How To Lose a Groom in 10 Days & The Wedding Audition - Giveaway

How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days & The Wedding Audition

Runaway Brides Series (#0.5 & #1.0)

By: Joanne Rock and Catherine Mann

Releasing April 7^th, 2015

Tule Publishing

How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days

He thought their love was a grand slam, until his bride calls foul…

After an impulsive courthouse wedding with one of baseball’s rising stars, Melanie Webb wonders if she’s fallen victim to lust at first sight. She hardly knows Grady Hollis, the Atlanta outfielder who swooped into her Florida hometown and charmed the socks—and more!—right off her. She couldn’t resist when he proposed under the stars right on the outfield. But when the aftermath means moving to Atlanta and following him around the country for his eight-month a year travel schedule, she gets cold feet.

But Grady has never been a man to give up on a dream and Melanie is everything he ever hoped for in a woman. He knows if only he can persuade her to come along for the ride, he’ll convince her that their forever can be something special… with a love every bit as fiery as the passion.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

The Wedding Audition

The tabloids call her the Hit and Run Bride after reality show star Annamae Jessup walked out on Atlanta's favorite baseball player on cable television. Eager to escape her notoriety, Annamae takes a road trip to find the grandmother she’s never met and winds up discovering a whole lot more than a band of back woods relatives. There's no escape from reality TV, even in Beulah, Alabama, population 3000.

The last thing Wynn Rafferty needs in his new life is a spoiled television princess who can’t even know his real name. He’s in temporary witness protection as an apple farmer after his undercover work put his life in danger. He needs to lay low until the heat dies down from his last case— even if he sucks at growing apples as badly as he sucks at relationships. But Annamae turns his new town into a media circus, unwittingly threatening the lives of him, her and most of Beulah. Wynn is an expert at keeping the world at arm’s length, but when it comes to Annamae, the only way he can keep her safe is to keep her very, very close.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

Publisher:  http://tulepublishing.com/

Excerpt:  HOW TO LOSE A GROOM IN 10 DAYS

“Official?” Melanie squeaked, her voice a breathless rasp with panic and form-fitting shapewear squeezing the ever-loving life out of her.

“You make a better Mrs. Hollis than I could have ever hoped for.” Grady’s blue eyes went darker. Serious.

            Any other woman on the planet would have swooned at the declaration. She felt her throat close. Her skin itched like she might be getting hives. Had she really just married a man she’d known for the extent of one spring training season? Yesterday, she kept thinking he’d back out of it before they really said “I do.” She’d counted on it even, not packing up all her old apartment, certain he wasn’t really serious.

            How many pro ball players had she seen come and go from Kissimmee, flirting with the local girls for a few weeks before heading back to their real lives?

            “I--” She couldn’t breathe. Or think. Or even begin to imagine how she could carve out a life at his side when major leaguers lived on the road for the better part of eight months each year.

            Had she used this marriage and this great guy as a means to finally escape Kissimmee? Her troubled family that she hadn’t even invited to the wedding? She clutched her little bouquet of peonies tighter. They’d cost more than her dress, but Grady had surprised her with the flowers. Insisted.

            Guilt surged faster than Grady’s fans after a win.

            “You deserve much more,” she rasp-whispered, an underwire support jabbing her left breast like an accusing finger. “I’m so sorry.”

            He frowned. His hands lifted to cup her shoulders.

            “What are you talking about?”

            Wasn’t it obvious? One of baseball’s hottest rising stars had just eloped with a glorified temp worker who was so deep in a panic attack she couldn’t draw a full breath.

            Her eyes stung as she thought about all the ways she was about to hurt him. But wasn’t it better for him to find out now what a mess she was inside than later? The marriage could be annulled. Right?

            Behind them, the judge cleared his throat.

            “Your paperwork?” Craggy Face lifted the certificate off his desk and waved it meaningfully in their direction. “And tell the next couple they may step forward, please.”

            Melanie didn’t bother answering. As soon as Grady turned to retrieve the papers, she sprinted out of the Wedding Room as fast as her pink high heels would take her.

Author Info: Joanne Rock

Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author of over seventy novels enjoys writing contemporary romance and medieval historicals alike, recently exploring Young Adult romance under a pseudonym. An optimist by nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance–in all its forms-- fits her life outlook perfectly. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded sons.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Author Info: Catherine Mann

USA Today bestseller and RITA Award winning author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule. With over sixty books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. Catherine and her flyboy husband live on the Florida coast where they brought up their 4 children – and still have 5 four-legged, furry “children” (aka pets).

Catherine is an active volunteer with an animal rescue, serving on their Board of Directors and fostering over 200 puppies, ill dogs, and dogs with service/working potential.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

US prize: 

For the Runaway Bride's Great Escape--

A heart-print tote, Scarf for going incognito, and cute dark sunglasses. 

INTL prize: 

A print copy of Catherine Mann's RESCUE ME and Joanne Rock's

NIGHTS UNDER THE TENNESSEE STARS.

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French Coast - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

With an amazing family, her recent engagement to Chase and having landed a huge interview that she’s hoping will advance her editorial career, Serena’s life couldn’t be more ideal.  But as she jets off to France to interview Yvette Renault, the former editor of French Vogue, the life she left back home seems to be unraveling at the seams. 

An unknown woman claiming to be the ex-lover of Serena’s father, and the mother of his illegitimate children, surfaces.  Not wanting this negative publicity to effect and be used against him as he attempts to rise from mayor candidacy to potentially a spot in the White House, Chase breaks off the engagement. 

Now, in France, confused about the allegations about her father and hurt from the sudden breakup, Serena is more determined than ever to nail this interview and produce a story that will rival all others.  With her new friends by her side, they are there for each other during personal ups and downs. 

A great cast of characters perfectly mixed with glamour, scandal and French food.  Once again, Anita Hughes produces an amazing book worthy of accolades.  With every page, you are transported to the exotic French Coast.  You can practically smell the salty air, taste the French cuisine and see the beautiful people.  Once you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down until you have reached the last page!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia and had a charmed childhood that included petting koala bears, riding the waves on Bondi Beach, and putting an occasional shrimp on the barbie. Her writing career began at the age of eight, when she won a national writing contest in THE AUSTRALIAN newspaper, and was named "One of Australia's Next Best Writers." (She still has the newspaper clipping.)

She received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing from Bard College, and attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program.

Her debut novel MONARCH BEACH was released in June 2012, followed by MARKET STREET in March 2013 and LAKE COMO in August 2013. 

FRENCH COAST will be released in April, 2015 and ROME IN LOVE will be released in August 2015

She lives in Dana Point, CA with her family, where she interrupts her writing to watch the glorious sunsets.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

St. Martin’s Griffin is giving

1 lucky winner a print copy of

French Coast by Anita Hughes

US Only

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Our sister blog, Chick Lit Central, has an interview with Anita Hughes and is also giving away a copy of French Coast.  Be sure to head over and enter there as well!  

Nobody's Angel - Book Tour & Giveaway

Nobody’s Angel
Willow Park Romance # 1

By: Sarah Hegger

Releasing March 31^st, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

In this evocative new series from author Sarah Hegger, a woman returns home after a long absence—and wonders if two wrongs really can make a right...

                         

Nine years ago Lucy Flint ran away to Seattle, taking her friend's boyfriend and leaving her high school sweetheart without a word of explanation. Now she's back in Willow Park, Illinois, to help care for her ailing father—and it's no surprise that her ex, Dr. Richard Hunter, is still angry.

Still, she's a different Lucy now. Sober, wiser, ready to make amends to the long—make that very long—list of those she mistreated during her wild younger days. Falling for Richard all over again would mean wreaking havoc in both their lives and possibly squandering her opportunity for redemption. But here, in the place where everything went wrong, is the one person who always felt right, and a second-chance that could be the best mistake she ever made…

Buy Links:  

Amazon | Barnes | ITunes | Kobos

About the Author:

Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.

Mimicking her globe-trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother. She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.

She loves to hear from readers and you can find her at any of the places below.

Connect with the author at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

(1) $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

(3) $10.00 Amazon Gift Cards

Five Print Copies of NOBODY’S ANGEL (Or Digital for Int. winners)

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Love Me Sweet - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

With famous parents, a reality TV show, and a successful career, Delaney lives the ultimate Beverly Hills lifestyle.  But when her ex releases a sex video with Delaney being the star performer, she quickly becomes the main focus of every gossip magazine.  Determined to get away from the paparazzi and fast spreading rumors, Delaney heads to quieter pastures.  And what better place to get unnoticed and blend in with the locals than Bell Harbor, Michigan?  After all, who would suspect that she would go to the middle of nowhere in what just may be the worst winter Bell Harbor has ever seen?

Globe-trotting and working as a cameraman for one of the most popular adventure shows, Grant has made every effort to stay away from Bell Harbor.  But when an invitation makes its way to the Philippines jungle inviting Grant to his brother’s wedding, Grant decides that it’s time to make a life and career changing decision.  He packs up and heads back home.  But the greeting he gets from his family is far from warm.  Has he really been away for that long? 

Now in her newly rented apartment, Delaney suspects the person in her bathroom is the maintenance man fixing the annoying shower.  Instead, she spies an incredible specimen in her bathroom.  But he’s not fixing the shower.  He’s USING it!  During Grant’s absence, his mother decides to rent out his apartment.   The very apartment that Delaney has just plopped down six months in cash to rent.       

This is the third book that I’ve read by Tracy Brogan and, just like the first two, it did not disappoint.  Her humor and writing style grabs your attention right away and doesn’t let go until you’ve turned the last page.  With a cast full of colorful characters and a story that will have you laughing out loud, Love Me Sweet is the perfect feel good book for everybody!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Past or present, Tracy Brogan loves romance. She read her first swashbuckling adventure at age sixteen and knew right then she was destined to become a novelist. She now writes fun and breezy contemporary stories about ordinary people finding extraordinary love, and lush historical romance full of political intrigue, damsels causing distress, and the occasional man in a kilt.

Tracy is a Romance Writer of America® RITA Finalist for Best First Book, and a two-time Golden Heart Finalist. She's the best-selling author of Crazy Little Thing and Highland Surrender. She resides in Michigan with her husband, their children, and their overly indulged dogs.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Tracy is giving one lucky winner a tote full of books and swag!

Open Internationally!

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She's Gone - Review & Giveaway

Review by Marlene Engel

Despite her father being an oil executive, Jolie is outraged by the way the oil companies are being so negligent and causing out of control oil spills.  As she watches the destruction over the once beautiful Santa Barbara coast, she is compelled to do more than just sit on the sidelines and watch.  Instead, she decides to take action and joins an anti-oil drilling protest.  While there she meets up with Will.  He’s older than Jolie, with strong opinions and persuasive ways.

When Jolie’s father learns of his daughter’s involvement with the protesting, he forbids further participation.  This outrages Jolie and, with Will’s encouragement, they run away to live a life of their choosing. 

Documenting her adventure that includes living in communes that are dedicated to free love and a life of peace to getting entangled in violent protests, Jolie’s journey takes her from the west to the east coast, through both the highs and lows of the 70’s era peace movement. 

In time Jolie finds that Will is not the man she thought he was.  And thoughts of home start making her question some of her choices.  She’s been gone for so long without any communication to her family.  Would they even want her back?

She’s Gone is a powerful story of a young girl who is forced to grow up faster than one should.  Who finds herself in situations that test her strength and resilience, but has her realizing what’s truly important in life.

Strong, powerful, emotional.  She’s Gone is a must read!

Purchase the book at:

Amazon

About the Author:

Joye Emmens was born in Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned an MBA from City University of Seattle.

Joye enjoyed a successful career in environmental health before joining Amgen, a biotechnology company that supports the research and development of innovative cures for serious illnesses. After ten years, she left Amgen to pursue a lifelong dream to write fiction. She is lucky to live in Ventura, California with her husband David. Her two sons and grandson live in Seattle.

Joye volunteers as a Big Sister and mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She enjoys traveling the world, yoga, running, reading, and music.

And yes, she is an oilman’s daughter.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

One lucky winner will get a print copy of

She’s Gone by Joye Emmens

Open Internationally

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Worthy - Cover Reveal, Interview & Giveaway

About the Book: 

Virginia finally had the chance to explore a relationship with Aaron when he asked her on a date. She had been waiting, hoping that the widower and his young son, Buddy, would welcome her into their lives. But a terrible tragedy strikes on the night of their first kiss, crushing their hopes for a future together. Nineteen years later, Virginia is engaged, though she has not forgotten Aaron or Buddy. When her dog goes missing and it comes to light that her fiancé set him loose, a distraught Virginia breaks off the engagement and is alone once again. A shy young man has found the missing pet, and although he’s bonded with the animal, he answers his conscience and returns the dog. Before long, Virginia and the young man discover a connection from their pasts that will help them let go of painful memories and change their lives forever.

Pre-order the book at:

Amazon

Interview with the Author:

1. What was your biggest inspiration while writing your book?

I’m always inspired by human nature. I find us fascinating. I feel that I can see our capacity for good, for taking care of each other and being loving and kind. If it’s dormant, or hidden, I want to know why.

I’m also very much a dog person, and dogs provide an interesting contrast to our nature. They are, unless abused or neglected, almost unswervingly loving and kind. They seldom worry about vulnerability or image. And I think they bring out the best in us. So when two damaged characters get together, or try to, it seemed inspiring (for me, at least) to put a dog between them and watch how it changed the emotional landscape. 

2. What is your favorite book of all time?

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.

3. What is usually on your nightstand?

A box of tissues and a clock. I know you were thinking in terms of books. But they are beside my easy chair. There I keep my Kindle with probably over a hundred unread books on it, and a growing stack of paper books. I read and work on the computer in my easy chair, and by the time I go to bed it’s because I can’t keep my eyes open another minute.

On a few occasions I might have my notebook computer on the nightstand. If I have a book that is enjoying a promotion, and running up the charts, I tend to wake up at intervals in the night to see what it’s doing. I should be embarrassed to admit that, but I’m admitting it anyway. I’m very childlike about it. I get excited, and I don’t want to miss a thing.

4. What’s something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

Gosh, that’s hard. Because I spend so much time on social media, on my blog, emailing with readers… it’s hard to imagine what I might be holding back.

Some people might be surprised to know that I still wince deeply at any negative comment in a review, and it takes a while to let it go. In my head I’m very circumspect. I know no book can be all things to all people, and I accept that. But I think being the best writer you can be involves caring very deeply about how the work is received. Nine out of ten comments are great, so why is it the tenth that always sticks? Part of human nature, I suppose.

It might also surprise people to know that I have a silly sense of humor. I still like to watch the old Looney Toons cartoons and I love Lucy. I laugh out loud at things a lot of people would consider hopelessly outdated or too broad.

5. What is your writing process?

It is whatever it wants to be. When the work is there, and ready, I am its slave. I can’t turn it on, I can’t make it be ready, I can just encourage it by being there to type it all out when it comes around. In other words, my writing process tells me what to do, and I do it. Happily and gratefully. 

About the Author: 

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the bestselling author of twenty-seven published and forthcoming books. Some of her recent books include The Language of Hoofbeats, Take Me with You, Where We Belong, and Don’t Let Me Go. Her short stories have been published in Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, and the Sun. She has received numerous awards, including the Rainbow Award and the British Book Award. Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was adapted into a major motion picture and translated into twenty-three languages. Hyde is the founder of the Pay It Forward Foundation.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

SparkPoint is giving: 

1 Grand Prize winner a print ARC of

Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde & a Kindle Voyage

1 Second Place winner a print ARC of Worthy

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Throw Like a Woman - Review

Review by KT Sullivan

Brenda Haversham is a forty year old divorced mother of two sons, Andy and Jon. Her ex-husband, Ed, has disappointed the boys again by blowing off a visit. Her father taught her to throw a fast ball and she takes the boys to the park. They are surprised by her hidden talent. When the boys go to practice, they mention it to their little league coach. Brenda imagines Ed’s face on the catcher’s mitt, pitches, and is clocked at eighty two miles per hour. Also video is uploaded of her. She doesn’t realize she’s about to go viral.

She had been a graphic designer, but after twelve years out of the workforce, she’s a data entry operator at an insurance company. A reporter at ESPN, Charlie Bannister, sees the video and talks about her. Now, Major League Baseball takes notice and offers her a shot to play for the Cleveland Indians. She will be the second oldest rookie to play in the MLB, the oldest was Satchel Paige. He is a standard of excellence, regardless of his age. She’s met with hostility, protesters, and harassment from her teammates. Does she have the talent and stamina to play or is she part of a publicity stint?

This story needs a major stretch of the reader’s imagination to work. Even a forty year old man would face incredible obstacles to play professional baseball. Following dreams and reaching the pinnacle are uplifting themes, but need a dose of reality. Many references are made to iconic baseball movies: Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, and The Natural. All are excellent stories that address age and second chances in life. 

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Susan Petrone grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and although she`s moved away a couple of times (Annapolis, MD, and Alkmaar, The Netherlands), she lives there still. Her short fiction has been published by Glimmer Train, Featherproof Books, Muse, Conclave, and Whiskey Island. Her first novel, A Body at Rest, was published in 2009 by Drinian Press. Her second novel, Throw Like a Woman, is due out in March 2015 from The Story Plant. Her short story, "Monster Jones Wants to Creep You Out" (Conclave, 2010) was nominated for a 2011 Pushcart Prize. Her plays have had performances and/or readings at the Cleveland Playhouse, The Lamb`s Club (New York, New York), St. Johns College (Annapolis, Maryland), and several smaller non-Equity houses in Cleveland, Ohio. She co-authors the Cleveland Indians blog (ItsPronouncedLajaway.com) for ESPN.com`s SweetSpot network. On the non-fiction side, Susan`s work has appeared on CoolCleveland.com and ESPN.com. She holds a master`s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Cleveland State University and lives with one husband, one daughter, and far too many dogs in a little house near some medium-sized woods.

Connect with the author at:

Website