Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Monday Books ~ Petie McCarty, Adriana Locke, M.T. Harrte, & Dakota Madison




CINDERELLA BUSTED
Book 1 of the Cinderella Romances series

by

PETIE McCARTY

Official Genre: Contemporary Romance



Cinderella's fairy tale moves to Jupiter Island, Florida where Lily Foster, owner of an eclectic landscape nursery, is mistaken for a wealthy socialite by billionaire resort developer Rhett Buchanan. Overdue for a little romance in her life, Lily is anxious for one fabulous date with her handsome prince, so she cultivates her inadvertent masquerade.

Rhett Buchanan has become jaded with the Palm Beach social scene, dominated by scheming women desperate for more money -- his money. Rhett falls hard when he meets Lily Foster. She is a breath of fresh air after the smog of gold diggers constantly surrounding him.

For Rhett and Lily, it's love at first sight until her deception comes to light and pitches their relationship into a disastrous tailspin. Well-meaning friends are determined to intercede and resort to inept high jinks to reunite the estranged couple while a wicked ex-girlfriend plays dirty to keep the couple apart.




The elevator doors opened on the third floor, and Rhett quickly stepped into the reception area. A high-pitched yelp sounded, and everything slammed into slow motion.

A flash of movement to his immediate right.

A very tall figure.

No, a small figure—a woman?—on a stepladder.

The ladder wobbled and threatened to spill its rider onto the marble floor.

A very hard marble floor with skull-cracking capabilities.

At the first squeak of distress, Rhett’s body reacted. His long legs reached the ladder in two strides, and he stretched out his long arms to capture the teetering body out of mid-air. The added weight thrust him forward, and he rotated the body against his jacket front in case he lost his balance, too.

The stepladder whacked the marble tile at his feet, and the sound echoed loudly through the reception area.

Mission accomplished.

His mind reverted from emergency-default mode to coherent-thought processes, and he realized the body he had grabbed—and crushed to his chest to preserve his own balance—was indeed a very feminine body. His surroundings had blurred when he reacted to the accident in progress, and now bits and pieces began to clear.

A giant palm stood three feet away, and Garrett Tucker stood ten feet beyond the palm, frozen in place with his eyes wide and his mouth agape.

Palms . . .

Garrett with a cart of plants alongside . . .

A body on a ladder?

Who exactly had he plucked from thin air?

Who would be with Garrett and his cart of plants and standing on a ladder with the palm?

And why did he feel this strange tug and pull near his heart?

No, not strange. Familiar. As in, he’d felt it before. But when?

His mind fought him when he sought the logical answer. Maybe because he didn’t want to let the woman go. Adrenaline still pumped through him and forced a blank. He needed to let go, but the feminine body felt so good against his, a familiar kind of good.

Reluctantly, he lowered the smaller body to the ground and made no conscious effort to put space between them. He felt every sensual inch of her slide down his torso, and he fought his obvious physical response. Coherent thought eased into his mind, and what seemed like minutes since the whole ordeal had started probably flashed in one or two seconds.

As the smaller body slid down, he spotted blond hair, and he stilled. His rescuee had reached the floor, and still his hands cupped her elbows to steady her. Who? his mind asked, though his heart pounded so hard the organ had surely sensed the truth.

He felt the slender body hiccup loudly and then felt her take two deep breaths. He knew this because with each breath, her breasts pressed more firmly against his chest. The face tilted slowly, and two enormous blue eyes came into view. And for one brief moment, he regretted letting her go.

Lily.

He had saved his Lily.

This woman had wedged herself under his skin from the moment he’d met her and had turned him into a lovesick schoolboy in a matter of hours. Even made him consider the possibility of love at first sight. His only inclination at this moment was to pull her back into his arms and cuddle his Lily close, try to spin time backwards to the day they met and make the day turn out differently.

Except . . . She’s not my Lily any longer.

He had to say something. He couldn’t just stand here like a dolt.

His gaze shot to Garrett. “What’s going on here?”



