Jenerated Reviews

Jenerated Reviews September 2017 Featured Review And Author Profile

Within A Captain’s Soul

By: Lisa A Olech

I had the great fortune to come across Lisa Olech in 2015 when I took a chance and read her book Within A Captain’s Hold, book one in her Captain’s of the Scarlet Night pirate romance series.  My love of pirate romance goes back many years so when I see new pirate author I am beyond excited. Lisa exceeded my expectations with her great writing, extensive research and the deep emotional insight she had of her characters.  Her tales of the Scarlet Night crew are blunt and the roads traveled by her portrayals are not easy, but her work is richly drawn and clearly brings out the best of this writer’s immense talent. Even if pirates are not your thing this series is larger than its theme and the idea that a fabulous story reaches beyond topic boundaries is proven with each book of the Scarlet Nights.  As this series comes to a close with its fifth installment, Within A Captain’s Soul, I feel as if old, beloved friends are sailing off into the horizon even as they leave their stamp on my heart and take permanent residence on my book shelf.

WITHIN A CAPTAIN’S SOUL

By: Lisa A. Olech

Stormy seas, a captive heart, and a coupling that breaks all the rules . . .

After years of committed service, Captain William “Bump” Quinn has finally taken the helm of the pirate ship Scarlet Night. But when rough waters send the Night off course, William winds up shipwrecked and alone on enemy shores—and prisoner to China’s most powerful pirate queen.

Captain Jian Jun is as alluring as she is formidable, and she’s careful not to let anyone too close. But the silence of the handsome Jamaican pirate in her custody intrigues her. Tempted by his topaz eyes and the strength of his character, she allows the captive into her inner sanctum. Though their bond defies all convention, Jun finds she is powerless against the emotions Will stirs in her. She prays their first union will not be her last. But with danger lurking in unexpected places, her beloved pirate may soon get the chance to prove he is every inch the hero he seems in her arms . . .

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Jenerated Review

William “Bump” Quinn is now the Captain of the infamous pirate ship the Scarlet Night that he grew up on. Jian Jun is Captain of a vast pirate army in China.  When Bump unexpectedly finds himself the soul survivor of his ship, after a vicious storm destroys all that he holds dear, he finds himself a guest of Jian Jun.  Surrounded in danger Bump is presented with a treasure beyond his wildest dreams but is it worth risking his soul?

The heroes and heroines of Lisa Olech’s Captains of the Scarlet Night series are given a swan song worthy of the conclusion of this extraordinary series in Within A Captain’s Soul.  Book five  told the story of a beloved secondary character in this series, William “Bump” Quinn, a deaf, mute orphan adopted by previous Captains Gavin and Alice “Tupper” Quinn. Ms. Olech nurtured Bump through numerous books into the kind of man to be admired and looked up to and in doing so made the ideal romance hero. Bump was a unique and multifaceted character that withstood the test of this series as they both matured. Jian Jun was a great surprise and a fabulous heroine with her challenging past and empowered persona. In the merciless world of pirates Bump and Jun were strong when needed as well as tender, giving them a beautiful contrast in their roles. This author reached far and took chances on characters that many writers might pass over as being too different yet in giving them center stage made memorable and finely crafted portrayals. Within A Captain’s Soul is the kind of book that lingers as old friends move on to their well-deserved happy endings and embark on their new beginnings, a standout read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Madagascar, 1717

William Quinn hated the dark. His companion had taken the lantern when she left. He could still smell the spiced honey of her skin and the musk of their sex in the rumpled sheets. She’d been a tiger in bed. His flesh still burned where her nails had raked his back. He’d lost himself for an hour or two between her smooth dark thighs. He only wished he’d learned her name.

Will lay in the bed and closed his eyes to the darkness. It was easier to visualize the layout of the room from memory this way. The door was to starboard. A three-drawer chest sat a foot to port. His pants were another matter. Where had she tossed them? She’d been in a terrible hurry to put her mouth on him. When she’d stripped him and seen his engorged cock, a smile spread across her shining face as if she’d discovered some long lost treasure. After that, she was driven by a single-minded desire. She’d been a most eager partner.

