Friday, February 20, 2015

#BookChat PLAYING WITHOUT RULES by Rachelle Ayala #baseball #romance






Title: Playing Without Rules
Author: Rachelle Ayala
 Release Date: January 26, 2015



Synopsis




A ballplayer's girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he's like his abusive father.

Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister.

Brock Carter's back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he's not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret.

Brock's already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?









Links to Buy

99c

AMAZON US / UK


My Comments

Hi, I'm the author of Playing Without Rules. This story deals with the consequences of domestic violence and abuse, especially from a male point of view. Many times, we don't understand the struggles of men who have been abused, and we easily type cast them with the suspicion that they will repeat the patterns of their father. Yes, statistically, this is very prevalent, and these men are highly at risk to become abusers themselves.

However with counseling, early intervention, and the refusal of a partner to tolerate any "shade" of abuse, including emotional, men who have been abused can learn patterns of behavior to avoid triggering either flashbacks and feelings of unworthiness, or the urge to inflict pain on others.

I hope this book raises awareness of men caught between the jaws of being a victim and a survivor of abuse.



Author Bio


Rachelle Ayala is an author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous,
sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She
writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and
hope.

Subscribe to her mailing list for upcoming books and giveaways. http://eepurl.com/lR5kv and find her
books at online retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple iBookstore, and more.

Fiction: Michal’s Window, Broken
Build, Hidden Under Her Heart, Chance for Love Boxed Set, Knowing Vera, Taming
Romeo, Whole Latte Love, Played by Love, Playing the Rookie, A Father for
Christmas, Claiming Carlos

Want to Contact Rachelle?



Author Links








Giveaway

Thursday, February 19, 2015

#NewRelease FEAR OF STRIKING OUT by Lyssa Layne #baseball #romance

TITLE: Fear of Striking Out
AUTHOR: Lyssa Layne
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2015
COVER DESIGN: E.J. Kellan
LENGTH: 54,000+
CONTENT WARNING: Adult Content

Synopsis

Shortstop Tate James has been traded from the all-American town of Milwaukee to the trendy City of Angels. 

Pink hair, manscaping, dogs in purses... not his thing. This ball player is less than excited about his new hometown. That is until he crosses paths with beautiful Mia Tomko. She lets him know that not all L.A. women are just after fame and fortune.

As Tate and Mia find that their interest in each other isn't the only thing they have in common, neither are prepared for what their future holds. 

When someone from both of their pasts arrives, will it tear them apart or make them closer?

Book Links


Excerpt




Waves crash in the darkness of the night. The moon peeks behind a few clouds as I lean against Mia’s deck sipping whiskey. Once again, the thought of moving to L.A. doesn’t seem so bad, especially when I feel her hand slide over my back pockets. Her breath is warm on my ear as both hands run over my backside. I feel her smile against my cheek. She lightly kisses it and whispers while she gives me a squeeze, “I can’t wait to see you in baseball pants this season.”

Laughing, I turn around to face her and pull her body against mine. She moves her arms around my neck and we exchange a powerful kiss. My whole body shakes inside and I don’t ever want to stop kissing her. What is this woman doing to me? I’m not the kind of man that wants to settle down. Back in Milwaukee, I had a few lady friends that I would get together with from time to time, but I’ve never seen a woman the way I see Mia Tomko. She breaks the kiss, but I don’t let go.

“Good, you started the fire,” she says nodding toward the fire pit. “I brought out the fixings for s’mores; hope you like them.”

Chuckling, I nod my head as I let go of her and she walks over to the table. “They’re actually my favorite.”

I watch her open the box of graham crackers. Damn, even in torn-up jeans and a baggy Stanford sweatshirt she looks good. Reaching for another bag to busy myself, I stop and look at Mia. “Reese’s?”

She nods with a grin. “Trust me, it’s way better than a Hershey bar. It’s pure ecstasy.”

Leaning forward, I kiss her neck, making her giggle. “Nah, I think this is pure ecstasy.”

