Waking Up With A Billionaire {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be participating in the Release Day Blitz for WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE by Katie Lane.

As part of the blitz, Katie is sharing an excerpt from her book and hosting a tour-wide giveaway. You have the chance to win one of 10 mass market paperbacks of WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE being given away. Please see the end of the post for more details.

◊ Title: WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE

◊ Author: Katie Lane

◊ Series: The Overnight Billionaires, Book #3

◊ Format: Mass Market & eBook

◊ Publisher: Forever

◊ On Sale: July 26, 2016

◊ Price: $6.99 USD

Add to Goodreads

He can have anything he wants...except her

          Famed artist Grayson Beaumont is the most elusive of the billionaire Beaumont brothers. He has a reputation for seducing any woman with only a look, word, or sensual stroke of his brush. But now Grayson has lost all his desire to paint . . . unless he can find a muse to unlock his creative-and erotic-imagination.

          Chloe knew she might have to shed her clothes when she agreed to pose for the celebrated artist, but she wasn't expecting to shed all her inhibitions as well. Under his intense scrutiny, there's nothing she can hide...including a secret from her past that, once exposed, will change how he looks at her forever.

THE OVERNIGHT BILLIONAIRE SERIES

A Billionaire Between The Sheets, #1

A Billionaire After Dark, #2

Waking Up With A Billionaire, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE is available at the following sites:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

iBooks

IndieBound

Google Play

Kobo

Here’s an excerpt from WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE for your reading pleasure.

“Stay right where you are . . .”

          Stretched out on the floor in front of Grayson, Chloe just felt sexy. The feeling only intensified as he took a seat and started to draw.

The way he painted was twice as sensuous as the way he drew. The brush was like an extension of his hand and the canvas her body. Wherever his hot gaze landed, she felt the stroke of his brush. Her feet. Her legs. Her breasts. Her warm center.

He made her feel beautiful. Breathtaking. And wicked.

She now understood what being “captured on canvas” meant. Right now she was Grayson’s. For all eternity, she wanted to be . . .

“Grayson’s.”

She didn’t realize she had spoken until his hand halted in mid-brushstroke. His gaze found hers, and he dropped the brush and slowly rose from the stool and looked down at her with hungry eyes. She remained perfectly still.

          A willing sacrifice on the altar of Grayson . . .

          “Who told you that I’ve bedded hundreds of women?”

          “No one had to tell me. If you make the other women you paint feel the way I do, it just makes sense.”

Grayson lifted his head, and his eyes drilled right through her. “How do I make you feel, Chloe?”

It was past sexual attraction. Past anything she had ever felt with another man. But she couldn’t tell him that. Not when she was leaving. So instead of answering, she leaned in and kissed him. She kissed him with everything she had.

Without breaking the kiss, he stood and pulled her up with him. The warmth of his body spooned around her made her feel warm and secure, and she closed her eyes and drifted. She was in that place between wakefulness and dreamland when he whispered.

“You’re wrong, Chloe. You’re the only woman I can’t resist . . .”

Author Katie Lane, Credit: Dry Heat Photography

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas, Hunk for the Holidays, and Overnight Billionaires series. 

Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

For more on FOREVER, visit their website and connect with them online at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

This tour-wide giveaway is for your chance to win one of ten (10) mass market copies of WAKING UP WITH A BILLIONAIRE by Katie Lane.

To enter just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Katie’s visit. Which do you think would attract you first, the fact that Grayson is a billionaire, an artist or just a handsome hunk? Okay in fairness to the guys, which would you want women to find appealing about you first – if you were a billionaire, an artist or devilishly handsome?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Billionaire After Dark {+ Giveaway}

Today is a special day for author Katie Lane as it’s the launch day of her newest release, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK, the second installment in her Overnight Billionaires series.

I’m delighted to be participating in Katie’s A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK launch day blitz. As part of the blitz, Katie is sharing an excerpt from the book and a tour-wide giveaway for five (5) copies of A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK. I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on this intriguing book. Please see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway. First, here’s a synopsis of the book.

With endless wealth comes irresistible temptation . . .

It's an undisputed fact that Nash Beaumont is the hottest of the Beaumont brothers. His slow, sensual smile charms every French Kiss employee-and tempts every woman to buy the company's lingerie. But beneath Nash's raw charisma is a dark, kinky side that he struggles to control . . . a side that may be exposed by one lovely-and unexpectedly adventurous woman.

Reporter Eden Huckabee needs a story. And when she discovers Nash's dirty little secret, she thinks she's found it. But Eden doesn't count on Nash turning the tables on her-or that she will fall so deeply for this unbelievably sexy, one-in-a-billion Beaumont.

