Sweet Kiss by Judy Ann Davis - A Candy Hearts Romance

My review: A sweet story about a second chance at love and an old jar of candy hearts. Fun, enjoyable read and the story on a whole made me smile and laugh.

See below for a chance to win a Kindle Fire from The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

Hard-working Kate Clark opens a thriving coffee shop that quickly becomes the local hang-out for students and the community. Her one wish is to eventually buy out her sister’s share of the old Florida home they inherited. However, Violet is in desperate need of cash and has other plans.

Tappe Vanderberg, Kate’s childhood friend and high school sweetheart, has sold his lucrative internet security business to return to Little Heron Shores and fulfill his dreams of owning a marina. Now the handsome Dutch-born businessman is making waves with single women all over town—including loony, post mistress Eva May Poole who’s in search of husband number three.

But it’s Kate Clark who’s wreaking havoc with Tappe’s heart, not Eva May. Can he find a way to shake the dingbat post mistress and convince Kate to give him a second chance and the sweet kiss he remembers from an earlier time?

Excerpt:

Tappe picked up the grimy jar of candy hearts. “No way! I can’t believe Fay saved your candy hearts.” He twisted off the lid and shook one into his hand.

“Neither can I. Don’t you dare put that into your mouth. Those candies are over a decade old!”

“So? Sugar doesn’t spoil.”

“Okay, go ahead. Eat it. Poison yourself. Why should I care?” Kate said drily. “Just don’t call me in the middle of the night.” With a shake of her head, she turned back to the stove, took out a cold plate from the freezer, and plopped a teaspoon of the liquid from the bubbling pot on it, then ran a finger through the mixture to see if the jam stayed parted and stable, refusing to run together. She removed the pot from the stove, set it on the table, and started filling the pint and half-pint jars.

“You don’t mean that.” He dropped the candy back into the jar, and came up behind her. He started nuzzling her on the side of her neck.

“Do you realize I’m working with hot liquids?” She tried to be stern as she squirmed away still holding the hot pot. She could never quite pull off reprimanding

Tappe, especially when he was on a roll. And he was on a roll.

“Not as hot as you are. Want to make out?”

Kate looked at him askance. “Now? Here? Are you sane?”

“Yes, I’m fairly lucid. But if your answer is a no to making out, then can I lick the pot instead?”

            “If you promise to quit licking my neck.” 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Kiss-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L2U3MS

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6580

About the Author:

Judy Ann Davis began her career in writing as acopy and continuity writer for radio and television in Scranton, PA. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communications and has written for industry and education throughout her career.

Over a dozen of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines, and anthologies, and have received numerous awards.

When Judy Ann is not behind a computer, you canfind her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club where the chuckles are

few.

She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc. and Romance Writers of America, and lives with her husband in Central PA.

Contact Information:

Website:                                 http://www.judyanndavis.com

Blog:                                       http://www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com

Facebook Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/JudyAnnDavisAuthor/

Twitter:                                   https://twitter.com/JudyAnnDavis4

Goodreads:                           https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4353662

The Wild Rose Press:         http://www.wildrosepublishing.com

Amazon Author Page:       

http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Ann-Davis/e/B006GXN502/

 Newsletter FB Page:          https://www.facebook.com/KeepingYouInSuspense

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Forget Me Not by Maureen Bonatch - A Candy Hearts Romance

My review:  An interesting story about second chances. I enjoyed the characters and their story. While the story was short, I feel as if I got to know the couple and their story.

See below for a chance to win a Kindle Fire from The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

The car accident totaled Sabrina Post’s convertible and reinvented her memories. She can't recall dumping Cole Dawson ten years ago. What her new clairvoyant visions tell Sabrina is he’s her husband. Any practical girl would question her sanity. But if Sabrina wants to make this imaginary future a reality, she'll have to regain Cole’s trust and eliminate her rival, the coffee shop waitress who’s pegged Cole as husband #4. To prove she’s foreseen their destiny, Sabrina stirs Cole’s interest by revealing specifics about him she couldn’t have otherwise known. 

Unfortunately, the one detail he vividly remembers is the pain when she left him and their "rinky-dink" town in her rearview mirror.

If Cole can't believe she's a changed woman, can Sabrina accept the only second chance she has at love exists in her memories?

Excerpt:

  The boxes of candy hearts Julie forgot spilled across the floor.

Cole hunkered down and gathered the papers. His mouth formed a hard line as he glanced at Sabrina’s leave paperwork with the end date prominently circled. He replaced it on the table under the keys.

“No really, I can do it. You stay, Cole. I’ll be right back.” Sabrina caught her reflection in the mirror on the wall. The quest for a coat resulted in her hair looking as if she’d stuck her finger into an electrical outlet. Her appearance matched her desperation. She ran her hands over her head, but the static filled strands resisted smoothing.

“I need to check on Dad anyway, and it’s on my way. I’ll take Josie.” Cole extended his elbow, and Josie latched on like a lifeline, her fingers digging into the leather of his jacket. She skittered across a few of the remaining candies, crushing Be Mine and Love Me on the floor. “Thanks again for dinner, Marge.”

“Cole wait.” Despair leaked into Sabrina’s plea.
            He glanced toward the papers on the table and sighed. “I waited for years, Rena. It’s you who waited too long.”

As the door closed behind him, so did the future with Cole that she’d imagined. Her shoulders fell. She knelt to collect the candy hearts scattered on the floor. Forget Me Not and Hug Me taunted her with their cheerful words. Lacking a garbage bag, she shoved a handful of the candies into her jacket pocket. Several hearts were trodden into tiny pieces, like her own.

 Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Not-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L3GFAG

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=172_252&products_id=6581

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forget-me-not-maureen-l-bonatch/1123082907?ean=2940157816650

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/forget-me-not-93

IBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forget-me-not/id1067612795?mt=11

About the Author:

Maureen writes stories in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania that boast laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world. She writes Paranormal Romance and Fantasy.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Maureen-L.-Bonatch/e/B00KHY1KK8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=658

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch

Blog: http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/

Website: http://www.maureenbonatch.com

Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/1AV4L

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureenlbonatch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3103486.Maureen_L_Bonatch

Contact Info: mbonatch@yahoo.com

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Charm Me by Tena Stetler A Candy Hearts Romance

My review: Charm Me pulled me in from page one. An easy fun read with a bit of the paranormal thrown in. I can't wait to read more by this author.

See below for a chance to win a Kindle Fire from The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

Blurb: Summer Dawn Riley’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

Excerpt:

Getting to her feet, she brushed the dust from her black yoga pants, tugged at the bottom of her bright orange tunic, and flipped the light switch on. A soft glow of florescent lighting flooded the large room, soothing Summer’s nerves. Guess she would never be the same carefree individual she was before the incident. Oh, shake it off. You’re safe and it’s time to get on with life. “Come on Pip, let’s get this place open.”

A massive stone fireplace towered in the corner.  She picked up an arm full of wood and flung it in the general direction. Logs landed in the fire pit and neatly arranged themselves in a tepee shape. With a magic flick of her finger toward the hearth, flames raced up the aspen logs. “That’s better.”

She raised her arms, about to send the yoga mats back to their proper place when the heavy wooden front door creaked open. Piper rushed toward the door, teeth bared and a growl rumbled in her throat. Summer whirled around and yelped as Devlin ambled into the room, black hair tousled and glistening with melting snowflakes. His nonchalance at the dog’s approach surprised her as he slowed to a stop. Piper sniffed around him, backed up a few inches, then stood at alert in front of Devlin.

“You scared the bejeebers out of me.” Summer held her hand to her chest as her heart thundered.

“What are you doing here?”

“Call your guard dog off and I’ll tell you.” The corners of Devlin’s mouth curved up into a smile, a faint light twinkled in the depths of his dark eyes.

