Showing posts with label AVON. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AVON. Show all posts

Friday, October 9, 2015

I Need A Hero

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.



***Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
***GET YOUR COPY at all retailers October 20th, 2015***
CLICK HERE for a ***SNEAK PEEK*** of the 1st Chapter

As a HUGE fan of Codi Gary's 2 other series, I can tell you I was nervous to dive into a THIRD series by her. Could she do it again? Could she win my heart with her words the way she did in Loco, Texas and Rock Canyon, Idaho? The answer?!? HELL YES! 

You find yourself at the Alpha Dog Training Center with Dean (Sparks) and Tyler (Best) when they are joined by the reluctant Sergeant Oliver Martinez. Oliver was removed from the field and placed on PR duty until General Reynolds deemed him "fit" to return to regular duty. Enter the beautiful, Evelyn Reynolds into the picture. (Note the last name!) Eve is the publicist hired to help with the event that Oliver has been assigned to during his punishment. 

The attraction was immediate. But, neither were going to act on it. He was her type, and she wasn't his. The General created some other issues, as well. He was stuck in this task, and it was far from what he wanted to do. He liked to be out and about in the field, while Eve craved stability and an uneventful home life. Falling for a military man - like her father - was OUT OF THE QUESTION. But, she couldn't get Oliver out of her mind. 

"There are no details to tell. I don't even know if I like him, it's more that I just-"

"Want to strip him naked and eat chocolate off his abs?" Megan offered.
Eve thought about that, grinning. "His butt too. He's got a great butt." 


So begins the slow build-up. Man, does Codi write a mean build-up. But the passion behind Oliver's eyes and his seduction skills - Eve is a goner! 

"I'll tell you one thing, Oliver Martinez. The next time you want to seduce me in Spanish, you better be prepared to follow through." (SIDENOTE: I want to be friends with Eve. She is so strong-willed and sassy! We could hang out in her messy apartment and just laugh! )

Meeting Sparks, Best, Megan and everyone else - you get a real feel for all the emotions behind having an overprotective General of a Dad, friends who would do anything for you, passions that drive you to go the distance to acheive your dreams and falling hard for a person who is a complete 180 from your plans BUT meeting the family who raised them and falling even harder, seeing him change and grow as a person right before your very eyes, sneaking BACK into your room so his Mom doesn't know you snuck OUT in the first place. 

This story is genuine. It grabs your heart, straps it in and takes it for a bumpy ride. It wouldn't be a romance novella if it didn't. This story leaves you craving to know more about the others you got a sample of and wishing you could get dirty in the sand with your very own Oliver, after having his mom's enchiladas first. *insert a squeal here* 

When it gets closer to the actual release day, I will post my full review with photos on our blog, and post the link here. 

I will leave you with my final thoughts: 
1) I love the relationships these characters hold with their animal co-stars. It truly is such an important topic, and the author sheds such a wonderful light to the importance of those companionships. 
2) The Spanish mumblings and rumblings is perfect. Adds just the right amount of spice to the strong macho type that is Oliver. 
3) I love how the heroine is not this cookie cutter perfect woman. She drives like a crazy person, she is messy and all around NORMAL! How refreshing. 
4) And last, but not least - it flowed so well that you felt like you were living the story. This is what Codi does so well: she can tell a story so effortlessly you forget you are not in the facility with the guys training the dogs or cleaning up the mess made after leaving an untrained dog with you couch! Enjoy what is sure to be Codi's third incredibly successful series.


Thursday, July 30, 2015

I Need A Hero Cover Reveal!!!


Ignore that I look toasted!!! 
Before we get to the AWESOME SAUCE that is the COVER REVEAL for I Need a Hero, I need you to understand that this author rocks!!! And she loves her readers! Even when we stalk her at book conventions. Hehe! So... if you haven't already hopped on the Codi wagon - here is all her Social Media Dets...

