Friday, May 31, 2013

Bookcation Event: Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Welcome back travel buddies! Now Robin Bielman is taking us on a trip to not one, but four different destinations while joining us with her book, Kissing the Maid of Honor. Enjoy!


Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be here as part of RBtWBC’s Bookcation Summer Event! Thanks very much for having me, Crystal. I have to come clean, though. I, uh, don’t drink wine. Not because I wouldn’t like to, but because I don’t like the taste! I’ve tried and tried and nothing has perked up my taste buds. Now a Malibu and pineapple, that’s another story. ;) 

Beam Me Over To My Favorite Fictional Summer Vacation Town, Scotty

Summer is my favorite season. I love that my kids are out of school, love the warmer weather, and love having carefree days to read. If possible, my nose would always be in a book, but there’s something extra special about summer reading. Lazy days spent losing myself in a good story. So this got me thinking about fictional towns where I’d like to take a summer vacation…

Bookcation Event: His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Welcome back to our BOOKCATION! Our next stop is South Beach with a hot short scene that author Tessa Bailey wrote featuring Ruby and Troy from HIS RISK TO TAKE....


They’d never make it to the beach at this rate.

Troy sat on the hotel room bed, his eyes trained on the bathroom door, waiting for Ruby to emerge in the white string bikini he’d bought her in anticipation of their first summer vacation. When he’d booked the plane tickets to South Beach a month ago, he’d envisioned the small scraps of material wrapped around her sexy curves, sunshine bathing her smooth skin. For weeks, he’d been anxious to run his tongue along her sun-warmed skin, apply sunscreen slightly more vigorously than necessary. Take her out into the ocean and get her wet just so he could watch moisture roll down her body.

Now that they’d finally made it to Florida, he couldn’t think past getting her out of the damn bikini. Just knowing she wore it on the other side of the bathroom door made him hard.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #79: Who is your current hero?

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
 
18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:

  • You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.
  • Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.
  • Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.
  • List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’
  • Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. :) It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!
  • Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!


Question of the Week: Who is your current hero? Find an image that represents the sexy hero in the book that you are currently reading and share him with us! 

Bookcation Event: Seducing Charlotte by Diana Quincy (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
We're traveling back in time today for the next stop on our BOOKCATION with historical romance author Diana Quincy and her new book, Seducing Charlotte



10 Best Things About Summer

There’s nothing quite like a lazy summer day when you have nowhere to go and nothing to do. My ideal way to spend those moments is on our back screened-in porch sipping homemade lemonade while reading a book or playing a board game with my two middle-school aged boys.

I know some parents dread the end of the school year, but I look forward to it. Having a break from homework and test patrol and easing up on getting the boys to bed on time is a relief. I love hearing them outside with their friends, playing basketball, manhunt or jumping on the backyard trampoline.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Bookcation Event: The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Welcome back! Joining us on our BOOKCATION now is author, Callie Hutton, who has brought along a special guest - her Muse! Err...well, maybe not...She's probably basking in the sun somewhere but hopefully she'll join Callie later! ☺



When your muse takes a vacation

Ordinarily, my muse and I get along quite well. She arrived when I was quite young, actually. She wasn’t all that helpful during my school career when I had to write those exceptionally boring, and pointless, term papers. Except in my creative writing class when she really jumped front and center.

As a young child, she helped me tolerate long family car trips, where I was always squished in the middle of the back seat between older sister and younger brother. She also helped me fall asleep at night, when she would weave amazing stories where I was the star. Beautiful, smart, rich—all the things a little girl dreams of. 

Bookcation Event: Feel the Heat by Kate Meader (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Today contemporary romance author, Kate Meader, brings summer vacation to your back door for the next stop on our BOOKCATION!