 A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK is available at the following sites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.

Now an excerpt from this delightful book for your reading pleasure.

Excerpt:

     “How did you become an escort?” 
     There was a slight hesitation before she answered. “My friend got me into it.” 
     “Some friend.” 
     Another pause. “Actually, she is a pretty good friend. She’s one of those people who sees the glass as always being full—like to the brim.” 
      “And you’re not?” 
      “I wouldn’t say that. I see the glass as half-full, and it’s my job to get the water to the top.” 
      He laughed. “You sound like my oldest brother. He views everything as his job.” 
      She joined in with his laughter. It was a hearty laugh, almost too loud for a woman. But he liked it. He liked its sincerity and lack of inhibition. “You figured me out,” she said. “I am the oldest. I have two younger brothers. Both pains in the butt.” 
      “I think that’s the job of younger brothers.” 
      “Is your younger brother a pain?” 
      The smile wilted on his face. “I didn’t say I had a younger brother.” 
      “Oh,” she said. “I guess I just assumed you had another brother when you were talking about your oldest brother.” 
      The tension left his shoulders. But the scare was a strong reminder that he had no business sharing information with the woman. “No more talking,” he said. “Take off your dress.” 
      “In the dark? But how will you see?” 
      He got up from the chair. “I’ll use my imagination.” 
      There was a long pause, and he wondered if she would leave. Physical force played no part in the equation, but he couldn’t help getting up and positioning himself between her and the door. There was a whisper of material. 
      “It’s off,” she said. 
      It was strange, but having the lights off seemed to make everything more intense. He could hear her breathing. Smell her sweet, earthy scent. And visualize exactly what she looked like in nothing but her bra and boy shorts. His penis came to full attention once again, and he found it hard to speak around the desire that clogged his throat. 
      “Now your bra.” He moved closer to the bed. “Hand it to me.” Something soft brushed his bare stomach, and he reached for it, his fingers curling around the bra. After a year at French Kiss, he knew his bras. It was slightly padded, and the material wasn’t top-grade. As for the size, he would guess 34B. He lifted the cup to his nose, and her herbal scent filled his nostrils. 
      “Now the panties,” he said, his voice muffled in the cotton. This time, she took longer. So long that he moved a step closer, his leg brushing the mattress. 
      “Promise you won’t turn on the light? Not that I’m deformed or anything. I just don’t exactly have a perfect body.” She was talking with her hands again. He could feel the shift of air. 
      “From here, it looks pretty perfect to me.” 
      Another pause before a whisper of material and her hand brushed a line of fire across the ridged fly of his jeans. He drew in a sharp breath and tried to calm the heat that ate its way through him as she apologized in a husky voice. 
      “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you were . . . so close.” 
      Oh, he was close, all right. It would only take one stroke from her fist for him to shoot the moon. He gritted his teeth. “Lie down.” 
      “I’m not having sex with—” 
      “No, dammit! We are not having sex!” He didn’t know if he was yelling at her or himself. Thinking he had frightened her, he started to apologize when she came right back at him. 
      “Well, how the heck do I know that? I’m naked!” He could feel the shift of air as her hands waved. “You’re obviously naked. And sex is usually what happens when two people are alone in a bedroom naked.” 
      He released a frustrated sigh. “Granted. But it’s not going to happen with us.” 
      “Why?” 
      He could’ve lied, but concealed by darkness, he chose not to. “Because then I wouldn’t be a fucked-up pervert. I’d just be a loser who has to pay for sex. Now please lie down.” 
      “Fine.” 
      The thump of butt to mattress made his anger leave, but none of his desire. Especially when he heard the wisp of skin against the satin of the duvet. He could picture her now. Awkwardly stretched out on the bed like she had been the other night. But now she was naked. Completely naked. And all his. 
      He should’ve return to the chair. He was too close. But maybe this would be the final test. If he could resist when a naked woman was only inches away, it would prove that he had control over his body. 
      And hers. 
      “Scoot over,” he said. “I’m not going to touch you. I’m just going to lie next to you.” He waited to hear her shifting before he lowered himself to the bed. The satin still held her heat. But rather than further ignite him, it calmed him enough that he was able to roll to his side and face her. 
      “Now I want you to close your eyes and touch yourself. And everywhere you touch, I want you to tell me what you feel . . . everything that you feel.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Katie Lane

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holiday series.  

Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Here are my thoughts on the book. I was fortunate to both read and listen to an audio version of this book. I began by listening to the audio and then finished reading the story when the paperback edition arrived

A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK by Katie Lane

What starts out as research for an article ends up changing Eden Huckabee’s life forever.

Author Katie Lane will have you laughing, swooning and looking for an air conditioner in her latest release, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK.

Handsome Nash Beaumont has carried a guilt with him for years. It troubles him so much that he believes he doesn’t deserve to love a woman causing him to live his love life in the shadows. A co-owner of the sexy lingerie company French Kiss, Nash has his world turned upside down by a feisty woman with a few secrets of her own.

Eden is searching for a hot story to jump start her reporting career When she discovers a dark secret of a Beaumont, she thinks it could showcase her writing skills. But she didn’t image she would be drawn to that Beaumont in such a tantalizing way.

The author explores and intertwines the secrets the main characters are hiding. Lane has created well-developed characters with strong traits and alluring personalities. The supporting cast of characters enhances the story.

The second installment in the Overnight Billionaires series, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK can be read on its own. The story moves at a fast pace with twists and turns that will hold you spellbound. The hot, steamy encounters between Nash and Eden will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. 

The author combines sexy encounters, humor, determination, friendship and family loyalty into a tantalizing tale you’ll enjoy from beginning to end.

Narrator Cindy Harden does a beautiful job giving each character their own voice and bringing them to life. She captures the emotional turmoil of the characters perfectly. Her mannerisms add depth to this enticing story.

A Billionaire After Dark by Katie Lane, the Overnight Billionaires series (Book #2), Forever, @2016, ISBN: 978-1455533176, Mass Market Paperback, 336 Pages --- Narrated by Cindy Harden, Hachette Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1CRVMRLE, Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 4 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) copies of A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK by Katie Lane.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the Rafflecopter widget doesn't appear, just click on the link to be taken to the widget

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Does reading an excerpt from a book help you decide whether or not to read more? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Hookup Blitz {+ Giveaway}

While there might not be snowflakes falling yet, cooler weather is popping up so it’s a great time to be participating in Forever’s Holiday Hookup Blitz featuring authors Katie Lane, Debbie Mason, and Jessica Lemmon.

As part of the blitz, each author is sharing an excerpt from their new release and they’re hosting a tour-wide giveaway for 5 Holiday Hookup Gift Sets! Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

UNWRAPPED b Katie Lane

        Jacqueline Maguire has a problem tying the knot. After fleeing the altar (again), the runaway bride drives off with no particular destination in mind. Which is how Jac finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with a hot, hard-bodied stranger who treats her to the naughtiest night of her life . . . but come morning, he's long gone.
        Contractor Patrick McPherson is deeply committed to his bachelor lifestyle. No strings, no rings. As the Christmas season approaches, however, Patrick still can't quite forget his curvalicious one-night stand. Then Jac shows up unexpectedly, and all holiday hell breaks loose. Because this year, Patrick is getting the biggest Christmas surprise of his life.

UNWRAPPED is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and Kobo.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holidays series.
Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and cuddling with her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

EXCERPT……….

