Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Release Blast for KISS ME THAT WAY by Laura Trentham, May 31st, 2016.


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KISS ME THAT WAY
Cottonbloom #1
Laura Trentham
Releasing May 31st, 2016
St. Martin's Paperbacks


A river divides Cottonbloom in two: the upscale enclave on the Mississippi side and the rundown, rough and tumble side in Louisiana. They’re worlds apart—but nothing can build a bridge like love…

Cade Fournette never had it easy Cottonbloom. He stuck around long enough to raise his orphaned siblings and then hightailed it out West—and never looked back. Even though he’s made a success of himself in Seattle, Cade never lost the toughness and the angry edge that helped him survive down South. His only weak spot: the girl he left behind…

Monroe Kirby came from the wealthy side of town, but that didn’t protect her from her mother’s drinking—or her mother’s boyfriend. It was Cade who did that, on a long-ago hot September night, before he disappeared…along with a piece of her heart. Now Monroe is a physical therapist who can fight for herself, and it’s Cade who could use some conditioning when he makes an unexpected return back home. Will he and Monroe pick up where they left off and finally explore their mutual passion—or will the scars and secrets of the past divide them once more?

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coming June 2016




An award-winning author, Laura Trentham was born and raised in a small town in Tennessee. Although, she loved English and reading in high school, she was convinced an English degree equated to starvation. She chose the next most logical major—Chemical Engineering—and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years.

She writes sexy, small town contemporaries and smoking hot Regency historicals. The first two books of her Falcon Football series were named Top Picks by RT Book Reviews magazine. When not lost in a cozy Southern town or Regency England, she's shuttling kids to soccer, helping with homework, and avoiding the Mt. Everest-sized pile of laundry that is almost as large as the to-be-read pile of books on her nightstand.



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Excerpt

“You left Cottonbloom without telling me. Without saying good-bye. I want to know why.” Monroe hadn’t meant for the words to come out at all, much less with such vehemence.

“It was complicated.” Cade broke eye contact. “You were a good kid in a bad situation.”

“Weren’t you a good kid in a bad situation?”

He shifted toward her, bracing a hand on the dash and laying his other arm over the back of her seat, invading her space. She didn’t retreat. His intensity spurred her heart rate into an erratic gallop, yet she wasn’t intimidated. Perhaps it was only echoes of the past, but he made her feel safe, even when he was the one she should be scared of.

“I grew up fast and tough.” His voice contained more than a hint of warning.

“You were nice to me,” she said softly.

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking I’m nice. I wasn’t then, and I’m sure as hell not now.”

He ran a callused finger down her cheek, the rasp igniting her nerve endings like a flint. His hand continued south and wrapped itself in her braid, the slight tug on her scalp sending shivers through her body in spite of the sun bearing down on the truck. Her nipples felt tight, and she hoped her tight sports tank masked her sudden, inexplicable arousal.

He pulled her braid, forcing her toward him. She didn’t fight him. He dropped his face next to hers, his coarse beard hair caressing her cheek, his mouth close to her ear. “If I see something I want, I go after it and get it by any means necessary.”

“How very Machiavellian.” She tried a laugh, but it came out more like a stuttering sigh. His scent hooked her even closer, and her lips grazed the outer rim of his ear.

He pulled back, his green-eyed gaze roving her face. She returned the favor, noting the faint brackets around his mouth, the crinkles at his eyes, the thick beard. A full-grown man. Yet was he so different from the boy she remembered?

“Ovid.” The movement of his lips jammed the cogs of her brain. The word made no sense. Her confusion must have been obvious, because the mouth she stared at tipped up in the corners, deepening the grooves. “The Greek philosopher Ovid, not Machiavelli, actually wrote: The end justifies the means.”

“Ovid. Of course.” Apparently, Monroe had slept through that philosophy class at Ole Miss. The fact that high-school dropout Cade Fournette was quoting Ovid made her wonder what other mysteries she might uncover if she went digging.