“Piper, leave it…come.” The dog gave Devlin a last sideways glance, trotted back to Summer and sat at her side.

Buy Links:

http://amzn.com/B018L2U904

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6579

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/charm-me

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/charm-me-tena-stetler/1123082834?ean=2940157816506

About the Author:

Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of twelve, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.  

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Secret Admirer by Ally Hayes A Candy Heart Romance

My review:  One woman, two different men and candy hearts.  This is a fun, sweet romance.  I enjoyed Andi's story.  There is a nice little twist, I did figure it out long before the author told the reader, but it didn't detract from the story.  I was kept engaged and turning the pages.

See below for a chance to win a Kindle Fire from The Wild Rose Press

I want to thank Ally for taking time to do my blog interview.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I’m the tired mother of three girls and grateful wife of a very patient guy. I grew up in Massachusetts and still can’t believe I live in the Midwest even eighteen years later. My husband and I met at college and I fell in love with his hometown of Chicago along with him. Lucky me though, going home means visiting Boston. I’ve been an avid reader all my life and not ashamed to say I began writing out of jealousy. I have always been envious of authors and only when my youngest began school full time did I believe in myself to see if that envy could fuel my future.

What do like the most and the least about writing?

I love that I am in control of the story, though I tend to forget that sometimes. The least is the self-imposed pressure. On a good day when the pressure and the writing flow are in balance it’s the best feeling.

Give us a peek into your latest published work?

 Andi’s new to town and looking for a fresh start in the dating department. She’s attracted to the guy she sees each morning, but begins flirting via text with Garrett, a friend of her new co-workers. Despite many attempts and determination, she misses opportunities to introduce herself to Cute Coffee Shop Guy or actually meet Garrett in person. With Valentine’s Day approaching she succumbs to the sugar rush of Candy Hearts and when ‘Secret Admirer’ continues to appear in the messages, she takes it as a sign to decide which guy is her real Secret Admirer.

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

I’m currently working on New Adult book and attempting to breathe new life into a novel I wrote and shelved years ago. I struggled to walk away from the story, but am now glad I did and ready to revive the characters.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

Thank you! Keep reading and passing on the love of the written word to the next generation. When you love a book – recommend it.

Excerpt of Secret Admirer:

I pulled my sporty hybrid into a spot right in front of the aptly named Fresh Start Café. The

irony did not escape me. A loud overhead door chime announced my entrance. Though still not quite perky, I gave a weak smile to the few people who instinctively turned. I ordered a large cup to go and walked past the glass case of pastries toward the counter along the far wall offering the requisite sugars, creamers, stirrers, and lids. I only needed a lid, but that proved to be more challenging than I could’ve imagined. I struggled to secure it while avoiding a spill, but I couldn’t produce a seal.

“They are a bit tricky, but the upside is once they’re on, they’re on for good.”

Upon hearing a sexy, yet friendly, male voice, I looked up and blushed upon discovering the face

matched the voice. He had medium length, messy, brown hair and soft blue eyes framed by amazing

eyelashes. I caught myself staring and quickly looked away and resumed my mission with a renewed effort. “Yes, snug I guess. You’re right.” Thankfully the lid made a satisfying pop at that moment indicating my victory in the lid battle. I quickly straightened, my hands shaking in time with my racing heart. I wasn’t expecting to meet a cute guy first thing in the morning. The combination of surprise and attraction woke me better than any cup of French Roast could.

About the Author: 

As the mother of three girls, Ally finds creating

drama for her characters an escape from the real drama

in her own home. Originally from Boston, she now lives with her husband and family outside Chicago and writes when not driving to practices and games.

Contact Information:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ally-Hayes/e/B00N3IQ834/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1443551798&sr=8-1
Twitter      https://twitter.com/Partlyhazy
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Ally-Hayes-272896349585982/timeline/?ref=hl
Blog         http://allyhayes.blogspot.com

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8343668.Ally_Hayes

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/ahayes0256/

Email: allyhayes@comcast.net

Book Available at:

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=172_252&products_id=6578

And other retailers.