Bring that Summer Vacay to a Patio Near You
by Kate Meader, author of Feel the Heat

Blameless blue skies, warm ocean breezes, golden sand between
your toes…that’s what pops into my head when I think of summer vacation, but to be honest, I can’t remember the last time my summer vacation turned out that way. I’ve never been a sun, sand, and surf kind of girl. I’m too citified, too pale. Too Irish. Nowthat I live in Chicago, I might get a blue sky if I wait a few minutes. The warm breeze might ruffle my hair but more likely the humidity will mushroom it into something that terrifies small dogs and children. And Lake Michigan, while sparkly gorgeous to look at, ain’t inviting enough for a pleasure dip. That’s just a horror movie waiting to happen.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Bookcation Event: Desire by Design by Paula Altenburg (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Let's take a trip to demon territory today with two characters from vastly different worlds! Please give a warm welcome to author Paula Altenburg and friends! 


This summer, my Entangled Select paranormal characters and my Entangled Bliss category romance characters thought it might be fun to spend their summer vacation together. 

Hunter and Airie, from THE DEMON’S DAUGHTER, are at a bit of a disadvantage. Airie, who’s half demon and half goddess, can’t travel beyond the goddesses’ boundary because of her demon blood. Therefore, they’re stuck in the Southwest and desert regions.

That means Matt and Eve, from DESIRE BY DESIGN, will have to join them. They’re good in the boardroom, but basic survival skills may be somewhat beyond them.

Bookcation Event: Haven Creek by Rochelle Alers (Interview/Giveaway)


ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
We made it to summer! Well, the beginning of summer vacation anyway. It doesn’t matter how long you have been out of school, summer vacation is the beginning of fun, freedom, and books. Looking for a great read to start off the season? Check out the new release from our guest today, Rochelle Alers!

Lexi: Welcome Rochelle! Speaking of beginning summer vacation from school...You became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in college. Did you have any beginning of summer traditions you fondly remember?
Rochelle: I began every summer vacation either reading novels that didn’t remotely smack of required reading or visiting museums.  I was fortunate enough to live a half block from Central Park and within walking distance to the Museum of the City of New York and the American Museum of Natural History. I probably visited every exhibit in both museums every summer and years later when I took my granddaughter to the Museum of Natural History it was like stepping back in time.  

Monday, May 27, 2013

Sexy Snippets: Skin Deep (Skin Deep #1) by J.M. Stone

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!
Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!

May's Wine Club Selection: South of Surrender by Laura Kaye (Review)



Wine Selection: Rosso di Montalcino
*A full bodied wine known for its depth of black cherry and wild-berry fruit, and careful use of oak revealed in a hint of spice and vanilla. 
Paired with the book choice of the month: South of Surrender by Laura Kaye 


Lexi: Like the Rosso di Montalcino, South of Surrender is a full bodied book. Laura Kaye’s Hearts of the Anemoi series is a well written paranormal romance with strong undertones of Greek Mythology and hints of fantasy. A perfect blend and refreshing to read something so well written. Your overall impressions of South of Surrender ladies?

Bookcation Event: The Secret Life of Lady Julia by Lecia Cornwall (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Happy Memorial Day to all of our friends in the States today! 
Lady Julia travels to many exotic locations in The Secret Life of Lady Julia and author, Lecia Cornwall, is joining us with summer adventures and dream vacations. Enjoy!



A Writer’s Dream Summer Vacation

It would involve time travel…

There’s a painting by American Impressionist artist Frank Weston Benson called “Summer” on the calendar hanging by my desk. Painted in 1909, it shows a group of young women in white Edwardian dresses seated on a hill overlooking a blue ocean. While the others are content with their conversation, one woman is on her feet, the wind whipping her dress, her hand shading her eyes as she looks out to sea. I like to think she’s dreaming of travel and summer adventures. 

Bookcation Event: It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis (Excerpt/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
What better place to take a summer BOOKCATION to then Jill Shalvis' beloved town of Lucky Harbor?! Today we have an excerpt/giveaway to share with you from her upcoming release of IT HAD TO BE YOU (Out tomorrow)!