Walking to the fire pit with roasters in hand, I stand behind her so I can nibble on her neck as we toast the ‘mallows. She tilts her head, giving me full access to her soft skin. A few turns of the roaster and she holds the s’more in front of my mouth. My teeth clamp down over the treat as I lock eyes with her. “Mmm… ” I moan. She’s right, the Reese’s are delicious.

Grinning, she pulls the s’more back and takes a bite herself. Chocolate smears on her lip. I lean forward and run my tongue over it then close my mouth and suck her lip to get every last bit off. As she slips her tongue over mine, I can feel myself start to get hard and I moan into her mouth. Mumbling with my lips still against hers, I utter, “You’re right… ecstasy.”

Additional Books
If you love Fear of Striking Out then you don't want to miss Tate & Mia's friends story in The Right Pitch.


About the Author




Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor. 

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa's own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

Author Links


Facebook Party


You won't want to miss the Fear of Striking Out Release Day Party on Facebook tonight from 7-10PM CT. There will be giveaways, games, and tons of fun! Hosts include: Beth Jones, Traci Hayden, William Scott, Linda Armstrong, Toshia Slade, and of course, Lyssa Layne! See you there!

Giveaway


Be sure to enter this Rafflecopter for a chance to win an ebook from Lyssa Layne, jewelry from Baseball Wishes, and a free cover from E.J. Kellan! Rafflecopter will be open until 2/22/15.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

#BookBlitz LEX'S MELODY by Leigh Stone #erotic #romance




Title: Lex's Melody
Series: Belfast Bound #1
Author: Leigh Stone
 Release Date: November 1, 2014


Synopsis


Lex's Melody is set in the Northern Ireland city of Belfast, and is the first in the ‘Belfast Bound’
series, following the stories of 5 friends and their adventures in love, romance, and BDSM.

Alex Matthews is a tall, handsome dominant. He exists on the thrill that having a woman submit to him creates. He doesn't date, he doesn't commit. He works hard as an architect by day, and demands control over his submissives in his downtime. Melody Anderson is a 26 year college student who is about to change all that.

When her best friend Jonny suggests that she try a dating website, Mel has no idea where it will lead.
Alex finds her profile compelling, and on their first meeting in the oldest bar in Belfast makes the suggestion that she should submit to him. Enthralled by where this could lead, Mel agrees, and the pair find themselves bound together in submission and dominance.

Alex soon finds that with Mel, his previous vice of submission only, isn't enough, and he yearns to make their relationship more, but a dark shadow from Alex's past looms menacingly on the horizon.

Will Alex overcome his fears from the past and find a future with Mel, or will it all end in tragedy?

Contains
graphic sexual scenes including those with BDSM overtones. Also contains graphic language, and therefore is not suitable for under 18's.




Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK


Author Bio


I'm Leigh Stone, I live in Northern Ireland, just outside the capital city of Belfast, in a house I share with my teenage daughter, and our personal zoo (1 cat, 2 kittens, and 4 rabbits!).

I'm first and foremost a reader, and a fast reader at that, often devouring books in a single sitting over a period of hours. I have always had aspirations to write and become a published author, but as a
teenager I was encouraged to look for a different profession, as being an author "wouldn't pay the bills."

It was that reading that lead a friend of mine to suggest that I had read so many of those books that I could probably write my own! It seemed like a good idea, and I thought that I would give it a try :) a
few months later Lex's Melody was well underway, and the rest as they say is history!




Author Links

Giveaway

Monday, February 16, 2015

#BlogTour PLAYING WITHOUT RULES Tour Schedule #RachelleAyala #baseball #romance

3677102_6x9-without-rules copy

Book Blurb
A ballplayer's girlfriend hides his daughter from him because she fears he's like his abusive father.

Marcia Powers wants nothing to do with ballplayer Brock Carter, especially after she told him to go away and pursue his dreams. She has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister.