Just when she was ready to grab a shovel, he released her braid and slipped away. His limp was less pronounced as he took the stairs holding the cane parallel to the ground. Although he’d physically released her, she felt bound to him in some other fundamental way, incapable of tearing her eyes off him until he disappeared behind Sawyer’s front door. Even then, she sat, unable to drive away for a long minute.

How could the simple brush of Cade’s finger ignite a fire when other men left her cold? As her arousal ebbed, she realized something else. She’d just been manipulated by a master. He hadn’t explained why he left.

She spent the evening going through the motions of her life, eating when her stomach growled and heading to bed when her eyes felt heavy. A few short hours ago, her life had been tidy and predictable and boring. Cade Fournette’s return had spun her into chaos.





Kiss Me That Way is an engaging story set in the small, southern town of Cottonbloom. Author Laura Trentham has created an unusual setting which appealed to me. The town of Cottonbloom is set in two different states and is divided by a river. One side of town is wealthy Cottonbloom, Mississippi and the blue collar side of town is located in Louisiana. The author does a fabulous job of comparing and contrasting the residents from both sides of town. I loved the quirky townspeople in this slice -of l-life novel, especially Uncle Delmar and the Quilting Bees.

The first chapter of the book introduces Cade Fournette and Monroe Kirby and provides their back story. The reader learns that on the Louisiana side of Cottonbloom, Cade grew up quickly after his parents were killed by a drunk driver. He was determined to keep his family together and worked several jobs to provide for food and shelter for himself, as well as for his younger brother and sister. Cade regularly crosses the river into Mississippi to poach rabbits and fish. One evening while hunting, Cade finds thirteen-year old Monroe Kirby sitting in his boat which he has hidden by the river on the Mississippi side of town. Monroe has run away from her home because her mother’s drunk boyfriend tried to rape her. Cade walks Monroe home that evening and their five year secret friendship begins. The pair meet monthly until Cade suddenly disappears without a word leaving Monroe heartbroken.

The present day story begins in the second chapter as Monroe is shocked to find an injured Cade in her physical therapy office. Even though she hasn’t seen him in ten years, Monroe has kept up with him through her best friend, Cade’s sister Tally. Monroe agrees to treat Cade, who has injured himself while climbing a cliff. The author does a fabulous job establishing the realistic development of Monroe and Cade’s romance. Even though Monroe and Cade share a past—he was her knight in shining armor—they are very different now. Both characters have unresolved self-esteem and trust issues from their childhood. In addition to her job as a physical therapist, Monroe teaches a self-defense class and works with teenage girls. Cade is a savvy, wealthy businessman who is based on the west coast. The chemistry between the couple sizzles and the author’s descriptive writing style allows the reader to see Cade and Monroe deal with social and emotional challenges as their romance progresses.

Kudos to Laura Trentham for tackling the subjects of abuse and alcoholism in the novel. These themes are woven subtly throughout the novel. Kiss Me That Way has all of the elements of a contemporary novel that appeal to me. It presents an original, passionate love story with well-crafted main and secondary characters, lots of humor and a unique setting. The author blended the right amount of humor, passion and angst in the novel. The novel’s conclusion was superb, not what I expected but perfect for the couple and their story.

This is the first book written by Laura Trentham that I have read. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Edited by Brian McGee

Monday, May 30, 2016

The Vow - Movie review

The Vow
A movie review

Released 2012
Starring Rachel McAdams &
Channing Tatum
This is a wonderful love story. A true love, love story.
Two crazy kids that were completely in love and then
the ''moment of impact''. An accident. Paige loses her
memory. Her husband, Leo is not ready to throw in the
towel. He will try anything to get their old life back.
I fall in love with love every time I watch this one.
Such a dreamy story. With complete devastation.
I feel like there are a few messages in this story.
Forgiveness. Family and how much family has to
be guarded. Be thankful for true friends.
But at the end, I always find myself thinking that
it's a story of meant to be. Truly meant to be.
A wonderful sincere concrete magical ending. 
I sincerely recommend this movie for a sweet
love story watch. But also, a movie that
will make you go 'hmmmm'.....
I enjoy taking time every so often to rewatch

an old favorite. This is one of mine.
Review by Lisa Hutson


Monday, May 16, 2016

Movie review for A Walk In The Woods

A Walk in the Woods
Movie review
Opened on 2 September 2015
Running length 104 minutes


With big time stars, this movie has a jump start. Not only are
they all famous. They are all good.
Robert Redford is a guy that writes travel books. He is suddenly
realizing a famous hiking trail is right in his back yard. He has
never taken advantage of it. His wife, played by Emma Thompson,
sees all the signs of a midlife crisis. She tries to dissuade him.
Finally, caving in if he can find someone to go with him.
Enter Nick Nolte. A friend from long ago.