It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)It Had to Be You 
(Lucky Harbor #7)
by Jill Shalvis
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN 1455521124
Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....
After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?
Goodreads - Amazon Kindle - Amazon Paperback - Barnes & Noble - The Book Depository

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Bookcation Event: Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy by Abigail Sharpe (Guest Post)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
Welcome back to your BOOKCATION! Now I would like to introduce author Abigail Sharpe who I can definitely relate with on the vacation dilemma, being a Florida native myself! ☺


The humidity crept across the back yard, bringing with it the sultry heat of summer nights.  The lowering sun cast shadows through the tall hedges.  He came to the back door, his footfalls light on the steps outside, droplets of water still clinging to his hair after a dip in the lake.  On the summer wind came the beckoning cry, “Anybody want a pickle?”

Okay, so maybe the romances of my young summers were only in my head.  Every year we went to the same cottage on Lake Massapog in Sharon, MA, and stayed there for a couple of months while my parents commuted to Boston and my siblings and I went to camp.  Sometimes we got to pick wild blueberries that grew near our beach.  The pickle stuff was real, though – our neighbors were famous for their brand of homemade pickles.

Bookcation Event: Midnight's Kiss by Donna Grant (Guest Post/Giveaway)

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
It's Memorial Day Weekend here in the US which means, Summer is here! Take a trip without ever leaving the comfort of your home all week long at Reading Between the Wines with our BOOKCATION event. We'll have some awesome authors joining us with summer vacation themed posts and fabulous books to enjoy all summer long! To kick things off I would like to welcome the one and only, Donna Grant!


As Summer comes barreling toward us, I’m finalizing our plans for another trip to Scotland.  There is always so much to get together for any trip, but one of the first things my two kids, my hubby, and I do is get all the books we’ll be bringing with us.

For the first time I’ll be traveling with an e-reader, as will the rest of my family.  We’re all still getting used to them, because we prefer print books.  But I have to admit, there are so many more books I can pile on an e-reader and not have to worry about carting around while traveling.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

ARC Review: The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter (Paranormal Investigator #3) by Jillian Stone - 4.5 Wine Glasses

The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter
Paranormal Investigator #3
by Jillian Stone
Paperback 304 pages
Expected Publication June 25th by Brava
ISBN: 9780758269003
*ARC courtesy of author
Plunge deeper into the curious world of the deadly Nightshades. 
The Moonstone is having a destabilizing effect on the time/space membrane leaving Phaeton trapped in a parallel mirror world where everything is opposite or upside down, yet oddly the same. He is held captive by Domina Valour and tested sorely in this darkly sensual third episode of the Phaeton Black series. 
Gaspar Sinclair can't go after Phaeton. His physical body is unraveling before everyone's eyes. America Jones is large with child, but only she has the preternatural ability to locate Phaeton and bring him back. And Doctor Exeter's beautiful charge, Mia, has her claws in him. Quite literally. 
To accomplish Phaeton's rescue, the doctor must let loose forces he hasn't the foggiest clue how to control, including his attraction to Mia.
While in the dimension of magnetic opposites, the doctor and Miss Jones attempt to reverse polarity to retrieve Phaeton and stop Gaspar from unraveling. Can America and Phaeton find a way to return together, or will this final test rip them apart forever?
Goodreads
Available for Purchase at: Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository


Lexi's Thoughts:

With the precise use of language to the imaginative contraptions and sci-fi elements you will be drawn into The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter and will not want to come out. Stone has written another amazing addition to the Paranormal Investigator series.

Pink Slips and Glass Slippers by JP Hansen (Guest Post)

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to author JP Hansen who is joining us with his romance, Pink Slips and Glass Slippers!


People often ask me, “How could you—a guy—write such a great Romance novel?”

My answer, “Don’t ever underestimate a male ego after a few glasses of wine!” In all seriousness, “Pink Slips and Glass Slippers” began as a dare. Sitting around a table of friends, sipping wine—okay gulping wine—I posed the question, “If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one book, which one would you choose?”

A female friend jumped on the question, answering with the title to a hugely popular Romance novel(one that I had little or no respect for. I won’t name it because it’s bad karma—and the table was nodding agreement). I knew my opinion was in the minority, but…

I retorted, “Seriously? I could write so much better than that!”

Friday, May 24, 2013

Review: Real by Katy Evans - 4.5 Wine Glasses!

Real (Real, Raw & Ripped, #1)Real 
(Real, Raw & Ripped #1)
by Katy Evans 
Paperback, 268 pages
Published April 8th 2013 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 1482335395 
Purchased by Reviewer
*Mature New Adult/Adult novel - contains adult situations, high sexuality, some violence, and is suited for ages 18 and up*
REAL
A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…
IS HE FOR REAL?
He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…
Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.
He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .
But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.
I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.
If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?
Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon Paperback, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble and The Book Depository

Crystal's Thoughts:
Real is a raw and gritty story of a flawed, broken fighter who was kicked out of professional fighting and is now the biggest thing in the underground fighting world. 

Lady Vivian Defies a Duke by Samantha Grace (Interview/Giveaway)

Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half (Beau Monde, #2)Lexi: Beau Monde. noun: fashionable society. Beau Monde. Book series: by Samantha Grace.
Talk about hot men on book covers! Samantha your covers for this series have a wonderful common theme, mouth watering men with open shirts. Genius idea whoever was in charge of that! What was your reaction when you saw the cover for Lady Vivian Defies a Duke?

Samantha: Lexi, the covers are amazing. Someone once said the cover gods are smiling on me. It’s actually a goddess and her name is Aleta Rafton, the fabulous cover illustrator. I love her work!
I always seem to get the email with my first view of the cover when I’m working my day job, and I can never wait until I get home to see it. It’s like waiting for Christmas morning to open a gift! But the view on my iPhone never does it justice. Once I could view it on my laptop, I was thrilled. The most important thing to me was that his eyes match Luke’s. I love those blue eyes. (And of course the model is handsome too.)

Lexi: Do you feel the cover captures Luke the way you wrote him? 

Felicity Heaton's UNLEASH (Blog Barrage/Giveaway))

Good morning, lovelies! We are taking part in Felicity Heaton's Book Barrage for her release of UNLEASH. Enjoy!

Unleash, the sixth book in Felicity Heaton’s Vampire Erotic Theatre romance series is now available. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a fantastic giveaway at her website and she’s also offering the first book in the series, Covet, for FREE at selected Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books and Apple iBooks Stores.

You can find all the links for the Covet special offer (and two other free paranormal romance ebooks) at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/paranormal-romance-ebook-offers.php 


Here’s more about Unleash, including an excerpt from this long vampire romance novel.


Unleash (Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance Series Book 6)
Felicity Heaton
A powerful vampire lost deep in his bloodlust, Snow is a savage animal, mindless with rage and a thirst for violence, and trapped with no hope of awakening from an endless nightmare… until a song draws him up from the abyss, restoring his sanity but leaving him haunted by the sweet feminine scent of lilies and snow, and fragmented familiar lyrics.
When the mysterious and beautiful songstress reappears in Snow’s room at Vampirerotique, she awakens a fierce protective streak and stirs dark desires that drive him to claim her as his female, even when he knows his touch will destroy her innocence.
A single forbidden taste is all it takes to unleash emotions in Aurora that she shouldn’t possess, tearing her between duty and desire, and luring her into surrendering to her wildfire passion and embracing hungers that burn so hotly they threaten to consume them both.
One act of kindness can lead to one thousand acts of sin though, each a black mark against the bearer’s soul and another grain of sand that slips through an hourglass. The clock is ticking and time is almost up. Can beauty save the beast?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #78: The deadly cliffhanger! *da da da*

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
 
18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:

  • You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.
  • Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.
  • Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.
  • List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’
  • Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. :) It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!
  • Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!


Question of the Week: Cliffhangers. Love them, hate them, want to commit bookicide afterwards? 

Natalie-Nicole Bate's Back To You (Book Blast/Giveaway)

Today we have a book blast for Natalie-Nicole Bates' BACK TO YOU. Enjoy!



On the surface, Lynsey Reznor seems to have it all. She is beautiful, brilliant, and a successful true-crime writer who has been living the past decade in Miami. But what Lynsey lacks is what she needs the most—a family.
After the death of her mother, and yet another failed relationship, Lynsey makes an impulsive decision to return to her hometown of Unity. But Unity will present its own bittersweet memories, most notably, her first love, Nick Lincoln.
Twenty years ago, Nick broke teenager Lynsey’s heart when he decided to marry another. He had his own private reasons—reasons he never explained to Lynsey. Now she is back, along with a chance to reclaim her love. But Lynsey wants answers from him that he may never be able to give out of duty and guilt.

Available at Amazon:  Single Title | Collection (Additional Bonus Stories: Remember the Stars and Antique Charming)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Bad Mouth by Angela McCallister (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to author, Angela McCallister, who is joining us with her book - BAD MOUTH!


A Mini-Vacation Wrapped in a Book Cover

So you thought reading a book only gave you a story to lose yourself in? Well, you certainly get that, but it’s also a great opportunity to “travel.” One of my favorite aspects of reading is getting that bit of flavor of a new setting or even a lifestyle. I’ve never even been on a working ranch, but I can just about taste the dust and feel the culture of ranching life in Lorelei’s Rough Riders, for example. Every book is another opportunity to experience another place or even another time.

Bad Mouth is set in the Pacific Northwest, primarily in the Seattle area. I’ve lived in several different places in Washington, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest. It can get quite drizzly and dreary so it made a great setting for vampires, who naturally abhor the sunlight—hey, Washington does get plenty of sun, too, I assure you, lol.

Jessica E. Subject's Alien Adoration (Excerpt/Giveaway)

Today we have an excerpt from Jessica E. Subject's ALIEN ADORATION to share with you. Enjoy!


Alien Adoration
Alien Next Door book 1
By Jessica E. Subject
Erotic Sci-Fi Romance
ISBN: 978-0991932009
Erotic dreams fill her with need…Night after night, Rachel fantasizes about her sexy, playboy neighbor. But in her small town, no one changes, least of all the bad boy next door. But when Luke rescues her not once but twice from disastrous dates, she dares to believe her knight in black leather armor may be the right man for her after all.  
Until she learns the truth...Life on Earth has never been easy for Luke. Stranded as a little boy, he struggled to craft an existence for himself, but he never forgot the first human he met--and he never stopped wanting to see her again. Returning to Hanton, Luke longs for Rachel. Yet, nothing goes as he plans, and Rachel barely notices him. Convincing her he isn't like all the jerks she's dated means telling her the truth, but can she handle it? 
Can she overcome her fears, or will she deny her alien adoration and leave him stranded once more?
Buy Links: Amazon (US/UK/Canada) | All Romance | Kobo | Smashwords more


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Guest Review: Resisting Her By Kendall Ryan - 3 Wine Glasses


Resisting HerResisting Her
By Kendall Ryan
Paperback, 292 pages
Expected publication: September 24th 2013 by HarperCollins (first published April 15th 2013)
ISBN 0062292943 
Copy Courtesy of Author in exchange for an honest review
Agent Cole Fletcher lives for his job at the FBI, and he’s more than ready for his next assignment—raiding a cult compound and putting their leader behind bars. But he isn’t prepared for Savannah and her knock you on your ass good looks. At nineteen, she’s too old for foster care and too damaged to live on her own. With nowhere else to go, and against his better judgment Cole takes her in.
But helping her out won’t be easy. He comforts her through screaming nightmares and escaping the lingering fears of her past, but that’s the easy part. Her preference to sleep cuddled up next to his warm body, and her desire to please him in every way makes her harder and harder to resist.
Goodreads
Purchase at: Amazon Paperback, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble and The Book Depository

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Please give a warm welcome to historical romance author, Amanda Forester!



Drinking My Way Through the Regency
by Amanda Forester

Hello and thank you for inviting me today!  Considering the very clever name of this blog (gosh, I wish I had thought of it!) I present to you a drinking guide to the Regency- you know for the next time you all time travel back there (I'm sure it happens all the time).

Why a drinking guide you ask?  Well, up until relatively recently water was not particularly safe to drink, as the cholera epidemics would attest.  Alcohol of various forms had the benefit of being fermented which killed harmful bacteria, making it one of the safest things to drink.  Alcohol content, at least in some beverages, may have been less than now, just enough to kill the bacteria that was trying to kill you.  Weak beer, called "small beer" may have only had an alcohol content of 0.8% and was drank even at breakfast, including by children.

A CERTAIN SUMMER by Patricia Beard (Spotlight/Giveaway)

Today we would like to share with you an upcoming book from Gallery Books and a giveaway - Patricia Beard's A CERTAIN SUMMER. Enjoy!


A Certain SummerA Certain Summer
by Patricia Beard
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: May 21st 2013 by Gallery Books
ISBN 1476710260 
"Nothing ever changes at Wauregan.” That mystique is the tradition of the idyllic island colony off the shore of Long Island, the comforting tradition that its summer dwellers have lived by for over half a century. But in the summer of 1948, after a world war has claimed countless men—even those who came home—the time has come to deal with history’s indelible scars.
Helen Wadsworth’s husband, Arthur, was declared missing in action during an OSS operation in France, but the official explanation was mysteriously nebulous. Now raising a teenage son who longs to know the truth about his father, Helen turns to Frank Hartman—her husband’s best friend and his partner on the mission when he disappeared. Frank, however, seems more intent on filling the void in Helen’s life that Arthur’s absence has left. As Helen’s affection for Frank grows, so does her guilt, especially when Peter Gavin, a handsome Marine who was brutally tortured by the Japanese and has returned with a faithful war dog, unexpectedly stirs new desires. With her heart pulled in multiple directions, Helen doesn’t know whom to trust—especially when a shocking discovery forever alters her perception of both love and war.
Part mystery, part love story, and part insider’s view of a very private world, A Certain Summer resonates in the heart long after the last page is turned.
GoodreadsAmazon Paperback - Amazon Kindle - Barnes & Noble 


Monday, May 20, 2013

Sexy Snippets: Real (Real, Raw & Ripped #1) by Katy Evans

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!
Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!

Predatory: In Still Darkness by Dianne Duvall (Interview/Giveaway)



Lexi: Anyone seen this cover? Creepy golden eye staring into your soul? The cover screams paranormal, crack me open at your own risk. As does our guest today, welcome Dianne Duvall!

Dianne: Thank you, Lexi!  I’m very happy to be here today!

Lexi: The Immortal Guardians has a new installment! A short one, but it still counts when you bring us tempting vampires and some smexing. You did manage to squeeze in some hot loving right?

Dianne: Of course!  How could I not with a handsome, French immortal warrior as the hero?

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Lolita Lopez's GRABBED Series (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today we are happy to be a part of Lolita Lopez's tour for her GRABBED series!


Uniformly Hot!

There's just something about a man in uniform that revs my engine! Firefighters, medics, police officers, soldiers, Marines—I could go on and on. One of my favorite things to do while building the world of the Grabbed series was to drool over—ahem, I mean research—military and SWAT uniforms.

I settled on really intimidating black and gray garb for the Harcos sky warriors. I wanted them to wear clothing that looks harsh and strikes fear in the hearts of the civilian populations they police. When Hallie gets her first look at Vicious, the effect is instant…


Saturday, May 18, 2013

Tour: Christine Wenrick's THE CHARMED TRILOGY (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today we are happy to be a part of Christine Wenrick's The Charmed Trilogy tour!


The Book Boyfriend

First off let me say thank you for having me here today to talk about my recently completed Charmed Trilogy. And . . . great title for a blog! I can’t think of anything better than escaping to someplace quiet with that perfect glass of Pinot and a sexy, romantic read?


Heaven!!!

It’s romantic and we need it.

So is that why our favorite romance authors have us clicking to buy their next novel faster than we can type in our credit card number? Some might argue that it’s easier to have a book boyfriend (. . . or several) than a real one. Book boyfriends never leave the toilet seat up, or toss their dirty socks everywhere. They always seem to know just the right thing to say, even if it’s something that going to break your heart. And a book boyfriend never cheats on you because he exists solely to make your heart go pitter patter between the pages.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Ella James' Voodoo For Two (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Good morning, lovelies! Today we have Ella James joining us with a delicious recipe for Jambalaya ( a favorite of mine) and her new book, Voodoo For Two. Enjoy!


Cajun Food
by Elle James

One of the things I love best about visiting Louisiana is eating Cajun food! Oh, yeah. My husband was born in Louisiana so we have gumbo a lot and I love things like Shrimp Etoufee and Jambalaya. And if you make it to New Orleans, check out the beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Man I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
I don't cook often, but when I do, I make enough to last the week. Some time-saving tricks I use are when I'm cutting up celery and onions, I cut enough for two batches of whatever I want to cook and freeze half. I also do this with a whole chicken. I'll boil it up, debone and split it so that I have some for cooking right then and freeze the rest for a quick chicken noodle soup or gumbo. If you don't want to take the time to boil a chicken, buy a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work and debone that savory delight and use it. When you write a book based in Louisiana, you have to have some mention of the food. In VOODOO ON THE BAYOU, Miz Mozelle is constantly treating the neighborhood to fresh beignets. Now, that's something I haven't tried making, but I sample them every time I'm in N'Awlins! Happy reading and happy eating!

Kathi Barton's Son Of Our Blood (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Author Kathi Barton is joining us today with her recent release and a few of her favorite foods!



Favorite Foods

1. Fried Chicken
2. Pork fried rice
3. Cup cakes with extra frosting
4. Grilled hot dogs that are a little on the crispy side
5. Fresh Tomatoes still warm from the garden
6. Corn on the cob
7. Grilled salmon
8. Fresh vegetables sauteed with butter
9. New York style cheesecake with no topping
10. Mashed potatoes and white gravy

Thursday, May 16, 2013

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow #77: Book Boyfriends & Naughty Gifts!

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub
 
18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:

  • You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.
  • Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.
  • Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.
  • List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’
  • Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. :) It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!
  • Contact me (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!


Question of the Week: You just walked into your bedroom to find your favorite book boyfriend lying on your bed with three naughty gifts. Who is it and what are they? 

The Sacrificed by Jordan Link (Guest Post/Giveaway)

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to YA author, Jordan Link!


Thanks for having me on the blog! Today, I’d like to talk about something that we all love to read: romance! In The Sacrificed, a romance blooms between Emerald and Dusk, two people who might as well by separated by the Mediterranean Sea. Dusk is a winged, an inhabitant of the upper level, a boy whose attitude toward the walkers is much different than that of his peers. Emerald is a walker, his polar opposite. She has never been rebellious, has never considered that their boundaries could be torn down. And then she meets the winged boy named Dusk.

Days pass, and Emerald lets her guard down. She begins to consider a new perspective, one that many of her classmates already exhibit. They will do anything to spite the winged, from skipping school to outright theft. And though Emerald, as a half-winged, isn’t exactly one of them, she finds their ways quite appealing. That is, until the winged council strikes back.

And, for a closer look into The Sacrificed, here is a brief excerpt that I found fitting for the blog:

KaSonndra's The Prelude (Spotlight)

Today we would like to share with you the new adult romance, The Prelude, with a spotlight & excerpt!



Title: The Prelude
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Published: March 31, 2013
Format: E-book
Places to Buy: Amazon - Barnes&Noble
A New Adult Contemporary Romance
After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.
Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless. 
Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.
Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
This novel contains sexual situations and mature language. It is intended for an audience at 17+ years of age.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Elsker by ST Bende (Guest Post)

Today I would like to welcome author, ST Bende, joining us with her new adult paranormal romance, Elsker!


Why You Should Always Follow Your Beverage Cravings

Thank you so much for letting me visit today.   As a debut author, it’s been amazing to be embraced by such a lovely group of bloggers.  You’ve all made me feel so welcome!

Since y’all can appreciate the importance of a good beverage, I wanted to share an important lesson: You never know what a good cup of coffee can lead to.

THE ELSKER SAGA began on a road trip along the Oregon coast.  Thanks to a caffeine craving, I found myself at one of those little drive through coffee huts, chatting with a friendly, college-aged barista.  Before I drove away, I stopped to look.  A sign proudly welcomed me to Nehalem, Oregon, Population 250.  A solitary red light flashed from a wire, directing traffic along the town’s main road (which doubled as US Highway 101).  The forest was to my left, the river straight ahead, and somewhere behind the residential neighborhood on my right was the Pacific Ocean.  I snapped a picture of the coffee shop, and I’m so glad that I did.  Because that was the moment ELSKER was born.

Tour: The Dom with the Perfect Brats by Leia Shaw, Sorcha Black, Cari Silverwood (Excerpt/Giveaway)

Domwperfectbrats
Today we are happy to be a part of The Dom with the Perfect Brats blog tour with an excerpt from the book!






The Dom with the Perfect Brats 
by Leia Shaw, Sorcha Black, Cari Silverwood
Publisher: W C Press
Release date: May 10th, 2013
Length: Novel of 110,000  words
Genre:  M/f/f BDSM contemporary menage romance 
Cover Art: Leia Shaw
Godfrey Cross is a big, tattooed Dom with no tolerance for brats. But when he meets two mouthy vanilla girls, he begins to see their charm.
Gemma and Izzy seem more into each other than into him and hewonders if he's wasting his time. Yet despite the clash between his strict version of BDSM and their rebellious natures, he finds himself growing to love them.
When his need for control tears their relationship apart, they must learn to compromise or they will lose each other. People may not be perfect, but could these two be perfect for him?
Read More & Purchase



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Legally Undercover by Rachell Kall (Excerpt/Giveaway)

Today we would like to share with you and excerpt from Rachel Kall's new romantic suspense, LEGALLY UNDERCOVER!



Legally Undercover by Rachel Kall
Release: April 15, 2013
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Entranced Publishing
Attorney Alex Popov’s dream of partnership is put to the test when she’s pulled into a top-secret investigation involving arms dealers and one of her clients, Rodrigues Capital. The only good part about her association with the secretive organization is her client contact, Pedro Martín. She’s drawn to him, but he’s hiding something.When Jacob shows up as a new attorney at Alex’s firm, it’s clear Pedro isn’t the only one with secrets. As Alex tries to determine Jacob’s true identity, she’s drawn closer to Pedro and deeper into the mystery of Rodrigues Capital and its shadowy networks.Everyone has an agenda. In a world of lies, where no one is what they seem, Alex puts everything — even her dreams of partnership — on the line for love.
AmazonBarnes and NobleKobo
*Freebie: The prequel to Legally Undercover, Pure Deception is available for free from Smashwords!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Sexy Snippets: Stealing Harper (Taking Chances, #2) by Molly McAdams

ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!
Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!