Full Package / Joy Stick by Lauren Blakely - Double Cover Reveal

From the NYT Bestselling author of BIG ROCK and MISTER O, comes two brand new, hot and hilarious standalone romantic comedies…

FULL PACKAGE and JOY STICK!

 

Readers will find witty dialogue, smoking hot sex scenes, and heartfelt moments in these side-splitting romantic comedies, mixed with the dirty-talking, gifted heroes we’ve come to love from Lauren Blakely! FULL PACKAGE is set to release on January 9, 2017, and JOY STICK is coming your way in May 2017! Check out these fantastic covers designed by Helen Williams with photography by Rob Lang.

 

From the New York Times Bestselling author of MISTER O and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

Hey, I don’t just mean in my pants. I’ve got a big brain too, and a huge heart of gold. And I like to use all my gifts to the fullest, the package included. Life is smooth sailing....

Until I find myself stuck between a rock and a sexy roommate, which makes for one very hard…place.

Because scoring an apartment in this city is harder than finding true love. So even if I have to shack up with my buddy’s smoking hot and incredibly amazing little sister, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

I can resist Josie. I’m disciplined, I’m focused, and I keep my hands to myself, even in the mere five-hundred square feet we share. Until the one night she insists on sliding under the covers with me. It’ll help her sleep after what happened that day, she says.

Surprise—neither one of us sleeps.

And even though we agree to return to roomies-without-benefits, I quickly realize I want more than someone to split the utilities with. Now all I want is to spend every night—and every day—with my gorgeous roommate.

Did I mention she’s also one of my best friends? That she’s brilliant, beautiful and a total firecracker? Guess that makes her the full package too.

What’s a man stuck in a hard place to do?

 

Pre-Order FULL PACKAGE (Releasing January 9, 2016)

✦ iBooks ➙ http://tinyurl.com/FullPackageLB

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Let’s be honest, ladies. A good man is a lot like the perfect car. You want a hot body, an engine that purrs, and superior performance under the hood. You probably also crave a ride that can go all night long.

I’m at your service. Come and ride on my Joy Stick…

That's what I like to say to the ladies. Or I would if I were total pig. It's far too easy in this world to strut around like a peacock when you’ve got all these other features in your favor. But just like the custom cars I build with class and sophistication, that’s how I treat my women.

Don’t worry. I absolutely do my best work dirty…both in the shop, and between the sheets. Work and play — that’s what my life has been, and I f&*king love it. I’m completely, 100% driven. Until one woman comes along and throws a wrench in my plans. The one woman I should absolutely, positively never take for a joy ride.

Now that's all I want to do with her…she’s so far off-limits, but that’s exactly where I want to go with her.

Get ready for a wild ride…

 

Pre-Order JOY STICK (Coming May 2017)

✦ Exclusive iBooks Pre-Order ➙ http://tinyurl.com/JoyStickLB

✦ Goodreads➙ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30640850-joy-stick

 

Don’t Miss All of Lauren’s Romantic Comedies written from the Male POV!

BIG ROCK (Now Available)

MISTER O (Now Available)

WELL HUNG (Releasing September 12, 2016)

 

 

Lauren Blakely’s Romantic Comedy Celebration!

August 24-September 1, 2016*

Win a Kindle Fire loaded with Lauren Blakely’s complete collection* of currently released titles, as well as some of Lauren’s favorite romantic comedies!

*Does not include WELL HUNG, FULL PACKAGE or JOY STICK, Winner will be announced first week of September.

To enter to win, simply subscribe to Lauren’s newsletter here:

http://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenBlakely

  About Lauren Blakely: Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With ten New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than fifty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK and MISTER O, which were both instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she'll release WELL HUNG, another romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter: laurenblakely.com/newsletter. Links: Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3 Newsletter: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/ FULL PACKAGE Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30283662-full-package JOY STICK Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30640850-joy-stick Lauren Blakely Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely  

The Sapphire Heist by Lauren Blakely - Release and Review

 

✮✮✮ THE SAPPHIRE HEIST is here! The highly anticipated conclusion of New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely’s new contemporary romance Jewel Novel series, this enemies-to-lovers series is filled with sex, wit, glamour, and high stakes, with a rugged, ex-military, dirty-talking alpha hero! Don’t miss this explosive and passionate series! ✮✮✮

 

EXCERPT

He grabbed her waist and slammed her close. Her breath caught. He nipped her earlobe.
“Admit it,” he growled. “Admit I am masterful at darts. Then, and only then, will I accept your rematch offer.” 