"4.5 Stars... well written story with so many twists and turns... Although there is no missing shoe, I enjoyed this fairytale retelling. So if you are looking for a fun and fast paced read you cannot go wrong with this one..."
—Long and Short Reviews

"5 Stars... Hope to read more by this author! This story was a perfect read! I just fell in love with all the characters..."
Once upon an Alpha 

"4.4 Stars... cleverly written, heart-warming and entertaining..."
—The Kindle Book Review

"4 Stars... you are given one heck of a story that’ll leave you saying 'wow' when it's all said and done..."
—Night Owl Reviews 

"4 Stars... Loved this book. I just couldn't stop reading it. So many twists and turns and ups and downs. So much fun." 
—A Fireside Read Book Reviews

"4 Stars... Definitely a cute, fun read with some comedy thrown into the mix..."
—Mignon Mykel Reviews

"4 Stars... Petie McCarty gives us humor, deceit, treachery and love, all rolled up with one of the best cast of characters ever! A classic battle of good versus evil in the business world is the icing on this romantic tale..."
—Tome Tender Book Blog






Petie earned a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Central Florida, which was no help at all when she decided to write romance novels as a second career. Her particular background did afford her the luxury of many unique assignments during her career as an aquatic biologist, including aquatic plant surveys in Florida lakes and streams by airboat. Many of those off-the-wall assignments provided background for her stories.

Petie spent most of her career working as a biologist at the Walt Disney World Resort, "The Most Magical Place on Earth." What could be more magical than driving by Cinderella's Castle on your way to work every day? Living in the heart of the theme park entertainment industry constantly tweaked her imagination and made her want to write. She had the fun of working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night. She eventually said good-bye to her wonderful "day" job to write her stories full-time.

These days, Petie shares her home on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau with her horticulturist husband, a spoiled-rotten English springer spaniel addicted to green olives stuffed with pimento, and a talkative Nanday conure named Sassy who makes a cameo appearance in Angel to the Rescue. She loves golf, running, and reads voraciously. That's Petie, not the conure.



​​



Title: Sway
Series: Landry Family #1
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
 Release Date: May 16, 2016



Blurb

BARRETT LANDRY has it all.
Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction.
 

ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.
As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what.


A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost ... and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay.





Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK





Excerpt

“I want a chance to win you over,” he breathes, peering at me. The way his eyes search mine make it seem like time stands still. “Will you let me try?”

He forces a swallow and the look of hesitation, the internal fight he’s having, isn’t lost on me. It’s there, right beneath the surface, and when I add my concerns to the mix, it’s enough to make me balk. Just a bit.

"I'll think about it," I whisper, holding on to the little strand of courage I have left.

“Say yes.”

Instead of responding, I ask, "Where'd you get that scar over your right eye?" I reach out and press gently on the raised skin. I expect him to pull back, but he doesn't.

My hand shakes as I touch his warmed skin. His forehead is silky and smooth. I'd like to run my hands over every inch of it, feel it ripple beneath my fingertips.

The corner of his lips twitch. "Lincoln hit me in the head with a baseball."

"Bad reflexes on your part?"

"Wicked curveball on his," he says, his face breaking out into a full smile.

“I thought he played center field?”

“He does. But he pitched some growing up.”

We stand inches apart, my hand gently brushing down the side of his face. Although I feel like he'd stand here all night and talk to me, it’s not possible.

"I really need to get back to work," I say, trying to unlock my eyes from his.

“Dinner? This week?”

I can barely resist the look in his eye, the one that implores me to say yes. The one that makes me believe he really does want to have dinner and spend a few hours with me.

I need to get away, put some space between us while I can.

“We ran into each other tonight,” I shrug. “If we’re supposed to see each other again, then I guess we will.” I start to turn away before I completely buckle under his gaze.

“How am I supposed to get ahold of you? I don’t have your number,” he calls after me.

Heading up the steps to the Savannah Room, I glance at him over my shoulder. “You’re the Mayor. Figure it out.”





Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana's Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.



Author Links




Title: Revelation
Series: Alexis Wolfe Trilogy #1 
Author: M.T. Harrte
Genre: Paranormal Romance
 Release Date: May 16, 2016



Blurb

Though her father's suicide still lingers in her mind, Alexis must put aside her grief and take on the role as Alpha of her werewolf pack. Her new position also puts her next in line to be Queen of the supernatural kingdom, the Dark Court, which needs to be united more than ever now that mysterious attacks have been terrorizing the town. Too bad the current queen, Samira, would rather lie and murder her way through a power trip than step down quietly.