He rose and found his pants along with the wide blood-red sash he wore about his waist. And one boot. All the while, his limited sense was still on high alert. In this darkness, it would be easy to hide and ambush him. It wasn’t as if he’d hear anyone approaching, but having lost his hearing at such a young age, over his lifetime, he’d honed his other senses to razor sharp. Will lifted his nose and gave another sniff. No, he was alone.

The heat along this stretch of the world limited his choice of clothing. Bare chested, he slipped into a tooled leather vest. He patted the breast pocket. His lusty partner wasn’t interested in his winnings from tonight’s poker tables. As the daughter of one of the local pepper merchants, money was not what she longed for. Madagascar pepper was considered black gold along this great treasure route. Her father was one of the wealthiest men in the city.

Will found his other boot, and sat on the edge of the bed to slip them on his feet. He sat there for a long moment. The hollow beating of his heart echoed in his chest. Even after hours of pleasure, the only thing sated was his body.

This girl, whoever she was, hadn’t been interested in his newfound wealth or even knowing who he was. She’d only been interested in lying with him. It was the same wherever he went these days. He’d become a novelty.

Sex with the silent man.

It wasn’t as if he could brag about his conquests. Tell tales of your night in his bed. He wouldn’t bore you with long stories, or shout demands. He was deaf and never learned the basic fundamentals of speech. For some reason that made women eager to spread their legs for him. At least for one meaningless night.

Making his way to the door, Will wasn’t surprised to find the public rooms below still doing a brisk business. Time held no meaning to these establishments. Glancing toward the back corner, the poker game still wore on. He was tempted to add to his already bulging purse. Tonight’s profits had come too easy, but then it had always been a talent of his to read faces. Call it a lucrative byproduct of being deaf. Whether bluffing at cards or dealing with his crew, he could spot a liar at fifty yards.

Will’s long legs carried him quickly through the dangerous dark streets. At more than six and a half feet tall, he made an imposing figure. The three-pistol baldric and side cutlass helped. As did his permanent scowl. He pulled a short knife from a leather sheath and carried it at his side. For two reasons. A handy weapon was never a bad idea, and the high polish on the blade gave him the perfect view of anyone trying to approach him from behind.

Will reached the docks without incident and was finally able to breathe easy when he dropped down upon the polished decks of the Scarlet Night. The gentle tip of the boards shifting beneath his feet, the smell of tarred rigging, and the sight of her three thick masts brought a smile to his  face. He was home.

Lisa A. Olech – Interview

1. When did you know you wanted to write?

I’m the proverbial “late bloomer.” I’m an artist first and foremost (which I believe helps me be a more visually inspired writer), but truly being an author was not on my radar. It’s a long tale of a fateful day where someone saw in me a potential I hadn’t seen in myself before. I regularly thank and curse this person! That was more than a dozen years ago, and I now can’t imagine not being a writer. There are days when I wish I had started this journey when I was younger, but I believe things come to us when they are needed and when we are ready for them. I’m just grateful I finally bloomed.

2. Where do you get your writing inspiration?

Everywhere! I’ve gotten a story idea from a smell! It can be an overheard conversation, a dream, an unusual setting, a name, a title that sparks a story. Anything. I think once you’re in the mode of creativity, you can find inspiration in a myriad of places. It’s just a matter of keeping your ears and your eyes…and I guess your nose open to new ideas.

3. You started off with a contemporary series, the Stoddard School of Art, why venture into historicals?

You’ve done your research! I did start off with a contemporary series. Actually the two series were created simultaneously. I love the versatility of working in two sub genres. I like the quicker pacing of a contemporary. I consider them something akin to that lovely dish of sherbet in the middle of a gourmet meal. They cleanse my palate, so to speak. As I said, I am an artist and you should “write what you know.” I know artists. I’ve worked and galleried with some amazingly talented, quirky, wonderful people. They gave me a wealth of knowledge in a variety of mediums and a deeper understanding of the creative mind. Remember the story idea from a smell? It was touring art colleges with my son that inspired the Stoddard School series. Art schools have a definite, unique smell. I found myself calling it the smell of creativity and I would pull it deep into my lungs whenever we’d step into a working studio. It would elicit a physical reaction, trigger a memory in me of art classes from my past. Add to that a certain life drawing class experience and… ‘Jagger Jones’ was born!

