and rushed at her. Rather than step away, she crouched down to introduce herself. She loved dogs, Labs in particular. They didn’t have to trade names to form a mutual adoration, and she happily rubbed and petted him as he waited for his human companion to catch up to him.

The driver paused after he exited the cab of the truck, unsnapping his plaid work shirt. In one fluid motion, he peeled it off and tossed it carelessly back in the truck. His faded blue T-shirt clung to his chest as he hitched up his jeans and started walking toward Raney.

The truck may have screamed city slicker, but the man was all country.

Hiding behind her sunglasses and the dog, she surveyed him. She cocked her head and appreciated his long, purposeful stride and lanky physique. His jeans and holey shirt, both smudged liberally with dirt, made it clear he was accustomed to hard work.

She was surprised when a slow burn started low in her belly. How could she possibly be this attracted to a complete stranger? It was absurd. But the closer he got, the more her body responded to the sheer physicality of him.

He pulled a bandana out of his back pocket and swiped it across his nose and around the back of his neck. She practically purred at the slow, sexy smile that accentuated a scruffy jaw.

Then he removed his reflective sunglasses and her heart fell to her feet. She knew those hazel eyes as well as the back of her own hand, despite the fact it had been nearly twenty years since she last saw them in anything but memories. The past flooded over her and that burn in her belly turned to sorrow, then rage.


AUTHOR BIO:

One liner:
Cate Baylor is a romance writer, technical communicator, blogger, craft addict, tea drinker, and geek.

Full bio:
Cate Baylor has been a technical communicator for over fifteen years. When she's not writing, she suffers from hobby addiction, which includes (but is not limited to!) reading, card making, crochet, knitting, scrapbooking, cross stitching, and home DIY. She lives in Houston with her geeky husband, neurotic cats, and precocious Yellow Lab named Tex. She comes from a long line of German-Texan farmers who are likely rolling over in their graves knowing she’d much rather stay blissfully air-conditioned than suffer the Texas heat.





Giveaway:



Silver necklace that says "this isn't my first rodeo" - US only 

 $15 Amazon or B&N GC - International 
 



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