Tag Archives: contemporary

Author Showcase/Review of “Common Grounds (A Destiny Romance)” – S.J. Maylee

 
 
 
*Common Grounds was originally published in the now unavailable Just Desserts Collection.
It has been re-released with extended scenes.*
Be Warned: light BDSM, public exhibition
 
While Kate Sanderson mixes batter and pumps buttercream inside her tasty creations at the West Egg restaurant, she dreams about two things: owning a bakery and finding a man capable of satisfying her every desire. Mark Larosa designs little masterpieces daily at his tiny barista station at the local Star Coffee and he tailors each drink to the customer. The only cup he can’t seem to get right is for the sassy baker, Kate. He’s determined to give her what she really wants.
When a new building goes up across the street, the pair trip over each other trying to grab the last unit before a chain restaurant claims their dream. To get what they crave, they might have to work together and find the elusive common ground.
 
 
 
  

 

“Mark! I was hoping you’d make it.” Sam crossed the room and barrel-hugged him.

“Sorry I’m late. I went to the club first.” He caught Kate’s gaze from across the room. The man looked more delicious than she remembered. His V-neck shirt hugged his upper body in a way that made her envious.

“Well, you’re here now, buddy. Come on in. Kate has a spread for us. You can take your pick.”

She coughed to hide her gasp and made her way out to the back patio. The evening had yet to cool, but she still shivered. Hiding was not how she intended to handle things. Facing him now after thinking about him all day wasn’t an option either.

The small wooden platform was normally her oasis except the muffled sounds of the party inside wouldn’t let her forget where she was. Their corner lot didn’t offer them privacy but they couldn’t argue with the location. They were in the center of everything. She turned around and found the cause of her troubles coming outside. Her gaze shot to ten different places, anywhere but him.

“Just the woman I was looking for.” He closed the door behind him and then crossed the deck in an easy stride.

“Excuse me.” She stepped to get around him. A quiver rolled through her belly. “I was just going back inside.”

“I’ve been searching for you all night.” He blocked her path. “I’d hoped to find you at the club tonight.”

“Why?” He probably wanted a repeat performance. Her thoughts filled with all the naughty things he could do if he came closer. She shook her head. No way was she letting this guy near her again. Falling fast and getting her heart stomped was not on her to-do list.

“I wanted to apologize.” The low tone of his voice sank deep into her senses.

“That’s unnecessary. Not everyone can make a good cup of coffee.” She gazed into his deep blue eyes. Her pussy warmed at the sight of him. She shuffled back until she reached the railing, needing to keep her thoughts clear and her heart away from becoming easy pickings.

“What?” He stepped in next to her, clearly not deterred.

“I hope you have other skills because I don’t think you have a future in coffee.” She grabbed hold of the patio ledge. The lie sounded catty, but she hoped it would do the trick and cement a wall between them.

“I see.” He looked her up and down. “You’re one of those girls.”

She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “If you mean smart enough to stay away from players like you, then yes, I am one of those girls.” She put her hands on her hips.

He removed all the space between them. His thigh brushed hers. “Well, I tried one of your croissants today.”

“And?” She sucked on her bottom lip and pressed out her breasts.

“It was okay.” He leaned over her. His lips were within reach.

“What? That’s ludicrous. My baking is far from just okay.” She took a step forward, intending to put distance between them. He didn’t let her get away. When her body met his warm strength, she melted and moaned from somewhere deep within.

“I’ll tell you what’s ludicrous.” He grabbed her ass. “All the effort it’s taking you to deny what you feel when you see me.” The tone of his voice chipped away at the last of her reserve.

“That’s crap.” She pushed on his chest and got nowhere. “You didn’t even want to talk to me at your coffee house.”

“That’s not true. It doesn’t count if you didn’t want to be recognized.” He tapped the end of her nose.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She swatted at his hand.

“I have an idea.”

“I can hardly wait to hear it.” She grabbed the ledge on either side of her.

“How about you leave all the fancy baking behind and stick with something simple, like a donut?”

“Is that so?”

“It is. You disagree?” He brought his lips close to hers.

“Donuts require finesse, actually. A trait I manage skillfully. I’ll tell you what.” She licked her lips. “I’ll make you one of my cronuts. Do you even know what that is?” She couldn’t remember ever letting a guy get her this worked up. Just the thought of him standing in her kitchen had goosebumps dancing up her back.

“I do. It’s some kind of croissant-doughnut.” He inched closer, removing all the space between them.

“It’s fried decadence that will blow your mind.” The heat building inside cracked through her barriers. She raised her leg and pressed her pussy along his hard cock.

“Is that an invitation?” He took a deep breath and rocked against her.

“To eat? Absolutely.” She licked her bottom lip.

 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 


Mark stated that he was a different kind of Dom and his actions reflected the declaration. Case in point: Kate wasn’t collared at the club but he still asked permission to taste her aka kiss her. You could view this as sweet or you could view it as uncharacteristic behavior of a dominant male. Maybe he was attempting to be a gentlemen. If that was the case, then I vote for sweet. 

 
However, he asked permission again later on in another scene so maybe he needs to work on staying true to a Dom’s role. Oh, I think it’s important to note Kate pointed out his lack of Dom behavior in a conversation as well.  
 

As for the bom chicka wah wah moments, Mark and Kate did get it on several times in the work place. Together and solo. All I can say is he better have washed up first before returning to his Barista duties and she better have sanitized her kitchen. 🙂

 
In all seriousness, any scene with them was explosive. For a short story, I think you’ll like the creativity S.J. was able to pull off without the scenes seeing flat or unfinished. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 
 

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND BOOKS BY S.J. MAYLEE:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon US CA UK| Barnes & Noble | Nook UK
| BookStrand | Smashwords | iTunes

 

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Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery (Book Review)

 
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To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!
 
Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.
 
Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?
 
 
 
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REVIEW 
 
 
Jonny and Madeline both have hearts of gold. Sweet, caring people who put others before themselves. Ex: Jonny paid and helped organize his only sister’s wedding. He donated toys he carved with his own two hands to the holiday toy drive. He also adopted an 8 year old dog, Raven. A dog everyone thought would be hard to place. Not so hard when bighearted Jonny was asked to take care of her and the two of them bonded. And Madeline? She put the happiness of her client’s over a quick, easy buck. Plus, she helped organize Ginger’s (Jonny’s sister) wedding for free. Well, actually she asked Jonny to donate the money he was going to give her to a charity. See, a heart of gold!! 
 
As loving and sweet as these two were, they weren’t my two favorite characters from the story. Oh no, that prize goes out to my two feisty gals — Gladys and Eddie. These two women, of a more mature age, run a public access tv show where they actually got viewers to vote on whose naked butt they were featuring. And through some teasing about a butt double on one of Blaze’s movies, they had managed to get the actor to drop trou. Man, these women are a total hoot and I can see myself behaving like them when I reach my golden years. LOOOOOOOVE THEM!! 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 AMAZON PURCHASE LINKS:
 Hardcover – Kindle – 
 

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A Bad Boy for Christmas by Jessica Lemmon (Book Review)

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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.
 
 
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 REVIEW
 
Who doesn’t adore romantic, sexy, and sweet leading men…. Connor was the ultimate dream man and Faith happened to be the woman who captured his heart. 
 
Unlike most romance stories where the man is gun shy on love, in A Bad Boy for Christmas, it was the heroine who was scared about falling in love; timid about being in a relationship.
 
Connor broke through her walls and Faith learned she wasn’t cursed in the love department after all. 
 
My only complaint with the love story was the lack of clarification on the age difference. Several times, it was mentioned. Even the word “cougar” was thrown out there. I know Faith hadn’t reached menopausal age yet and Connor was at least of drinking age so how big of an age gap are we looking at.
 
I hate unanswered questions so I am curious how many years separate these two lovebirds. The years between them meant nothing to them in the scheme of things, but still, Jessica kept mentioning it so it bugged me. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
BUY NOW @ AMAZON:  Paperback / Kindle

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Interview with Carol Rose

Welcome, Carol Rose!!
 
 
 
For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
 
(Carol) A longtime romance reader, I started writing as a relief from the rigors of graduate school. I’m now a therapist and I write contemporary romance. I love doing both!
 
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(Carol) When I run into a block, I’ve learned that I must have previously taken a wrong turn in my writing. If I go back and sort out the previous few scenes, I usually find the right path for my characters.
 
Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
 
(Carol) Other than seeing clients, I love to read, to eat cheesecake(when I allow myself this treat) and to travel to big cities! My husband and I love visiting NYC! He sometimes teases me that he wants to move to an empty corn field somewhere and loves my immediate refusal to follow.
 
I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
 
(Carol) Those closest to me know I write, but most aren’t readers. Only my daughters routinely dive into books. Warms my heart.
 
Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
 
(Carol) Wow! Narrowing it to ten will be difficult. I recently love Cherrie Lynn, Maisey Yates, Kristen Ashley and Tammy Faulkner. Kathern Shaw (a critique partner) always amuses me. I really enjoy Kristan Higgins, Meg Cabot and Jill Shalvis. Classic favorites are Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart.
 
If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
 
(Carol) I’d love to see one of Georgette Heyer’s detective novels(which always include a romance!) like “Why Shoot A Butler?”
 
Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
 
(Carol) I’m finishing the Swaggered, 3rd book in my new Blue Collar Boys series. Smooched will launch in early November, 2015! I’m very excited about these sexy guys!
 
Purchase Link @Amazon

 

Book Summary 

When Case Thompson’s oldest brother and his wife die in a car accident, Case is stunned to learn that they had chosen him as the guardian for their 8 year old daughter Kaylie. Never much of a family guy, Case soon finds himself packing school lunches and helping with homework. In addition to Kaylie, his brother left him in charge of Scruffy Boys Architectural Salvage, the family business. Just as Case is getting the hang of dealing with accounts during the day and PTA meetings at night, Merritt Morgan, his deceased sister-in-law’s twin rolls into town determined to take an active role in Kaylie’s life. 
Dr. Merritt Morgan regrets the gulf she allowed to grow between her and her twin sister Annie after their mother’s death. While she can’t fix past mistakes, she’s determined to change things with Kaylie. But first she needs to overcome Case’s skepticism that she deserves a place in Kaylie’s life. Easier said than done when it comes to Case Thompson who is both stubborn and steaming hot and makes her feel things that no other man has ever made her feel.
Against her father’s wishes, she takes a leave of absence from her medical residency to grow closer to her twin’s daughter. But she’s unprepared for the way the handsome Case makes her feel and the memories of her sister. Can they overcome the past? Will Case learn to trust Merritt with his dead brother’s child?

 
Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
 
(Carol) My books are currently available on Amazon where they are temporarily part of Kindle Unlimited. I expect they’ll soon be available again through Barnes and Noble, Ibooks and most Smashwords outlets. Start with any!
 
Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
 
(Carol) I love interacting with fans and send out a monthly newsletter to encourage this. I can always be reached through my website carolrosebooks.com, by email carolrose2@hotmail.com and Twitter @carolrosebooks.
 
Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Carol) I always want to hear from readers! Tell me what you think! Give me suggestions.
 
Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoyed my Q&A with Carol Rose. If you have any questions of your own or comments for Carol, by all means, leave her a message below. 

Thank you in advance for your visit!

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Sacked by Jen Frederick (Book Review)

 
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What he wants he gets…

 Knox Masters is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Warrior. Champion. And…virgin. Knox knows what he wants–and he gets it. All American Football player? Check. NFL pros scouting him? Check. Now, he’s set his sight on two things. The national title. And Ellie Campbell. Sure, she’s the sister of his fellow teammate, but that’s not going to stop him. Especially not when he’s convinced Ellie is the one.

…but he’s never met her before.

But Ellie isn’t as sure. She’s trying to start a new life and she’s not interested in a relationship…with anyone. Beside it’s not just her cardinal rule of never dating her brother’s teammates that keeps her away, but Ellie has a dark secret that would jeopardize everything Knox is pursuing.

Knox has no intention of losing. Ellie has no intention of giving in.

 
 
—–> REVIEW <—–
 
From the cover, to the characters, to the love scenes, this book is hot….hot…HOT!!
 
Jen delivered a combination of sexiness, sweetness, and humor that had me turning the pages at record speeds. 
 
If you like football or romantic tales, then you’ll absolutely fall head over heels in love with Sacked. 
 
Trust me, this is a book you won’t want to put down!! 
 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 

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