Couldn't you just stare at that picture all day???
Welcometo my stop on the Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Michelle's Book Blog, Red Hot Books & Romance Around the Corner! I'm so happy to have you here. Take a moment and visit around and check out some of my book reviews. Did I review a book that you read and we were similar?
There are 2 Tshirts (sz L), 3 books including the autographed Jill Shalvis, a ton of bookmarks & bookcover swag, romance trading cards, a hot calendar, pens, magnets and a super cool canvas bag that all the goodies came in. (+ more stuff)
If you love SWAG, this is your prize!
Due to the weight of shipping, this stop will only be US or CAD.
This was me meeting HelenKay and Jill at the conference
Could my smile get any goofier?
Check out this LINK to all the other awesome bloggers participating!
Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to cry on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.
A lover’s desire.
After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney — body and soul — Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…
ARC review Mine to Hold is a wonderful addition to the Wicked Lover's series. Mine to Hold is book 6. You can read it as a stand alone but there are so many awesome updates regarding the previous couples included that it would be more meaningful if you are a fan of the series. Plus they are OH so good.
I've always said that Shayla Black should win a prize for the best first lines of her books. Mine to Hold is no different.
"Tyler, are you aware that all the girls at Sexy Sirens have nick-named you Cockzilla?"
Got your attention right?
The first two chapters push all your curiosity buttons. You need to know how, what, why and when.
Delaney shows up at Tyler's house under mysterious circumstances AND she is toting along a beautiful baby boy... that just happens to be Tyler's. Oh yes, you need to know what the heck is going on. I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of books about secret pregnancies but Mine to Hold is so much more than that story line. There is drama, action, angst, mystery and of course, hot steamy romance.
One of the many things I loved about Mine to Hold is that Shayla Black answers questions the reader has through the heroine, Delaney. She makes Delaney pose these questions herself. I'll give you an example. Delaney needs Tyler to watch over their baby boy, Seth. Tyler's house is full of company when she arrives. The visitors just happen to be each of the previous couples. *squee* Delaney picks up on the fact that a few of the couples have an alternative lifestyle and questions whether or not Seth should be left near people who freely discuss and use floggers and whips.
This thought process that Delaney experienced is completely spot on and is what would be expected of a parent. I would have been so disappointed if Delaney didn't question herself doing the right thing or if she paid no attention. I simply loved that Shayla Black addressed the exact thoughts I was having through Delaney's inner thoughts. This occurrence happens numerous times. Outstanding.
I loved the back story that was written regarding Delaney and Tyler. You want to know and understand how Seth came to be. I thought it was creative and added a lot of insight to how the couple's personalities came to be in their present day situation. I felt for both of them and it was very easy to dislike Delaney's ex-husband, Eric.
As Delaney and Tyler make their way by ever-changing vehicles from Louisiana to LA, you can read how they're becoming reacquainted with one another and their feelings for each other are like simmering electric wires. They cannot deny their chemistry as hard as Delaney tries.
Their intimate scenes are incredibly sexy and emotional. Delaney has been so lonely that your heart breaks to read about how she is affected by just experiencing a hug or a touch by Tyler. She is so worn down from running, single parenthood and loneliness. Tyler has been trying to compensate from his past rejection of Delaney. I love how quickly he just wants to embrace it all, Delaney and Seth.
What Mine to Hold also does is set a perfect stage for Xander's book. What a trip that guy is. I cannot wait to see what Shayla Black has in mind for him.
Teasers: One drunken night, betrayal, disastrous kitchen trickery, Tyler's Angel.
For my second year I was lucky enough to attend the Annual Reader & Author Get Together hosted by Lori Foster & Duffy Brown in Cincinnati. The best word to describe the jammed pack event was, "FABULOUS". I had such a great time.
After a 7 hr car ride (I won't talk about the brake fluid or the allergic reaction I had that left me a cyclopes) we arrived safe & sound and eager to meet & greet.
Look at the awesome goodie bag we were provided at the sign in. I am participating in a blog hop starting June 8th and I am going to give away the entire Reader & Author Convention welcome bag as a prize. (as well as the autographed copy of The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis that I was able to score)
HelenKay Dimon, Me & Jill Shalvis
Why yes, I did totally act like the fan girl that I am.
One of my favourite annual activities at the Get Together are the numerous workshops and chat opportunities. HelenKay Dimon and Jill Shalvis hosted a great group discussion about Contemporary Heroes. It was fun and interactive. I took a wee video snippet if you are curious about what the discussions were like. Included are some great thoughts that HelenKay and Jill shared about heroes in romance books.
Some more random pictures....
Authors Renee Vincent & Margaret Ethridge (I love these two)
Me with the fabulous Vicky Dreiling
Ruth Hartman, Kim Jacobs, Patricia Marie Warren & Margaret Ethridge
Another fabulous workshop was hosted by Sue Grimshaw from Random House. She wanted to talk with readers to find out what we like and what we want to read in romance books. There was no shortage of conversation here! (I got in my 2 cents that contemporary romances don't always have to end with a marriage and a baby)
In the video snippet, Sue talks about the fabulous Loveswept series. Awesome deals!
The Marriott was awesome, the food was great, the basket raffles were outstanding, the volunteers rocked and everyone was just so damn nice. I loved meeting fellow book bloggers that I chit chat with on Twitter and my "to be read" reading pile just got a whole lot bigger. (good thing I scored some free books)
I am sure you are curious about the something that was not awesome. I mean cause everything was just awesome. Well, it could be that the wait for a drink from the bar took a long time but it didn't seem to hold back Madison J Edwards and I. LOL