Twitter: @codigary
Facebook: codigarysbooks
Pinterest: CodiGaryAuthor
Instagram: CodiGaryAuthor


I Need A Hero blurb...

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.

The Links to Pre-Order 
Amazon: http://ow.ly/QcCQC 
Barnes and Noble: http://ow.ly/QcDwy 
Google: http://ow.ly/QcDaR 
HarperCollins: http://ow.ly/QcDHV 

Now... the moment you have all been waiting for! 
FANGIRL! 
I kid... I kid... here is the BEAUTIFUL cover to what I am sure it going to be another amazing series! Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! What makes a GREAT cover for you?!? Share some of your favorites with us too! 


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Healing Harts (Jess, Julia & Justin)

T.J. Kline first stole my book heart with her amazing Rodeo series. Let me dust of them cowboy boots and head out on the circuit. I was roped in! (Pun totally intended!) Her latest series, Healing Harts, is one of those series that grabs a lot of your heart strings and doesn't let them go until you are a whimpering emotional wreck in the corner rocking back and forth need of a hug. Wow. In a GREAT way, of course.

Heart's Desire you meet "Jessie Hart has a soft spot for healing the broken, especially horses and children, but her business is failing and bankruptcy is looming. The one man who can save Heart Fire Ranch is the last man she wants to take advice from—financial expert Nathan Kerrington, the same man who broke her heart eight years ago.

Nathan Kerrington has it all, except the one thing he wanted most—Jessie. Now that he’s finally freed himself from his corrupt family, he wants to make amends. When he’s called in to save Jessie’s ranch, he sees his chance to win her back—if only he can prove to her that she can trust him with her heart…" (Blurb from Goodreads) 


I adore Jessie. She is snarky and the kind of girl I could be friends with in a heartbeat. Nathan may have broke her heart over 8 years ago - but she is still going to give him a hard time as if no time has passed. And then there is Nathan. Nathan is so not a cowboy. At first, this hurt my heart. *sigh* But, Nathan's chemistry with Jessie and the rest of the Hart family allowed for me to forgive 'Wall Street' for his ties and lack of dust on his boots.  "Nathan Kerrington. You've got some brass ones showing up here." Gosh - even his name is stuffy. Jess in her jeans and Nathan in his polos and slacks seemed comical to everyone (Except Justin - who is unaware of their history!) - but you get to catch glimpses of the moments when they let their guards down and see a real sense of love and respect forming. 
"I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered. 
"Yes, you will," she disagreed. Her voice choked with emotion she didn't want him to see. "You're going to destroy me." 
Without giving too much away, this romance is full of mystery, shady supporting characters, death, murder, embezzlement and so much more. I was shocked with some turns this book took - but so excited to turn (or swipe!) each page. The confidence that Jessie showed as the story developed made me proud. 
She'd no more closed the door when Jessie crooked a finger at Nathan. 
"You think that's all it takes, woman?" he asked. 
(spoiler? That is all it takes!!!!) 

Taking heart brings you back to the Hartland (hehe) to dive back in and find out about how "Julia Hart knows how much good she does training therapy dogs—it's what helped her overcome her own trials after a relationship turned unexpectedly violent. But moving beyond her mistakes meant trusting only her family with her heart.

Dylan, a former soldier, has run out of hope for recovery. Plagued by nightmares and flashbacks, he doubts anything will help him overcome his PTSD. When his brother convinces him to try one last time, he agrees to get a therapy dog.

