Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Drake Brothers Box Set by Casey Peeler *~*~*~*~* Release Day & Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

Drake Brothers: A Clean Small- Town Modern Romance Box Set
By Casey Peeler



Genre: Clean Romance Short Stories
Cost: $2.99 or free in KU
Cover Designer: Lori Jackson

BLURB
Drake Brother Box Set


The Drake Brothers - Four brothers with one common thread. After losing their adopted parents in a horrific accident, life changes and emotions are cut off.  Can these four brothers find true love?


Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2vvVzmH (please use this link for tracking purposes)





Giveaway: Follow this link to download Tutus & Cowboy Boots for free- http://bit.ly/2vxPTc4





Everett (Drake Brothers #1)


Everett Drake left the small town life and his three brothers behind the day he was old enough to enlist. However, he returned sooner than he had planned with a chip on his shoulder.


Taking a job with the local beer distributor, he makes a living, but when a new bar owner arrives in town, he knows exactly what he wants—Stella.    

I Heart Books Review 

Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The good ole bad boys!!

Great story, quick read, with a little mystery and danger, but passion and comedy too! This start to the Drake Brothers series will have you hooked in no time. And now a bit about the story...

Welcome to Ridge, North Carolina, where the Drake brothers are all grown up. The former young trouble makers all have a place in town. Except Everett, he's just returned from the Navy with an honorable discharge. When Stella moves to town buying the bar he wanted to buy the sparks fly!!

Favorite passages:
- “I’ve had to go over to Molly Simpson’s once a week to rescue her damn cat. I swear I really think she just likes to look at my ass when I climb that ladder up the tree.”
- “They’ve always been trouble, but I’m thinking they look like lions but roar like a house cat.”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.



Jeremiah (Drake Brothers #2)


Jeremiah Drake is good with his hands, and has taken on the responsibility of Mayes' Body Shop. However, when a bombshell beauty named Landry is put in charge of the shop, Jeremiah is caught off guard by her beauty, but more importantly how she is under the hood.

I Heart Books Review 

Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Changes are coming...

Quick read.  Strong female lead in a difficult time.  Good ole bad boy Drake to the rescue! And now a bit about the story...

Jeremiah has been working for Mayes Autobody for a long time now.  But that all changes when grown up Landry comes walking in.  She used to be the little tomboy that ran around her granddad's shop.

Favorite passage: “Life is better because we do it together.”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.


Excerpt from Jeremiah
“I’m gonna go see who was walkin’ in Mr. Mayes’ office,” I say to him as I wipe my hands on the rag and toss it on the work table. Standing outside his office door, I see the same blonde sitting behind his dusty desk with a look of disgust on her face. Quickly, I knock on the door. She pauses and looks up. Without waiting for a reply, I turn the knob and walk in.
“Ma’am, is there something I can help ya with?” I question, trying my best to be polite.
She looks at me, rolls her eyes, and basically tells me to go on without opening her mouth, and all that has me wanting to do is turn her over my knee and spank her nice little backside.
“Excuse me?” she says with an abundance of attitude.
“I said can I help you? Mr. Mayes isn’t here, so maybe I can help you with what you need.”
She begins to laugh and it pisses me off.
“Really, Sherlock! He’s in the hospital and I’m here to take care of things until he’s able to return.” What did she say? I’ve been here since I was sixteen years old and he’s been priming me to take over the day he calls it quits. He’s left me in charge and no little girl comes in here acting all high and mighty wanting to take over.
“Ma’am,” I say cautiously once more, knowing I really want to cuss her out. “I’m in charge while he’s out. What can I help you with?”

“I don’t think so Jeremiah.”




Colby (Drake Brothers #3)
Colby Drake is Mr. Fix It and likes to take things into his own hands. Working in Aunt Tootie's shop, Dixie is always taking matters into her own hands, and Colby is determined to solve all her problems regardless of whether she wants the help or not. But she's no damsel in distress looking to be saved.

I Heart Books Review 

Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flipping hearts...

Quick story of taking chances to get your dream.  Strong characters, lots of beer, and hard work win out.  And now a bit about the story...

Dixie moved to Ridge shortly after Stella did.  She's been working at the old beauty shop in town but things keep breaking.  Colby owns the hardware store and he keeps trying to break her walls down.  Can he flip her heart with an awesome reno?

Favorite passage: “Sweetheart, that’s all I know is fast. When I see what I want, I take it and never let it go.”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.




Beckett (Drake Brothers #4)


Beckett Drake is Mr. Responsible, but his life is different from his brothers—his eyes, his skin, and his father. His job is to put out fires, but the moment he lays eyes on Dallas, he knows that is a fire he never wants to extinguish.


Dallas takes pride in providing for her daughter and not letting a man help in any way.


Beckett will stop at nothing to protect these two, even if he has to lose himself in the process.



I Heart Books Review 

Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

With fire comes rebirth...

Quick read.  Strong characters pushed to their breaking point.  But always remembering the good.  And now a bit about the story...

Beckett has had a lot of responsibility from such a young age.  When his father died his live took a turn for the worse, but the Drake's adopted him and his brothers and things got better, until they died too.  Now Beckett is just tired of all the responsibly.  Dallas has been raising Lettie on her own since her husband left. Now a fire has ruined everything... or has it?

Favorite passage: “Then why don’t you find me a new daddy?”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.



Excerpt from Beckett
Walking into the old wooden farm house, I toss my hat on the counter as I grab a beer and cuss the day. I’m tired and my brothers aren’t home yet to help out as usual. I’m not sure why I even try anymore, but then I glance at the picture on the refrigerator and know why I still care. I see the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman that came to our rescue when I was seven years old. I still remember the day like it was yesterday when I walked into her classroom for the first time. Carol Drake was like an angel in human form, and saved me and my three brothers from a life of hell. I’d hate to see where we’d be today. We’d probably all be dead or in jail. Looking at the picture of my mom I smile, but miss her so much my heart hurts.
As the back door opens, Colby walks in with a smirk on his face. Taking a pull of my beer, I don’t say anything. Instead, I stand and start to walk toward the door for the barn.
“Let me get out of this get up and I’ll come help you.”
“Don’t bother,” I say and when he mumbles under his breath, I snap.
“Don’t do me any favors. Go on and keep up that pretty boy act, but we all know you’re just like the rest of us.”

“Dude, who pissed in your corn flakes?” he says and I don’t say a word. Instead, I walk out to the barn, feed the animals, and make sure that everything is taken care of before getting ready for my third shift rotation at the fire station.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Unbroken (Loveless, Texas #0.5) by Jay Crownover *~*~*~*~*~* Release Day Blitz & Review

 

From New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover comes UNBROKEN, the prequel novella in her brand new Loveless, Texas series! Check out the amazing excerpt below, and grab your copy today!

 

About UNBROKEN:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes a captivating novella about a rugged rodeo star who will do anything to protect the people he loves.

When rodeo star Crew Lawton loses everything in a bad bet, he has no choice but to take a new job to pay off his debts – even if it means becoming the face of an expensive male skincare line. Crew is used to getting sweaty and rustling in the dirt, not posing for photo shoots. And he’s certainly not used to being bossed around by a woman who doesn’t even know the difference between bulls and broncs. But Crew owes money to dangerous criminals, and he’ll do anything Della says in order to pay them back and keep them far away from his family in Loveless, Texas…

The launch of her new men’s line for her family’s company means everything to Della Deveaux, and she’s not willing to let some rugged, arrogant cowboy ruin her campaign. Crew Lawton is the last man she would have chosen to represent her chic, sophisticated brand. Unfortunately, her father already invested millions in Crew’s stupidly handsome face. Yet the more time they spend together, Della and Crew realize that opposites do attract. But when the time comes for Crew to face his past mistakes, will he be able to protect his family…and the woman he’s come to love?