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Chill Out by Jana Richards - A Candy Heart Romance

This is the first of Candy Heart Romance's I will be featuring on my blog.

My review: This is a sweet story about stranded strangers with a twist.  Add one Mastiff and a bunch of candy heart treats and the strangers become friends and lover.  I really enjoyed the story.

Blurb:

Renata Cabral needs to hide for the weekend. Her cousin’s Valentine’s Day wedding means she’ll face embarrassing questions from her large, extended family. Questions like “Why aren’t you married yet?”  Since the breakup of her last relationship, she’s not ready to answer that question. She invents a work-related excuse and escapes to a friend’s lakeside cottage.

Noah Brownlee has been hiding for two years. But now he’s ready to come home and mend his broken relationship with his brother. When a friend offers the use of his lakeside cottage, Noah arrives in the middle of a blizzard with his English Mastiff, only to find the place is already occupied. With her big brown eyes and quirky sense of humor, Renata stirs feelings he thought long dead.

 As the blizzard rages, the candy hearts predict love. Can Valentine’s Day work its magic between them?

Excerpt:

“Dylan wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend, and in some ways, he was like a father. When our mother died, he petitioned the court to make him my legal guardian so I wouldn’t have to go into care. He made sure I studied, pushed me to apply to med school, helped me with expenses.”

“He sounds like a wonderful big brother.”

His lips curved in a sad smile and Renata’s heart ached for him. “He was, and I know he’s going to be an amazing father. I want this animosity between us to end. I want my brother back.” His voice cracked. “But I’m not sure he feels the same way. I said some ugly things…”

“Perhaps, with the baby coming, he wants to mend the rift between you as much as you do.” She hoped she was right.

“Maybe. I’ll find out tomorrow. I’m going to phone Dylan and try to arrange a meeting.”

“It’ll work out. You’ll see.”

He leaned toward her, the corners of his eyes wrinkling with his smile. “I appreciate the pep rally.”

“Well, I was a cheerleader in high school. Rah, Rah.”

He laughed softly, then cupped her face with his hand, his thumb idly stroking her cheek. Her breath hitched at his tender touch. “Thank you for making this easier for me, Renata.”

He leaned in and her heart pounded in anticipation of his kiss. When his lips touched hers, a firestorm of longing ignited inside her. She strained toward him, needing his kiss, needing to heal his pain. His lips parted against hers, and she opened her mouth eagerly, reveling in his taste as his tongue danced with hers. 

The world faded away, and nothing existed for her except this man and all the tenderness she felt for him. It felt so right to kiss him, so perfectly, completely right.

Author Bio:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile:  https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

Buy links for CHILL OUT: Note - Pre-order book releases on 1/4

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chill-Out-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L29ZUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448638397&sr=8-1&keywords=chill+out+by+Jana+Richards

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/chill-out-2

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-chillout-1937524-149.html 

Chapters/Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/search/?keywords=Chill%20Out%20%2B%20Jana%20richards

Her Sexy Fantasy by Marie Tuhart #mysexysaturday

It's that time again My Sexy Saturday

This week theme: Her Sexy Fantasy

This is from my book More Than One Night.  Jake has taken Beth to his apartment for a night of sensual fun. 

     He stood behind her, her back against his chest, as he guided her hands to her side.

     She stared at their reflection in the glass, as he slid his fingers up her bare arms, to her shoulders. Her breathing hitched when his rounded nails teased the column of her neck, moving past her throat to the first button on her blouse.

     Was he going to make love to her in front of the window? Her heart pounded with excitement and trepidation. His apartment was high enough so she didn’t need to worry about someone seeing them. The white button slipped through the hole, then his fingers moved to the second one and the third until her blouse hung open.

     Unable to help herself, her hands rose, but he caught them. Their gazes locked in the window.

     “Let me take care of you. Let me make this night special.”

     Beth could barely breathe. Could she let him take the lead? Why not? She didn’t have much experience in one-night stands and she wanted this night to be good for both of them.