Dylan didn't expect to find Julia or a chance for a "normal" future again. But when Julia's attacker is released from prison, Dylan and Julia will have to face the past together.
 " (Goodreads Blurb) 


Julia doesn't do much other than spend time with her siblings and her dogs. Her past experiences have left her unable to trust anyone aside from her dogs. Pairing the right dog with the right person is her passion in life. Dylan is humoring his brother's final attempt to help him with his PTSD and lack of luster for life. He didn't know what he was getting himself into with a Hart woman. They are a damn handful. Totally worth it, but still. One thing I was waiting for was the initial showdown between Dylan and Justin. Those two are such men. Let the pissing battle ensue. 
"You don't like me, I get that. I can even respect that, but could you at least show your sister some gratitude for her hospitality and stop making her feel like her every move is being scrutinized?"
Justin took a long draw from the bottle and met Dylan's gaze, his brows climbing high on his forehead. "Not a man to mince words, huh?" 
A few thoughts on this installment from the Hartland: 
  • I love Gage. Gage is the lucky brother (of Dylan) who seems to have to greatest (or worst) timing of catching Julia and Dylan every time they find themselves unable to fight the magnetic connection.  
    • "You need some help, Dylan? They just went to halftime and... Again?" Gage complained as he walked into the kitchen. "This is getting old," he muttered to Jessie.
    • "Really?" The screen door slammed, and they froze as Gage entered the house. "You two are like a couple of rabbits. Get a room!"
  • Bailey is the BEST supporting character ever. Late night condom delivery and snark all wrapped up into one. 
  • TJ Kline needs to write Suspense movies because I would watch them... or she could just keep writing... yeah. She does Suspense well!
In Close to Heart, you finally get to see the inner-workings of the only brother on the Heartland, "As the only veterinarian in town, Justin Hart doesn't have time to think about romance. So when A-list actress Alyssa Cole crashes her car outside his clinic, it's entirely unexpected when there's a spark between them he can't ignore. Still, she's a movie star, and he's just a small town cowboy.
Alyssa has learned the hard way not to believe first impressions, especially not in Hollywood. But, 400 miles from her former life with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, she places her trust in the handsome vet who comes to her rescue.
There's no denying the connection between them, but when Alyssa's past shows up at the door, will their new relationship be able to withstand the storm?" 
I just love how this couple comes to play. He doesn't do commitment, and she is married AND expecting. TJ really shows us life is funny about giving us what we need and deserve. Lyssa is a quiet and submissive soul when Justin finds her stranded outside of his office. As she realizes she doesn't need to settle on what she has been told she deserves - the fire she had starts to show itself, and Justin and I both laugh. 
"I was just waking you up. I thought that's how you princesses liked it."
She frowned, letting her gaze slide over him. "I don't remember Disney ever having a jack-ass in one of their movies. 
"Ouch! You wound me, m'lady."
Justin lacks the confidence to think he can provide and be what Lyssa wants and needs and so he thinks... He's better savor every moment because it wouldn't last. Woman like Alyssa, with champagne dreams, didn't want to settle for a country vet with a beer budget. And then you have Lyssa who is so filled with her renewed sense of freedom that she doesn't want to allow Justin to take care of her because she fears it is what she is escaping with her ex.Lyssa shook her head and arched a saucy brow at him. "Look, Aquaman, I'm not letting you boss me around, too." Happy to see the spark in her, Justin simply replies, "I thought we agrees, I'm more like Thor."
I don't want to give anything away, but you get one laugh-filled proposal, a WHOLE lot of sass, comic book love and a sense of complete in the Hartland. If you love a well-written story of love with a little country and a whole lot of real emotions from fear to laughter to the overwhelming need to protect by any means necessary - then this series is JUST FOR YOU. Before I leave you to go ONE-CLICK, I must leave you with some parting thoughts: 
  • When Gage's story comes out - HANDS OFF. He is mine. Period. No arguments, no bribes. Mine. Capital M...Mine! 
  • His eyes went dark, hot, and heavy as they skimmed over her. "Honey, you know what they say about dancing, that it's an indication of how a man is in bed." Be still, my beating heart... Justin is... damn. 
  • Nathan laughed quietly. "I'll admit I don't miss the suits, but no gel? That's just uncivilized." Too much Nathan!!! 
  • I can't get enough of the covers of these books. They are beautiful. Intense. Perfect. You can tell the love put in to choosing each one for the story. And it made the story that much more powerful. From the cover to the last word, you sense the author's love for the story she was telling. A huge FIVE stars from this lady. 




Thursday, July 2, 2015

Sinful Rewards: The Final Installment

The thrilling conclusion to the Billionaires and Bikers series!

One tiny mistake turns Bee Carter's worst fears into a terrifying reality. She knows she isn't alone. The sexy, honorable man she adores stands by her side, willing to sacrifice his freedom to ease her concerns.

But she yearns for more than he is offering. She wants a partner who will love her as fiercely as she loves him, who will say the words and mean them, and someone who will choose her because this is what he desires more than anything else, not merely out of a misguided sense of duty.

Will saying no to the man she loves earn Bee unbearable heartache or will she finally get the forever she craves?


***
A few thoughts. 
  • I cannot believe that I have been on this sinful ride with Cynthia Sax for a whole YEAR now! My eyes tear up a little thinking about the whole in my heart that will not be filled with my monthly dose of Bee, Hawke and Nicolas. 
  • Purple! What a perfect way to end. It is my favorite color. And speaking of covers - How hot is this one?!? *fans self*
  • I saw a lot of talk that there was little need for a 12 because 11 was pretty well ended. Let me tell you something I have learned... Cynthia doesn't write to fill pages. Everything in 12 was needed. Period. 
A proposal of epic proportions happens at a not so epic time causing doubt to fill Bee's mind. My heart ached for Hawke. This man of few words may not verbalize the feelings he feels, but he shows her. Hawke, once again, understands what Bee needs to feel no doubt. In his unique way, he sums it up perfectly: 
"My lame-ass proposal, my offer to permanently fuse my life with yours, wasn't enough, was it?" He bites off each word. "You need more from me." 
He's angry and hurt. I hurt the man I love. 
"I-"
"I'll get you more, sweetheart." Hawke puts a sarcastic twist on this endearment. "I'll get you so much damn proof, you won't have room for doubt. We'll settle this insecurities shit once and for all."  
And he leaves. OUCH! And then who  better to show up, then my all-time favorite crappy friend - Mr. Nicolas Rainer. YAY! I adore his tone and snark. When Bee goes on and on (and on...) about how Hawke doesn't love her because their situation doesn't match the movies (hehe) - he stops her and simply says
"Don't you have an article on this?"  I love him for this. I love Nicolas for his blunt manner of speech. Similar to Hawke in the way of being blunt - but oh so different. His eyes sparkle. "I've never said I love ice cream." He shovels the sweet treat into his mouth with a boyish glee. "But I do. Very much." His lips curl upward. Let's talk about my feelings in regards to my jellybean billionaire. First, I was #TeamNicolas for a large portion of this series. Even when it was obvious that Hawke was her person. Nicolas has something about him that calls to my soul. Or maybe it is just the love for jellybeans that he and I share. When I finally converted to the dark side and joined #TeamHawke, I fell for Nicolas on an entirely different level. His loyalty to Hawke and the protective vibe he had with Bee was beyond sweet...sprinkled with the perfect amount of sarcasm. Hawke plans this perfect scenario for Bee - everything she has always wanted - and offers her the grand gift of proving to everyone she is not who they think... and Bee makes me SO STINKIN PROUD in her reaction and her realizations that none of that matters. She has her man, she has her true friends (even if they are terrible...hehe) her Mom and she has her life. That is all that matters. Bee, Nicolas and Hawke were bound to have a fun dynamic once they got together, and they don't let me down with the asking of him to be the best man: 
"I'll also need a best man, someone who doesn't mind wearing a tux and can make it through an entire speech without cussing... The pickings are slim." 
"I'll  be a terrible best man." His eyes shimmer with moisture.
Those can't be tears. The billionaire would never cry. 
"I'll send you some articles." 
So much of this story warmed my heart. Seeing the final pieces of this story come together was breathtaking. All the players in Bee's life that she didn't think would come together did - and for one beautiful reason: The love Bee & Hawke share. The final part I want to share is my favorite because it shows Lona, Cyndi and Nicolas (along with Bee's mother in the background) all together in the name of Bee. 
Nicolas gazes at me, appreciation in his brown eyes. "Are you trying to get me killed, Miss LaMarre? I'm not commenting on the attractiveness of our bride-to-be. I like my head where it is."
"Stuck up your ass," Cyndi mutters. 
...
"Straight men don't know about fashion.: Kenzie is on Cyndi's side. 
"Maybe not.: Nicolas's voice is curt and clipped. "But this straight man does know he'd rather not look at his best friend's nipples all night."
"She's not your best friend." Cyndi jumps to her feet. "She's mine."
Cynthia simply put - made a series that glowed throughout the entire 12 installments. You fell in love, had your heart broken, made friends for life and realized that you are stronger than you thought, braver than you thought and deserve all life has to offer. This series was more than an erotic tale of love - it was about family, blood and not; friendship, simple and not; striving for all you deserve and want while surviving all the world is going to hit you with. Perfection. Beautiful. A series I will read again and again. 

Finally, let's show this lady some LOVE... 

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Taking Heart Cover Reveal & More!

Taking Heart
Healing Harts (#2)
Anticipated Date of Release: June 2, 2015
Pre-Order on Amazon

Why this cover?
Taking Heart was a book that has been ruminating in my mind for quite some time. It was a very special story for me to write, not just the subject matter but both of the characters were incredible. It wasn’t easy to tackle serious subjects like PTSD and the after-effects of trauma, so the characters were extremely important and Julia and Dylan are a perfect couple to tackle this.
Julia Hart has used the trauma of her ex-boyfriend’s attack to benefit others by training therapy dogs for PTSD. When Dylan Granger arrives at her facility, at his brother’s request, he doubts that a dog is going to help change the nightmare his life has become. The last thing either of them expected was the connection they share. But, when they are both required to face their pasts, they find it’s possible when they rely on one another.
With the Healing Harts series, the covers were specifically chosen to convey the romance of the relationship but also the emotional connection of the characters. Since animals play a very special part in this series, it was integral that they be included in the covers. I also wanted to let the readers form their own picture of Julia in their minds, without relying on a cover model. In the end, I think this cover was a great choice and conveys a touching, emotional story.


An Excerpt

"You okay?" Gage glanced his way. Dylan hated the constant worry he could read in his brother's eyes.
He couldn't keep doing this to his brother. He'd become nothing more than a burden, the way their alcoholic father had been. Dylan had been the one who had stepped up from a young age, far too young for the responsibility of taking care of his mother and younger brother. To know that Gage might one day resent him, the way he did his father he couldn't let that happen. As much as he didn't think a dog would help him, it might at least do enough good that he could give his brother back the freedom he'd lost when Dylan returned from Afghanistan.
He shifted in the seat of the Camaro his brother had rented. The old Dylan would have been itching to open the car on the long stretch of highway, to press his foot to the floor and let the powerful beast fly over the asphalt, like Icarus soaring toward the sun. But that man had become mortal, died the day a bullet grazed his temple and a grenade exploded beside him. He fisted his hands, trying to control the anger that rose to the surface whenever he thought of what he'd lost.
"Yeah. Where is this place? B.F.E.? How much farther?"
Gage checked the GPS navigation. "About five miles. Just off the next exit."
Dylan's brows drooped. "Not much around here, is there?"
Gage shrugged as he turned off the highway. "Maybe that's a good thing."
"I don't like it. There's a lot of trees and ground cover. Too many hills."
He knew it might not make sense to anyone else but the hills and wooded areas made it harder for Dylan to see anyone approaching. He might not be in combat any longer, but that didn't stop him from scanning the woods for enemies. The doctors claimed it was just part of the PTSD, but he hadn't met a soldier yet who didn't continue to watch his back, even at home.
It was the same reason he'd done Internet searches on this training facility while his brother was sleeping. He not only wanted to get a lay of the place, but he wanted to know what he should expect. He was surprised to find out it was run by a woman. He'd even watched a few of the videos posted on her website. As much as it looked like she knew what she was doing, he wasn't sure how much a dog trainer could understand about a PTSD case like his without having been in combat. The woman in the videos looked more like a cheerleader than someone who knew anything about fear, trauma, or death.
Dylan crossed his arms over his chest as they approached the entrance and a sign welcoming them to Heart Fire Training Facility. As they pulled up to the main house, Dylan saw his brother's eyes widen. The house was a sprawling two story ranch style with a wraparound porch but what really caught his attention was the beautiful woman seated on the steps waiting for them.
"Damn."
Dylan chuckled at his brother's response. He couldn't help but agree. She was much prettier in person than she'd been in her videos, and that was saying a lot. He turned to say something and found his brother staring at him. "What?"
"You laughed."
"Okay?"
Gage stopped the car and turned it off. "That's the first time I've heard you laugh since you came home."
Dylan clenched his jaw, reaching for the door handle. His brother was right, and it had actually felt good, until he realized that he was the only one in his unit still able to laugh. Guilt washed over him as he thought about the families who had lost loved ones because of his failure. He climbed out of the car, refusing to respond.
"Hi, I'm Julia. You must be Dylan?"
The woman moved down the stairs, a broad smile on her face as she extended her hand. Immediately a monster sized dog bounded down the stairs and sat at her feet, staring up at Dylan. He tucked his hands into his pockets, his mouth turning down as his brows bunched in a frown. He wasn't about to put out a hand where this beast could bite. The dog cocked his head to one side, studying Dylan, then opened his mouth in what looked like a grin, his huge pink tongue lolling to the side.
She laughed. "It's okay. Tango is a big teddy bear." She seemed to catch herself. "Unless he's on alert and working."
He wondered at her hesitation and looked back at the dog, and the teeth he could see inside the sloppy grin. "Teddy bear, huh?"
His brother moved around the car and reached for her hand. "Hi, I'm Gage. We spoke on the phone. This is Dylan."
Dylan nodded at her, not moving to approach as he looked around at the facility. He assumed from the barks, yips and howls that the solitary outbuilding was a kennel or training area. The rest of the property was open with pine trees surrounding the back of the property into the hills. She had landscaped the front with wildflowers and grasses that looked native yet too orderly to be natural.
"If you want to grab your bags, I'll show you to your rooms," she offered as she turned back to the house.
Dylan didn't miss the fact that the dog rose and followed behind her. He met his brother at the truck of the car. "That dog is a monster," he muttered. "If you think I'm taking something like that home, you're the crazy one.""You're not crazy and just give it a chance, will you?" Gage looked around the side of the car, making sure Julia couldn't hear the criticism. "What's the worst case scenario? That you get to stare ather for three weeks?"
Dylan glared at his brother. The last thing he needed was any sort of romantic entanglement. He couldn't even take care of himself right now. "You go right ahead."
"You can't be serious. Are you blind?"
Dylan shrugged. He hadn't missed anything - not her curves, not her smile, not the white scar at her temple, and certainly not the way her dark brown eyes seemed to dance as she spoke. But he had nothing to offer and he wasn't selfish enough to sentence anyone else to the hell that was his life now. It was just easier to avoid any emotion, even the good ones. Hurt followed too closely at every turn.
"Are you two coming?" she called from the doorway. Dylan shut the trunk as his brother headed toward the house.
That smile was on her lips again as she opened the door and he felt stab of jealousy at the opportunity he'd just passed up for his brother. He didn't fault Gage; under different circumstances, he would have taken a shot at her. Dylan had always assumed he'd hoped to be married by now, maybe with a kid or two, but now, with a different sort of future ahead of him, he was glad he'd never taken the plunge. He had enough guilt on his shoulders without a wife and kids to disappoint. Gage held open the door for him and followed Julia inside.

Now let's show TINA some Healing Harts LOVE!