      “Am I a vampire?”
      He chuckled at the joke and smoothed the damp hair off her forehead. “No. I don’t change my victims . . . I just snack on them.” She didn’t crack a smile, but her shoulders relaxed, bringing his attention back to the welt. “How badly are you hurt?”
      Her hand went to the marks on her neck. “Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would.”
      Patrick felt his face heat with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I forgot about the fangs.”
      Her gaze flickered to his mouth, and damned if he didn’t get hard again. “Well, I guess since you didn’t . . . umm . . . overindulge, it’s not a big deal.”
      Overindulge? Oh, he wanted to overindulge. Especially with those phenomenal breasts just a reach away. But he wasn’t that big of a jerk. “So can you tell me what happened? Are there any other victims?”
      “No. No one else was in the car with me when Big Foot—I mean, a deer jumped out in front of the car. I would’ve been okay if my brakes had worked properly. It was almost like someone had tampered with—” She paused, and her eyes widened. “Mr. Darby.” She glanced at the door. “And he’s probably the one who flattened your tire.”
      Patrick started to wonder if she wasn’t suffering from a concussion. She seemed to be talking in circles. Of course, most women talked in circles. “I thought you said no one was in the car with you. Who is Mr. Darby?”
      “No one was in the car with me. Mr. Darby is the guy who’s trying to k—” She stopped and cleared her throat. “Never mind. It’s not important. So you were saying?”
      His brow knotted. Why couldn’t women be as easy to read as a blueprint? He released his breath in a sigh. “I was wondering how badly you were injured.”
      “I’m fine now. I was just a little lightheaded before.” She sat up to prove it, bringing her full pouting lips inches from his. He might not be able to read her, but he sure as hell desired her. He had never wanted to kiss a woman so badly in his life. It was like her lips were magnetized and he was solid metal. But before he could kiss her, she got to her feet and started picking up the items that had spilled out of her purse. Since there was a lot of crap, he knelt down to help her.
      “So what are you doing up here?” he asked as he lifted her wallet and handed it to her. “I’m assuming by the costume that you were coming back from a party.”
      There was a slight hesitation before she nodded. “And I got lost.” She leaned over to reach the tube of lipstick that had slid under the coffee table, and her breasts swelled forth in twin mounds of bodacious beauty. “So if you can’t take me back to Denver, do you think you could get me to a working phone?”
      It took her grabbing the lipstick and straightening before he could talk. “I could if I didn’t have a flat tire.” Now that his temper had cooled, he realized that she wouldn’t have had time to flatten his tire. He probably ran over a nail at one of the jobsites, and it had been slowly leaking air all day.
      “Don’t you know how to fix it?” she asked.
      “Yes, but I’m not going to do it in a blizzard.” He picked up her phone and tried it. There was still no reception so he tapped the screen closed. A screensaver picture of two people popped up. Patrick didn’t know why he was more interested in the skinny guy than the pretty, dark-haired woman. Or maybe he knew why, but just wasn’t willing to admit it.
      “Are you married?” he asked.
      “Not yet. I’m still working on it.” Before he could figure out what that meant, she got up and took the phone and her purse from him. “So if you’re not going to fix the tire, just what am I supposed to do?”
      In heels, or at least in one heel, she was only a few inches shorter than he was and sturdily built. He realized that he liked that about her. He was tired of petite women he had to worry about breaking. This woman looked like she could handle a man who liked things a little rough. And since she wasn’t married, was in no way connected to his aunt’s schemes, and was here . . .
      Patrick smiled. “You’re going to spend the night with me.”
      “What?” she squeaked. “I can’t spend the entire night with a . . .”
      “Patrick.” He held out his hand. “And you are?”
      She swallowed hard before answering. “In big trouble.” 

SNOWBOUND AT CHRISTMAS by Debbie Mason

        Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch-until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man. 
        Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season.

SNOWBOUND AT CHRISTMAS is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, and BAM.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). She also writes historical paranormals as Debbie Mazzuca. Her MacLeod series has received several nominations for best paranormal as well as a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. 

When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

For more on Debbie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Excerpt………

      “We don’t have time to talk about it,” the older woman said as she helped Cat out of the fur coat. “We have just been presented with the perfect opportunity to put our plan into action.”
      Great, Estelle and Chloe had a plan. Cat tugged the sweater’s neckline higher. Her sister may like to show off her girls, but Cat’s were going undercover. And since she didn’t want Estelle to blow her cover, she hoped the older woman enlightened her about their plan.
      They were a few feet from the table where Harry stood looking deliciously edible when Nell waved a gingerbread man in the air. “Get a kiss with your cookies, ladies. Two dollars for a kiss and a cookie.”
      A horde of women stampeded in their direction.
      “Make it count, my dear,” Estelle murmured, shoving Cat at the table.
      The push caused Cat to wobble on her heels. If not for Harry reaching across the table, encircling her biceps with his strong hands, she would have fallen on her face. Something her sister would never do. So it was imperative that Cat put on a believable performance. She fluffed her hair, did a flirty head tilt, and batted her fake eyelashes.
      “I’ll take two, Harry.” She puckered her lips.
      His mouth flattened, a muscle ticking in his clenched jaw. Then he leaned toward her. It’s possible he said bloody hell under his breath as he lowered his head, but she couldn’t be sure because everything went a little fuzzy the moment his warm, firm lips touched hers. She tasted mint, smelled his expensive cologne, and drew closer, placing her hands on his shoulders to avoid toppling over. Okay, so it was an excuse, but she was sure her sister would have taken advantage of the situation in exactly the same way.
      Her mouth softened, her fingers tightening on his broad shoulders as her lips parted. She was just getting into the kiss, and it was some kiss, when his mouth left hers. He took what appeared to be a startled step back. She understood the reaction—the kiss had rocked her world, too.
      “Hang on, I need a picture for the Chronicle,” Nell said, putting down the cookie to pick up her cell phone. “Okay, go for it.”
      In the background, she heard George saying something to Phil about breaking his promise. Harry looked over her head, then back at her. An emotion she couldn’t read darkened his blue eyes, then he brought his hands to the sides of her face and did as Nell suggested. He went for it.
      Gently tilting her head so his lips slanted over hers at a precise angle, he gave her a deep, passionate kiss. It was long and lush, and breath-stealingly perfect. Her eyes were still closed, her head tipped up, when she realized she was kissing air. Blinking her eyes open, she stared at him. Acting as though he was completely unaffected, as if he hadn’t felt the same emotional rush of desire, he handed her two cookies.
      If that was a kiss from an uninterested man, she’d eat . . .
      “That will be four dollars, Chloe.” His words were cool and clipped, his back ramrod straight.
      And her heart, that seconds ago had been dancing to a happy beat, froze. It wasn’t her he was kissing. It was her sister.

A BAD BOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jessica Lemmon

        Connor McClain knows what he wants. And after four harrowing years in Afghanistan, that's a quiet life in the lakeside town of Evergreen Cove. But coming home has land mines of its own-the most dangerous of them being long-legged bombshell Faith Garrett. Now getting her into his arms this holiday is going to require more than mistletoe . . . 
        With a cheating ex behind her, all Faith wants is a relaxing holiday free from man drama. And even though every moment with gorgeous Connor is a sweet temptation, Faith is determined not to give in. But Jack Frost has other plans, and soon Faith and Connor are snowbound in a winter wonderland with only the sparks flying between them to keep them warm. As one hot kiss leads to another, they'll have to decide if they're ready to give each other the best gift of all-love.

A BAD BOY FOR CHRISTMAS is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, and BAM.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish, went out, and got herself a job . . . and then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another . . . and another. Soon it became apparent she'd only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since "eating potato chips" isn't a viable career, she opted to become a writer. 

With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she'd started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn't stop her from writing another one. Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn't be happier. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want. (While eating potato chips.)

For more on Jessica and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Excerpt………

      She came to a halt at the threshold of the kitchen, her breath clogging in her throat.
      Part of it was shock over the fact that Connor was leaning over the countertop inhaling one of her cupcakes. The other part, and the part she was having trouble reconciling, was the fact that there was a tear beneath one of the pockets of his jeans, and the slash of skin she was currently staring at was his bare ass.
      He stood, chewing and smiling with his lips closed. She knew because she hastily redirected her gaze to his face. The way he licked the frosting off the corner of his mouth and lifted his brow suggested he may have caught her eyeballing something she shouldn’t.
      “Tore them on a nail on the fence this morning.” He turned to look over his shoulder, splitting the tear with his fingers to show her a faint red scratch on one chiseled butt cheek. “Hurt like a bitch.” His eyes found hers and he gave her a sly smile. “Don’t suppose you’d be willing to patch me up.”
      She choked on her laughter, shaking her head for effect. “I don’t think so,” she said, trying to sound disgusted and not turned on.
      His smile erased as his brow went down like she’d hurt his feelings. “You would deny me medical care in my moment of need?”
      Flustered, she stepped past him and snatched the small white box off the counter, determined to change the subject. “I hope you know you owe me a cupcake.”
      “Cupcake, I took that in payment for the kiss you never gave me.”
      So he didn’t forget.
      “You’d rather have a carrot cupcake than a kiss?” Her pulse pounded against her neck. She knew which one she would prefer, and hoped she was doing a good job hiding it.
      “Hmm…” He made a show of craning his neck to look at the remaining cupcake in the bottom of the box. “It was a pretty good cupcake.”
      Her mouth opened in argument, but the argument never came. And the reason it never came was because Connor covered her lips with his, launching his tongue into her mouth. She tasted sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg from the frosting, and his mouth, which tasted wonderful because it tasted like him. The smell of lavender filled her senses, that earthy, spicy smell mingling in her nostrils and making her lean into him. Cupping the back of his neck, she tilted her chin, continuing their sparring session with fervor.
      Noses bumped, his unshaven chin scraped her jaw, and his hands—his big, manly, rough hands—grasped her at the waist and pulled her flush against him.
      This went on until finally, she had to pull back to inhale or suffocate. Not a bad way to go, she’d admit. Now she was panting and trying to recalibrate her brain cells, which had apparently oozed right out of her ears since Connor put his mouth on hers.
      He looked as dazed as she did for a second before his smile snapped into place. “Nope. That was much better than the cupcake.”

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for 5 Holiday Hookup Gift Sets. To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you already thinking about the holidays? Do you have a list of books on your shopping list to buy for others or that you hope others will buy for you?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Billionaire Between the Sheets Cover Reveal

I’m delighted to be participating in author Katie Lane’s cover reveal for A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS, the first installment in her brand new Overnight Billionaires series.

About A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS:

Overnight billionaires, the Beaumont brothers are thrust into life in the fast lane with exotic cars, private jets . . .  and sex and success on their minds.
          A commanding presence in the boardroom and the bedroom, Deacon Beaumont has come to save the failing company French Kiss. He was born to be boss in this glamorous new world of lacy lingerie and stunning supermodels. But one bold and beautiful woman dares to question his authority.
        Olivia Harrington has dedicated her life to the company's success. Just because Deacon is sexy as hell doesn't mean he'll make a better CEO. With a limitless supply of push-up bras and garter belts, Olivia turns her considerable feminine charms on Deacon to discover what makes him tick . . . and reveals instead the billion reasons why she wants him to stay.

A BILLIONAIRE BETWEEN THE SHEETS can be found at Amazon, iTunes, and Goodreads.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holiday series.  

Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for stopping by today during Katie's cover reveal. Do you enjoy finding new series to follow? Have you read any of Katie’s books? For those celebrating today, HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!!

Tall, Dark and Cowboy {+ Awesome Giveaway}

What woman hasn’t daydreamed about a tough, sexy cowboy? What man hasn’t imagined himself as a handsome, rugged cowboy?

Today I’m delighted to bring you information about (and the opportunity to win) six wonderful books featuring sensuous cowboys. We have six delightful authors stopping by to talk about their writing and of course, seductive cowboys. Thanks to the lovely Fareeda at Grand Central Publishing, three winners (tour wide) will receive a collection of books from the authors of the Tall, Dark and Cowboy box set. Please see the end of the post for giveaway details.

First, let me tell you briefly about the books, followed by an amusing Q & A with the authors.

About the TALL, DARK AND COWBOY BOX SET:
Everybody loves cowboys! Now in this special six-book box set, meet the best of the tall, dark, and handsome cowboys and get ready for the ride of your life . . . 

* SOMEBODY LIKE YOU by Lynnette Austin: Cash thought he had plenty of time to find the right woman-until he learns that he must marry soon or lose his family's Texas farm. When Boston beauty Annelise enters his life, Cash wonders if she's what he's been looking for all along.
 
* AIN'T MISBEHAVING by Molly

Cannon: After her ex-husband leaves her for another woman, Marla Jean won't settle for another lonely night. And her childhood crush, Jake, may just be the right man to help make this good girl go a little bad. 

* THE SWEET SPOT by Laura Drake: Charla Rae thought she was over her ex-husband-they'd both been through too much together. But when the championship bull rider comes back into town and offers to help with her ranch, will he also convince her to give their love a second chance?
 
* LOOKING FOR TROUBLE by Erin Kern:

Fleeing her rich, overbearing family, Avery makes her way to Trouble, Wyoming. She soon tries things the old Avery wouldn't dare, like having a sizzling affair with her sexy new boss, Noah-and discovering he's just the kind of trouble she needs. 

* GOING COWBOY CRAZY by Katie Lane: When Faith is mistaken for her identical twin sister in Bramble, Texas, there's bound to be trouble-especially with her sister's ex-boyfriend Slate.
 
* MONTANA LEGACY by R. C. Ryan: WhenAmy left Jesse, she broke his heart. Now she's back in town and stirs his old desires, even as she promises to help him find his family's gold. But under the prairie skies an unseen enemy is closing in to threaten their love-and their lives.

Now join me in welcoming the ladies as they answers some interesting questions.

What is the funniest note you’ve received from your editor?

Author R.C. Ryan

R.C. RYAN - "Whew.  Hot." I love reading that in the margin. Despite hot love scenes, scary shoot-outs with bad guys, what really got my editor all charged up were the food scenes. She claims to love the meals I serve my cowboys and their ranch families, and put a note in a margin that just reading the scene had her salivating.  
ERIN KERN- It’s hard to say, because I’ve received a lot of notes! And after a while they all kind of run together. I’d say my biggest “doh’s” are the typos that even my five year old wouldn’t have made.
KATIE LANE- It’s not a note as much as pictures. My editor owns a cat named Clara, and every Halloween, I get a picture of Clara in costume. The cute photos always brighten my day and make my granddaughters giggle.
LAURA DRAKE- N/A
MOLLY CANNON- She asked if I was willing to change my cat into a dog. I was reluctant at first because I loved my kitty cat, but finally agreed when I found a picture of the puppy that became Sadie.
LYNETTE AUSTIN- Lauren Plude, my fantastic editor, chewed out Ty Rawlins in Nearest Thing to Heaven. Lauren is a vegan, and every once in a while I stick something in, just to make sure she’s paying attention. And she always is. :) Poor Ty got in trouble for it. Riding to his favorite fishing hole, he asked Sophie, “You don’t have a problem with fishing on some philosophical level, do you? I mean, you’re not a vegan or anything. I watched you devour too much Texas beef at the wedding to believe that.” Lauren’s comment? Hey no ragging on vegans, Ty! :)

What would readers be surprised to find out about you?

Author Erin Kern

R.C. RYAN - I've been singing since I was a kid, and thought about a career as a singer. I chose instead to marry young and raise five great children. And then tried my hand at my great, driving passion - writing.  ERIN KERN- Probably that I used to be a dancer. I danced ballet for about twelve years and actually performed with the Oakland Ballet two years in a row.
KATIE LANE- I married my high school sweetheart and he inspires all my heroes. (Even when he forgets to take the Chapstick out of his pant pockets and the entire load of laundry ends up with grease spots.)
LAURA DRAKE- I’m a thrill seeker. I Love roller coasters, riding motorcycles and I’ve even skydived – until my last jump when chute didn’t open, and I had to throw the reserve. If I were younger, I’d try getting on a bull!
MOLLY CANNON- I’m really good at trashcan basketball.
LYNETTE AUSTIN- I have, at present, sixty-two pairs of flip-flops, and one of those pairs traveled to Morocco with me where I rode a camel. I can’t resist a great pair of flip-flops.

What is the most interesting thing you learned from research?

Author Katie Lane

R.C. RYAN - Just how dedicated our farmers and ranchers are to maintain the lifestyle and the land of their ancestors. It takes true grit to stay the course when fighting fickle weather, predators, and the rising cost of feed for herds. Ranchers and farmers can never take a vacation from their demanding job.  
 ERIN KERN- In the Trouble books, the brothers are in the restaurant industry. I was really surprised to learn that chefs work really long hours. Way longer than I expected.
KATIE LANE- I did a lot of research on famous brothels for Miss Hattie’s Henhouse in Trouble in Texas. It is believed that the infamous Chicken Ranch got its name during the Great Depression. Money was so scarce that the prostitutes started taking chickens in exchange for services.
LAURA DRAKE- Next weekend I’m auditing a three day Bullfighting class! Not the ‘El Toro!’ type – the ones who distract the bull from a downed bull rider. Cannot wait!
MOLLY CANNON- I love researching recipes for my books. Reading cookbooks is less fattening than eating the finished product-but not as much fun.
LYNETTE AUSTIN- Cowboy hats should always be set down brim-up. Not only does this help preserve the shape, but it allows for all the luck that passes by to collect in it. Fun, huh?

What makes a cowboy, a cowboy?

Author Laura Drake

R.C. RYAN - Hard, dirty work.  A love of the land.  A courtly, fiercely protective attitude toward family, women and children. Their work makes them rough and tough, but their heart and soul, their innate goodness makes them the perfect hero. 
 ERIN KERN- Have you seen a cowboy lately?? Scuffed up boots, worn jeans, callused hands, a little five o’clock shadow, slightly too long hair….shall I go on?
KATIE LANE- I think it has to do with the legend. Cowboys have always been heroes (Wait, is that a song?)—strong, alpha men who can wrangle a steer and know how to treat a lady. It’s this mixture of tough man and mannerly country boy that makes a true cowboy . . . and makes women go crazy. That, and a snug-fitting pair of jeans.
LAURA DRAKE- Old world manners, an unbreakable word, and a wild side.
MOLLY CANNON- Well worn boots
LYNETTE AUSTIN-Attitude. A cowboy is strong and confident, and he’s not afraid of an equally strong woman. He carries in his heart old-fashioned values. He stands for his country and its flag, says yes, ma’am and no, sir, and loves his mama and daddy—kind of a throwback to a slower, easier time but with a kickass edge.

Have you had any funny and/or memorable fan interaction? (i.e. a Facebook comment, a run-in at RT, RWA,etc.)

Author Molly Cannon

R.C. RYAN - At one of my book signings, a reader told me after reading Montana Legacy, she broke up with her current boyfriend and contacted her high-school love via Facebook, and they were now together again. She said after falling in love with my cowboy, she knew she had to hold out for her own lost love, because he'd remained on her mind all this time. A Montana rancher's wife emailed me, asking me how long I'd been ranching, since she just knew I had to grow up on a ranch to get so many details right. I had to admit to her that I live in a suburban neighborhood now, but did grow up in the country on acreage that my father farmed on weekends, to satisfy his need to farm as his father had in Canada. But that's the closest I've come to farming or ranching.  
ERIN KERN- One day I went to visit my husband at his office in Dallas. He works with a lot of women, and just about every woman on his floor had read my books and were so excited when they saw me. It was my first fan experience and definitely one I’ll always remember.
KATIE LANE- I have such great fans. They’re dedicated and write the sweetest emails, Facebook, and Twitter posts. One of my fans is doing the entire family tree for my characters. It makes me happy to know that my readers get so caught up in the series that they feel like part of the town, just like I do.
LAURA DRAKE- Last year’s RWA conference was my debut author year. I was in line at an event and the lady in front of me turned around, read my nametag, and squealed – scared me half to death – I thought I’d stepped on her heel or something. It turned out to be Cathy Genna, that year’s RWA Bookseller of the Year, and she LOVED The Sweet Spot! She took me up and down the line, introducing me to people and telling them to buy my book! And here I was, impressed to be standing next to HER!
MOLLY CANNON- I just attended RT and was riding in an elevator stuffed with tired and hungry writers and readers. One woman said she felt bad for people who still had workshops to attend. My aunt and one of my biggest fans misunderstood and said loudly-I could go for a pork chop about now, too. The whole elevator erupted. It was hilarious!
LYNETTE AUSTIN- The most memorable was that first time a reader came toward me in a bookstore, asking, “Are you Lynnette Austin? I just finished reading Somebody Like You, and I loved it!” I’ll cherish that moment forever!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

LYNETTE AUSTIN

Author Lynette Austin

My first book was born as I drove across Oklahoma on a trip from Wyoming to Florida, with two eleven-year-old boys and way too much luggage stuffed into the very tiny backseat of a Porsche 944. Instead of tuning into their squabbles and the “are we there yets”, I turned my mind to hunting down a Nazi war criminal as I drove down the interstate. That book, The Final Solution, is now hiding out in a closet, and, because I love you all, that’s exactly where it’ll stay.

I love nothing better than to lose myself in my characters’ world. I love to read, and I love the chance to give my readers a story to remember. So grab a bag of Cheetos or M&Ms, put up your feet, and relax. Join me in the land of fiction.
For more on Lynette, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

MOLLY CANNON
Molly lives a charmed life in Texas with her husband, Mr. Wonderful and her extremely large cat Nelson. When she's not writing, she spends her days reading, taking dance classes with MW, and watching every kind of sporting event imaginable. Molly has three grown children, all married to terrific people and two wonderful grandchildren. Life is good!
For more on Molly and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

LAURA DRAKE
Laura Drake is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways, or a serious cowboy crush. She writes both Women’s Fiction and Romance.

She sold her Sweet on a Cowboy series, romances set in the world of professional bull riding, to Grand Central. The Sweet Spot (May 2013), Nothing Sweeter (Jan 2014) and Sweet on You (August 2014). The Sweet Spot has recently been named a Romance Writers of America ^®   RITA^®   Finalist in both the Contemporary and Best First Book categories. Her ‘biker-chick’ novel, Her Road Home, sold to Harlequin’s Superromance line (August, 2013) and has expanded to three more stories set in the same small town. The Reasons to Stay will release August, 2014.

Laura has long wanted to make a foray into another genre she loves, and she currently has a Women’s Fiction novel out on submission. This year Laura realized a lifelong dream of becoming a Texan and is currently working on her accent. She gave up the corporate CFO gig to write full time. She’s a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.

For more on Laura, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

ERIN KERN
For more on Erin, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

KATIE LANE
Katie Lane’s interest in romance was sparked in high school in the backseat of a ‘65 mustang—okay, so maybe it wasn’t romance as much as raging teenage hormones.  Still, coupled with a wild imagination, those make-out sessions inspired many a steamy storyline along with a strong belief that true love does prevail.  Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the owner of that mustang and is the bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas series.  

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website, and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. You can also read more about Katie in her long biography, click here.

R.C. RYAN
New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan (also writing as R.C. Ryan) has written over a hundred novels, both contemporary and historical. For a complete list, see Ruth's Book List.

For more on Ruth and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for a box set of six books from the authors of the Tall, Dark and Cowboy genre. There will be three winners tour wide. To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Reading about cowboys is always fun. What’s your idea of a cowboy or what do you think it takes to be a cowboy?

*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway