Blog Tour: Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens

Title: Beyond the Surface

Series: The Breakfast Club #1

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: August 17, 2015

On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He’s unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick’s life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it’s Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn’t prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

Julian was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the counter. He had a glass in front of him filled with what Nick presumed was vodka, having spied the Grey Goose bottle.

“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine…anything you’d like.”

Nick shook his head, regret piercing his heart as he watched the hope drain from Julian’s eyes.

“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for Jamal tonight.”

Julian stood abruptly, kicking the stool away from his feet.

“Don’t treat me like I’m some fucking stranger, Nicky. You owe me. It’s been eighteen years; you think I’m going to let you walk out on me again like you did before? After what just happened between us? After you fell apart? No fucking way. I’m not that same person and neither are you, obviously.”

Taken aback by Julian’s anger, Nick remained mute.

“What the hell is going on with you? One minute you’re tongue fucking me into the next century and the next you’re freaking out. I know I’m a damn good kisser, but this isn’t about us, is it? It has nothing to do with our past and everything to do with you and the shit that’s floating around in your head.”

Julian stepped closer to him and Nick, who normally couldn’t stand people near him, was rooted to the floor, unable to move.

“Talk to me, Nicky. Tell me what happened to you.”

He was so tired of holding himself together, feeling like at any moment he’d shatter into a million tiny pieces, leaving nothing behind but a pile of dust.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The words poured out of him, flowing unchecked this time. “It should’ve been me. We all went to the Towers to save them. It was my day off, but I went anyway. I heard and couldn’t stay home; I had a duty to help, you know? But I lived and they all died. Why, Julian? Why did I live and they didn’t?”

“Oh, Nick.” Julian held him close. “I don’t have the answers for you. No one does. But I’m going to be completely selfish and say I’m so thankful you did make it and we’re here together after all these years.”

Unflinching green eyes gazed back at him. Clever, beautiful eyes that Nick could never stop dreaming of. Eyes that at one time had held the promise of forever, until Nick ruined everything with his cowardice and shame. Unable to maintain Julian’s scrutiny, Nick broke away and ran to the elevator, his chest heaving, eyes stinging with tears.

“Let me out. I need to leave here. NOW.”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Book Birthday: Wish Upon A Duke by Eva Devon

Happy Book Birthday to Eva Devon with her newest release, Wish Upon A Duke. I am looking forward to this read!

Blurb: Lady Imogen Cavendish loves making merry. After surviving years of marriage to an old man, having seized her freedom seems the only intelligent thing to have done. Even so, years of dancing her way through parties has lost its’ luster and all she wants now is to spend most of the year on the small estate she’s purchased in Scotland. There’s just one thing. Her neighbor is an infuriating, superior, and exceptionally handsome duke!

An Arrogant Duke Who Knows It All:

Duncan Hamish Fergus, Tenth Duke of Blackburn, does everything right. Duty might as well be his middle name. After his father very nearly ruined his mother and sister’s life, Duncan is determined to never let the family name be tarnished again. Sacrificing his own pleasure seems a small price to pay until he meets the mad capped English woman, Lady Cavendish. In all his years on the path of righteous, no woman has ever tempted him to stray into sin, but no woman has ever been as mischievous or voluptuous as his saucy sassenach neighbor.

Can Imogen teach the oh so proper duke how to have a little fun or will two hearts be broken by propriety?

Buy it now for $0.99 on AMAZON until March 5th!

Mark your calendars for Ms. Devon’s Facebook Party happening March 12th. Click Here to join.

-Romance Reader Girl

Wedding Romance

Hi Readers- I have been a little MIA over the last few weeks. Mostly, because I have been reading and working like crazy. Not to worry, I will have reviews up soon. Today, I want to post about a surprise, I received two weeks ago. I was packing for a trip to Washington state for my Valentine’s/Birthday weekend. In the middle of packing I get a knock on the door, and there is the mailman with a box. I saw who it was from and thought, oh, Shannyn must be sending me a pug love package (she’s a pug mom too) or birthday package. What I got was even better!

SURPRISE!! I opened the box and was shocked! She asked me to be in her bridal party for her wedding in 2015! Oooh, I was in shocked and so honored, I was brought to tears knowing I was going to help celebrate her special day. Look at the way she did it! A cute box full of cute things to pop the question–Love that idea!

Shannyn and I go back, way back. I’ve known her since she was 12 (me 17). We belonged to a service organization for young women (she has called it “My Colorful Life” and I will too). We grew up together. We went through some happy and sad times. I’ve watched her become one of the most inspiring women this world has to offer. Shannyn’s determination to succeed in all that she does is catching, and you cannot help but want to be like her. I’ve always wanted to be like her.

This bride and groom are planning on funding the wedding themselves. They have set a goal of saving $20K for their wedding. I believe they will reach this goal and probably exceed it.

Shannyn and Chris (the fiance) have a romantic story that has spanned miles and years. I am honored and look forward to helping them create their perfect wedding and the start of their happily ever after.

Check out Shannyn’s blog Frugal Beautiful. She has some awesome tips and fabulous ideas.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Breakaway by Catherine Gayle

Offical Blurb: She’s reaching for a breakaway pass.

Dana Campbell has spent the past seven years in self-imposed isolation for a crime she didn’t commit. The danger is well in the past, but her panic attacks make it impossible to have a normal, healthy relationship with a man. Even her counselor has given up on her. She has to find someone she trusts to help her fight through the panic, or her seven-year ordeal will become a lifetime sentence. There’s only one man she feels safe enough to ask.

He got caught with his head down.

As the captain of the NHL’s once elite but now fading Portland Storm, Eric Zellinger knows a thing or two about keeping his focus on the job. Questions are flying about his ability to lead the team back to the playoffs. If they don’t make it, he might be shipped out of town. It’s the worst time possible for his best friend’s kid sister to divide his focus. How can he give her what she needs without jeopardizing both the Storm’s playoff hopes and his future with the team?

It’s her only chance, but it’s his last shot.

My Thoughts: Breakaway hit home with me on so many levels, and it made me appreciate the story all the more. Dana is a young woman that had a bright future in hockey until one terrible night after a game when she was brutally raped by a group of men. She is a former shell of herself for the obvious reasons, but she knows that she needs to overcome her fear of men to live again. After seven years of self-imprisonment she has come up with a plan to begin the healing process. She travels to visit her brothers best friend, Eric to enlist his help. Eric has always loved Dana but knows that nothing could ever come from that love, but when she shows up asking for help he cannot say no. What is supposed to be a courtship of healing becomes a full-out romance that neither Dana or Eric can prevent from happening or the heartbreak that could come from it.

Breakaway is very emotional, and you feel for Dana every step of the way. Your heart breaks for her when she try’s to overcome the things we take for granted; like receiving a touch on the arm. Eric is a wonderful man that wants to do right by the woman he  secretly loves, his best friend (her brother) and the hockey team he is captain of. Not everything always goes right, but he truly fights to make it right at the cost of his happiness sometimes. The cast of characters is great and not only are their some scenes that make you want to cry their are hilarious scenes that leave you smiling. I recommend readers to read this book, it’s uplifting and romantic. I am really looking forward to this series.

Purchase Breakaway on Amazon and B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Secrets of a Viscount (Gentlemen of Honor #1) by Rose Gordon

Official Blurb: One summer night, Sebastian Gentry, Lord Belgrave hauled the wrong young lady to Gretna Green. When her identity is exposed, the only obvious solution is to get an annulment. Only, just like his elopement plans, things didn’t go as planned and while she has reason to believe they are no longer married, he knows better. Wanting to make things right for her, he offers to help her find a husband—what neither counts on is it just might be the one she’s still secretly married to.

My Thoughts: Look at the cover-Gorgeous! 🙂  Isabelle (Belle) is a second daughter with no prospects so when her neighbor, Sebastian (Lord Belgrave) sneaks into her room asking is she ready to leave. She doesn’t think twice and sneaks out the window into the night to marry the handsome young man she has always liked. So what if he thinks it’s her older sister, Rachel sneaking off to elope. When Sebastian realizes the woman he married is not Rachel, but her annoying younger sister, Belle, he isn’t exactly happy and begins the process to have the marriage annulled. After a bad accident Bell is left alone with a tarnished reputation. Five years has past, and Sebastian has been abroad and Belle has been a lady’s companion looking for a husband. Oh, yeah, you read the correctly she is looking for a husband because she thinks she is not married. But when Sebastian shows up after five years and offers his help to find her husband she may find that the husband she wants is the one in front of her. Oh, yes, you read that correctly he comes back to find her a husband. I’ve read quite a few books from Ms. Gordan, and one thing I find she excels in is having a great cast of characters in her stories. I always find them as intriguing as the hero and heroine. She does not disappoint. Giles and Simon are wonderful secondary characters and are great scene stealers. I hope they have their own stories. Welcome back to Regency, Ms. Gordon! I look forward to more books in this series.

Purchase Secrets of a Viscount on AMAZON and B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride by Christi Caldwell

Official Blurb: Hopeless romantic, Lady Emmaline Fitzhugh, is tired of sitting with the wallflowers, waiting for her betrothed to come to his senses and marry her. When Emmaline reads one too many reports of his scandalous liaisons in the gossip rags, she takes matters into her own hands.

War-torn veteran, Lord Drake devotes himself to forgetting his days on the Peninsula through an endless round of meaningless associations. He no longer wants to feel anything, but Lady Emmaline is making it hard to maintain a state of numbness. With her zest for life, she awakens his passion and desire for love.

The one woman Drake has spent the better part of his life avoiding is now the only woman he needs, but he is no longer a man worthy of his Emmaline. It is up to her to show him the healing power of love.

My Thoughts: My first initial thoughts after I finished were; Enthralled, Entranced, Completely Overwhelmed (happily). I loved this story. I read it within 24 hours of starting. I devoured this book like a little kid eating Halloween candy after trick or treating.

This book is about a young woman who has been betrothed to her guy for 15 years and she takes step to bring him up to scratch. From the first page you are brought into Emmaline’s world and she is no meek and mild miss. This young lady is a force of nature and when she wants something she makes a plan and goes for it. I would say she has gumption! Emmaline is the daughter of a duke, now sister to a duke and engaged to marquess who will one day be a duke. You can see the theme here, she is surrounded by dukes. However, she does not let her ducal life get in the way of what she wants. She comes up with a plan of her own to snatch her prince charming, Lord Drake. What she doesn’t know is how the road to snatching him will change her life.

Lord Drake is a hero, well, everyone in England sees him as one but he cannot even make it through a 24 hour period without the scary memories of war. He is everything a dark man harboring painful secrets would be. Of course, to the outside world he is mysterious rogue that no one can tame but not a solider emotionally wounded from the scenes of the battlefield. Talk about breaking your heart! When Emmaline starts to put herself in the same place’s as Drake he will learn that maybe this fierce, intelligent, kind-hearted woman will be his salvation but will his realization be too late? I’m just sayin’ maybe he should have put a ring on it. <—- You know you all were thinking it too! 🙂

Ms. Caldwell writes beautifully and has a flow for description like a master poet. “Kensington Garden never ceased to stun her with its vital beauty. With the pale pink of the spotted orchid, the effervescent hue of the violet bluebells interspersed with the lilac-white of the cuckoo-flower; it was like its own kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty.”  It was a fun emotional love story that has you giggling in one chapter and your heart weeping in the next. Watch out for Emmaline’s bff Sophie, as she is a scene stealer (I read she is getting her own book!!). There are many wonderful things happening in this book that will keep you hooked. I loved every bit of it. This was simply a great read and I would recommend it for anyone that enjoys a romance with laughter and heartbreaking moments and a happy ending.

Purchase Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride on Amazon and B&N.

Connect with Christi Caldwell via her website, Facebook and Twitter.

-Romance Reader Girl

My Top Reads for 2013, Part 1

I had a goal this year to read 125 NEW books and I have reached my goal. I am going to post two blogs with my top reads for 2013. Yes, two blogs. I did read 125 books this year and felt I couldn’t pick five books for the amount I read. Not all the books are brand new this year but some that have been out for a long time, and they are new to me. Many I have done reviews on as well. I will post Part 2 later in the week.

Wicked at Heart by Danelle Harmon: This is the first book I’ve read by Danelle Harmon and it won’t be the last. I was in a book coma for a few days after reading this book. This book keeps you guessing to the very last minute. You will experience every emotion while you read it. There are many twist and turns that you honestly don’t see coming. The love the story between Damon and Gwyneth is one for the times. I don’t have enough words to describe how wonderful this book really is.

Midnight’s Wild Passions by Anna Campbell: I spent a good part of my summer devouring Anna Campbell’s books (author interview to come soon!). She is a fabulous writer and I will be auto by anything she writes. This book is about a man getting revenge and sharp tongue companion that will stop at nothing to protect her charge. This book has adventure, lots of laughs and romance.

The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan: Another auto buy author! Take a young lady that is going to the extreme to protect her sister and you’ve got a heroine you instantly love and are cheering for. This book is hilarious. The lengths that the heroine goes to, to keep the male population away from her is remarkable and I love her strength. It’s a great read with a wonderful romantic element with Oliver.

Untouched by Sara Humphreys: This is the second paranormal romance I’ve read and it is just as amazing as the first book that I read (which was a top summer read for me). This story is about a woman who cannot touch others without pain and seeing visions of that specific person. Makes life lonely not being able to touch anyone. Ms. Humphreys’ writes her characters with a lot of depth that makes her stories so fun to read.

Lady of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle: Don’t let the title of this book throw you off. This book is about a long friendship with strong feelings that are ignored and because they have been ignore there is pain for the H/h. There is so much emotion of every kind that you don’t want to put it down becuase you are waiting for the next type of emotion to hit you. Ms. Marvelle pushes the emotional boundaries in this book and it made it a ever better read.

Final Piece by Maggi Myers: This is not a historical romance but a romance. It is VERY emotional. It deals with a young woman that has experience sexual abuse very young but overcomes that and puts the pieces of her life back together with help from a friend. This is not just about a young lady but about a family healing. It’s a powerful read that is full of hope. It is written beautifully. You will want to have your box of tissues next to you as you read this story.

The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley: Many of you that follow this blog know that I will drop everything (nearly) to start reading a book about the Mackenzie’s. This book was no exception. I loved it. Daniel Mackenzie has been in every book from the beginning of this series as a young man in his early teens. It was a wonderful read that is about the beginning of the Industrial Revolution with many inventors popping up. It was an exciting romantic read with all the fabulous Jennifer Ashley flair.

Happy Reading and stay tuned for Part 2 later in the week.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: ‘Twas the Night After Christmas (Hellions of Halstead Hall #6) by Sabrina Jeffries

Sabrina Jeffries is a master when connecting stories through characters and she has done it again in ‘Twas the Night After Christmas. This story is part of the Hellions of Halstead Hall series but it can be read as a standalone.

Hero: Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont is a man that is not connect to his immediate family. With no siblings he never speaks of or to his mother and his father has passed away. He spends a time with his cousins, the Waverly’s. Pierce is a known rake and does as he pleases when he pleases, with a wicked sense of humor. He doesn’t have many personal relationships and he is content with this kind of solitary life.

Heroine: Mrs. Camilla Stuart is a widow with a young son, Jasper. She is a ladies companion to the Dowager Countess of Devonmont. Camilla is a strong spirited young lady. She was raised an orphanage and has a strong sense of what makes a family whole. Her priority is her son and giving him the best life she can. Camilla is opinionated with a great sense of humor that wants to love and be loved.

Setup: Pierce receives an urgent message from his mother’s companion stating she is ill and needs to come to the estate as soon as possible. Pierce has been ignoring his mothers letters but since this has been sent by her companion he feels it is urgent enough that he rushes to the country to be her side. However, when he arrives he finds his mother in perfect health and no sense of urgency was needed. Pierce is not happy as he does not like being in the company of his mother but her companion, Mrs. Stuart (Camilla) strongly feels that mother and son need to be in the place especially at Christmas. Camilla knows there is a reason why Pierce and his mother are not talking and wants to help mend the bridge but sometimes secrets are meant to be left in the past. Pierce wants nothing to do with Camilla’s scheme but because he is a rake and she is a young beauty he strikes up a deal with widow that may be more than what he ever had bargained for.

Quote: “She’d never been kissed with such passion. How alarming to discover that she would very much like it to happen again. Like delicious desserts, kisses provoked cravings for more at odd hours. And she’d never been good at resisting dessert…”

My Thoughts: The banter between Pierce and Camilla is great. At first you would think Pierce is cold but when he is with Camilla their chemistry is fun and electric. Camilla has no problem giving the sarcastic comments right back to Pierce. It’s great to see a strong heroine hold her own and not back down from a man, especially her employer. There are secrets unfolding for all parties involved in this story. Pierce and his mother aren’t the only with secrets, Camilla has a few of her own that really made me just like her so much more. The secrets plaguing all parties are sad but uncovering them is part of the charm of this story. I enjoyed the twist and turns this story has. Bonus we meet a character that is in Ms. Jeffries’ new series (The Duke’s Men). Again, she is a master at connecting stories through characters.

You can purchase ‘Twas the Night After Christmas on Amazon, B&N and Walmart.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: One Rogue Too Many by Samantha Grace (Rival Rogues #1)

Samantha Grace is a relatively new author to me. I found her Beau Monde series over the spring and really enjoyed her writing. When I was lucky to receive an ARC copy on her newest book One Rogue Too Many I jumped on the chance to read it for an honest review. One woman with two men fighting for her- what’s not to love?

Any story that opens up with a young lady falling in love with her brothers best friend is going to be a story full of some good drama. AND when you add the boy using a pet name like Lady Bug your heart has to melt a little. I was hooked from the first page reading the sincere endearment, Lady Bug.  Anthony and Gabby are a great match. What is interesting is that both of them know and don’t deny their connection, however, sometimes there are factors that always get in the way of any great love.

Lady Gabrielle Forest is an artist. She sees life through an artists eyes. She is beautiful, kind with a keen mind. Gabby doesn’t sit and watch things happens she takes thing into her own hands, well, within reason of course. She has loved Anthony Keaton, Lord Ellis for her whole life. She knows he is her one true love in this world but his lack of communication and secrecy will question Anthony’s love for her. When another charming gentleman begins to throw his hat in the ring for Gabby’s attention she might reconsider the idea of her beloved Anthony as Lord Thorne, Sebastian is handsome and very communicative and safe. She knows Lord Thorne could never hurt her heart as Anthony has. The choice is hers, who will she choose?

Anthony Keaton, Lord Ellis is an Earle with not a lot of family. Anthony has spent most of his time growing up with Lady Gabrielle Forest family. Her brothers are his best friends. From a very young age he has known that Gabby was someone special and more than the sister to his best friends. They have had a special bond for years. However, age difference and time isn’t always on ones side and decisions must be made. Though, sometimes second chances are given. When Anthony gets a second chance to have the wife he has longed for he is eager to get Gabby and make her his. But where Gabby is concern things aren’t always so easy and there are a few hiccups along the way. One hiccup is the handsome and charming Lord Thorne, Sebastian and he will wager and do anything to win Gabby’s hand before Anthony can. Both Anthony and Sebastian have had a love-hate friendship over the years but it comes to ahead when Gabby is involved. However, when secrets are brought to light Anthony could lose Gabby to Sebastian.

There are so many things I loved about this story. Right up front you learn that Anthony and Gabby love one another and it’s not a secret. Sure, you think if they love each other why aren’t they together? Well…if it was that easy there wouldn’t be story, right!? This story has a fabulous cast of characters. Gabby’s family is awesome and her younger twin sisters steal some scenes. Oh and her brothers are just wonderful. If I had older brothers I would want them to be like hers. The tension between Anthony and Sebastian add a lot of depth to the story. Also, there is a back story to Sebastian I hope Ms. Grace explores and write’s a book about. The secrets in this story lead to some very interesting twist that you don’t see coming. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a page turner and fun. This looks to be a promising series and I look forward to the following books.

You can pre-order One Rogue Too Many on Amazon. The book will be released on January 7, 2014.

I received this book on NetGalley for an honest review.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

Readers, Happy Monday! I am back with a review.

Lessons from a Scarlet Lady is a little different than most of the historical romances I read. There are TWO love stories running through the book.  Brianna and her husband Colton the Duke of Rolthven and his younger brother Lord Robert Northfield and Brianna’s childhood best friend Rebecca Marston. Both stories build on top of one of another. I was worried that there would not be enough detail to each couple but I was happily surprise that each couple had a lot detail and depth.

Brianna and Colton have been married for three months. With his ducal responsibilities Colton is busy. He appreciates his wife but doesn’t express much affection towards her. Brianna being young and in love with her husband wants to be connect not only physically but emotionally, she has a plan to help her husband connect. She seeks out advice from a book written by a former courtesan Lady Rothburg and puts a plan into motion of seducing her husband to gain the connection she is wanting. Strangely or not so strange to us women, Colton the proper hard working duke will realize he not only likes his wife but really truly loves her. However, Colton isn’t sure where his sweet Brianna has learned some of her new seduction methods and begins to question her fidelity, which can only lead to some interesting conversations.

Lord Robert is a known rake. The youngest brother to the Duke of Rolthven is a charmer and lover of women. He is known for his good looks and charm. However very few know Robert for the man he truly is. Rebecca Marston has loved Robert since she met him over a year ago. She has loved him from a far. With her parents pushing her to marry she realizes that she would rather marry for love than position. With help from an unlikely source Robert’s middle brother Damien and Brianna’s book by Lady R. will she gain the confidence to seek her hearts desire and make Robert hers? Will Lady R.’s advice be helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. It was really sweet and fun. Having the two couples was fun and different than the normal romances I read. Damien the brother to both Colton and Robert was a great addition to the cast of characters. I enjoyed his interference in his brother’s plans. I liked that Brianna and Colton are established and the real issue is that she wants him to express his feelings more. I think most women can agree that maybe we would like our significant others to express their feelings for their special ladies. Of course, it always fun to read about a rake losing his heart to woman but Robert and Rebecca have a lot in common and it was nice to see his emotional side. Also, Rebecca takes a chance that will shock you and I applauded her efforts! This was a great read and I look forward to reading more books by Emma Wildes.

Purchase Lessons from a Scarlet Lady on Amazon.

-Romance Reader Girl