 

GRAB YOUR COPY OF UNBROKEN TODAY!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Google Play | Kobo

Goodreads

 

  EXCERPT: “This the one, Ms. Priss?” I turned in a circle, hating how restrictive and stiff the refined suit felt. There would be no staying on the horse for eight seconds in something like this. I doubted I could even bend over and pull my boots on in this getup. I failed to see how being dressed like I was going to high tea with the queen was going to convince normal men with a little extra cash to buy the junk in my hair. It felt like overkill, but I would chew my tongue off before telling Della that. I knew how much this campaign meant to her, and I needed her to keep me around so I could get paid. .. and get to kiss her again. Della circled around me, eyes scanning from head to toe. A small frown tugged her perfectly arched brows down into a V, and her lush, soft mouth pulled into a pout I was becoming achingly familiar with. She lifted a hand and touched the knot of the silk tie where it rested at the base of my throat. She fingered the delicate material and heaved a sigh. “You look perfect, but something is still off.” She met my gaze with a scowl. “Can you try and look a little less like you’re being tortured? That might help the overall image.” Her snippy tone and the upturn of her nose made me grin. I rolled my head around, causing my neck to pop and my shoulders to relax. Della’s expression softened when I was no longer standing at attention, but she still let out a dejected-sounding sigh and reached for my tie, releasing me from the expensive noose. “You have a body made for designer clothes, but something is lost when you put them on. I feel like we’re trying to wrap the Mona Lisa in silk or something. Frankly, it’s annoying that you make denim and flannel look just as good as Versace and Prada.” Once she had the tie off, she told me to go ahead and get back into my own clothes. I asked her what the plan was for the shoot and a brief flare of panic and doubt lit up her catlike eyes. She forced a smile and told me she would figure it out. Since I was totally a fish out of water in this scenario, all I could do was follow orders like a good soldier. I stripped out of the fitted vest and worked on the tiny buttons of the shirt. I was handing them both off to the flirty wardrobe girl who was enjoying the impromptu striptease when Della’s “Wait a second!” had both of us freezing on the spot. She was looking at me in the mirror, eyes roving over my half-dressed form. She wandered over to where my jeans and boots were tossed in a haphazard pile on the floor. After a second of rooting around, she came toward me, my black wifebeater in one hand and my boots in the other. “Put these on with the pants.” She looked at the wardrobe girl with a lifted brow and had to snap her fingers in the woman’s face to get her attention. “Go find me a pair of suspenders, leather if you have them.” The other woman scurried off to do as she was told and I dropped to the seat to pull on my boots. “I keep trying to turn you into something better.” I looked up at Della as she snorted out a laugh. “But from the start, you were perfect the way you are.”


I Heart Books Review 

Unbroken (Loveless, Texas #0.5) by Jay Crownover
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A rodeo clown and a business exec walk in a bar...

Sounds like a crazy start to joke, but these two actually fit really well together.  Both feel like they don't fit in just right, he is the family screw up and she can't get her father's affection no matter how much she succeeds.  Both lost their mothers young and are pulled together in this whirlwind romance with hints of danger.  And now a bit about the story...

After hitting it big in the rodeo circuit Crew is on top of the world until that isn't enough anymore.  He starts taking risks, doing things he shouldn't and it all starts to fall apart.  He's about given up when Della walks into his life.  Her father has already signed Crew to her newest product launch.  He isn't the sophisticated wall street type she wanted, but she's going to mold him into one, even if it kills them!

Favorite passage: “It doesn’t feel like a mistake.” It didn’t feel like rebellion, or gambling either. It felt right. It felt perfect and special. It felt better than anything had in a very long time.

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.




Be sure to pre-order JUSTIFIED, the first novel in this brand new, sexy series!


About JUSTIFIED:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy...

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he's determined to do everything by the book--until he's called to Aspen Barlow's office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn't the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge...

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she'll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there's a thin line between love and hate... because there's nothing Case wouldn't do to keep her safe.

 

Pre-order your copy of JUSTIFIED today!

 

About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, the Saints of Denver series, the Point series, the Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.    