     She nodded and he released her hands. She let them fall to her sides, hoping she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life.

I hoped you’ve enjoy this week’s My Sexy Saturday.

Guest Blog: Vivien Paige

I'm happy to have as my guest today Vivien Paige

Tell us a little about yourself.

Vivien Paige has been eagerly consuming romance novels since her early teens. Strong, dark alpha heroes. Cute, feisty heroines. Combustible, emotional roller-coaster rides to a splendid happy ever after. Perfect! That's what makes her such an awesome wife...well depending on who you ask :) Now she writes her own romance novels, too.

Website: www.vivienpaige.com

Twitter: @VivienPaige

Facebook: facebook.com/vivienpaige

What do like the most and the least about writing?

The least liked part about writing for me is actually getting started, I usually need a gun to my head, or someone needs to threaten to throw away my whole supply of chocolate - that usually works. The most liked part is when I actually write and I become so oblivious to the world around me. It’s a great feeling. It’s just getting there that requires the hard work.

Give us a peek into your latest published work? (blurb)

Contemporary  Romance

If there's one thing emotionally unavailable party-princess, Tayla Watkins knows, it’s clothes. Kids? Not so much. But when her foster brother leaves her with a deathbed wish regarding the son he never had a chance to meet, she can’t refuse. 

Armed with a Nannying for Dummies guidebook, all Tayla needs is three weeks at the mansion where the little boy lives to suss out the situation, confirm his well-being then leave without anyone ever knowing who she really is. Totally doable, except she chooses the wrong bed on her first night and faces off with the sexy uncle intent on knocking her off her six-inch heels.

When billionaire adventurist, Jared Miller, discovers his nephew’s sixty-year-old nanny has been replaced with a sparsely clad beauty, his trusted instincts fly off the charts, and so does his intrigue-meter. The glamorous nanny has as many secrets as she does shoes, and he’s determined to shadow her every move to uncover them all.

Available now at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Unusual-Glamour-Nannies-Billionaire-ebook/dp/B013NMY1DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439879475&sr=1-1

What’s next on the writing horizon for you?

I’m planning to write Book 2 for the Glamour Nannies – Falling for the Billionaire series called Proud and Dazzling.

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

The Glamour Nannies – Falling for the Billionaire series has one thing in common, a book. What’s a girl to do when she has more knowledge about shoes than she does nannying? She reads a book, of course, but not just any book – Nannying for Dummies by Tasmina Tags, no less! This book is passed from one heroine to the next in my Glamour Nannies series, a guide to help take care of her little charge and by that I mean to keep them as human in color as possible, while working her way into the billionaire’s heart of her choice.  

Excerpt of Hot & Unusual:

“You dropped a speck of something.”

Shocked, she almost stumbled over her own two feet. She spun around. Where’d he come from? Waves of anxiousness rippled through her. Didn’t he have poisonous snakes to save on the other side of the world? But the mere sight of him disintegrated all the unsteady emotions she’d patched back together during her shower, peeling away everything she’d tried to hide under her makeup. Her firm attempt to reseal all her vulnerability failed at the mere sight of him. How on earth am I going to handle him when I keep forgetting to play it cool?

She straightened her spine. Stood still. He needn’t know he gave her heart palpitations. She just required a way around him to lessen his effect on her. But how, when with all the causal arrogance in the world, he held her laundered panties in his hand. She glanced from the tiny wisp of lace to the basket then back again to her panties dangling from his fingers. Did he call her underwear a speck of something?

He closed the distance between them before her gasp at his sudden movement left her lips. Her blood pumped voraciously through her veins. Then he bent down on his haunches to analyze her shoes. Oh really.

“And what are those? Weapons?”

Excuse me, they’re four-inch Manolos, the height of everything trendy at the moment. She set her basket down and slammed her hands onto her hips. “Would you feel less threatened if I wore granny panties and workmen boots?”

 Thanks for being my guest today, Vivien.