That being said, I love writing historical, as well. I’ve always been a huge historical reader. I wasn’t sure at first if I could write one. The research seemed quite daunting, but the more I got into it the more I loved it. The pace is a bit slower, the backdrops a bit richer, the characters a bit larger. I’m excited when I get to weave actual non-fiction events into my fiction. It makes my story all that more real to me. And what originally seemed daunting has become my favorite part in writing historicals. I can get lost for hours researching the clothing, the food, the lifestyles, and in my case the ships, and weaponry. Talk about inspiration!

4. What drew you to writing about pirates?

As I said, I’m a huge historical reader. I love pirate novels! Put a ship and a puffy shirt on a cover and I’m yours! There is just something about them. The sea, the danger, the ultimate “bad boy” heroes. And then, when I started researching them for my own stories, I discovered so much about the lifestyle that I had never known. How, for a lawless society, they were sticklers for rules and regulations. The strict laws aboard these ships, the democracy, and protection of their crews surprised me. Couple that with a variety of characters, and why they chose that life. Or how they were forced into that life. Fascinating! And then, throw in some of the toughest women ever to cross the pages of history, and I was hooked (pardon the pun!).

5. Who do you consider your most interesting character, not necessarily your favorite character?

I thought a lot about this question… I would have to say as a character based on an actual person, the character Jian Jun in Within A Captain’s Soul would be the most interesting. I based her on the true story of the most successful, most brutal pirate in history, Ching Shih. She ruled more than 1,500 ships and crews numbering over 80,000 men. Whole countries couldn’t stop her reign of piracy. Of course for my purposes, I had to use a bit of “artistic license” and predate her by about a hundred years and find a way to soften some of her honed edges. But I used her power and prowess in creating Jian Jun.

I also have to mention another character…Benedict Wolfsan. He played the villain in the first book in the Captain’s of the Scarlet Night series – Within A Captain’s Hold. I mention him because he was fascinating to me in another way. He was so dark and twisted. So evil. And yet, writing him came somewhat easy to me. After writing a quirky, fun contemporary romance about a nude model, here I was writing this horrible, vile character, and I didn’t know where the depth of his depravity was coming from. Evidently there is a very dark corner of my mind!

6. Who was your hardest character to write?

I have to say my most challenging character has to be William ‘Bump’ Quinn. Bump has been a character in four out of the five books in the Captains of the Scarlet Night series. He is the hero in the final Within A Captain’s Soul. I say he was the most challenging because when I introduced him, he was a mere child, a filthy street urchin who needed saving. I had no idea he would grow into such an amazing character. In Within A Captain’s Treasure, Gavin Quinn rescues this boy from a brutal horrible life only to lead him into another brutal life aboard ship. I created ‘Bump’ to somehow fill the hole in Gavin’s heart after the loss of his own son. To his crew, this was something totally out of Gavin’s character, but to me…it was absolutely something he would do. You see, Bump is deaf. Which only magnified the challenges not only to Gavin, but to Bump as well. And…to me! Writing a deaf character, who was also non-verbal became quite a test of my writing skills. Now fast forward four books and make him my hero! Communication through the use of signs and physical means were all I had to work with. Internal dialogue became essential. Developing a love story within those confines took some finesse, but he became such a strong character and the relationship between him and Jian Jun worked out quite well, I think.

7. Even though your Captains of the Scarlet Night series is set in the Golden Age of Piracy are any of the scenarios that take place based on personal or modern events?

Well, I’m not sure, but certainly writing about incredibly strong women in a time when women are honoring their individual and collective strength has had to have worked its way into my writing. “…and she persisted” is definitely an apt description for my heroines.

8. How much research goes into your work?

Quite a bit. It’s important that I know what I’m talking about and that I’m able to sprinkle that knowledge throughout the pages of my stories without giving my readers a history lesson. I marvel at the idea of the historical authors who wrote before the creation of the world-wide web! I don’t know what I would do without Google! I tend to research as I go. Sometimes I even write a scene and then do the research to make sure it was possible in 1700. As an example, I decided that the ship in my pirate series known as the Scarlet Night needed to blow red smoke from its cannons. So I had to find out how that could happen in 1685. I discovered that there is a mineral in a small glen in Scotland that when burned produced red smoke. So then I needed a Scottish pirate who knew the secret of the red smoke! Welcome aboard ‘McTavish!’

