Home Fires Burning by Charlie Cochrane

Summary:
Two stories, two couples, two eras, timeless emotions.

"This Ground Which Was Secured At Great Expense" It is 1914 and The Great War is underway. When the call to arms comes, Nicholas Southwell won't be found hanging back. It's a pity he can't be so decisive when it comes to letting his estate manager Paul Haskell know what he feels before he has to leave for the front line. In the trenches Nicholas meets a fellow officer, Phillip Taylor, who takes him into the unclaimed territory of physical love. Which one will he choose, if he's allowed the choice?

"The Case of the Overprotective Ass" Stars of the silver screen Alasdair Hamilton and Toby Bowe are wowing the post WWII audiences with their depictions of Holmes and Watson. When they are asked by a friend to investigate a mysterious disappearance, they jump at the chance-surely detection can't be that hard? But a series of threatening letters-and an unwanted suitor-make real life very different from the movies. Charlie Cochrane, author of the delightful Cambridge Fellows series, brings her familiar romantic, roguish style to the two novellas that together are "Home Fires Burning."

Both tales are amazing.  It's the simplest and easiest way to describe it.  In This Ground Which Was Secured At Great Expense, you can't help but feel what Nicholas is going through.  Not only is he dealing with the heartaches of war but he's also has his heart set on a man he didn't reveal his feelings for before leaving.  He's given a chance at exploring physical love when he has a new tent mate in Nicholas.  In The Case of the Overprotective Ass, we see 2 actors entertaining post WW2 audiences with Sherlock & Holmes but they are given a chance to play detectives for real. Alastair and Toby share similarities with Miss Cochrane's famed Orlando and Jonty from her Cambridge Fellows series, but they are definitely their own pair.  Both tales, although shorter than what I would like, are most enjoyable and very entertaining reads.

Rating:  

Author Bio:
As Charlie Cochrane couldn't be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice - like managing a rugby team - she writes. Her favourite genre is gay fiction, predominantly historical romances/mysteries, but she's making an increasing number of forays into the modern day. She's even been known to write about gay werewolves - albeit highly respectable ones.

Her Cambridge Fellows series of Edwardian romantic mysteries were instrumental in seeing her named Speak Its Name Author of the Year 2009. She’s a member of both the Romantic Novelists’ Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.

Happily married, with a house full of daughters, Charlie tries to juggle writing with the rest of a busy life. She loves reading, theatre, good food and watching sport. Her ideal day would be a morning walking along a beach, an afternoon spent watching rugby and a church service in the evening.

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Release Day Blitz: Hearts and Kisses Collection

Title: Hearts & Kisses

Authors: Sophia Knightly, Ginny Baird, Mimi Barbour, Mel Curtis,

Donna Fasano, Mona Risk, Helen Scott Taylor, Ari Thatcher,

Patrice Wilton, Traci Hall, Anna J. Stewart, and Jackie Weger

Genre: Contemporary/Holiday Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Summary:
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, twelve New York Times, USA Today, National bestselling and award-winning authors deliver a dozen contemporary romance novels and novellas packed with drama, suspense, love and laughter. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Hollywood hills, twelve strong heroines meet twelve hot heroes in tales that span the globe. Whether you crave big-city adventure or small-town romance, second chance stories, or sexy single dads...this outstanding collection holds something special for you. Come be our Valentine, and snuggle up with these sweet and steamy romances, perfect for reading on a chilly winter’s eve. Happy ever afters guaranteed.

Heart Tamer (Heartthrob Series Novella) by Sophia Knightly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Summary:

Fashion designer Kate Hayes must somehow convince her estranged ex-husband, Alec MacLeod, to agree to an unusual request. In this fiery second chance at love, whose heart will be tamed?

The Sometime Bride by Ginny Baird, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Summary:

Carrie St. John is done with wedding disasters. Third time’s the charm? A jilted bride and a ditched bachelor cut a “fake fiancé” deal.

The Surrogate’s Secret by Mimi Barbour, USA Today and National bestselling author

Summary:

Confirmed bachelor, Miguel, forces his dead brother’s gorgeous, headstrong surrogate to marry him so he can take her and her twins to Chile to cheer his ailing mamita.