She shook her head and made a move to reach for the dart in his hand. Like she was trying to subtly snatch it away. He clamped his palm around it and raised an eyebrow.
“You trying to pickpocket me?” 

“If pickpocketing from your hand counts, then yes. I was.” 

“You need a lesson in proper pickpocketing then, woman. You’re too obvious. Like you were in the alley earlier today.” 

“You’re telling me you know how to pick pockets, too?” She narrowed her eyes, skepticism in her tone as she grabbed her iced tea from the nearby counter and took a drink. 

He laughed. “I do. I don’t do it often, but it’s a useful skill.” 

She put down the glass, then parked her hands on her hips, hiking up her purse on her shoulder. “Teach me.” 

“Can’t really teach you everything in one night, but it’s all about the art of deception,” he said as he led her back to the dartboard. Grabbing a dart from the green felt, he raised it and took aim at the bull’s-eye. Her gaze followed the dart. “That means you need to get the person to look elsewhere, like at the dartboard.” 

She nodded and stared at the dartboard. For one second. Two seconds. Three. Then it dawned on her. When she snapped her focus back to him, he brandished her wallet. 

“You got that from my purse,” she said, stomping a foot. 

“I sure did. But that was the point. To show you how it’s done.” 

“OK,” she said, wiggling her fingers. “Let me try.” 

He taught her a few basic distraction tricks, and she practiced on him, dipping her hands in his pockets and trying to pilfer his watch. She was no pro, and he was aware of her moves every time. But her technique improved with the brief lesson. However, the constant gliding of her hands into his pockets zapped his focus away from teaching and onto the next phase of tonight. 

“That’s all for today’s lesson,” he said, since he had no more interest in being out with her. “Need to get you alone now.” 

Her eyes told him she wanted that, too. “Let’s say good night to Marie.” 

She’d been busy all evening pulling the tap and pouring drinks, so he drummed his fingertips against the bar, tipped an imaginary hat to her, and waved good-bye. But she beckoned them over. “Hey. You found your sexy fisherman,” Marie said to Steph, flicking her long braid off her shoulder so it hung down her back. She turned to Jake. “And you found my favorite mermaid.” 

“We did find each other,” Steph said in a sweet voice that nailed him right in the heart. We found each other.Those words. They pulsed with double meaning.

 Review

(by Cindy)

Review (by Cindy)

"Sapphire Heist" is the delightful conclusion to Lauren Blakey’s Jewel series.

"Sapphire Heist" picks up right where "Sapphire Affair" leaves off, with Steph questioning her alliance (and her tryst) with Jake. 

Driven first by their physical attraction, and then ultimately by mutual interest, Jake and Steph join forces to find out what has happened to $10 million worth of stolen precious blue diamonds. But their reasons for wanting to recover the diamonds couldn’t be more different. For Jake, search and recovery is his job. A job he relies on to help support his siblings, and while that’s certainly personal for Jake, Steph’s reasons hit even closer to home. 

For her, the man suspected of stealing the diamonds is also the man Steph has called “dad” for most of her life. He’s also the man who eventually deserted their family, taking all of the financial resources with him. Steph’s reason for being in the Cayman Islands isn’t the diamonds or who has them. She’s here on behalf of her mother to appeal to her step-father Eli’s sense of right and wrong, but when he summarily dismisses the notion, Steph decides that helping Jake recover millions of dollars in stolen diamonds may be the only way to restore her mother’s financial stability.

I loved the multiple facets of connection the author created between these two characters. Their cat-and-mouse antics and witty banter was both funny and endearing, and their off-the-charts red-hot physical attraction was as sizzling as a Cayman sunset. I found myself repeatedly swept away by the author’s descriptive writing. Whether the characters were snorkeling in the waters of Cayman, hiding in an attic of a local church, or satisfying a sweet tooth in a village café, Lauren Blakely’s gift for building a scene put me right there with them. 

The "Jewel" series is a fun and sexy summer read. Funny, with enough intrigue and shell game antics to keep the reader turning page after page. It’s just the kind of précis that romantic comedy movies are made of!

Five “I want a movie” stars!

THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR & THE SAPPHIRE HEIST are being released by Montlake, which is an Amazon publishing company, and will only be available for sale at Amazon. You can download a free Kindle reading app for any smartphone or tablet here: http://amzn.to/1MIyrHi

**THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR & THE SAPPHIRE HEIST are available for free on Kindle Unlimited!**

   

ABOUT THE SAPPHIRE HEIST (Jewel Novel #2):

Keep your lover close and your enemy closer…

After giving in to a fiery night of passion, island adventurer Steph Anderson and bounty hunter Jake Harlowe are back to square one. With millions in stolen jewels at stake, it’s hard for Steph not to question her new partner’s true motives—no matter how sexy he might be. Jake is hungry for more of Steph, but he can sense her growing mistrust, which only fuels his own doubts. Worse, there’s undeniable evidence that someone else is now after the jewels—and that they are both in real danger.

Fighting against their magnetic attraction is a distraction these two can’t afford. In order to survive, they’ll have to pull off one more heist—and trust each other with something even more precious than jewels: their hearts.

   

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ Amazon Paperback ✦ Amazon AU ✦ Amazon CA

✦ Audiobook (narrated by Sebastian York)

   

And Don’t Miss the First Book, THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR, now available!

Order your copy today!

 

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ Amazon Paperback ✦ Amazon AU ✦ Amazon CA

✦ Audiobook (narrated by Sebastian York)

         

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About Lauren Blakely: Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With ten New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Strelaurenblakely.com/newsletter.  
et Journal Bestseller Lists more than fifty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK and MISTER O, which were both instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she’ll release WELL HUNG, another romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR Goodreads |THE SAPPHIRE HEIST Goodreads |Lauren Blakely Goodreads   

Close to You by Kristen Proby - Release Day Post with Excerpt (Review by Cindy)

 

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new Fusion Series from William Morrow, she seduces readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you CLOSE TO YOU, the second book in the Fusion Series! CLOSE TO YOU brings readers the next story in this amazing cast of characters. Grab your copy of CLOSE TO YOU today and check out the special offer below!

   

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want…or so she thinks.

After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

Order Your Copy Today!

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Excerpt

PROLOGUE
 ~Landon~
 “Are you packed?” my sister, Mia, asks through the phone. Her voice is husky with sleep, which makes sense since it’s the middle of the night back home in Portland, Oregon.
 “I leave tomorrow, Mia. Of course I’m not packed.” She snickers. I just finished up my last debriefing meeting, my last day as an officer in the Navy. I grip the zipper of my flight uniform and sigh. “It’s not right.”
 “I know,” she says quietly. “But you’re safe and whole, and you could be dead, Landon, so I’ll take it.”

I frown, staring at myself in the mirror as I unzip my uniform for the last time. I’ll never wear it again, never pilot a plane again.
 What the fuck am I supposed to do now? The Navy gave me options, but if I can’t fly, there’s no sense in it. Flying isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.
 “You’re overthinking,” Mia says.
 “I’m a pilot, Mia. This is what I love. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.”
 “You’re alive,” she says.
 “Am I?” I murmur, then shake my head and wince at the neck pain that still nags me from time to time.

Ejecting from an F- 16 will cause a crick in the neck. And a loss of an inch in height that may never return, along with an entire Naval career.
 Son of a bitch.
 “This has been the longest four months of our lives, Landon. We’re all anxious to see you.”
 “I’ll be home in a few days,” I reply as I pull a T- shirt over my head and throw the last of my belongings in a box that the Navy will have sent to me from Italy.
 I loved being in Italy for the past few years, and God knows I didn’t plan to leave it like this.
 But I am. Maybe Mia’s right; at least I’m alive and I can walk and live a normal life.
 I just can’t fly.
 And that’s what hurts more than any injury from the crash.
 “What time should I come get you from the airport?”
 “No need,” I reply, regretting calling my sister and waking her up. I just didn’t know what else to do when I came in here and was faced with boxes and the end of a career I love. “I’ll get there.”
 “Landon— ”
 “It’s okay, really. I’ll see you in a few days.”
 “Be safe,” she says. “And, Landon?”
 “Yeah.”
 “It’s going to be okay.”
 I force a grin and a nod, though she can’t see either. “Of course it is.”
 We say our good- byes and I sit on the edge of the bed, scrub my hands over my face, and take a deep breath. I hope she’s right.

Review

(By Cindy)

Close to You is the standalone second book in the Fusion Series by Kristen Proby, and it’s Cami’s story. Can I just say, I am absolutely LOVING this series! The fun thing about a Kristen Proby series is that the characters from past books make return appearances, so it’s like catching up with old friends. I love that about this author.

Best friends Addie, Cami, Mia, Riley and Kat own Seduction, the trendiest new restaurant in Portland. These are some of the strongest female characters I’ve read from this author. Each woman brings her own kind of intelligence and determination to the table. Every one of them has her own distinct disposition, but it’s the unique personalities that make them so fascinating.  I love the fact that they aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. It’s also no secret that they love and care for one another deeply, and are willing to do whatever it takes when it comes to having the others’ back. I think it’s the kind of friendship every woman wishes for.

Landon is Mia’s brother. Recently discharged from the Navy after an airplane injury that left him unable to fly, Landon has come comes home to Portland to mend - physically and emotionally. When Cami pays him a welcome home visit, Landon is quickly reminded why he left in the first place. Cami has had a schoolgirl crush on her friend’s older brother since forever, and the attraction was definitely mutual. Except Cami is no longer a schoolgirl – a fact that comes immediately front and center the minute they lay eyes on one another.

The roles of Cami and Landon were somewhat different than other contemporary romance stories.  Landon didn’t come across as the usual alpha male character I generally expect to find. Oh, he definitely has confidence, and there are certainly times when his Naval Pilot instincts kick in, but Landon has a soft, amenable side – a quality that definitely shines through when it comes to Cami.

Cami, on the other hand, is assertive and headstrong. She’s smart, and definitely full of sass. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it. Except, of course, when it comes to Landon. In that department, she’s clearly allowing her head to guard her heart.

At the risk of spoiling the ending, Cami and Landon eventually find their way. And that’s the thing I can always count on from Kristen Proby. Her characters struggle – even argue – but they always find their way, growing in the process. There was a little less predictably this time, though. And, yes, there were tears, both sad and happy. In the end, though, Landon and Cami got their HEA, and I got mine. 

Five <sigh> stars.

Order CLOSE TO YOU during release week, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Exclusive Short Story, GROW WITH ME, featuring Will and Meg from Kristen Proby’s PLAY WITH ME in the With Me in Seattle Series after Release Week!

And Don’t Miss the First Novel in the Fusion Series, LISTEN TO ME!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo

      

About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.         

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CLOSE TO YOU Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

         

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SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT from Author Aleatha Romig

FIRST TIME EVER - All FIVE Consequences novels together in one set!   Aleatha Romig, New York Times bestselling author took the world by storm with Anthony Rawlings, Claire Nichols, and her acclaimed Consequences Series.   It has been branded “as a genre of its own” with “masterful storytelling that will keep you biting your nails and furiously flipping the pages to finally get to the emotional, jaw-dropping conclusion.” This box set includes the following five full-length novels: CONSEQUENCES: Claire Nichols wakes in an unfamiliar mansion and discovers that she’s at the mercy of billionaire Anthony Rawlings. To the rest of the world he’s charismatic and generous. It doesn’t take Claire long to learn that something more sinister lies beneath his polished facade. As time passes, Claire survives, and her strength penetrates Tony’s veneer, igniting passion where only fear had existed. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the question becomes clear...Is anything as it appears? TRUTH: After enduring Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta, Claire is faced with the consequences of her new freedom. With the help of old and new friends, she strategizes to rebuild her life and learn the truth of the past. Secrets are revealed, true foes are exposed, and Tony admits his true feelings. Claire must decide who she believes—who is telling the TRUTH? CONVICTED: Facing her oldest fear, Claire learns the true meaning of isolation. Who can rescue her from this nightmare? Tony? Harry? Phil? Or perhaps a more unlikely savior? Will it happen in time, or will the consequences of the revealed truths be more than she or anyone can handle? As the cards are played, who will win the game? REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS The complete showing of the missing years as told by Tony, Phil, Harry, John, and Brent. Experience Tony's consequences for his role in the past.This is NOT a companion, but a full length novel.   BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES: The consequences have been paid, dearly by some. Enjoy a look into the future of the Rawlings world. **This box set is a significant savings over buying Consequences, Truth, Convicted, Revealed, and Beyond the Consequences individually.   ***The Behind His Eyes Companions are not included in the box set. It contains the FIVE full length novels. Enjoy the Consequences!

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams! Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These standalone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat. In the fall of 2015, Aleatha will move head first into the world of dark romance with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series. Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK| AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

 

Close to You by Kristen Proby - Excerpt and Review

 

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new Fusion Series from William Morrow, she seduces readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you CLOSE TO YOU, the second book in the Fusion Series! CLOSE TO YOU brings readers the next story in this amazing cast of characters. Pre-order your copy of CLOSE TO YOU today and check out the special offer below!

 

Kristen Proby’s CLOSE TO YOU Tour Schedule

August 1

Brittany's Book Blog-Excerpt Collector of book boyfriends-Review Love Affair With Fiction-Review & Excerpt Mommys naughty playground-Review Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads-Review Stephanie's Sexy Reads-Review & Excerpt

August 2

East Coast Book Chicks-Review Literary Gossip-Review & Excerpt Movies, Shows & Books-Excerpt My One True Obsession-Excerpt Two Book Pushers-Review T&G Book Boutique-Excerpt

August 3

Fiction Fangirls-Review Book Bitches Blog-Review Greyland Reviews-Excerpt Naughty and Nice Book Blog-Review & Excerpt The Book Reading Gals-Excerpt The Flare Up-Excerpt

August 4

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews-Review & Excerpt Krista's Dust Jacket-Review & Excerpt Oh My Growing TBR-Review & Excerpt She Hearts Books-Review V's Reads-Review Nose Stuck in a Book-Review & Excerpt

August 5

My Girlfriend's Couch-Review & Excerpt Renee Entress's Blog-Review & Excerpt Reviews by Tammy and Kim-Review & Excerpt Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews-Review & Excerpt The Smut-Brarians-Review & Excerpt What Is That Book About-Excerpt

August 6

As You Wish Reviews-Review & Excerpt BFD Book Blog-Review & Excerpt Smut Book Junkie Reviews-Review & Excerpt Scandalous Book Blog-Review & Excerpt Cocktails and Books-Except Reese's Reviews-Excerpt

August 7

Book Angel Booktopia-Review Gi's Spot Reviews-Excerpt Reading Between the Wines Book Club-Excerpt PrincessReads-Review & Excerpt Talking Books Blog-Excerpt The Silver Dagger Scriptorium-Excerpt

August 8

A Sky Filled With Sparkling Stars Blog-Excerpt Books, Coffee & Passion-Excerpt Read Love Blog-Review & Excerpt Shh moms reading-Review Under the Covers-Review & Excerpt The Book Avenue-Review & Excerpt

    
EXCERPT

~Cami~

“I can’t believe that we’re expanding already,” Riley says, eyeing Mia’s wine. “We’ve been open less than a year.”

“And we’re bursting at the seams,” I reply. “With Jake packing in crowds every weekend, and word spreading of what a fun, sexy place this is, our wait times are too long. I’ve made graphs and spreadsheets. Needing to expand isn’t a bad thing.”

“I agree,” Addie says with a nod. “And I think we’d be packing in people with or without Jake. Just don’t tell him I said that.”

Jake Knox is Addie’s husband, and a former rock star who’s been playing at Seduction on the weekends. His voice is pure sex, and is perfect for the atmosphere of our place.

“Oh God, she brought graphs,” Mia says, hanging her head in her hand. “This is all a foreign language to me.”

“I was able to talk the former owners next door down far enough that we can pay cash for the space,” I say, ignoring Mia, and pass around the report I typed up last night after Riley left and I couldn’t sleep. I’ve attached the graphs and spreadsheets to the back.

“We don’t have to take out a loan?” Kat asks, surprised. “That’s awesome.”

“You are such a great financial officer, Cami,” Mia says with a smile. “I used to hate your budgets, but it’s exactly what we needed.”

I grin. Mia’s disgust over my budgets was never a secret. The passionate chef has thrown many a spatula at my head when I told her she couldn’t have more money for extra truffles.

“Honestly, my only concern is time,” Addie says. “I don’t have time to oversee construction. I know that Mia practically lives in the kitchen, and with Kat running the bar and Riley dealing with marketing, who’s going to take the lead on this?”

“I agree, and honestly, now that Seduction is my only client, I have the time to take on the project.” I fold my hands over the folder and take a deep breath. As of two months ago, I closed my other CPA business and am now exclusively devoted to Seduction. Not that I wasn’t before, but a girl can handle working sixteen- hour days for only so long before she starts to go a little nutty.

“Are you sure?” Riley asks. “It’s going to be a busy few months.”

“I’m sure.”

“Awesome,” Mia says. “You and Landon will do a great job.”

“Excuse me?”

“Landon.” Mia grins and nods toward the entrance, where Landon is walking our way. “He’s taking the lead on the construction side.”

“Hi, ladies,” Landon says as he joins us. “I hear you have a project for me.”

“We have a construction crew we work with,” I sputter, but Mia just grins knowingly.

“Dad’s thinking of retiring, and Landon’s taking up some of the slack,” she says. “We’ll have the same crew, but Landon will be in charge of it.”

“Cami’s going to be in charge,” Addie informs him. “So anything you need, you just call her.”
“Great,” he replies, and I finally glance up at him only to find him watching me with those shining blue eyes. “I promise to go easy on you.”

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want...or so she thinks.

After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

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REVIEW (by Cindy)

Close to You is the standalone second book in the Fusion Series by Kristen Proby, and it’s Cami’s story. Can I just say, I am absolutely LOVING this series! The fun thing about a Kristen Proby series is that the characters from past books make return appearances, so it’s like catching up with old friends. I love that about this author.

Best friends Addie, Cami, Mia, Riley and Kat own Seduction, the trendiest new restaurant in Portland. These are some of the strongest female characters I’ve read from this author. Each woman brings her own kind of intelligence and determination to the table. Every one of them has her own distinct disposition, but it’s the unique personalities that make them so fascinating.  I love the fact that they aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. It’s also no secret that they love and care for one another deeply, and are willing to do whatever it takes when it comes to having the others’ back. I think it’s the kind of friendship every woman wishes for.

Landon is Mia’s brother. Recently discharged from the Navy after an airplane injury that left him unable to fly, Landon has come comes home to Portland to mend - physically and emotionally. When Cami pays him a welcome home visit, Landon is quickly reminded why he left in the first place. Cami has had a schoolgirl crush on her friend’s older brother since forever, and the attraction was definitely mutual. Except Cami is no longer a schoolgirl – a fact that comes immediately front and center the minute they lay eyes on one another.

The roles of Cami and Landon were somewhat different than other contemporary romance stories.  Landon didn’t come across as the usual alpha male character I generally expect to find. Oh, he definitely has confidence, and there are certainly times when his Naval Pilot instincts kick in, but Landon has a soft, amenable side – a quality that definitely shines through when it comes to Cami.

Cami, on the other hand, is assertive and headstrong. She’s smart, and definitely full of sass. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it. Except, of course, when it comes to Landon. In that department, she’s clearly allowing her head to guard her heart.

At the risk of spoiling the ending, Cami and Landon eventually find their way. And that’s the thing I can always count on from Kristen Proby. Her characters struggle – even argue – but they always find their way, growing in the process. There was a little less predictably this time, though. And, yes, there were tears, both sad and happy. In the end, though, Landon and Cami got their HEA, and I got mine. 

Five <sigh> stars.

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  About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.      

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