HFVBT Presents: Nightingale

Nightingale

03_NightingalePublication: June 5, 2013
Books We Love, Ltd.
Formats: eBook, Paperback

Rating: 5 Stars

Her body belonged to the Count, but her heart yearned for true love.

18th Century Vienna was glamorous and corrupt, and the pathway to fame could not be trodden in innocence. Count Maximilian discovers Klara in a Nightingale Cage, an orphanage for the abandoned children of musicians. He educates her, fosters her remarkable vocal talent and initiates her into the art of love, intending to create the perfect mistress. The Count controls every aspect of Klara’s life, until Fate, in the form of handsome Akos Almassy, takes a hand. The tall, dark Magyar violinist can make beautiful music and healing potions, too, but can he rescue Klara from the Count—and live?

Praise for Nightingale

“As Klara is drawn deeper into love with Akos Almassy, the charismatic harpsichordist, she must come to a decision: chose her true love or stay with the twisted relationship, professional acclaim, and wealth she has with her patron…Much more than a romance, Nightingale offers a tantalizing view into the rarefied atmosphere of historical Vienna and the world of celebrity performers. It is part of Juliet Waldron’s trilogy of Viennese tales, so be sure to read Mozart’s Wife, and My Mozart…” – Judith Schara

“I was drawn into this tale by the lush prose, descriptions of clothing, jewelry, and details of Klara’s performances. Tension is maintained throughout as Klara fights to be free of her gilded cage. Waldron obviously knows her stuff when it comes to music and pure desire.” – Diane Scott Lewis

My Thoughts

Klara draws the reader in with her naivety and striving to please her manipulative master.  It is often hard to watch as she exchanges the cage of one life, for the seeming silken bonds of another.  Set in 18th century Vienna, Nightingale is a beautifully written story full of emotion and well expressed plots.

The love story between Akos and the vert gun shy Klara, is a sweet but rocky one.  This hard gone road is due in large part to Klara's need to hold on with both hands to the fleeting flame of fame.  This naked ambition coupled with all that she has suffered in the guise of love, has her believing that not even the pinings of her own heart are to be trusted.

Juliet Waldron proves herself once again a masterful crafter of Historical Romance.  Her talent for writing the human and deeply personal story beyond compare.

Buy the eBook

Amazon (US)
Amazon (AU)
Amazon (CA)
Amazon (UK)

About the AuthorOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

“Not all who wander are lost.” Juliet Waldron earned a B. A. in English, but has worked at jobs ranging from artist’s model to brokerage. Thirty years ago, after the boys left home, she dropped out of 9-5 and began to write, hoping to create a genuine time travel experience for herself–and for her readers. She loves her grand-girls and her kitties, likes to take long hikes, and reads historical/archeological non-fiction as well as reviewing for the Historical Novel Society. For summer adventure, she rides behind her husband of 50 years on his “bucket list” (black, and ridiculously fast) Hyabusa motorcycle.

You can find more information at www.julietwaldron.com or connect with Juliet on Facebook.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, May 5
Interview at Layered Pages

Thursday, May 8
Review at Just One More Chapter (Mozart’s Wife)

Friday, May 9
Spotlight at Closed the Cover (Genesee)

Monday, May 12
Review at Closed the Cover (Genesee)
Spotlight at Tower of Babel

Monday, May 19
Interview at Closed the Cover

Wednesday, May 21
Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Monday, May 26
Review at Book Lovers Paradise (Mozart’s Wife)

Tuesday, May 27
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession (Genesee)
Guest Post at Book Lovers Paradise (w/Kathy Fischer-Brown and Louise Turner)

Monday, June 2
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Nightingale)

Tuesday, June 3
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession (Roan Rose)

Thursday, June 5
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views (Mozart’s Wife)

Monday, June 9
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time (Roan Rose)

Tuesday, June 10
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views (Nightingale)

Thursday, June 12
Guest Post at Closed the Cover

Monday, June 16
Review at Just One More Chapter (Roan Rose)

Tuesday, June 17
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Mozart’s Wife)

Monday, June 23
Review at Peeking Between the Pages (Mozart’s Wife)

Tuesday, June 24
Review at A Bookish Affair (Mozart’s Wife)

Wednesday, June 25
Review at Layered Pages (Nightingale)
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Thursday, June 26
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Roan Rose)

Friday, June 27
Review at Broken Teepee (Mozart’s Wife)

Saturday, June 28
Review at WTF Are You Reading? (Mozart’s Wife)

Monday, June 30
Review at The True Book Addict (Mozart’s Wife)
Review at WTF Are You Reading? (Nightingale)


HFVBT Presents: Mozart's Wife + Giveaway

Mozart’s Wife

02_Mozart's WifePublication Date: January 11, 2014
Books We Love, Ltd.
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Rating: 5 Stars
Winner of the First Independent E-Book Award for Fiction Seventh Annual Virginia Festival of the Book
She Married the World’s First Superstar.
Mozart’s wife aroused strong feelings among her contemporaries. Her in-laws loathed her. Mozart’s friends, more than forty years after his death, remained eager to gossip about her “failures” as wife to the world’s first superstar. Maturing from child to wife to hard-headed widow, Konstanze paid her husband’s debts, provided for their children, and relentlessly marketed and mythologized Mozart. The composer’s letters attest to his affection for Konstanze as well as to their powerful sexual bond. Still, the question remains: Why did she never mark his grave?

Praise for Mozart’s Wife

“This is a multi-faceted novel which brilliantly joins the nomenclature of romantic and historical fiction. I would recommend this novel to lovers of music, lovers of history, and just plain lovers.” – Knowbetter.com
“Juliet Waldron brings Konstanze and her wayward genius of a spouse to vivid life. She avoids the pitfall of the biographical novelist by refusing to make either of them the villain, and her insights into character are extraordinary.” – Liz Burton, The Blue Iris Journal
“Mozart’s Wife is a story of love, jealousy, grief and most importantly–forgiveness. …Fast-paced; Ms. Waldron has exquisite, flowing prose. .. a must read” – Kim Murphy, Sime-Gen
“Waldron’s writing is humorous, erotic, and fluid…. Mozart’s Wife is a consuming piece that reminds us that all humans, regardless of talent or skill, are within the boundaries of fault and outside the lines of perfection. I highly recommend this wonderful book.” – Melissa Levine

Buy the Book

My Thoughts

The story of Konstanze and Wolfgang as told within the pages of Mozart's Wife, is just that, the story of a wife.
True, she happenens to be the wife of one of the greatest musical minds in history, but she is still a wife.  As such, readers are privy to a glimpse behind the veil of pomp and glory that often surround historical figures.  A glimpse at Mozart the man, the lover, the father, the son, and the husband.
Readers are exposed to his successes and failures, triumphs and defeats in a very intimate and readable fashion.  In a voice that rings with honesty, sincerity, and love.

One can only hope to be so taken by the facets of a story, that one manages to completely lose one's self to its magic.  With the masterfully fluid expressiveness found I the tales of Juliet Waldron however, that elusive transport is not a hope, but a promise.

Mozart's Wife is a book where there are no clear heroines or villains.  That is not the point of its story.
This is however, the story of a life.  The life of a great man...and the woman who loved him. 



About the AuthorOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

“Not all who wander are lost.” Juliet Waldron earned a B. A. in English, but has worked at jobs ranging from artist’s model to brokerage. Thirty years ago, after the boys left home, she dropped out of 9-5 and began to write, hoping to create a genuine time travel experience for herself–and for her readers. She loves her grand-girls and her kitties, likes to take long hikes, and reads historical/archeological non-fiction as well as reviewing for the Historical Novel Society. For summer adventure, she rides behind her husband of 50 years on his “bucket list” (black, and ridiculously fast) Hyabusa motorcycle.
You can find more information at www.julietwaldron.com or connect with Juliet on Facebook.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, May 5
Interview at Layered Pages
Thursday, May 8
Review at Just One More Chapter (Mozart’s Wife)
Friday, May 9
Spotlight at Closed the Cover (Genesee)
Monday, May 12
Review at Closed the Cover (Genesee)
Spotlight at Tower of Babel
Monday, May 19
Interview at Closed the Cover
Wednesday, May 21
Interview at The Maiden’s Court
Monday, May 26
Review at Book Lovers Paradise (Mozart’s Wife)
Tuesday, May 27
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession (Genesee)
Guest Post at Book Lovers Paradise (w/Kathy Fischer-Brown and Louise Turner)
Monday, June 2
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Nightingale)
Tuesday, June 3
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession (Roan Rose)
Thursday, June 5
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views (Mozart’s Wife)
Monday, June 9
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time (Roan Rose)
Tuesday, June 10
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views (Nightingale)
Thursday, June 12
Guest Post at Closed the Cover
Monday, June 16
Review at Just One More Chapter (Roan Rose)
Tuesday, June 17
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Mozart’s Wife)
Monday, June 23
Review at Peeking Between the Pages (Mozart’s Wife)
Tuesday, June 24
Review at A Bookish Affair (Mozart’s Wife)
Wednesday, June 25
Review at Layered Pages (Nightingale)
Guest Post at Passages to the Past
Thursday, June 26
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Roan Rose)
Friday, June 27
Review at Broken Teepee (Mozart’s Wife)
Saturday, June 28
Review at WTF Are You Reading? (Mozart’s Wife)
Monday, June 30
Review at The True Book Addict (Mozart’s Wife)
Review at WTF Are You Reading? (Nightingale)

Giveaway

To win a $20 Amazon Gift Card please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open to US residents only. 
Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on June 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on July 1st and notified via email.
Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
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"Bridling His Vampire" Doesn't Quite Leave One Chomping At The Bit

Angel Laird, Vampire WifeAngel Laird, Vampire Wife (Bridling His Vampire)
Author  Suz deMello
Format:  ERC
Length:  45 pages
Publisher:  Ellora's Cave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Erotic romance by Suz deMello, set in 18th century Scotland.

Edgar, Laird MacReiver, had never regretted his decision to wed Isobel, daughter of Clan Kilburn’s laird…until she bit his tongue and drank his blood. Will tying her hands, spanking her luscious bottom and making her come tame the wild child of the infamous vampire clan?

Or are some women too dangerous to tame?


My Thoughts
Edgar and Isobel's story could have been any of hundreds told in mainstream period romances. In fact,there is really not much there to distinguish Bridling His Vampire as Erotica or Isobel as a vampire. Unless of course you count the time that she bites him during a kiss, and her rather obcessive need to lick his injuries at every opportunity.
Isobel as a character seems painfully naive. Not only is she unaware of her power as a woman, but she also seems completely oblivious to her vampiric charms.
Edgar is you run-of-the-mill possessive and entitled laird. His focus is centered around the wedding, bedding, and ownership of Isobel, first and foremost.
The story flows nicely for the most part, given the fact that it is only composed of 45 pages.
What does throw one for a loop is the ending scene. This deathbed tableau is totally out of sync with the rather light hearted tone set in prior pages.View all my reviews.




"Hungry"...Not Quite a Filling Read

HungryHungry
Format:  ERC
Length:  383 pages
Author:  H.A. Swain
Publisher:  Feiwel & Friends
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


In the future, food is no longer necessary—until Thalia begins to feel something unfamiliar and uncomfortable. She’s hungry.

In Thalia’s world, there is no need for food—everyone takes medication (or “inocs”) to ward off hunger. It should mean there is no more famine, no more obesity, no more food-related illnesses, and no more war. At least that's what her parents, who work for the company that developed the inocs, say. But when Thalia meets a boy who is part of an underground movement to bring food back, she realizes that most people live a life much different from hers. Worse, Thalia is starting to feel hunger, and so is he—the inocs aren’t working. Together they set out to find the only thing that will quell their hunger: real food.

H. A. Swain delivers an adventure that is both epic and fast-paced. Get ready to be Hungry.


My Thoughts
Hungry as a story is a case of excellent premise meets haphazard execution.
Thalia Apple is a wonderful protagonist. She has just the right amounts of spirit, intelligence, and naivety to make the make her thought and actions believable.
Likewise, her male counterpart in this food based adventure also reads as true to his role as the rebel from the wrong side of the tracks.
What does not ring true however, is everything else that authoress H. A. Swain does to the plot and characters of this most promising read.

Cases In Point
1. Giving all of your characters food based names.
2. The convenience factor (the way that help just happens to be at the ready in EVERY crisis)
3. The ease with which teens manage to elude adults and tech.
4. The choppiness of the sections of the story.
5. The vague and open ending.

This is a book that one finds oneself wanting to like, but because of the reasons listed above, is never quite able to fully embrace.
It would be unfair to rate this book any lower than a 3, given the fact that the characters are well written and there are moments of brilliance within the plot.
Taken as is, this is a book that would appeal to younger teens.
The reason for this being that while the message contained within the story is very complex, the delivery is more suited to those in the 13 to 15 age range.
It is my sincerest hope that this author sees fit to expound on the world an characters found here. This is a wonderful world and should be revisited after all of the negatives of the first book have been examined. 

"The Beautiful Ashes" Packs Quite The Action Packed Burn

The Beautiful AshesTitle:  The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny #1)
Author:  Jeaniene Frost
Format:  ERC
Length:  304 pages
Publisher:  Harlequin
Rating:  4 Stars

In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…  -Goodreads

My Thoughts

Ivy is a character who takes some getting used to. Though her circumstance at the beginning of the read lead one to believe that she is a very sympathetic leading lady; the bravery and moxie she shows soon after, quickly dispels any notions of "shrinking violet" syndrome previously held.
Ivy's backstory seems to get lost amid the various character introductions, plot twists, and world construction that takes place,as the story finds its feet.

The introduction of leading man Adrian, his backstory, and the intertwining of the Ivy's and his fate, is where thing really start to get good. He is truly a major plot engine for this story, and it is a pleasure to see him work.
He also serves as the vehicle for several key revelations concerning Ivy's purpose, gifts, and history.
Not to mention the fact that he is the epitome of sex on a plate!

Supporting cast members worth a nod of recognition.

Zac - The good guy. He is the equivalent of an angelic Q to Adrian's James Bond.
He is always around for the occasional costume change, to give advice, or the much needed aftermath cleanup. When it comes to the heavy lifting however, Ivy and Adrian are pretty much left to sink or swim.

Demetrius - The bad guy. He is the puppet master not so behind the scenes making things happen. Just when it seems that there is nothing more that he can do, you are once again reminded that his powers of manipulation know no bounds.

Jasmine - The bait. Ivy's sister and the reason that she embarks on her quest I the first place. There is not much to say about her because her character remains seriously underdeveloped.

Costas - He can most easily be described as Adrian's roadie. Some who is always there to follow him around, bring the car, carry the guns, die a few times...you know, 
the fun stuff.

The Minions - The various realms of this books are filled with a wide array of interesting demo helpers. They range from the hideous to the insidious.

This is a great, action packed, whirlwind of a read. Relying more on plot complexity and breakneck pacing, than the sexy sadism that has been a hallmark of previous works. This is a true departure from the known, and the start of a wonderful new adventure from Queen Frost.

"The Appetites of Girls" Offers a Dramatic Banquet of Food For Thought

The Appetites of GirlsThe Appetites of Girls by Pamela Moses
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Appetites of Girls is an eye opening look into the lives of four women, spanning transformative happenings in their youth, college years, and early adult careers. As readers are given the opportunity to explore and ponder the intricacies of each of the lives presented; a definite pattern emerges. Each of the young women featured here mirrors their relationships with family, lovers, career, and fulfillment with there relationship with food.
Whether it be eating as little as possible in order to eat smaller portions in order to fulfill a perceived role in a relationship, or to not outshine a sibling. Using food to fill an emptiness left by a loss. Turning the act of eating into a regime built on control, to compensate for a time when control was forcibly taken. Or living a life of bounty but never truly allowing one's self to enjoy said abundance.
This book and the stories found herein echo the hopes, fears, and anxieties of a great majority of today's women.
Women of today, living the paradox between our authentic wants, feelings, desires, and goals, and those imposed on us by family, spouses, society, and ourselves.
Brimming with a personal emotionality that gets inside of readers, authoress Pamela Moses speaks to that part of her audiences where secrets are hidden.
View all my reviews

Explore The Benefits of "Tempting The Sinner"

Tempting a Sinner (The Sinners Club, #2)Title:  Tempting The Sinner
(Sinners Club #2)
Author:  Kate Pearce
Format:  ERC
Length:  336 pages
Publisher:  Aprodisia
Rating:  4 Stars


Known only to a select few, these inscrutable men are bound by dangerous desires and enigmatic pasts. They are the Sinners Club. . .

Cold Calculation

Within the circles of British intelligence, Benedict, Lord Keyes, is known for his cold brilliance and strict military demeanor. Yet this icy exterior masks a man of smoldering passion and scorching sexuality who will do anything to keep his past a secret. . .

Sultry Satisfaction

Miss Malinda Keyes refuses to be intimidated by Lord Keyes. In fact, she enjoys a good battle, especially one of erotic wiles and carnal cunning. Determined to expose his lordship's past, she will use every wanton weapon in her arsenal to tease and tempt this sinner into the ultimate sensual surrender. . . -Goodreads


My Thoughts
This book is all about the sexual situations.  Kate Pearce is truly a master of coupling in all forms and variations. 

This book offers:
Male/Male
Male/Female
Menage variations
Light Bondage
Mild Spanking Play

The interaction between leading lady Malinda and her leading man, Lord Benedict, is fiery and draws the reader in from the first scene.  It is this fire and refusal to live within the confines of convention that make both characters a joy to experience.

 Readers are introduced to the Sinner's Club reference in the series title, but aside from a few choice scenes the club is more of a setting than a main stage for the book's happenings.
The problem with this read comes in the plot.  Malinda's motives for her actions, Benedict's father's actions toward her, and the reasoning behind the whole thing is very convoluted when compared to the seamless flow of all other aspects of this steamy tale.

Given the explicit nature of this read, it is suggested for readers 18+.

 

HFVBT Presents: Curses and Smoke

Curses and Smoke
Publication Date: May 27, 2014 Arthur A. Levine Books Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Genre: YA Historical
When your world blows apart, what will you hold onto?
TAG is a medical slave, doomed to spend his life healing his master's injured gladiators. But his warrior's heart yearns to fight in the gladiator ring himself and earn enough money to win his freedom.
LUCIA is the daughter of Tag's owner, doomed by her father's greed to marry a much older Roman man. But she loves studying the natural world around her home in Pompeii, and lately she's been noticing some odd occurrences in the landscape: small lakes disappearing; a sulfurous smell in the air...
When the two childhood friends reconnect, each with their own longings, they fall passionately in love. But as they plot their escape from the city, a patrician fighter reveals his own plans for them -- to Lucia's father, who imprisons Tag as punishment. Then an earthquake shakes Pompeii, in the first sign of the chaos to come. Will they be able to find each other again before the volcano destroys their whole world?

Buy the Book

About the Author

Vicky Alvear Shecter

Vicky Alvear Shecter is the author of the young adult novel, CLEOPATRA'S MOON (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2011), based on the life of Cleopatra's only daughter. She is also the author of two award-winning biographies for kids on Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. She is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University in Atlanta.

Author Links

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, May 12 Bibliophilia, Please bookworm2bookworm's Blog Tuesday, May 13 Broken Teepee Passages to the Past In the Hammock Blog Wednesday, May 14 CelticLady's Reviews The Most Happy Reader I'd So Rather Be Reading History From a Woman's Perspective Thursday, May 15 Kinx's Book Nook A Bibliotaph's Reviews Historical Fiction Obsession Friday, May 16 Booktalk & More The Mad Reviewer Book Lovers Paradise Saturday, May 17 SOS Aloha Reading the Ages Kelsey's Book Corner Sunday, May 18 Giant Squid Books WTF Are You Reading? Monday, May 19 Caroline Wilson Writes So Many Books, So Little Time Tuesday, May 20 West Metro Mommy The True Book Addict The Musings of ALMYBNENR Wednesday, May 21 Book Nerd Tower of Babel Hardcover Feedback Thursday, May 22 Paperback Princess Bittersweet Enchantment Friday, May 23 History Undressed Historical Fiction Connection Saturday, May 24 Literary Chanteuse Just One More Chapter Sunday, May 25 A Dream within a Dream The Little Reader Library Monday, May 26 Pages of Comfort Griperang's Bookmarks Raizza's Book Blogging Adventure Tuesday, May 27 Princess of Eboli Ageless Pages Reviews The Musings of a Book Junkie

Giveaway

To win a copy of Curses & Smoke or a $25 Amazon Gift Card please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on May 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on May 28th and notified via email. Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. a Rafflecopter giveaway  photo 5d0bedea-42a1-42ca-9aac-7d15a9a3c0dc.png

Entangled Presents: Burn For Me

BURN FOR ME
by:  Lauren Blakely


Burn For Me (A Fighting Fire Novella)Book Synopsis: She’s the one fire he can’t put out…
Jamie Lansing has had it bad for firefighter Smith Grayson for as long as they’ve been friends. Yes, he’s ridiculously charming and she might stare a little too long at his abs, but his dirty-talking, rough-around-the-edges ways aren’t for her. Plus, she knows that as a serial dater, Smith isn’t the type to settle down. But then a terrible, fantastic, mind-blowing mistake leaves her body craving more than one night.
Smith Grayson has only ever had eyes for one woman in town—his best friend Jamie. But convincing her a relationship between them will work is next to impossible with her refusing to see beyond his past. But when she asks for a week of no-strings-attached sex to get him out of her system, Smith knows this is his one chance to prove he’s not just the man she needs in her bed, but the man she needs in her life.

My Thoughts
As a reviewer, I try to be as objective as possible when when delivering my thoughts on the things that I read.  I have found however that when reviewing Brazen titles, Lauren Blakely titles specifically, my objectivity takes a flying leap out of the nearest window.
Such is happily the case with Burn For Me.
This is the perfect instance of both falling in love with your best friend and opposites attracting.
The sweet almost innocent sincerity embodied by Jamie, is the perfect contract to the brashness and wild spirit of Smith.

Readers will absolutely love the way that these two bring out the best in each other without attempting to change or deminish what was already there.

This may be a small book, but it holds a very big and emotionally involved story.  
The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start, and the SEX is HOT, HOT, HOT!
Just a warning to you.
The language and sexual situations are a little on the rough and raunchy side this time around.
Not to worry though romance fans.  There is a very pristine "happily ever after" bow waiting to be tied at book's end.


Entangled Brazen:

Twitter: @BrazenBooks  Steals and Deals
Author Bio:
Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, andiBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He's Mine, Playing With Her Heart, Trophy Husband, FarToo Tempting, The Thrill of It, and Every Second With You, Night After Night and After This Night. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Giveaway:  $25 Victorias Secret Gift Card