Breaking the Rules by Mel Curtis, USA Today and National bestselling, award-winning author

Summary:

The Gordon’s marriage has been an emotional rollercoaster, but Jack has the solution–lock them inside a safe room for a cool-down, which turns out to be hot.

Take Me, I’m Yours by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author

Summary:

Sexy single dad Derek learned the hard way to never trust a beautiful woman. So although he is indebted to Lainey for thwarting a kidnapping attempt on his daughter, he isn’t about to offer her his heart on a silver platter!

Valentine Babies by Mona Risk, USA Today and National bestselling author

Summary:

Getting involved with fearless reporter, Roxanne, involves more complications than Dr. Greg has ever faced in the OR.

The Army Doctor’s Valentine’s Baby by Helen Scott Taylor, USA Today and National bestselling author

Summary:

An abandoned baby brings two lonely army doctors together.

The Rock Star’s Wedding by Ari Thatcher, USA Today and National bestselling author

Summary:

Kenzie’s vacation in St. Thomas heats up when her high school sweetheart and rock star heartthrob Chaz appears. If only he wasn’t there for his wedding.

Love Struck by Patrice Wilton, USA Today bestselling author

Summary:

With the “love bug myth” and discovery of gold, Serendipity Falls is no longer safe. Can Samantha and Kyle find a way to end this madness, or will they too be swept away by love?

Ambrosia by the Sea by Traci Hall, National bestselling and award-winning author

Summary:

After a bitter betrayal by her late husband, self-taught chef Celia Langdon moves to the sea, where dive shop owner Dax Smith dares her to heal from the heart.

Reading Between the Lines by Anna J Stewart, National bestselling author

Summary:

When Ethan Sutherland was in high school, he’d go to any lengths to hide his secret, including betraying the one girl who tried to help him. Now he’s back in town and hoping Cassidy Wells finds it in her heart to forgive him.

No Perfect Destiny by Jackie Weger, National bestselling and award-winning author

Summary:

Leah Spencer lives in the present until one sun-drenched day, her troubled past imperils the future and threatens all she holds dear.

Author Bios:

Sophia Knightly

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sophia Knightly, loves to cook up hot romance and delicious humor in her feel-good stories. Whether it's romantic suspense, romantic comedy or chick lit, her books are fun and sexy contemporary romances that feature hot alpha heroes and strong, smart women.

Ginny Baird

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. She writes touching, often humorous, contemporary romance about single women facing everyday challenges. Known for featuring holidays and family themes in her work, Ginny frequently portrays the struggles of single parents or others who've given up on finding true love.

Ginny has two ongoing novella series, The Holiday Brides Series (holiday romance) and The Summer Grooms Series (summer romance), as well as additional single titles available. She is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. Visit Ginny's website at www.ginnybairdromance.com to learn more about her and her books.

Mimi Barbour

Mimi Barbour is an Amazon best-selling author who's sold over 500,000 copies of her books world-wide. Her five romance series: The Vicarage Bench/ time travel at it's best, Angels with Attitudes / angels love romance, Vegas / fast-paced plotting, Elvis / make a song a book and her newest, Undercover FBI / with sizzling conflicts and lots of humor.

Mimi's been heard to say: "I'm an author who loves to read uplifting stories about romance. Add in some time travel, or maybe an angel, or even a little romantic suspense and it makes the story more fascinating because of the incredible possibilities."

Melinda Curtis

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes fun, steamy romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.”  Melinda also writes sweet romances - the Harmony Valley series for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf."

Donna Fasano

USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano is the author of over 30 romance and women's fiction titles. Her award-winning books have been described as "emotional," "heartwarming," and "simply wonderful!" Over the course of her 25 year career, she has sold 4 million books worldwide. BigAl from BooksAndPals.com says, "Donna Fasano is a keen observer of human nature and creates characters that ring true to life."

Mona Risk

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mona Risk, recently received an Outstanding Achiever Award from Affaire de Coeur Magazine. Her name has often been posted on the Amazon.com 100 Most Popular Authors in Romance list. She's a two time winner of Best Contemporary Romance of the Year from Readers Favorite; a winner of Best Romance Novel of the Year from Preditors & Editors Readers Poll; and an EPIC Award finalist.

Her contribution to Valentine Hearts and Kisses is Valentine Babies.

Helen Scott Taylor

USA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, writes sweet contemporary romance set in the UK and Europe. Her contribution to Hearts & Kisses is The Army Doctor's Valentine's Baby, part of her Army Doctor's series.

Ari Thatcher

Ari Thatcher is the “naughty name” of USA Today Bestselling sweet romance author Aileen Fish. Ari has always loved sexy romance where love takes the leading role. Reviews have called her work “captivating” and “compelling”, and her characters “intelligent, intriguing and realistic.”

Patrice Wilton

Patrice Wilton is a USA Today and National best selling author of more than 20 books. Her best known series include The Candy Bar Series, Serendipity Falls series, and her returning war hero series, A HERO LIES WITHIN, HANDLE WITH CARE and AT FIRST SIGHT.

She lives in West Palm Beach with her retired PGA golf pro husband, and plays tennis and golf when she's not writing fun, sexy romance stories. She loves emails and will answer everyone the same day.

Traci Hall

With an impressive bibliography in an array of genres and boasting #1 bestseller status on Amazon.com, Traci Hall has garnered a notable fan base. She pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. Her belief in happily ever after shines through, whether it's a romantic glimpse into history or a love affair for today.

Anna J. Stewart

National bestselling author Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hands or a story in her head. Early obsessions with Star Wars, Star Trek andWonder Woman set her on the path to creating fun, funny, and family centric romances with happy endings for her independent heroines for both Harlequin and Berkley. Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious Supernatural & Sherlock addiction, surrounds herself with friends and family, and tolerates an overly affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her). 

Jackie Weger

An internationally published author, Jackie Weger has been writing romance novels off and on for thirty years. When not writing Jackie is traveling the good earth by foot, train, boat, plane, mule and pickup. Ports of call include London and Paris, Panama and Costa Rica during which she collects memories, friends, fans and experiences—all of  which often make appearances in her novels.

Mimi Barbour

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Ginny Baird

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Anna J Stewart

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Jackie Weger

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Melinda Curtis

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Sophia Knightly

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Donna Fasano

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EMAIL: donnafaz@comcast.net

Helen Scott Taylor

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EMAIL: helenscotttaylor2@yahoo.co.uk

Patrice Wilton

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Ari Thatcher

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Mona Risk

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EMAIL: mona@monarisk.com

Traci Hall

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EMAIL: traciella@aol.com

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Release Day Blitz: The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith

Title: The Gilded Cuff

Author: Lauren Smith

Series: Surrender #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2015

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Summary:
Every passion has its price . . .

Journalist Sophie Ryder has been following Emery Lockwood’s story since she was a little girl. There has always been something in his haunted eyes that she couldn't resist and now, when she’s certain he holds the key to solving a string of kidnappings, she’ll do anything to speak to him. Even if it means venturing deep into the seductive world of the Gilded Cuff, a luxurious BDSM club on Long Island’s Gold Coast and Emery’s personal playground.

From the moment Sophie enters his shadowy, sensual domain, Emery Lockwood knows this tantalizing new little sub was meant to belong to him. However, Sophie wants more from Emery than just pleasure . . . she wants his past. And that is something he isn't willing to give—no matter who is asking. But every moment he spends with Sophie, Emery feels his control slipping and he knows it’s only a matter of time before he surrenders to her heart, body, and soul.

He slid his hands up to her wrists then connected his palms to hers. She responded, lacing her fingers through his, squeezing gently. His throat tightened and his eyes burned.

The simple connection—so sweet, so innocent—bound him to her, like a shimmering web spun between them, unbreakable and inescapable. He lifted his head a few inches, needing to see her eyes.

They were luminous, her lashes at half-mast. He was lost. A world of unimaginable beauty existed in the crescent silver of her dreamy gaze. He felt like a man from the ancient world, gazing north at the distant star Polaris, finding his way home by the loyal light that shone there. She saw him, every part of her, her light penetrating the shadows stretching out from his soul. He was open, laid bare before her, a man prostrate before a goddess.

Completely and totally vulnerable.

A tremble racked his shoulders, his muscles clenching and tensing. Then pleasure swept through him. He was in control of this luscious, precious woman. He could take her, give her such ecstasy she’d never recover.

Sophie licked her lips, her breath slightly uneven.

“You have to stop doing that,” she whispered in all seriousness, her nose wrinkling just a little.

He cocked a brow. “Doing what?”

“Kissing me like that.”

“You don’t like the way I kiss?” Her body told him otherwise as he shifted above her, the movement pressing his groin into hers. She raised her hips, seeking him, but the sheet and their clothes kept them worlds apart.

“I like it too much. That’s the problem.”

He rolled his hips again, reveling in the little hiss of frustration she made.

“What else do you like too much?” He dropped his head to her neck and nibbled on the underside of her throat. She shook slightly, her pulse leaping beneath his tongue. She was incredibly responsive and her inexperience made her reactions raw and pure. It was perfect. She was perfect.

“That. That’s definitely too good.” Her response was barely more than a breathless rush of words.

“Good. My sub has pleased me with her honest responses. You’ve earned a reward.” He eased off her and lay down beside her on the bed.

Sophie’s hands fluttered to her wrists, making contact with the gold cuffs.

“What are these?”

“Cuffs.”

Sophie’s lips twitched, even as she narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, I can see that. Why’d you put them on me?”

He propped himself up on one elbow and drew a finger along the sensitive skin of her inner right wrist by the cuff.

“It’s part of our bargain. The cuffs remind you that you are mine.”

“Okay, so what’s my reward for allowing this?”

“You didn’t allow it, Sophie. You surrendered to it. Never think being a submissive is about allowing your dom to do something. You surrender. You give me your power.” Emery cupped her face and held her gaze, forcing her to confront his domination and accept it.

Her eyes—still wild, still free—darkened like a waning moon. “I surrender.”

Author Bio:
Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. Lauren loves hearing from readers and can be reached through her website.

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Taking Chances by Rita Webb & TJ Webb

Title: Taking Chances

Author: Rita Webb and T.J. Webb 

Series: Paranormal Investigations #2

Publication date: January 7th 2015

Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

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Summary:
How far would you go to save a friend?

People are going missing in Kodiak, Alaska.

The evidence: bloody bear prints larger than any bear Jason or Emma have ever seen and black ooze that can eat the flesh from bones.

Bears don't wander into busy shopping districts, turn off security alarms, and break into stores. When Emma’s friend goes missing, Jason and Emma realize the cops aren't up to handling the situation.

Something’s wrong in the paranormal world. Can Jason and Emma fix things before someone else gets hurt?

I wake to the sound of buzzing in my ear. It zips around my head, first landing on my pillow, then on my nose, before flitting over to Emma lying beside me. My eyes still closed, I listen to the pattern of its movements, and then with inhuman speed, I snatch it out of the air.

Opening my eyes, I peek into a small crack I make in my hand. A creature even smaller than a pixie with pale skin and blue hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea glares at me. She’s wearing a tunic made from thick, white material trimmed in purple fur. Delicate butterfly wings protrude from her back, quivering slightly as if a wind stirs them, but trapped inside my hand, there’s no wind.

“Emma.”

She mumbles something and rolls away from me.

“Emma,” I whisper a little louder.

“What?”

“We seem to have a visitor.”

Emma rolls back toward me and peeks at me through a slit in her eyes. “Huh?”

“It’s too small to be a pixie. What’s smaller than a pixie?”

“You let me go at once.” The voice is as tiny as the creature, and a foot kicks at my fingers.

“Stop that. It tickles.”

“Let me go, monster. Or I eat you.”

I laugh. “How do you speak English? The other pixies in the forest only spoke in squeaks.”

“I’m not pixie.” She pulls herself up to her full height of – what, two inches? — and lifts her nose in the air. “I’m smarter.”

Author Bio:
Our adventure started with a camping trip and a bottle of whiskey. Apparently Rita is a scary monster, and TJ needed liquid courage to give her that first kiss.

When not fighting over who gets to read our favorite books first, we’re swapping kisses, plot ideas, and movie quotes in the kitchen.

Together, we home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

Come play a little hooky with us by getting our first book for free on our website(Click Here).

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