Best of 2014

I’ve read over 150 books this year. I had thought I’d get my favorite book list below 20, but realized that was pretty impossible with the amazing books I’ve read this year. I still know I left off some amazing books, but had to cut off the list at some point.  

I’m cheating right off the bat by picking a series of books as part of my favorite reads. Thanks to my friend Jen (That’s What I’m TalkingAbout), I finally started the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews.  I read all the books currently available and absolutely loved each and every book. I actually listened to each of the books thanks to my Audible membership and it only made me fall in love with audio books even more.

Broken Blade by J. C. Daniels is the 3^rd book in the Colbana Files series. This story completely ripped me apart and I loved every single minute of the book. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Beyond Jealously by Kit Rocha is the 4^th book in the Beyond series. We finally got Rachel, Cruz, and Ace’s book and it was so worth the wait! I love each and every book and visit with the O’Kanes.

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh is the 13^th book in the Psy-Changeling series. I have to admit I didn’t know what to think when I saw it was Vasic’s book, but ended up loving this book and Vasic more than ever!

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James is Agent Vaughn’s book. Only a heroine as strong as Sidney Sinclair is strong enough for Vaughn Roberts. I felt so many emotions while reading this book and can’t wait for the next book from Julie James.

Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker is the 1^st book in the Secrets and Shadows series.  Honestly I loved this entire series. The romance was well done even when some of the subject matter was tough to read.

Cheating once again, as Carly Phillips had 3 books come out this year in her Dare to Love series. Dare to Desire, Dare to Surrender, and Dare to Submit were all amazing and I’m so glad Carly now self-pubs her books so I can get more books each year.

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis is the 5^th book in the Animal Magnetism series. As with every book from Jill Shalvis, Then Came You was a sexy romance that made me laugh out loud at times.

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12^th book in her Lucky Harbor series, and also the last full-length book in the series. I loved Tanner and Callie’s book for the same reason I loved the other books in this series. The romance is the heart of every story and Jill always makes me laugh. Luckily, we were given a Christmas gift from Ms. Shalvis as she released Merry Christmas, Baby, where we see Chloe and Sawyer become parents. Bonus we get to see pretty much everyone that has ever been in a Lucky Harbor story.

We said good-bye to the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis this year and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hours of enjoyment I’ve gotten from that series.

Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey is the 9^th and final book in the Kowalskis series. I’ve loved each book in this series, but have to say Max might just be my favorite hero in the series to date. He is so adorable!

Play by Kylie Scott is the 2^nd book in the Stage Dive series and my favorite to date. I knew Mal needed a strong woman to make a relationship work and he found it in Anne.

Barefoot in Lace by Roxanne St. Claire is the 2^nd book in the Barefoot Bay Brides series and literally made me feel every possible emotion while reading. I would laugh one minute and cry the next. Gussie’s book is one of the best books I’ve ever read from Rocki!

Where there’s a Will by Stacy Gail is the 4^th book in the Bitterhorn, Texas series. I’ve read this series out of order, which is highly unusual for me. I’ve loved both books I’ve read in this series, but I wanted Coe’s story and even when I wanted to smack him, I loved every minute of this book.

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh is book 1.5 in her new Rock Kiss series. I absolutely loved David and Thea’s book and also love this series.

Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor is the 1^st book in her McKinney Brothers series. I loved Matt and Abby’s story so much. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading and saw Abby came with a ready-made family. I usually don’t read lots of books with kids, but have to say Ms. Connor did an amazing job making the kids a part of the story. I’ve suggested this book to everyone I know who is looking for an amazing contemporary romance this year.

Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the 3^rd and final book in the O’Neil Brothers series. I’ve loved each and every book in this series, but to say Tyler and Brenna’s story is my absolute favorite. I love the friends-to-lovers story line and Ms. Morgan gave her readers the perfect story. Yet another book that pulled every emotion out of me while reading.

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo is book 6.5 in the Assassins series. Readers of this series were given the perfect holiday gift from Ms. Aleo with this book. You get to spend time with all of the couples you have come to love.

All For You by Jessica Scott is the 4^th book in her Coming Home series. We finally got Reza’s book and it was even more of an emotional roller coaster than I was expecting. I loved every minute of it even as I was cursing and crying while I read.

Only by HelenKay Dimon is the 2^nd book in her Holton Woods series. I have to say I also love Mercy, book 1, but love Bast and Kyra’s story even more.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare is the 1^st book in her Castles Ever After series. I have so much love for this story. Izzy and Ransom are absolutely perfect for one another. I’ve always enjoyed the humor and romance in Tessa Dare’s stories, but have to say Romancing the Duke is my absolute favorite one to date.

Burn for You by Marquita Valentine is the 5^th book in her Boys of the South series. I’ve wanted Beau’s book forever and have to say it is was more than worth the wait. This book is another one filled with emotions, and is my favorite book from the Boys of the South series.

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell is the 1^st book in the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club and was a book I found thanks to judging a contest.  This was my first book by Jamie Farrell, but I loved her voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

Designed For Love by Kelsey Browning is the 4^th book in her Texas Nights series. As this book was Ashton’s I really didn’t know what to expect. Her character has grown on me over the course of the series and I have to say I absolutely loved this book. Designed For Love was yet another book this year where I felt so many emotions reading.

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep is the 11^th book in her Elemental Assassin series. Gin Blanco is hands-down one of my favorite characters ever. She is the heart of this series and we learned more about her with this book. Add in Finnegan Lane to the mix, and this series is awesome.

Broken Open by Lauren Dane is the 2^nd book in the Hurley Boys series. This book was super emotional and is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved Ezra and Tuesday as a couple and have to say the Hurley Boys is one of my favorite series from Lauren Dane.

My list would not be complete without mentioning at least one book by Tiffany Reisz. However, cheating once again, as she had so many wonderful books come out in 2014. I’ll limit my picks this year to The Saint and The King. The Saint would have been my favorite read of the year, even as I wanted to kill Tiffany for part of the book, and then I read The King. Both books are so full of awesome and I wanted to re-read them both as soon as I finished reading them the first time. The Saint is the 1^st book in the White Years of the Original Sinners books and The King is the 2^nd book in the White Years. However, since the White Years are prequels to the Red Years, if you miss some of your favorite characters, Tiffany gave her readers a Christmas present on her website, Christmas in Suite 37A.

End of Year Giveaway!!!

So this year I attended Lori Foster's Reader Author Get Together, RWA conference and AAD conference. I also attended a signing in AL with Kit Rocha and other authors in October. I was able to get singed books from authors at every single signing.

I'm giving away signed books and swag that fill up 2 bags to one lucky winner. This is a US only giveaway due to shipping cost outside the country.

Signed books included in prize pack:

Back to You by Jessica Scott
Awakened by Virna DePaul
Always On My Mind by Bella Andre
Swept Away by a Kiss by Katharine Ashe
High Seduction by Vivian Arend
Silent Confessions by Julie Kenner
Dare to Surrender by Carly Phillips
Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha
Silver Mine by Vivian Arend

To be eligible to enter, leave a comment on this blog post with an email address I can use to contact the winner. I'd love it if you followed my blog as well, but do not require it to be entered. Contest runs from 12/28/14 until 1/1/15. I'll post the winner in this blog post and will email the winner.

Dare to Submit 0.99 Sale

Dare to Submit
Carly Phillips

0.99 cent sale from December 21^st – 23rd

About Dare to Submit:

NY Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family... siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper - if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda's been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Submit-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00MAODJA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419184036&sr=8-1&keywords=carly+phillips+dare+to+submit

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dare-to-submit-carly-phillips/1120316430?ean=9780989982450

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dare-to-submit-1

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dare-to-submit/id904586718?mt=11&uo=4

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Carly_Phillips_Dare_to_Submit?id=IJYmBAAAQBAJ

Don’t forget that the first book in the series, Dare to Love, is currently free!

About Dare to Love:

When it comes to family, Ian Dare gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. Until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts. He will do anything to possess her ... and does. But any future with Riley must include him dealing his half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Riley Taylor believes herself immune to domineering men - until charismatic Ian Dare turns a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and she discovers she likes his brand of control in the bedroom. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything. (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Carly-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00GQE9CXA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1418751424

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dare-to-love-carly-phillips/1117443283?ean=9780989311281

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dare-to-love-4

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dare-to-love/id725513780?mt=11&uo=4

About Carly Phillips:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites ...

Follow Carly on the web:

Website: www.carlyphillips.com

Blog: http://www.carlyphillips.com/category/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips

Eight Nights With A Hero Blog Tour

About the Book

Title:                Eight Nights with a Hero

Authors:          Dee J. Adams, Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey, Carolyn Crane, Misty Evans, Adrienne Giordano, Stacy Green, Katie Reus and Joan Swan

Publisher:        Éire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 16, 2014

Genre:             Romantic Suspense

Website:         http://eightnightswithahero.eirepublishing.com/

Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1CDpWHu 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1pQvvfR

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1v7SkfS 
All Romance: http://bit.ly/12lJZt9

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1vLcOtH

Apple: http://bit.ly/1vgaGq2

Book Summary:

Cold Nights, Hot Heroes, and Eight Deadly Secrets…

Snuggle up to 8 riveting Romantic Suspense stories involving 8 Hot Heroes from all walks of life who will do anything to protect those they love.

PLEASE NOTE: This box set will be available only through January 31, 2015!

Dee J. Adams, Award Winning Author
IMMINENT DANGER (Adrenaline Highs Series Book 5) - Bad Timing Can Cost Your Life.

“…Between the sweet and steamy romance and the heart-pounding (literally) suspense... It was such a thrill…"

Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey, Readers’ Favorite Gold Award Winning Authors
COUNTERMEASURE (Countermeasure Series Book 1) - They’ll Have To Trust Each Other In Order To Survive.

“Amidst the heartwarming and beautifully written love story was a very cleverly and intelligently constructed suspense and mystery.”

Carolyn Crane, RITA Award Winning Author
OFF THE EDGE (Undercover Associates Series Book 2) - He’s A Spy Who Uses Language To Hunt Criminals. She’s A Poet With Deadly Enemies.

"Off the Edge is such a well-crafted romantic suspense story. Full of action and sparkling chemistry between Laney and Peter, this book is so much fun to read."

Misty Evans, USA Today Bestseller
OPERATION SHEBA (Super Agent Series Book 1) - He’ll Go Under The Deepest Cover Possible to Save Her Life.

"Evans takes readers on an edge-of-your-seat thriller into the secretive world of CIA operatives. A love triangle and a mole in the agency make this one story you won't want to put down."

Adrienne Giordano, USA Today Bestseller
THE EVASION (Justifiable Cause Series Book 2) - The World Of Knock-Offs Isn’t As Frivolous As It Appears.

"Adrienne Giordano delivers everything romantic suspense readers want…"

Stacy Green, Best Selling Mystery and Thriller Author
TIN GOD (Delta Crossroads Series Book 1) - The Truth Can Be As Deadly As Any Weapon.

“Stacy Green has written an emotionally charged, thought-provoking and stunning mystery/suspense that will capture and hold you hostage until the last page is read.”

Katie Reus, New York Times - USA Today Best Seller
MIAMI, MISTLETOE, and MURDER (Red Stone Security Series Book 4) - She’ll Fight To Protect Those She Cares About. He’ll Fight To Protect Her.

“Well written and a beautiful addition to an interesting series, Miami, Mistletoe, & Murder is a great read to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night.”

Joan Swan, New York Times - USA Today Best Seller
FIRST TEMPTATION (Covert Affairs Series Book 2) - He’ll Have To Go Deep Undercover To Expose Her Darkest, Sexiest Desires.

“I love Joan Swan's writing as even in a novella she manages to capture the heart of her characters.”

*****

***GIVEAWAY INFORMATION***

There will be two tour-wide prizes (two winners, US only):

·      First Prize: $40.00 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card

·      Second Prize: Box of Swag with contributions from all the authors

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Katie Reus

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

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Blurb for Miami, Mistletoe & Murder (Red Stone Security Series, Book 4)

Fierce and sexy, former Marine Travis Sanchez has always held himself back from the rest of the world, using his tattoos and piercings as armor. But when the woman he’s wanted for months is threatened, he knows it's time to strip away the bad boy image and show her just how much he wants to be with her. As one of Red Stone Security’s best contractors, Travis is trained for almost any situation. But nothing prepares him for the most dangerous threat of all: the one to his heart.

Kind-hearted Noel Baskov’s only wish for the holidays is that her Miami coffee shop has a successful Christmas season. But her focus on work is interrupted when the family of the young girl she mentors is threatened, and the man she’s been lusting after for months steps in to handle it. Unfortunately the danger is far from over. Can this sexy and mysterious warrior protect Noel, or will he be the one to shatter her heart?

Excerpt from Miami, Mistletoe & Murder

It was nearing six, which meant she’d be closing soon so Travis picked up his pace. He passed a few people on the street, all of them bundled up wearing hats and coats, an odd sight in normally sweltering Miami. As he neared her shop, he slowed down and forced himself to get his shit together. For all he knew, she wasn’t even working. Before he’d reached the door, Noel of all people, walked out. Carrying an oversized purse and looking at her cell phone, she didn’t even glance up. He tried to move out of the way but she slammed into him.

Her purse slid off her shoulder as her head snapped back. Wide eyes met his and her mouth formed a small ‘O’ as he steadied her. He gently held her upper arms as she stared at him for a long moment. She was slender, but not exactly fragile. There was a subtle strength he’d picked up on the first time they’d met.

“Travis.” She practically breathed his name. It was like a seductive caress, but then she shook her head and that’s when he realized her pale eyes were bright with unshed tears.

He automatically tensed, hating to see any woman cry, but especially her. “What’s wrong?”

Glancing away from him, she shook her head and bent to pick up her purse.

Kneeling with her, he started gathering some of the things that had fallen out and nearly choked when his fingers wrapped around a box of condoms with a red bow wrapped around it.

“Oh my…that’s not…well, it is mine. One of my friends gave it to me as a gag gift for my birthday.” She snatched it out of his hand and shoved it into the mammoth black bag she called a purse.

Travis struggled to talk, as he always did around her. Thinking about her and condoms in the same sentence was threatening to short-circuit his brain. He hated his reaction because it made him feel like a randy teenager with a crush. Which is basically what he had on her. A giant crush. Her tan cheeks were a bright crimson as she met his gaze again. At least he didn’t see tears in her eyes anymore. He couldn’t handle the thought of her upset.

“You leaving? I thought I might catch you before you got off work.” He was pretty sure his sleep-deprived brain had taken over but he wouldn’t complain. He needed to ask her out and if she rejected him, he’d get over it and find another place to get coffee.

Her face brightened for a moment, her cheeks flushing even darker. “Really?” Before he could answer she sharply shook her head. “Uh, I’ve got to go. I don’t have time to talk right now, Travis. But I’ll see you later.” Now the stress was back, full force. It was so potent, it was practically surging off her in visible waves.

As she started to hurry down the sidewalk to the end of her building where she usually parked, he fell in step with her. “What’s going on, Noel?” He’d never seen her like this before. Normally she had a bright smile for everyone.

She gave him a guarded look and he could practically see the wheels turning in her head. He’d taken out his ear and eyebrow piercings for his last job but he still had visible tattoos and, for some reason, he felt as if she was sizing him up. Finally she sighed as they rounded the corner of the building. “I mentor as a Big Sister and Juanita, that’s my mentee’s name, called me a few minutes ago and she’s really worried. Her mother’s ex-boyfriend has been hanging around lately and she swears he’s never been abusive to her, but he’s been giving her the creeps. He only stops by when her mother is working and she said she thought she saw him drive by more than once.”

Adrenaline punched through him. Noel was tall and lean with a runner’s body so she wasn’t some fragile thing, but still… “You’re going over there by yourself?”

She shot him an annoyed glance. “Yeah.”

“Do you know anything about this guy? If he has a record, or possible weapons or—”

“I don’t know anything other than Juanita is scared. I tried calling the cops but they said they couldn’t do anything other than send a patrol car down the street.”

He admired her protective response but he wasn’t letting her walk into a situation like this alone. “I’m going with you,” he said as they reached her green, four-door hybrid car.

“Excuse me?” She looked up at him now, her keys dangling from her left hand.

Bending down, he lifted his pants pocket where he had a weapon holstered. “I have a permit and you already know who I work for. What harm can it do to have me along? If the guy is there, chances are he’ll be more apt to walk away if I’m with you.” People tended not to fuck with him because of his outward appearance. And if they did anyway, they learned fast that he fought dirty and took down his enemies any way he could. When she bit her bottom lip but didn’t respond, he continued. “Think about what’s best for Juanita.”

At those words, he could see the decision made in her eyes. Even though she still looked slightly unsure, she nodded. “Get in.”