HOTEL KING by Claire Marti – Happy Book Birthday!

HOTEL KING

by

Claire Marti

Entrepreneur Ryan Michaels never loses. Well, except that time, a few years ago when he lost a promotion to spoiled rich girl, Charlotte “Charlie” Ray. Now he’s forced to hire his nemesis to secure funding to develop a string of luxury boutique hotels. Not only does she not fit his corporate vision, but she’s too damn attractive for her own good. And his.

Working as VP of Sales and Marketing for a luxury hotel is Charlie’s dream job. Too bad her boss is Ryan Michaels, the same pompous stick-in-the-mud that she remembers. If he tells her that this project is his legacy one more time, she might scream. Or maybe kissing him will get him to shut up?

Because that’s the other thing. The sizzling attraction between Ryan and Charlie is impossible to ignore. But everyone knows not to mix business and pleasure. Don’t they?

Buy Links:

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Did his player little brother want to date her? Could he blame Austin?

He surged to his feet and stalked around the room. Charlie was gorgeous, brilliant, and full of creative, progressive ideas. Hell, he couldn’t lie to himself that she intrigued him. Which was funny because at their old job, he truly hadn’t noticed her. He’d never had this strange and annoying inability to stop watching her. What had seemed obnoxious and strident before now appeared more friendly and vivacious.

And since when could he not control his behavior? He didn’t want to be attracted to her, damn it. His complicated new fascination with his former nemesis needed to stop. Simple dislike had been a lot easier.

On a personal level, it was a terrible idea––they were opposites after all. On a professional level, it was suicide. He couldn’t blur the lines.

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.

Social Media Links:

Website: clairemarti.com
Facebook: ClaireMartiAuthor
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: clairepmarti
Goodreads: Claire_Marti
Bookbub: claire-marti
Amazon: Claire-Marti

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU by Claire Marti – Featured New Release

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU

by

Claire Marti

When cocky financial genius Rafael Cruz is forced to partner with his snarky office rival Phoebe Hollingsworth to land a prestigious new client, nothing goes as planned. At work, they ignore each other, but at the Jingle Ball their unexpected chemistry changes the game. Will their secret holiday hook-up ruin the deal or is it the start of a deeper connection?

** A shorter version of this steamy enemies-to-lovers romance originally appeared in the Jingle Balls anthology. It has been revised and expanded into a novella. **

Buy Links:

Amazon: amazon/wrappedupwithyou
B&N: barnesandnoble.com/wrappedupwithyou

He flashed a grin. “Look at us, agreeing and everything. This truce isn’t too tough.”

Her lips curved upward in the first genuine smile she’d ever bestowed on him. “We’re regular besties now. And who knows, maybe we can even extend it to work on Monday.”

He held up his hands and laughed. “Don’t get all wild and crazy on me now. One evening at a time.”

She rolled her eyes, but grinned back. “Anyways, should we head downstairs?”

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.

Social Media Links:

Website: clairemarti.com
Facebook: ClaireMartiAuthor
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: clairepmarti
Goodreads: Claire_Marti
Bookbub: claire-marti
Amazon: Claire-Marti

Review to follow.

SIMMER DOWN by Sarah Smith – Featured New Release

SIMMER DOWN

by

Sarah Smith

In this finger-licking good rom-com, two is the perfect number of cooks in the kitchen.

Nikki DiMarco knew life wouldn’t be all sunshine and coconuts when she quit her dream job to help her mom serve up mouthwatering Filipino dishes to hungry beach goers, but she didn’t expect the Maui food truck scene to be so eat-or-be-eaten—or the competition to be so smoking hot.

But Tiva’s Filipina Kusina has faced bigger road bumps than the arrival of Callum James. Nikki doesn’t care how delectable the British food truck owner is—he rudely set up shop next to her coveted beach parking spot. He’s stealing her customers and fanning the flames of a public feud that makes her see sparks.

The solution? Let the upcoming Maui Food Festival decide their fate. Winner keeps the spot. Loser pounds sand. But the longer their rivalry simmers, the more Nikki starts to see a different side of Callum … a sweet, protective side. Is she brave enough to call a truce? Or will trusting Callum with her heart mean jumping from the frying pan into the fire?

Buy Links:

Penguin Random House Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Google Play Indiebound Books A Million Bookshop.org

Any time I see myself in the book I’m reading, I give it high marks. Every time I cry while reading a book, I give it top ratings. Whenever a book promotes the Filipino culture, I only had positive things to say about it. Simmer Down, with its part-Filipina heroine, her tight-knit bond with her parents, its multicultural romance, and its proud celebration of Filipino food, gets my enthusiastic rave. A perfectly-fitting read during the Filipino American History Month this October.

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and adorable cat Salem.

Social Media Links:

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Some of the dishes served in Nikki’s food truck Tiva’s Filipina Kusina are found in Boracay Vows.

Pancit and lumpia are mentioned multiple times in Simmer Down.

Chicken adobo is a prize-winning dish in Simmer Down.

LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT by Suzanne Park – Release Day Feature

LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT

by

Suzanne Park

Melody Joo is thrilled to start as video game producer, but her dream job can be far from a dream. Namely, a team that consists of mostly male co-workers who make the term “misogyny” pale in comparison to their obnoxious comments and an infuriating — yet distractingly handsome — intern Nolan MacKenzie, a.k.a. “the guy who got hired because his uncle is the boss.”

While joking with a friend, she creates a mobile game that has male strippers fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Suddenly, Melody’s “joke” is her company’s most high-profile project — and Melody’s running the show.

With her pet project about to launch, Melody suddenly faces a slew of complications, including a social media trolling scandal that could end her career. When Nolan is appointed a key member of her team, Melody’s sure he’ll be useless. But as they grow closer, she sees he’s smart and sexy, but she’s here to work—and nothing more. She suspects one of her co-workers is behind the trolling sabotage. Could the man she’s falling hard for help her play the game to win—in work and love?

Tackling trolling to loathful colleagues, Park’s writing pops off the page as a contemporary reflection of women everywhere navigating the obstacles of love and career with a little bit of struggle and a whole lot of humor.

“[A] punchy adult debut set in the world of video game design. Park makes tough topics go down easy by couching them in wry humor and lighthearted romance, and her fierce, snarky heroine is irresistible. This smart rom-com is a winner.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Bursts with humor, heart, and great energy. I loved it! Park is a hilarious new voice in women’s fiction.” — Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient

Buy links:

Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Apple Google Play
Indiebound Books-A-Million Harper Collins

Suzanne Park is a Korean-American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee. In her former life as a stand up comedian, she was a finalist in the Oxygen Network’s “Girls Behaving Badly” talent search, and appeared on BET’s “Coming to the Stage.” She found this to be the funniest thing in her comedy career because, well, she is not black. Suzanne was also the winner of the Seattle Sierra Mist Comedy Competition, and was a semi-finalist in NBC’s “Stand Up For Diversity” showcase in San Francisco. Suzanne graduated from Columbia University and received an MBA Degree from UCLA. After spending many years as a tech marketing executive, she turned to writing fiction full-time. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, female offspring, and a sneaky rat that creeps around on her back patio. In her spare time, she procrastinates. Keep up with her at https://www.suzannepark.com, Facebook and Twitter.

ROUGHED IN by Eva Moore – Release Day Review and Giveaway

Blurb:

Frankie’s Punch-Out List:
1. Finalize plans to takeover Valenti Brothers Construction.
2. Nail this vineyard renovation in spite of it being cursed.
3. Prove to the world that I’m more than the comic relief.
4. Make out with my director on top of a bar.

Wait, how’d that last one get on there? But, as long as it’s on the list…

Frankie Valenti has always dreamed of taking over the family construction business. But as the baby of the family, and a girl to boot, she’s constantly having to prove her ability. Now everything she’s worked for hinges on one project, a made-for-TV vineyard renovation. She’s got to nail this, and not her infuriating but smoking hot director if she’s going to win her father’s trust. If life would just follow her damn blueprints, everything would be fine. But we all know how often that happens…

Jake Ryland will do whatever it takes to move his reputation from child actor burnout to celebrated director, up to and including manipulating “reality” to make the best shows possible. He’s never felt bad about it before, but there’s something about Frankie that makes him want to lift her up, instead of tearing her down. And if he happens to pin her to the wall while lifting her up, well, then everybody wins. Except for his execs who want to see her fail and owe them $100,000. Crap. He’s so screwed.

Rough and tumble hookups are one thing, but can they turn into a stable foundation for a relationship? Or will the whole structure crumble under the weight of pride and ambition?

Find out in this satisfying conclusion to the Exposed Dreams series.

Buy Links:

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082KJD15P
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/roughed-in/id1490982360
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/roughed-in
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/roughed-in-eva-moore/1135472540?ean=2940163412310
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/994808
My Reading List – https://books2read.com/rl/EvaMooreReadingList

Review:

An emotionally satisfactory, (literally) fiery, and fanning-myself sexy ending to a wonderful series.

When the Exposed Dreams books started, I knew nothing about home improvement or make-up tutorial shows. After book 3, I still don’t know much but Eva’s incredible talent and immersive storytelling style had me entertained and educated at the same time. Competence porn for the win!

I love functional family storylines in books, whether found or by blood. Roughed In has both with the Valentis and Jake’s TV show family. What’s great is that the numerous secondary characters rightfully supported the two leads and nobody came out as distracting or overpowering. The focus remained on the main couple and I really like that.

I also really like the character development for both Frankie and Jake. The shift in their thinking from the beginning to the end flowed naturally, realistically. I like that they didn’t change who they are, just grew in the acquisition of a wider perspective that included them both. I appreciate them better when I know their strengths and vulnerabilities.

The book shines best when Frankie and Jake are in the scenes together, striking sparks off each other. It’s when they are apart that the book falters slightly with too much introspection. I don’t mind the quick resolution, I just wish there are more explanations and future planning because I care what happens to them. Eva made me care as if these people are real. That’s talent, I tell you.

I eagerly await Eva’s future works. For sure they’re going to be fantastic. Her writing keeps getting better and better with each book. She has become an auto-buy for me.

Review Spots:

Goodreads –https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48985780-roughed-in
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/roughed-in-exposed-dreams-book-3-by-eva-moore

Teasers:

Giveaway:

I’m giving away a Kindle eBook copy of Roughed In to one lucky winner. To enter, all you have to do is Like and Comment with your favorite reality show. I will draw the winner on Tuesday, February 4 at 12nn Central. Check back here to see if you won.

Author Bio:

Eva Moore writes sweet and sexy contemporary romances featuring compelling characters finding love in the modern world. Pulling up her Chicagoland roots, she has chased adventures around the globe, with stints in France and Singapore. Eva now lives in California (at the wine end, not the movie end) with her college sweetheart, three gorgeous kiddos, and a Shih Tzu who thinks he’s a cat. She loves hearing from the outside world while she’s hiding in her writing cave/closet. Please visit her at www.4evamoore.com.

Social Media Links:

Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/4evamooreauthor
Facebook Friend Page: www.facebook.com/4evamoore
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsForEvaMoore/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorEvaMoore
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/authorevamoore
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorevamoore

FAKER by Sarah Smith – Happy Release Day!

FAKER

by

Sarah Smith

SYNOPSIS

Emmie Echavarre is a professional faker. She has to be to survive as one of the few female employees at Nuts & Bolts, a power tool company staffed predominantly by gruff, burly men. From nine to five, Monday through Friday, she’s tough as nails–the complete opposite of her easy-going real self.

One thing she doesn’t have to fake? Her disdain for coworker Tate Rasmussen. Tate has been hostile to her since the day they met. Emmie’s friendly greetings and repeated attempts to get to know him failed to garner anything more than scowls and terse one-word answers. Too bad she can’t stop staring at his Thor-like biceps …

When Emmie and Tate are forced to work together on a charity construction project, things get … heated. Emmie’s beginning to see that beneath Tate’s chiseled exterior lies a soft heart, but it will take more than a few kind words to erase the past and convince her that what they have is real.

Buy Links:

Amazon Barnes and Noble Books A Million
Hudson Booksellers Indie Bound Powell’s

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and adorable cat Salem. Faker is her debut novel.

Follow her here:

Website
Facebook Author Page
Twitter

MAKING UP by Lucy Parker – Happy Book Birthday!

Author of Act Like It and Pretty Face Lucy Parker returns readers to the West End, where it’s fireworks onstage and off in a sexy enemies-to-lovers showdown.

SYNOPSIS

Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.

Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.

To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.

When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.

It seems hopeless.

Utterly impossible.

And yet…

Buy Making Up here:

Amazon US: https://goo.gl/CTLJJd
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/EgCUHC
B & N: https://goo.gl/KmWz8p
Kobo: https://goo.gl/KeXKig

REVIEW

I lovedlovedloved Making Up. I read it so fast, now I want to read it again. Well, after I read Pretty Face first. I’ve had that book for ages. Planned to read it after Act Like It while I was in England, but I never got around to it. I’m not sure if my opinion of Trix will change. We shall see.

For now, I love her. She’s feisty and vulnerable at the same time. Her confidence was shaken by a manipulative ex but she got past the insecurities, by herself and also with Leo’s support. I adore that she’s fiercely protective of Leo and had the hero moment with the saboteur. Also with Cat, the biatch sister.

And, Leo? I adore him. He’s everything a romantic hero should be. He’s had many bad things happen to him, but he did not turn bitter. He’s talented, witty, and oh-so-kind. His lines are swoon worthy.

Happiness. She was, still unbelievably, happiness.
“You make me happy. It’s as simple as that. And I make you happy. Whether you’re ready to acknowledge that or not.”
“Fight for me, too.”

Waaah, he made me cry. And laugh. Both of them did. Their banter was zingy and their sci-fi fandom is so endearingly geeky.

What I adored above all is Lucy’s writing. It’s so visual. She described the acrobatics, the makeup, the actions, the feelings so incredibly well that the scenes played like a movie in my mind. What a great talent. Another big plus is the fascinating secondary characters. They’re diverse and added so much color to the story without taking center stage.

If I have to look for something to complain about it has to be the numerous villains (Trix’s ex, the show’s stage manager, Leo’s saboteur, and especially Cat). I just loved the romance between Leo and Trix so much to the point that it overpowered my objections over the antagonists completely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Parker lives in the gorgeous Central Otago region of New Zealand, where she feels lucky every day to look out at mountains, lakes, and vineyards. She has a degree in Art History, loves museums and art galleries, and doodles unrecognizable flowers when she has writer’s block.

When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.

Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.

Maida Malby

Carpe Diem Chronicles. Destination: Romance

Tag Archives: #enemiestolovers

HOTEL KING by Claire Marti – Happy Book Birthday!

HOTEL KING

by

Claire Marti

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU by Claire Marti – Featured New Release

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU

by

Claire Marti

SIMMER DOWN by Sarah Smith – Featured New Release

SIMMER DOWN

by

Sarah Smith

LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT by Suzanne Park – Release Day Feature

LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT

by

Suzanne Park

ROUGHED IN by Eva Moore – Release Day Review and Giveaway

Blurb:

Review:

Teasers:

Giveaway:

Author Bio:

Social Media Links:

FAKER by Sarah Smith – Happy Release Day!

FAKER

by

Sarah Smith

SYNOPSIS

ABOUT SARAH

MAKING UP by Lucy Parker – Happy Book Birthday!

SYNOPSIS

REVIEW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR