18 & Over Book Bloggers Tag Along Friday

18 and over book bloggers tag along is hosted by Laurie at Bitten by Paranormal Romance and is for adult book bloggers to get to know each other and hopefully gain more followers. It doesn't matter what sub-genre you read as long as you read and review adult books.  You can have a book blog that reads some teen books, but you have to have more adult books on your blog then YA. 

QOTW: Did you set yourself a reading goal?

Actually, I just did this today! 

I wasn't sure what to set since I've never really kept track of how much I read before, but I figured 10 books a month would be good for the year and I haven't been able to read as much lately as I use to. It says I'm ahead though, so woohoo! LoL 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend everyone! I will be spending the weekend mostly kid-free for my anniversary and trying to convince the hubs to celebrate by watching the new Pirates movie! ;) *sigh* Johnny Depp.... *licks lips*

Oh, and don't forget, I have a ton of great giveaways for Highlander Week ending tomorrow (Sat.), just click the links on the top right hand side bar! XOXO

  

    

      2011 Reading Challenge

    

           

      

        

     

          

 

        

      

      

 

        Crystal  ♥ has      

        

          

             read 62 books toward her goal of 120 books. 

          

                

      

      

        

hide

      

 

      

        62 of 120 (51%)

      

            

      

        

   

          view books

        

      

    

    

  

   

  

      

  

Blog Tour: Double Trouble w/ Katie Lane - Q&A and Giveaway!

Howdy darlin's! Today we have a blog tour for two wonderful books about two sisters, a cowboy and a bad boy. This great new author, Katie Lane, is joining us with a short Q&A and a giveaway at the end. Also, make sure to check out my reviews of Going Cowboy Crazy and Make Mine a Bad Boy! But first, let's check out the goods!

Deep in the Heart of Texas #1

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Faith Aldridge wants answers. Bramble, Texas is the only place she can find them . . . as well as Hope, the identical twin sister she never knew she had. But the townsfolk reckon that shy city-girl Faith is really her long-lost sister Hope, back in Bramble at last. And they're fixin' to do whatever it takes to heat things up between her and Hope's long-time flame, Slate Calhoun. If that means rustling her car, spreading rumors like wildfire, and reining in some explosive secrets, well, there's no way like the Lone Star way . . . 

But Slate's no fool. The woman in his truck may look like Hope, yet the way she feels in his arms is altogether new. He's determined to keep this twin in his bed and out of his heart. Trouble is, the real Hope is headed home, and she's got her own designs on Slate. If Faith wants to avoid heartbreak, she'll have to show a certain ruggedly handsome cowboy that this crazy-impossible love is worth fighting for.

Read an Excerpt

                                                                    

Deep in the Heart of Texas #2

THERE'S A NEW BRIDE IN TOWN!

Hope Scroggs is finally ready to get hitched. After years of sowing her wild oats, the former head cheerleader and homecoming queen has returned to Bramble, Texas, to marry her high school flame. But her perfect wedding plans are stomped to smithereens when her adoring cowboy two-steps down the aisle with someone else. Now Hope is stuck with the one man from her past she can't shake: Colt Lomax, an irresistible bad boy whose sultry kisses are hotter than the Panhandle in August . . .

Colt lives for freedom and the open road; he never gets attached, never looks back. Still, he can't forget the night of passion he once shared with Bramble's sweetheart—a night he wouldn't mind repeating. So, he piles on the Texas charm to tease the feisty beauty back into his bed, while she tries her darnedest to resist. But something unexpected is about to tie their fates together . . . and oh, baby, will it ever!

Crystal: Can you tell readers a little bit about what they can expect in Going Cowboy Crazy?

Katie: A fun romp in a crazy west Texas town.

Crystal: What makes Faith and Slate perfect for each other? Why will readers fall in love with this couple?

Katie: They balance each other.  Slate is the hometown hero who likes to take things slow and easy.  Faith is an uptight introvert who worries about everything.  But they both want to make the people they love happy.  And it’s this unselfishness that will have readers falling in love with them.   

Crystal: How will the plot heat up even more in its sequel, Make Mine a Bad Boy?

Katie: Hope Scroggs and Colt Lomax have this incredible sexual tension.  Every time they’re together things get hot—steam-up-the-windows kind of hot.

Crystal: Was there a character or couple that was harder to write than others?

Katie: Hope was probably the most difficult to write.  She’s a bit of a control freak and I think her character hit a little too close to home.  Not that I’m a control freak or anything—LOL.

Crystal: What inspired you to write a western romance with sultry cowboys and strong heroines?

Katie: I wasn’t really inspired to write a western romance.  I was inspired to write a humorous story about twins.  The cowboy just showed up.  Yee-haw!

To find out more visit:

www.katielanebooks.com

Goodreads

Facebook Page

Five Fun Facts

Article: Going Cowboy Crazy Twins

~*GIVEAWAY*~

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing, I have a copy of both novels to give away to two lucky readers! To enter, just fill out the form below. Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on June 2nd. 

Giveaway rules:

-Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win

-No P.O. Boxes, please. 

-Giveaway copies will be sent directly from publisher

Double Trouble Blog Tour: Review - Make Mine a Bad Boy by Katie Lane

Review

Make Mine a Bad Boy 

Deep in the Heart of Texas #2

by Katie Lane

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: June 1st 2011 by Forever

ISBN 0446582794

Received from publisher for review 

THERE'S A NEW BRIDE IN TOWN!                                Hope Scroggs is finally ready to get hitched. After years of sowing her wild oats, the former head cheerleader and homecoming queen has returned to Bramble, Texas, to marry her high school flame. But her perfect wedding plans are stomped to smithereens when her adoring cowboy two-steps down the aisle with someone else. Now Hope is stuck with the one man from her past she can't shake: Colt Lomax, an irresistible bad boy whose sultry kisses are hotter than the Panhandle in August . . .Colt lives for freedom and the open road; he never gets attached, never looks back. Still, he can't forget the night of passion he once shared with Bramble's sweetheart—a night he wouldn't mind repeating. So, he piles on the Texas charm to tease the feisty beauty back into his bed, while she tries her darnedest to resist. But something unexpected is about to tie their fates together . . . and oh, baby, will it ever!

GoodReads

__________________________________________________________

My Thoughts:

Another exciting romance from new author Katie Lane set in the heart of Texas!

After five years in L.A. trying to make it as an actress, Hope finally returns home, and to her back up plan – marrying her childhood sweetheart and town hero, Slate Calhoun. When she gets there though, she not only finds a twin sister that she didn’t know about, but the man she planned on marrying falling in love with her instead! Now she has to bury her jealousy and crushed dreams and attend their happy wedding.  But when Colt Lomax pulls up on his motorcycle crashing her sister’s wedding, Hope’s day goes from bad to worse.

Colt Lamox was always the bad boy of Bramble, Texas and despite his success in L.A. over the last eight years; he doesn’t want anyone thinking any different of him. But after a run in with Hope he can’t help but return to his hometown, especially when hearing she’s about to marry another man.

These two rub each other like oil and vinegar but there’s no denying the passion that’s always been between them, but will they surrender to it? And when an unexpected complications pops up, will it bring them closer together or push them farther apart?

I didn’t think that anyone in Deep in the Heart of Texas could be up to par with Slate from Going Cowboy Crazy, but Colt was just as fabulous. Motorcycle bum, owner of Desperado Customs, black attire, sexy boots and a witty, sarcastic attitude, this bad boy definitely stole my heart.

With a heartbreaking upbringing, Colt has finally made something of himself though he still carries a chip on his shoulder thinking of himself still as that kid from the wrong side of the tracks, and having Hope continually shut him down while making puppy dog eyes at the town hero doesn’t help his confidence. Yet he still rallied around his town and it’s citizens when they needed it, taking the role of leader and surprising them all. Colt’s smart, sexy, quick-witted, funny, determined; well, everything about him was endearing.

Hope on the other hand, I didn't care for. Though by the end I warmed to her somewhat,  I still thought she was a loud, annoying, spoiled brat with a bad attitude. And really, the town’s whole idolism with her left me baffled.

Colt & Hope’s relationship was a roller coaster ride though and because of my interest in Colt, really captivated my heart.

The story is fast paced with an easy plot, entertaining dialogue and a quirky little town. And this crazy town of Bramble, Texas really kept me on my toes, wondering what in the world they were going to do next in effort to ‘help’ their little Hope along.

Despite the fact that I wasn’t at all into the heroine; the hero, prior main characters, side characters and surroundings really made up for that and I enjoyed Make Mine a Bad Boy immensely. I’m hoping Lane has another book planned for this delightful series. 

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses - Loved it! 


Make sure to stop back in a few for a Q&A and giveaway with author Katie Lane!

Double Trouble Blog Tour: Review - Going Cowboy Crazy by Katie Lane

Review

Going Cowboy Crazy 

Deep in the Heart of Texas #1

by Katie Lane

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Grand Central Publishing

ISBN 0446582786

Provided by Publisher for Review

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Faith Aldridge wants answers. Bramble, Texas is the only place she can find them . . . as well as Hope, the identical twin sister she never knew she had. But the townsfolk reckon that shy city-girl Faith is really her long-lost sister Hope, back in Bramble at last. And they're fixin' to do whatever it takes to heat things up between her and Hope's long-time flame, Slate Calhoun. If that means rustling her car, spreading rumors like wildfire, and reining in some explosive secrets, well, there's no way like the Lone Star way . . . 

But Slate's no fool. The woman in his truck may look like Hope, yet the way she feels in his arms is altogether new. He's determined to keep this twin in his bed and out of his heart. Trouble is, the real Hope is headed home, and she's got her own designs on Slate. If Faith wants to avoid heartbreak, she'll have to show a certain ruggedly handsome cowboy that this crazy-impossible love is worth fighting for.

GoodReads

_____________________________________________________________

My Thoughts:

Going Cowboy Crazy is a sensational debut from author Katie Lane- smart, funny and sexy!

When Faith Aldridge’s mom reveals a shocking secret, the shy and sheltered thirty-year-old sets out on a road trip to find the identical twin sister she never knew she had. Her adventure starts in the small town of Bramble, Texas, where the townsfolk mistake her for her sister and town’s sweetheart, Hope, and no amount of denials will change their mind. But the sexy golden cowboy and the towns favorite quarterback, Slate Calhoun, knows the difference between these twin’s kisses and Hope’s have never knocked him off his feet like Faith’s do. With the town set on Slate and ‘Hope’ tying the knot they will do anything to keep Faith in town, which plays into Slate’s plans of keeping her in his bed. But when the real Hope shows up accepting marriage to Slate will he be able to convince Faith that she’s the twin he wants? Or will it be too late by the time Faith finally puts her trust in him?

I really loved this one; it's like Sweet Home Alabama meets The Parent Trap except with a smokin' hot cowboy who knows how to work it!

Lane has developed a fantastic couple in Slate and Faith. I love how the whole town is involved in the story and a real pushing point for their relationship, even if they do think Faith is someone else. And the side characters are just as memorable as the main. Slate and Faith’s attraction grew beautifully into a relationship that was sigh-worthy and believable. And the growth in each of their characters was really well written. There was nothing that I didn’t like about these main characters.

Going Cowboy Crazy has a fun and fast-paced plot with plenty of good humor and some seriously sexy scenes, the up and down emotions between Slate and Faith took my heart on a thrilling ride.

The busy body townsfolk’s were hilarious; trying their hardest to get Slate and whom they thought was Hope together. I would die in some of the situations they found themselves in and sympathized with the character’s frustration over the lack of privacy, but everyone’s commitment to the community and their citizens is so heart warming and I love their enthusiasm, especially when it comes to football.

An amazing read and I hope to read much more from this new author, Katie Lane. 

Rating: 5 Wine Glasses - Amazing!

Make sure to check back tomorrow for an interview with the author and a giveaway! 

Blog Tour: Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr - Guest Post & Giveaway!

Today we have the lovely Isobel Carr stopping by on her blog tour with a guest post about her favorite historical era. Her new erotica historical, with a gorgeous cover btw, just release April 26th. You can find out a little more about it and read an excerpt below, and make sure to stick around at the end for a giveaway! 

Second in line, first in love                            A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.       Searching for hidden treasure,finding forbidden fantasy.         London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse. Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.

READ AN EXCERPT

___________________________________________

My favorite historical era, hands-down, is the Georgian era (1715-1830). Within that period, the 1780s are my particular favorite (yes, I love the 80s more than the Regency). The tall hair of the 1770s has morphed into the “hedgehog” head of curls for women and young men are no longer wearing wigs, instead they’re wearing their own hair long and tied back in a queue. The bizarre fashions of the 1790s have not yet taken hold, so cravats are not up over men’s chins and lapels are not two-feet wide. Brummell has not yet come to power and banished lively colors from a gentleman’s wardrobe, and women are still wearing enough clothing to preserve a little mystery . . . people are also a little more bawdy than their Regency-era children will be (and they, of course, are more bawdy than their Victorian children and grandchildren will be). 

There is a lot going on too. The United States crafts and signs the Constitution during this decade. Uranus, Oberon and Titan are discovered by Herschel. Mozart’s Don Giovanni is performed for the first time. George III experiences his first bout of madness. The first convicts are transported from Britain to Australia. The French adopt the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and the French Revolution begins (with consequences no one foresees). Mrs. Radcliffe’s first horrid novel is published. Vigee Le Brun paints the scandalous portrait of Marie Antoinette in her Robe a la Reine and the fashion takes England by storm. The Duke of Devonshire is openly living with his wife and his mistress (the duchess’s best friend). The Prince of Wales is young, handsome and is illegally married to the Catholic Mrs. Fitzherbert. The Whigs and Tories are fighting viciously in Parliament over everything from Catholic emancipation to slavery.

There’s just so much untapped history in the late 18^th century to make use of, and the clothing, in my opinion, is to die for. I love the big skirts and the big hair and the shoes with their big buckles and heels. And I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for men with long hair.

___________________________________________

ISOBEL CARR is single, child-free, and a committed "dog person" (the bigger the dog the better). She has taught creative writing, horseback riding, and seminars on historical costuming. She can start a fire without matches and hitch a team of horses to a wagon. She can also spend nine hours in a Victorian corset without a problem but can't wear heels for more than four hours. She laughed all the way through every episode of Colonial House, and if she could only watch one movie for the rest of her life, it would be Impromptu.

www.isobelcarr.com

Goodreads

@IsobelCarr

Five Fun Facts

Isobel's Flickr account

~*GIVEAWAY*~

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing, I have three copies of Ripe for Pleasure to giveaway! To enter, just fill out the form below. Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on June 1st. 


Giveaway rules:
-Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win
-No P.O. Boxes, please. 
-Giveaway copies will be sent directly from publisher

2011 Western Romance Challenge - May Reviews

Challenge Page

Sign-Up Post

If you don't have a blog to post your reviews you can email them to me at readingbetweenthewines10 AT gmail DOT com 
Remember, if we get at least ten participants for this challenge I will add a monthly giveaway. 


Please add your May reviews in the Linky below.

Instructions:
1. In the top box add the novel name and your blog's name 

(Crystal @ ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub)
2. Place that ULR of your review post in the bottom box.