As Alexis investigates the murders, she learns corruption isn't just Samira's game. Her leadership is questioned by her very own pack, and after a gut-wrenching betrayal, she isn't sure if anything is worth protecting. But when Samira makes one last assault, Alexis is the only one who can end her reign of terror forever...that is...if she can find something worth fighting for.



Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK



Excerpt

“Sure, I was already planning on changing a few things around here. For starters I would like to add more guards from different colonies as long as ya’ll don’t oppose,” I said.

I scanned the room for any type of disagreement. Ethan was twirling his hair around his finger, Konrad was digging in his nose, and Liam was staring back at me.

“Alright, so just let me know who you think should ser­­­­—” A sneeze stopped me midsentence.

Fuck, I peed again. Wait …. No … not pee.

No one said anything or seemed to notice but I could feel the liquid gushing out and no amount of Kegels or anything else was stopping it.

I motioned for Palo to come closer so I could make a discrete exit and officially check on things. Thadius invited himself over, and stooped down beside me.

“I think my water just broke,” I whispered.

“What!” shouted Thadius.

“What is it? What’s wrong,” said Liam, taking several steps closer.

“Everything’s fi—”

“Alexis’ water broke!” yelled Thadius.

So much for being discrete.

Everyone rushed to my side with the exception of Konrad who was desperately attempting to fish out whatever was lodged in his nasal cavity.

“Girl, I just had that chair reupholstered,” said Ethan. “Get ‘cha ass up so we can get this baby out of you.”

“Call the humans!” yelled Liam, pacing the room.

“No,” I hissed. “I don’t need the humans.” I turned to Palo and breathed through a contraction. “Call Rachel.”

He nodded and ran off in the opposite direction as everyone else closed in on me.

“If it dies, can I eat it?” asked Konrad leaning forward in his seat.

My eyes flashed yellow as our glares fell on him.

“What?” he asked. “It’s goblin custom.”

Ethan shook his head in disgust as I motioned for my other guards. “Get him the fuck out of here,” I growled. “In fact, everybody leave with the exception of Thadius and Ethan, I need ya’ll to help me to my room.

We shuffled down the hall pausing long enough for the freight train disguised as a contraction continued to slam into me over and over again.

Thadius took the initiative to go ahead and pick me up and carry me the rest of the way. Wasting no time, he kicked my bedroom door open and gently placed me in the middle of the bed.

Ethan shook his head again. “Those sheets cost a fortune,” he muttered.

“Really, Ethan!” I shrieked. “Make yourself useful or get out!”

He rolled his eyes and snatched off my leggings. “Let’s just see what’s going on down here.”

His head disappeared for a moment and I immediately felt the urge to push.

“Oh hell na’ll, girl whatever you are doing, STOP. Something is peeking out,” he said, and his ghostly face paled to a nearly transparent hue. “You know what, I’m going to go see what’s going on with your midwife wolf lady.”

I looked over at Thadius and attempted to smile to lighten the mood. The panicked looked on his face made me wonder if he needed more medical attention than I did.



Author Bio


Megan Spann, known under the pen name, M. T. Harrte, is an eclectic blend of sex, sarcasm, and a dash of darkness. Her love of books blossomed at an early age and it has developed into a passion for writing as well. She also writes lighter fiction under the pen name M. L. Spann. She’s definitely one of those people that carries around books in their bag. She adds a touch of sass to her novels by using her southern roots to set the tone.

She spent a great deal of her life moving from state to state with her military family, until finally settling down in Mississippi. Despite graduating from Ole Miss with a business degree and going on to gain a Master’s degree, she has decided to truly follow her heart by pursing a writing career.


Author Links

WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
NEWSLETTER

SNAPCHAT: username--harrte
PERISCOPE: mtharrte


PROMO TOUR OF  BOOKS 1&2 OF CALIFORNIA DREAMERS SERIES

by

Dakota Madison

Official genre of book: Romantic Comedy


(NOT SO) GOOD IN A ROOM, a romantic comedy novella by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison, is a modern reimagining of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Awkward screenwriter Nellie Berg is great with words, as long as she can write them down. She’s written over thirty action scripts, but has been unable to sell a single one to Hollywood. Instead of working the room, every time Nellie tries to pitch her scripts to producers she becomes overcome with anxiety and completely blanks out.