9. What authors do you read for pleasure?

Writing certainly has made me a different reader. A more critical reader. I love those writers who’s writing is so well done, and so smooth and effortless to read, that I am blessed for a few choice hours lost between the covers of their books to forget I’m a writer and become a reader again. I have quite an eclectic taste… I love Kristan Higgins, Anna Campbell, AJ Nuest, Jude Deveraux, Lisa Klepas, Sue Monk Kid, Alexis Hall… So many!

10. How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?

I cut my teeth as a NANOWRIMO writer, so I can messy draft a book in about six to eight weeks. Then ideally, I like to let it cool off, give me some time to marinate on the story, and then look at it again with fresh eyes. Give me another six to eight weeks to clean it up before I’m happy enough with it to send it off. Fortunately, I have been given some outstanding, brilliant editors to work with who help me put the finishing shine on it all.

11. What does Lisa Olech’s writing future look like?

Another great question! I have lots of ideas. I’m thinking of following ‘McTavish’ for a while back to Scotland. He’s a great character, and I’d love to see what happens when I land lock a pirate! Who knows? All I do know is the characters in my head are all demanding to be heard. I’m planning to be busy telling their stories for a long, long time!

Author Bio:

Lisa A. Olech is an artist/writer living in her dream house nestled among the lakes in New England and is a lover of all things pirate. A Jolly Roger flies off the flagpole of her home!

She loves getting lost in a steamy book, finding the perfect pair of sexy shoes, and hearing the laughter of her men. Being an estrogen island in a sea of testosterone makes her queen. She believes in ghosts, silver linings, the power of a man in a tuxedo, and happy endings.

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Elliott Redeemed

LAST FIRST KISS by Sidney Halston

SMP Swerve

Publication Date: August 29, 2017

ISBN: 9781250132444; Price: $3.99

He’s an A-list Hollywood heartthrob.

She’s trying to prove herself in a man’s world.

For this female bodyguard, protecting her client is simply business, but what happens when sparks fly and the danger heats up?

After a series of box office flops, Rocco Monroe needs a hit. Bad press, shit talking, rumors, lies…it all goes with the territory after almost two decades in the spotlight, but when he lands the role of his career in a controversial biopic, the part of a lifetime comes with a catch: a hired bodyguard.

Annabelle Clad is so bored she wants to scream. Her life is coding and algorithms and binary codes…rinse and repeat. To her Rocco Monroe means freedom, a chance to show her overprotective brother and business partner that she can contribute to Iron Clad Securities. And no arrogant playboy will fuck up her concentration by batting his lashes at her. She would never jeopardize her reputation by swooning over any man.

That had happened once, and she wouldn’t bear that loss or humiliation ever again. Even if Rocco looks like a walking fantasy…

From USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston comes the second book in the Iron-Clad series, Last First Kiss.

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Excerpt

“Your security system is pretty pathetic.”

He stopped walking and turned. “You haven’t even seen it yet.”

“I’ve seen enough to know. You’re too famous to have such a shitty system.”

“This is Miami. Not LA. I’m not that big of a deal here.”

That was bullshit. He was known everywhere. But it did make her wonder . . . “How come you don’t live in LA?”

“I grew up here and I’ve always liked it,” he replied simply as they reached the landing on the second floor. He walked through a set of double doors and placed her bag next to the bed. “I thought you’d like this room.” He then walked over to a balcony and swung open the doors. “It’s has a view of the bay.”

The walls were painted a soft blue, with white billowing sheer curtains. A big wrought-iron bed with a bedspread in different shades of light blue was the focal point of the room. It was soft and simple and just beautiful.

“It’s . . .” she wasn’t sure what words to use as she ran her fingers across the soft silk of the bedding.

She felt him behind her, close . . . too close. He wasn’t touching her but she could feel his breath on the back of her neck. “Soft. Feminine.”

She turned and swallowed, suddenly nervous at his nearness. And what made it even worse (or better) was that he didn’t move away, he didn’t do anything but look at her in a way she couldn’t interpret. His eyes roamed over her hair and face for a little too long and she didn’t look away, even when she felt her cheeks flush and her heart begin to hammer against her chest, she kept her hazel eyes on his blue ones. “Thank you for agreeing to this,” he said softly.

She was sure he was going to kiss her—positive.

But then he took a step back.

And all she could focus on was not the fact he hadn’t kissed her, but the fact that she hadn’t made a single attempt to stop him.

“This room okay?”

Feminine. Soft. Those were not words anyone would ever use to describe her. Including herself.

His eyes were on hers, searching. Then he reached forward, startling her, and pulled her sunglasses off her face, his thumb gently grazing her temple. She tried not to jump, even though it felt so foreign. “I prefer to look you in the eyes instead of at my own reflection.”

She hadn’t even realized she still had them on. Everything about this man made her do stupid things. Feel inappropriate things. When he didn’t look away, she took her glasses from his hand and stepped away, busying herself with her bag. “I know what you’re doing and we should really talk about setting up some ground rules.”

“What am I doing, Annie?”

She turned and walked out to the balcony. Talking to him made her feel uncomfortable. This was going to be a problem. How could she protect someone she felt all sorts of unusual feelings for? She could barely even look the man in the eye, for crying out loud!

“You’re thinking you can woo me into bed with you. I’m sure all those women you’ve dated dropped their panties at a smile from you, but you should know I’m not like any other woman. I can’t be wooed and I’m definitely not your type.”

From behind she heard him chuckle. “Oh, trust me. I know you’re not like any other woman. And since you think you know my type, I’m assuming you’ve been doing a little research on me? That’s good, I thought you didn’t know who I was.”

She swallowed and looked away. “You’re so full of shit. Everyone knows who you are. Doesn’t mean anything.”

“Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I looked you up too.”

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “Just Do It” – Nike. And that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She’s a reader first and a writer second. When she’s not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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ELLIOTT REDEEMED by Scarlett Cole

SMP Swerve

Publication Date: August 29, 2017

ISBN: 9781250132451; Price: $4.99

A single mom and tortured musician find common ground in Scarlett Cole’s Elliott Redeemed, the second standalone romance about the band Preload.

Elliott “Pyro” Dawson burns up the lead guitar like a legend. But the nickname Pyro isn’t just a clever play on words. It’s much darker. A past he’s fought like hell to overcome.

Grocery store cashier Kendalee Walker is at her wits end and homeless. She’s watched her fourteen-year-old son, Daniel, go so far off the rails, he can no longer see the tracks.

When the two are brought together, attraction flares, but can Elliott find the family he never had with the sexy woman and her son, or will he fall back on dangerous habits?

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Excerpt

When all the wood was finally stacked next to his clearing, Elliott dove into the lake to cool down. Excitement began to trickle through his veins. Once he was cool, he dried off a little and wandered into the house to get one of the now-cold beers and his box of supplies.

The piano intro to “Pretending” started, and he laughed. Shuffle was reading his fucking mind.

He walked back to the fire pit and put the box down carefully on one of the Muskoka chairs nearby. He took a swig of beer, eyed his supplies, and ran his hand over the rough logs. He’d build a stack of pallets and logs similar to an inukshuk. The Inuit had used them as landmarks, and it would be one for him. It would mark home.

Elliott took his time sorting the logs into pairs of similar sizes and began to cautiously stack them. If they fell over too soon as they burned, it would ruin the effect, so he used some of the smaller pieces to build a frame to stop the logs from rolling. Periodically, he would lay a wooden pallet across the logs. When he’d used up his supplies, the structure was nearly as tall as he was. Need coursed through him. The matches were in the box, calling to him as they always did. The compulsion, the urges were so very strong. But giving into the gratification too soon ruined everything. By holding out, he could convince himself that he was the one in control. And, anyway, lighting it before it was truly dark would ruin the effect.

Forcing himself to put one foot in front of the other, he turned away and walked back into the house to make some supper. He cut up the pre-cooked chicken and served himself some of the ready-made sides he’d picked up at Loblaws, periodically looking out the window to check his structure. It would burn well, the pallets igniting faster than the logs, sending flames high into the air. Elliott took a step toward the door, desperate to strike the first match, but then turned back. He forced himself to grab a fork from the drawer, another beer from the fridge, and the plate from the counter, and wandered outside, taking a seat on the patio.

The sun went down as he ate his fill. Thoughts of Kendalee spending another night in the hospital eating takeout food kept going through his mind, and he wondered what she would think of him if she knew this was the reason he’d had to get out of Toronto for a couple of days.

Why did he think he was capable of helping Daniel when he couldn’t even stop himself? Daniel needed someone stronger than him. Someone who had enough self-control to take the extra few minutes to clean up the dirty dishes from dinner before stepping down toward the pier.

Elliott opened the box reverently, and pulled out his favorite lighter. He loved the sound it made as his thumb ran quickly over its rough surface. At his command, it came to life, a flame snapping high into the dark night. He grabbed four long matches and placed all four tips into the flame at once. They hissed to life, the smell of sulphur filling his nostrils, calming him as much as it excited him.

There was no way he’d ever be good enough for someone like Kendalee. He placed the first long match down in the corner of the fire pit, watching as the kindling took hold. He walked to the next corner and repeated the action, savoring the crackle and snap of the wood in the fire’s path. The heat began to lick at his skin, but he couldn’t step away. He would never be able to tell her why he understood Daniel, and that would always get in the way. He placed a match in the third corner and breathed deeply in a bid to control his heart rate. Moving quickly, he stepped to the fourth corner, but before he placed the match in the tinder, he ran it along the underside of his arm, pausing near his elbow. He grit his teeth tightly as the heat seared his skin. The bite of it cleared all thoughts from his head. Thoughts of the band, the tour, a small boy in the hospital, and a strawberry blonde he wanted to know better. None of them could compete with this.

Delicately, he placed the fourth match down and stepped back. The whole structure roared to life as flames climbed the wood.

Fire would always be his mistress. He didn’t have room for anyone else.

Author Bio

Born in England, Scarlett Cole traveled the world, living in Japan and the United States before settling in Canada where she met her own personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. She now lives with her husband and children in Manchester, England where she’s at work on her next book. She is the author of The Strongest Steel.

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When the Scoundrel Sins

Author: Anna Harrington

On Sale: August 29, 2017

Series: Capturing the Carlisles: Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Price: $7.99 USD

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Six years ago, a childish prank perpetrated by the reckless Quinton Carlisle ruined Annabelle Greene’s reputation and any chance she had at securing a successful marriage.  Incensed, she moved to her beloved estate on the Scottish border and has reveled in the solitude…until now when the contents of a family will are revealed.  Suddenly, Belle’s single status may cost her the only home she’s ever known.  Now, with her only marital prospect a horribly greedy and completely undesirable man, Belle knows just the person to rescue her-the one person who owes her for his bad behavior…

There’s nothing Quinn Carlisle wants more than to get out from his older brother’s shadow and make a name for himself abroad. So when a mysterious letter arrives, promising adventure, he rushes to the Scottish border…only to find that Belle laid a trap for him.  The awkward, shy bluestocking whom he so enjoyed tormenting is gone, replaced by a graceful, elegant woman who ignites a desire in him he can’t resist.  Can Quinn help her save her home-and win her heart in the process?

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Excerpt

“You look much more like your father now,” she commented, nervously licking her suddenly dry lips but only serving to draw his attention to her mouth. Which made her even more nervous, so nervous that she couldn’t stop the trembling of her fingertips as they wrapped into the skirt of her night rail. “But you’re still a troublemaker.”

A faint smile played at his mouth. “And you’re still a bluestocking,” he countered. Unintentionally simmering a slow heat low in her belly, he reached up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. “Still retreating to the sanctuary of your library.”

“Because books are usually more pleasant than most people,” she answered, swallowing hard when he trailed his fingers down the side of her neck. She forced out, not at all as firmly as she’d hoped beneath the soft touch of his fingers,

“And more trustworthy.”

Ignoring that jab, he slid his hand lower to let his fingers play at the edge of her shawl. “Yet there are things that people can do that books can’t.” His fingers tugged gently at the shawl and pulled it down her shoulder to reveal the scooped neck of the nightdress beneath. His gaze flicked to the small patch of revealed skin at the base of her throat, then back to her eyes. “All kinds of interesting things.”

She should stop him, swat his hand away, shove him back—but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Just as she couldn’t hold back the hot shiver that swept through her or the gooseflesh that formed on her skin. His touch was proving to be as equally intoxicating now as that night six years ago.

“Then I have no interest in learning them,” she countered, although from the way her blood hummed, her body was very interested.

Madness—that after what he’d done to her, she could ever want to be in his arms again. Yet she desired just that, although that could never happen. Kissing him once had ruined her reputation. Kissing him again might destroy her entire future.

She thrust her chin into the air. “I know of your reputation.”

“Thank you,” he half purred.

His finger hooked beneath the wide shoulder strap of her sleeveless nightgown and slid it slowly down her arm. But this time, with a stretch of bare shoulder revealed to his eyes, he didn’t bother feigning propriety by looking away and instead flamed a prickling heat beneath her skin everywhere he gazed.

She pulled in a deep breath to steady herself. Oh, why did she always go light-headed when she was alone with him?

“That was not meant as a compliment.”

“Wasn’t it?”

For a chance to win one of ten print copies of When The Scoundrel Sins click on the Rafflecopter link below!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Harrington fell in love with historical romances–and all those dashing Regency heroes–while living in London, where she studied literature and theatre. She loves to travel, fly airplanes, and hike, and when she isn’t busy writing her next novel, she loves fussing over her roses in her garden.

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Two Bit

IRRESISTIBLE YOU

Chicago Rebels series, Book 1

Kate Meader

Pocket Star EBooks

August 14, 2017

$1.99 (August 14^th – August 27^th, 2017)

$5.99 (After August 27^th, 2017)

ISBN 9781501168550

“Meader’s strength is creating characters who live, breathe, and jump off the page; Remy and Harper shine, and the supporting cast of characters, including Harper’s half-sisters, is very strong. The mix of sexual tension and emotional decisions will lead Meader’s series launch to many a keeper shelf.”

—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

“Meader takes her readers on a breathtaking, non-stop, glorious ride. The sex scenes are lyrically written with fresh, descriptive prose. Enough is included about hockey to add its fast rhythm to the book. Remy’s family is multi-faceted and fills the pages with joy. Readers will love the relationship between Remy and Harper, and will be excited for the next story — Isobel’s.”

—RT Book Reviews Four and  a Half Star TOP PICK

IRRESISTIBLE YOU kicks of the all new, scorching Chicago Rebels hockey series by Kate Meader, featuring her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (Romantic Times). Three estranged sisters inherit their late father’s failing hockey franchise and are forced to confront a man’s world, their family’s demons, and the battle-hardened ice warriors skating into their hearts.

Harper Chase has just become the most powerful woman in the NHL after the death of her father Clifford Chase, maverick owner of the Chicago Rebels. But the team is a hot mess—underfunded, overweight, and close to tapping out of the league. Hell-bent on turning the luckless franchise around, Harper won’t let anything stand in her way. Not her gender, not her sisters, and especially not a veteran player with an attitude problem and a smoldering gaze designed to melt her ice-compacted defenses.

Veteran center Remy “Jinx” DuPre is on the downside of a career that’s seen him win big sponsorships, fans’ hearts, and more than a few notches on his stick. Only one goal has eluded him: the Stanley Cup. Sure, he’s been labeled as the unluckiest guy in the league, but with his recent streak of good play, he knows this is his year. So why the hell is he being shunted off to a failing hockey franchise run by a ball-buster in heels? And is she seriously expecting him to lead her band of misfit losers to a coveted spot in the playoffs?

He’d have a better chance of leading Harper on a merry skate to his bed…

Jenerated Review

Harper Chase has inherited a mess from her father as she is left with a barely functional NHL team to run.  Remy “Jinx” DuPre is at the end of his illustrious hockey career but does not want to retire until he can obtain the one thing that has always taunted him, the Stanley Cup. When Harper takes a chance on getting Remy traded to her team, so he can help them reach the playoffs, his dreams of seeing the Stanley Cup go out the window even as winning Harper’s love might just make it worth it.

Tough exteriors and fragile hearts dress up Kate Meader’s characters like runway models strutting their bold and sexy goodness in the first book in her Chicago Rebel’s series, Irresistible You. The leads in this story, Harper and Remy, had very defined agendas but when an unexpected chemistry between these two started to cloud their focus this author took their dynamic and ran with it as desire, angst and happiness all vied for a victory skate around the rink. Ms. Meader brought to life finely detailed and interesting portrayals with well timed fun exchanges and moving drama, making a good case for global warming with the ice melting heat generated from her leads.  Harper was a pint sized powerhouse and brought a great show of steely competence and femininity to the male dominated world she worked in even while Remy’s casual and seemingly easygoing attitude belied a shrewd player and determined lover. Battles on and off the ice kept this story fresh and lively to the end. Kate Meader scored big with Irresistible You!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*

Excerpt

Two things happened simultaneously: Harper’s eyes went wide, and Remy realized he was cold. Both of these things were related.

He’d answered the door completely naked.

And his boner was back, urgent as ever, though he wondered how long that would last because it was pretty fucking chilly out here.

“I’ve interrupted something,” she said, her gaze greedily roving his still-damp body.

“Only a pity party in my shower.”

She swallowed audibly, and just that sliver of vulnerability had him ready to fall to his knees for her. She was here, yet he had the distinct feeling that rushing her would be bad. This woman was like a high-strung filly that needed gentling and every ounce of TLC he possessed.

“Minou, talk to me.”

A shallow breath was followed by . . . another shallow breath. Before he could worry about which would happen first—Harper’s panic attack or his dick dropping off like an icicle—she spoke, her voice scarcely above a whisper.

“I shouldn’t be kissing you. I shouldn’t be touching and licking and stroking your hard body. I shouldn’t be begging you to take me all night long. I shouldn’t be fantasizing about the player I signed to save my team and career because this could be the very thing that tanks my team and career.”

His sexy little minou was hurting, and the only cure was the thing that might destroy them both.

About the author

Kate Meader was raised on romance. An Irish girl, she started with Catherine Cookson and Jilly Cooper novels, and spiced it up with some Mills & Boon. Now based in Chicago, she writes romances of her own, where sexy contemporary alpha heroes and strong heroines match each other quip for quip. When not immersed in tales of brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, Kate lives on the web at katemeader.com.

Blog tour

July 17^th

*****RT BOOK REVIEWS GUEST POST BY KATE MEADER

August 10^th

*****HEROES & HEARTBREAKERS EXCERPT

August 14^th

CARPE DIEM CHRONICLES

FIRE AND ICE BOOK REVIEWS

FEEDING MY ADDICTION

DIRTY AND THIRTY

A MIDLIFE WIFE

HINES AND BIGHAM LYTERARY TRYST

MY FAVORITE THINGS

A BOOK WHORES OBSESSION

BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE

COLLECTOR OF BOOK BOYFRIENDS

ROMANCE JUNKIES

READ-LOVE-BLOG

JOYFULLY REVIEWED

August 15^th

*****FRESH FICTION Q&A

REVIEWS BY CRYSTAL

ROMANTIC READS AND SUCH

READ YOUR WRITES

LILY ELEMENT

THE LOVELY BOOKS

READING BETWEEN THE WINES

August 16^th

*****USA TODAY’S HAPPY EVER AFTER DOWN & DIRTY Q&A

THE READING CAFE

THE HEATHER’S BLOG

JENERATED REVIEWS

BOOKNERD

August 17^th

ROMANCE REVIEWS TODAY

CAROLINE JANE READS

August 18^th

BOOKAHOLICANON.COM

STRAIGHT SHOOTIN’ BOOK REVIEWS

August 21^st

DIRTY GIRL ROMANCE

ROMANCING THE READERS

August 23^rd

READING FRENZY BLOG

August 24^th

TREAT YOURSELF WITH BOOKS

FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES

September 1^st

TWO BOOK PUSHERS

Irresistible You