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Too Dangerous (The Lewis Cousins #5) by Bethany Lopez *~*~*~*~*~* Blog Tour, Excerpt & Series Review

Today we are celebrating the release of TOO DANGEROUS by Bethany Lopez. It is the fifth, and final, book in the Lewis Cousins series.

As an added bonus, you can now get the first book in the series TOO TEMPTING for free!!

 

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Purchase Now:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords

Too Dangerous by Bethany Lopez

(The Lewis Cousins, #5) Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Jasmine's worked hard to get where she is, a tough, savvy woman in a male dominated business.
Shane's just trying to get by. Trying to build a life for himself away from the pitfalls of his past. She's always kept him at arm’s length, afraid to ignite the passion that sparks whenever he's near. He does everything in his power to remind her of what she's missing. Now, Shane needs a wife, and Jazzy's the only one who can help him. Too Dangerous is the fifth and final book in the Lewis Cousins series by Bethany Lopez.

Purchase Now:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords

Add the book to Goodreads


I Heart Books Review 

Too Dangerous (The Lewis Cousins #5) by Bethany Lopez
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Opening your heart can be dangerous...

The Lewis Cousins are back in this fifth story. Will Jasmine get her happy ever after like the rest of the cousins... or is she too stubborn? Set in Cherry Springs with a trip to Vegas and Gabe's camp this is a fast paced romance you may need a tissue for! And now a bit about the story...

Shane and Jasmine have always joked around.  Shane seems to have it bad, but Jasmine won't give him the time of day. She's too worried about his dangerous player ways... but it's actually him that should be scared of him! An impromptu trip turns into a wedding and a week at camp into a honeymoon... what's next... Kids???

Favorite passage: “When I read the songs he wrote.”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.


EXCERPT

“You see, I got married, so, I’m cutting out the flirting and teasing, out of respect for my wife.”
Her mouth dropped open so quickly it was almost comical.
“No way,” she denied, shaking her head. “You can’t be married, you don’t even date anyone. It would be all over the grapevine by now.”
I chuckled, because, honestly, I was surprised all of Cherry Springs didn’t know about Jazzy and me by now.
Gail glanced down at my naked ring finger and I fought the urge to move my hand out of sight.
“It’s true,” I told her. “Jasmine Lewis and I said our vows in Las Vegas. We just got back from our honeymoon.”
“Jasmine? I see. Well, then, congratulations, I guess,” she said with a frown before spinning on her heel.
“Thanks for that, I guess,” I called out after her, shaking my head and taking a rag out to wipe down the bar.
“Well, the lid is getting blown off now,” Becs said from behind me. “Hearts will be breaking all over Cherry Springs tonight.”
I turned to look at her questioningly, then followed her gaze to where Gail was standing with a group of women and all eyes were on me.
I waved.
“They’ll get over it.”
“I’m not so sure they will,” Becs said with a sigh. “You were the last single guy in town who’s not either a prick, mama’s boy, or bum.”
I chuckled.
“That’s not true, Becs, there’s plenty a good ones around. What about Mikey from the hardware store, or Donovan from the autobody shop,” I asked. “Oh, and didn’t you have a date with Trevon, that guy who owns the boxing club?”
Trevon’s dating someone else, Donovan hasn’t brushed his teeth since twenty twelve, and Mikey lives in his mom’s basement.”
“Oh,” I said, not knowing what to say, since none of that sounded promising. “And, gross… But, Becs, there are more than three single blokes in Cherry Springs. Maybe you should try meeting them somewhere other than here, at the bar.”

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a New Release Book Box!

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PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES




temptingebook

TOO TEMPTING (Available now for FREE!)

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Smashwords



I Heart Books Review 

Too Temping (The Lewis Cousins #1) by Bethany Lopez
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Temptations, temptations...

Funny romance with a hint of drama. I enjoyed the story being told from both perspectives. The budding romance tempted or main characters, while the red vines tempted me and I'm sad to say I didn't have any on hand. And now a bit about the story...

Imagine signing up to volunteer at your nephew's summer camp, but you get the dates mixed up. Now to make sure this is really Camp Gabriel Lewis and not Camp Crystal Lake! On the other hand, imagine seeing a beautiful and lost woman wondering around your camp. Gabe had a strict no girl or boy friends at the camp start up, but Zoey was about to break many of his rules...

Favorite passages:
- It looked like that’s what we had to do for the good things in life … wait.
- I guess you didn’t know what you were missing until you had a taste of it.


TOO COMPLICATED (Available now!)

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords


I Heart Books Review 

Too Complicated (The Lewis Cousins #2) by Bethany Lopez
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Camp may be over, but the Complications are just getting started!!

Too Complicated picks up shortly after Too Tempting ends. You could read this standalone, but knowing the history I appreciated reading them in order. This is a crazy funny story, I laughed out loud countless times. It is tender and loving, daring, complicated, with a touch of frustration. And now a bit about the story...

The Lewis and Zahn clans are both back and now living in Cherry Springs. A few cousins still haven't moved back full time, but most are back. This story features Chloe and Reardon, but has carryover for Gabe and Zoey, plus hints at what's coming next. Reardon has loved Chloe since he first saw her 14 years ago, but she picked Gabe. Football stud over geeky lawyer, story of his life... But she was back and Gabe was taken. Now to work his magic on her before someone else snatches her up first!

Favorite passages:
- “You can’t just roll over at her feet and beg her to scratch your belly. Women like a challenge.”
- “Baby, win or lose, I’ll mount anything you’d like.”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.



TOO DISTRACTING (Available now!)

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords


I Heart Books Review 

Too Distracting (The Lewis Cousins #3) by Bethany Lopez
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pranks can be harmless...

The Lewis Cousins are back! Two of the five have met their match and next up is Dillon. This story will have you laughing, angry with the bad boyfriend and evil parents, and hoping for forgiveness. As in any relationship, communication is key! Though these two dance around they are also pretty direct, so nice change of pace. And now a bit about the story...

Dillon has the house, he wants kids, now just to find the right woman. Also back in town is his sister's best friend, she tortured him with her pranks and now he's agreed to help her with her business plan. Laurel drives him crazy, he tries to avoid her at all costs. Of course then he saw her in the bar without knowing it was he and thought about taking her home. Then there was that dress she wore to their last meeting. Lord she was going to kill him! If you remember from book 2, Laurel has been in love with Dillon since she was nine. Can he get over the pranks???

Favorite passage: Oh my God, I can’t believe I just did that, seemed to be my theme of the night.

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.


 

Brand New Look!

TOO ENCHANTING (Available Now!)

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords


I Heart Books Review 

Too Enchanting (The Lewis Cousins #4) by Bethany Lopez
Review by Theresa Esterline 
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not your average girl next door... 

Couldn't put this one down!  Of course, I've been a fan of the Lewis cousins for a while now!  They love each other, tease each other, and watch out for each other.  Finally Serena, their long lost cousin is returning.  But dig living away from Cherry Springs turn into an ice princess?  The cousins have also adopted two new 'cousins' into the fold, and as it turns out Jed, one of the new cousins, will be Serena's new neighbor.  And now a bit about the story...

Serena has just moved into her new place and can't wait to get started at her new job - getting the gallery ready to open!  Except her new HOT neighbor seems to be a little rude.  If only she could place him.  And why does he have to be sooo rude when he looks sooo good.  But it doesn't take long to discover she already knows him.  Jed, one of her cousins friend, turns out to be her neighbor.  After a few cold shoulder moments they decide maybe their first impressions were wrong and before you know it they are lip locked.  That is until Serena's high school nemesis comes to town.  Will Kylie bring out the snob in Serena and turn off Jed?  Or will Kylie's easy on the eyes persona kick Serena to the curb?

Favorite passages:
 - “Yeah, just treat her right, and you can live,”
 - “Oh my gosh, why do you always catch me during my most embarrassing moments?”

Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.



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A1nt0F1SfnL._UX250_Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.

When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.

Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!



AUTHOR LINKS:


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