When Nellie meets another aspiring screenwriter, Roscoe Rhodes, at Pitchfestapalooza they form an unlikely friendship. Roscoe is everything Nellie is not: outgoing, witty, charming…and good in a room. Roscoe suggests that Nellie hire his cousin, Chris, an unemployed actor to pitch her scripts to producers.

Things get complicated when Nellie falls for Chris and she seeks Roscoe’s help to seal the deal. Roscoe realizes he actually has feelings for Nellie. And Hollywood falls in love with the hot the new pretend screenwriter, who has never even read an entire script let alone written one.





I look down at my black patent leather shoes, white tights, black and white polka dot skirt. Then I glance around me. Everyone else is wearing dress jeans and button-down shirts with their sleeves rolled up to their elbows. Somehow I must have missed the screenwriters’ attire memo.

So in addition to being a bundle of nerves I look completely and totally out of place. Isn’t that just great for my self-esteem?

“You know this producer only makes action films,” Roscoe says.

I don’t even try to hide my scowl. “I know that.”

He points to another line directly across the lobby from us. “The line for romantic comedy is over there.”

“So?” I glare at him.

“Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable over there?” 

“You mean somewhere where there isn’t a misogynistic jerk standing in front of me?”

He crosses his arms over his chest. “You’ve written a script for an action movie?”

As I shake my head defiantly I wonder why I’m even talking to this asshole.

“Then what are you doing in this line?” His condescending tone is really starting to piss me off.

“I’ve written scripts for thirty action movies.” Choke on that you prick.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.

“You don’t strike me as the type who would be interested in writing action scripts.”

“And why is that? Because I’m female? Have you bought into the sexist notion that women can’t write action scripts?”

I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him. As much as I’d like him to crawl into a hole somewhere he stares right back at me.

“Maybe it’s the pink polka dot purse you’re holding. That just screams action film. Or the outfit you’re wearing. If Shirley Temple and Dorothy Gale had a love child she would dress like you. Except you look more like a Munchkin with your little round face and tiny body.”

I can feel my face heat with embarrassment. This guy just says whatever he thinks, doesn’t he. “You know that’s really insulting.”

“Munchkin,” he repeats.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Whatever you say, Munch. You look like one of the dolls from the cabbage patch. I just want to put you on a shelf.”

“I consider that a micro-aggression.”

“Boo-hoo. What are you going to do? Call the PC police because I hurt your feelings?”

“You’re kind of a jerk.”

“Everyone says I’m charming.”

This guy is definitely no prince. “I guess everyone is wrong.”



✯✯✯✯✯ "Concept is king" 
By michael hernandezon Verified Purchase 
 Not in the genre I normally read, but I was 100% entertained throughout the story. A really great start to her new series and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, happy novel. 

 ✯✯✯✯✯ "Smart, Fun Read"
By Laila Lamarron Verified Purchase 
 Nellie and Roscoe are such fun characters, and I'm glad to see Madison has more in store with others from the novella.





After being at the center of a sex scandal that made national headlines a former nanny tries to rebuild her life by becoming a personal assistant to a reclusive writer.

What happens after your 15-minutes of fame are over?

Find out in SO FAR AWAY, a romantic comedy novella by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison.

Maddie Malone is the nanny who made national headlines. She’s the temptress who broke up the marriage of two of Hollywood’s most beloved movie stars. She’s the girl everyone in America loves to hate.

Now two months after the Nannygate sex scandal Maddie is desperate to rebuild her life.

She accepts a position as a personal assistant to the reclusive writer, Jackson Drake. He’s fired every one of the assistants his manager has sent him within the first few days of employment, but Maddie is determined to do whatever is takes to make her new job work.

Maddie is able to follow every one of Jackson’s eccentric rules to the letter. That is until Emerson Drake shows up for Spring Break. He’s Jackson’s son from an affair he had with Bahamian creative writing student when he taught at UCLA. He’s the son who Jackson has somehow managed to keep hidden from his fans for all these years.

Maddie finds Emerson incredibly attractive…and Jackson has forbidden Maddie to date him.




“That's her.”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard those two words in the last three months I'd be wealthy and not so desperate to find a job.

Even though I'm wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses I'm still recognizable. Somehow the paparazzi always manage to find me. Today is no exception. They snap photos of me as I dash into the corner market.

I selected Gino’s, a small neighborhood grocery store, because I thought it would be safe. Or at least safer than some place like Trader Jay's Whole Foods Organic Gluten Free Market where the paparazzi expect to see celebrities.

Not that I’m famous…more like infamous. I’m the Naughty Nanny. That’s the moniker I was given by the press following Nannygate.

“That's her.” A young blond girl elbows her friend and points in my direction. The two whisper and snicker as they gawk at me.

People aren't subtle when they stare. And they often say rude things about me, right to my face. I've even had a woman spit on me. Obviously she was a big fan of America’s Sweetheart, Annabelle Miller.

I had only worked for movie stars, Daniel Robinson and Annabelle Miller aka Dannabelle, for a few months before all hell broke loose.

Annabelle accused me of screwing her husband and immediately filed for divorce.

When two of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood split up it’s big news, especially when there’s another woman involved.

And I just happened to be the other woman.

I do my best to remember the few items I had intended to pick up at the market.

Tomatoes, pasta, mushrooms…I can’t remember the fourth item.

It’s difficult to keep my mind on my grocery list while every other customer in the place gapes at me. 
Olive oil. I snap my fingers. That’s the final item on the list.

The older woman at the cash register doesn’t seem to recognize me. I consider that a small miracle. She just asks me for my twenty bucks then bags my items.

When I step out of the store there are still several photographers waiting to snap shots of me.

How many people are able to completely ruin their lives by the time they’re 26 years old? I’ve certainly done an excellent job of it.

I wave to the guys snapping my photo and then give them the finger. I’ve got nothing to lose. Everyone in the English-speaking world already hates me.

Of course no one knows the real story, and oddly enough no one seems to care. The scandal took on a life of its own and I became the target of hatred and scorn.



✯✯✯✯ "Hiding away"
By Rebecca A
Maddie Malone is in the middle of a huge papparrazi firestorm since being named as the nanny who broke up Hollywood's favorite couple Daniel Robinson and Annabelle Miller. Thrust into a spotlight she doesn't want she can't get a job anywhere once people figure out who she is but a friend gets her hired on as the personal assistant to reclusive writer Jackson Drake.
Jackson Drake doesn't have many rules at all but the number one rule is no hanky panky. Maddie is positive that won't be a problem until she meets Emerson Drake, Jackson's son who she had no idea even existed. When the attraction between Emerson and Maddie grows will she put her job first or throw it all away for a chance at love?
I enjoyed this book but I found that so much happened in a short amount of time that it was almost too fast for me. I felt bad for Maddie and everything that she went through with being innocent in how the press portrayed her. I'd almost think that people would have jumped at the chance to hire someone with a "dirty" past.
It was weird in a way that Emerson had no issues with Maddie at risk for losing her job when he was only at his dad's for a short amount of time. The ending was too funny with how everything turned out and it definitely did make me laugh.

✯✯✯✯✯ "Find out in another amazing Novella from one of my favourite authors Dakota Madison"
By Paula L. Phillips
Remember Nellie from Book #1 and her Roommate Maddie Malone ? In Book #2 we have Maddie's story. After we left her in Book #1 , Maddie managed to score a Nannying gig for America's Sweetheart couple Dan and Annabelle aka Dannabelle. Things though didn't go to great for her and that's definitely an understatement as she was caught in the middle of a nasty divorce and in order for Annabelle to look like the good one in the relationship, she started a rumour that Maddie had slept with her husband. Two things were wrong with this scenario though as A) Maddie never slept with him and B) he is a closet gay. However news broke and from that became a Hollywood Scandal known as the Nannygate and Maddie was painted as the Naughty Nanny. Finding it difficult to get a job, she does what she can . One of Roscoe's friends Finn knows of a PA job going to a recluse author Jackson Drake - he is known for firing his assistants on the first day. He and Maddie seem to get on very well and it looks like it may be a great fit though Maddie seems to already have broken one of his rules - no matter how hard she tried not too - Rule #3 No Hanky-Panky and this goes for his son Emerson Drake. Of course Maddie and Emerson have this instant chemistry attraction going on and it's not just his science major talking. What will happen when the truth is revealed ? Will this be the end of Maddie's working career or from this opportunity, will something better arise and more suited to her qualifications ?




USA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing romance with a little spice and lots of heart. She likes to explore current social issues in her work. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds at their home outside Phoenix, Arizona. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.

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