Brock Carter's back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he's not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret.

Brock's already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?

Playing the Rookie is available on Amazon (Read Free with Kindle Unlimited)

Author Info

Clare_Ayala
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Subscribe to her mailing list for upcoming books and giveaways: http://bit.ly/RachAyala and find her books at online retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple iBookstore, and more.

Fiction: Michal’s Window, Broken Build, Hidden Under Her Heart, Chance for Love Boxed Set, Knowing Vera, Taming Romeo, Whole Latte Love, Played by Love, Playing the Rookie, A Father for Christmas, Claiming Carlos, Roaring Hot, Playing Without Rules, Christmas Stray

Want to Contact Rachelle?

Facebook Reader’s Club *~* Aim to Love Romances

Website *~* Blog *~* Google+ *~* Facebook *~* Twitter *~* Goodreads *~* Pinterest


Review Tour Schedule

Tour ParticipantBlog NameTour Date
Amber McCallisterhttps://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/playing-without-rules-review-tour/Tuesday, February 17
Lyssa Laynehttp://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.com/2015/02/playing-without-rules-by-rachelle-ayala.htmlTuesday, February 17
Shandi K Dewshttp://mamadewsreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/playing-without-rules-by-rachelle-ayala.htmlWednesday, February 18
Chantel Rhondeauhttp://www.chantelrhondeau.com/2015/02/bookreview-playing-without-rules.htmlWednesday, February 18
Jamie Fredricksonhttp://www.youhadmeatfreebook.blogspot.com/2015/02/review-of-playing-without-rules-by.htmlThursday, February 19
Cheryl Bavarohttp://bavarofamilyreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/playing-without-rules-rachelle-ayala.htmlFriday, February 20
Debbie Rosahttp://adivareviews.com/2015/02/21/playing-without-rules-by-rachelle-ayala-book-review-and-book-tour/Saturday, February 21
Liza Cochicohttp://mlizcochico.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-book-tour-and-giveaway.htmlSunday, February 22
Raquel Leitehttps://readingssunshine.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/playingwithoutrules/Monday, February 23
Kaitlyn Siglerhttp://kaitmar.blogspot.com/2015/02/playing-without-rules-ebook-giveaway.htmlTuesday, February 24
Nadene Reynoldshttp://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/2015/02/review-tour-playing-without-rules-by.htmlWednesday, February 25
Paige Boggshttp://electivelypaige.comThursday, February 26
Jessica Calihttp://calibookreviews.comFriday, February 27
Krista Bainbridgehttp://www.savorysavings.com/playing-without-rules-book-hop-review-giveaway/Saturday, February 28
Jessica Cassidyhttp://www.jessicacassidy.com/2015/03/playing-without-rules-by-rachelle-ayala-review-tour/Sunday, March 01
Marie Deehttp://www.marieclara.com/playing-without-rules/Monday, March 02
Rachelle Ayalahttp://www.rachelleayala.com/2015/03/guestpost-rachelle-ayala-on-why.htmlMonday, March 02
Tour Giveaway

Rachelle Ayala is generously giving away a $10 gift card (Paypal or Amazon) and a key chain (US and Canada only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

#CoverReveal Nikki Lynn Barrett's Fallen Idol (Love and Music in Texas) #romance








Title: Fallen Idol 
Series: Love and Music in Texas
Book number: 4
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense 
Release Date: March 31, 2015



Blurb: 


What goes up must come down... 

Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music. 

Six years later, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans. 

Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail. 

It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her. 

The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...


This is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. 


Preorder on Amazon for a special Intro price of 99 cents. Fallen Idol will go up to regular price of $3.99 one week after release. 







Fallen Idol stands on its on, but you can get can begin the series with Baby Stetson. It's currently free on all outlets.  










About the Author:



I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.


Places to find me on the web:

wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com



FaceBook

https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor?ref_type=bookmark



Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/



Nikki's Book Stormers: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/



Twitter: @Stormgoddess925



Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett





Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

I love to hear from readers!








Friday, February 6, 2015

#Excerpt Christmas Stray Chapter One - No Miracles Tonight #romance #holiday #grief

A couple grieving for their son is snowed in with a stray puppy and a little boy. Is there room in their hearts for a Christmas miracle?

Meet Jeremiah Martin, Juliette and Gabe's son.


Read an Excerpt from Christmas Stray:

Chapter One

The little cabin was almost perfect. Remote, tucked beneath fir and pine trees, rustic, and private. Snowdrifts piled on each side of the plowed driveway, and the snow-covered tin roof was sloped at a steep angle just like in the Alps.
As soon as her husband, Gabe, shut off the ignition, Juliette Martin pounced out the door of their Mercedes Benz. She hadn’t spoken to him the last two hours of the drive, not since he mentioned the Christmas tree.
Sure enough, there was a tree twinkling with lights in the window of the cabin. Juliette pulled out her cell phone to call the management company.
“Ah, it looks quite lovely, don’t you think?” Her husband massaged her shoulders.
“Lovely or not, I specified no Christmas decorations. They need to remove the tree.”
She spoke to the management company while Gabe retrieved the key from the lockbox.
“Let’s go in and warm up,” he said. “I still don’t see why you don’t want the tree. It’s not as if it has any of our own ornaments on it.”
A pang of grief caught in her throat. Gabe really didn’t understand. Either that, or he was tired of her being an emotional wreck. This getaway was supposed to revive their marriage. From the looks of it, it was more like the last gasp of a beached whale.
“I just don’t want a tree. No decorations. Nothing.” She followed Gabe into the cabin. “I thought you told them.”
Which was why she was so angry with him. He’d meant for them to have a tree. He knew about it when he mentioned it two hours back, and darn it all, he knew exactly how she felt.
He feathered his fingers down the side of her neck and peered into her eyes. “Hey, I thought it would cheer you up. Us coming here to create new memories.”
Juliette melted, a little. Her husband was a kind man, a tad insensitive, but his forehead was creased with concern, and face it, he was as gorgeous as they came. Except nothing, but nothing would take away Jeremiah’s death. Nothing.
“No memories will replace Miah.” She lowered her face before he could see the sprinkling of tears in her eyes.
Last Christmas Eve had been Jeremiah’s last one—spent in the children’s hospital. He’d been so weak with leukemia he couldn’t lift his head when they trimmed the spindly little tree in his room. But he’d still smiled at the ornaments she’d made for him. And she’d been stupid and thought God would grant her prayers and give them a miracle.
She well remembered the star she’d placed on the top. One that she’d named the miracle star. It was a silly little thing, of course. One made of cardboard painted white and sprinkled with silver glitter.
“You’re thinking about the miracle star, aren’t you?” Gabe caressed her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
She tore away from him. She didn’t deserve his attention and care. Not when her heart was crushed under the weight of guilt. She hadn’t wanted Jeremiah when she first discovered she was pregnant. The time hadn’t been right. She’d actually hoped for a miscarriage. But by the time he was born, she was head over heels in love with her little Miah. Too bad God had other plans for him, plans that included striking him with leukemia when he was four and letting him linger two years before his body gave out the day before Christmas.
“Just get this crap out of here.” She attacked the Christmas tree, knocking the star from the top. “I will never, ever celebrate Christmas again.”
“Whoa, whoa, don’t break anything.” Gabe pulled her from the tree and into his arms. “We won’t celebrate Christmas, but you need to get control of yourself.”
“Let me hibernate all December and wake up after the New Year when all the trees have been composted and people are thinking income taxes instead of eggnog.”
Juliette couldn’t help the sobs of another impending breakdown. The last few days of Jeremiah’s life had been full of fake holiday cheer. He’d made his Christmas wish list, been greeted by Santa and his elves, all of them wearing face masks, and was even allowed to pick one gift to open.
He’d chosen a stuffed dog, a black and brown wiry one with pointy ears and large sad eyes.
Juliette hastily wiped her eyes and pushed herself out of Gabe’s bear hug. He was right. She should pull herself together. And she would, if only she could stop the regret and the layers of guilt. She’d continued working at her law practice after Jeremiah was born, taking only a six-week maternity leave. Since Gabe’s schedule was filled with business travel, she’d left Jeremiah at an expensive extended daycare which allowed her to drop him off as early as six in the morning and pick him up as late as eight in the evening.
Stomping out onto the snowy drive, she retrieved her purse and a large shopping bag from the car. A pickup truck drove up and a man jumped out.
“Ma’am, I heard there was a problem with the Christmas tree?”
“No problem. I don’t want it. We don’t celebrate Christmas.”
“Okie doke. I’ll get it removed. Did you guys find all the food we stocked? Is there anything else you need?”
“I haven’t had a chance to check it out, but I’ll let you know.” Juliette couldn’t wait to retire to the bedroom and soak in the jetted tub. “I’m going to unpack now.”
“Sure, we’ll get that tree removed right away.” The man tipped his baseball cap, but she couldn’t help noticing the wry face he wore and the certainty that he thought her to be a Grinch to end all Grinches.
If it takes being a Grinch to have people leave me alone, so be it. Juliette hurried to the bedroom while Gabe chatted with the man. She really should get her head together if she wanted to return to her practice after three years leave. For one, she’d have to stop the tears and settle her heart rate to a steady beat. She’d have to be able to sit still and go back to the orderly world of precedents and statutes. She’d need her composure to stand in front of judges and speak calmly to clients. And then there was Gabe. He’d practically threatened her with divorce to get her to come to this trip—this getaway which was supposed to mend their marriage.
Juliette let her eyes adjust to the candlelit room. The four poster bed was covered with a homey looking quilt and enough throw pillows to start a fight. The room was equipped with a small gas fireplace dividing a jetted tub on one side and the foot of the bed on the other. Someone had filled the tub with water and sprinkled rose petals on it. No doubt, Gabe had arranged all of it. If only he hadn’t tried to sneak in the Christmas tree. He was a good man, though, and he’d stopped traveling after Jeremiah’s leukemia diagnosis, and took more than his fair share of the hospital duties. She owed him an apology and a genuine try at attending to his needs.
A few minutes later, Gabe poked his head into the bedroom. “Here are your suitcases.”
“Thanks. And about that tantrum I had, I’m sorry.”
“Let’s try and have a good time.” He placed the suitcases on the rack. “Tree’s gone. They even vacuumed up the needles.”
“It’s just that it triggers memories.”
“You don’t have to explain.” Gabe patted her back. “Why don’t we unpack and then relax to some of that wine and cheese they left in the kitchen. The larder is stocked with fruits and vegetables, and we even have a whole Virginia ham. I also brought the best of our own wines.”
“Let’s make sure we have everything in case we have to make a run to the drugstore.” Juliette unlatched her vanity case. “I guess I can endure one more round of ho, ho, ho’s and holiday cheer for a week of peace and quiet.”
“Very funny, but I think we have everything. I checked and double checked before packing the car.” Gabe shut her vanity case and took her hand. “The caterers are bringing dinner in tonight, and I’m dying to open that bottle of Bordeaux I’ve been saving since our wedding.”
Gabe always knew how to sweep her worries away. Yes, a bottle of wine with a man who still lit her sparks, despite the gloom of the past few years, was the right prescription for moving forward.
Before leaving the bedroom, Juliette opened her suitcase and extracted the stuffed dog. She kissed his nose and set him on the pillow. She never slept anywhere without him.
“You give him a name yet?” Gabe gave her a lopsided grin.
“Not yet.” The image of Jeremiah too weak to name his puppy brought a lump to her throat. “Miah hasn’t told me yet.”

[To continue reading, pick up Christmas Stray on Amazon 99c or free with Kindle Unlimited]