It is one laugh after another. Through the whole show. But there are
also moments of friendship and revelation. The relationship between
Robert Redford & Emma Thompsons characters is fabulous. Love and
romance. Its a soul searching trip for both of the men.
I highly recommend this movie for couples and adults over
the age of 25 or 30. And highly recommend indeed.
Best  movie I have seen in a very long time.

Review written by Lisa Hutson 



Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Waiting On You by Kristan Higgins - Audio version

Waiting On You

The Blue Heron series. Book 3
Lucas Campbell & Colleen O'Rourke were the couple that
everyone knew would be forever. But it took just one bad night.
One bad conversation with regrettable words. And they were
over. Then 10 years later, Lucas got the call. His dying uncle
needs him. So, Lucas finds himself back in Manningsport. 
Now, they have a second chance. The heat between them is
still there. As strong as ever.

But they both have a lot of forgiving and forgetting to do.

How bad do they want it? Both of them will have to
compromise and give a little. Can it work?

Amy Rubinate is a pretty well known narrator.
For good reason. She is terrific. Listening to
the story is just that much better because of her.

I bought my audio copy from Audible.com
Review by Lisa Hutson




Monday, May 9, 2016

P.S. I love you - Movie Review

Movie Review
Released in 2007
Starring Hilary Swank &
Gerard Butler


Yes, this one has been around for a while.
But, oh my goodness, you can't beat the
romance and love in this movie.
Ok, sorry, that clip is not the love and romance
that makes this movie incredible. But it does show
that there is also comedy. A lot of laughter.
Harry Connick, Jr is fabulous. All the characters are.
There is plenty of sadness and tears. But only in the
best possible way. Sadness and tears from love.
Now that clip. That's more like it.
Indeed this movie is one of the best most
romantic love stories. With an incredible ending.
For me, the ending of a movie or book can make
or break my opinion of it. Or it can make the
difference between average or amazing.
If you love movies with romance, emotions
running the whole scale of emotions, laughter
and a wonderful perfect ending, this would
be the movie for you.
Review by Lisa Hutson



Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Once Upon a Dream by Mary Balogh/ Grace Burrowes

Once Upon A Dream
by Mary Balogh & Grace Burrowes

This is a two story book. The first story is
Another Dream by Mary Balogh.
Eleanors sister, Christine is married to the
Duke of Bewcastle. Christine is throwing a party
to celebrate his 40th birthday. So Eleanor is coming.
After all, Wulfric has always been kind and generous
with her. On the trip, a storm stops all travel.
Eleanor meets a young girl also waiting out the
storm at the inn. Georgette is the daughter of the
Earl of Staunton, Michael Benning.
Sometimes, being caught in a storm can
change a whole life. And Georgette is certain
she knows just how the lives should be changing.
Georgette, her brothers hand still clasped in
her own, paused at the top of the stairs before
proceeding to the room where their
nurse would be awaiting them. "Well?" she
asked him in an urgent whisper. "What did
you think?"
"You really believe she is the one,
Georgie?" he asked.
"Oh, I do, she said with passionate
conviction. "I really, really do, Robbie. Did you
notice her eyes? They seem to smile all the time."

The second story in this book is
The Duke of my Dreams by Grace Burrowes
Anne Faraday is wealthy but not titled.
Elias is the Duke of Sedgemere.
Elias has a nursery full of sons. He feels they
are in need of a mother. But he cant quite
admit that he is in need of a wife.

"I don't know her well, but I like her very much," 
Sedgemere said. "She hates me, you see. Has no marital
aspirations in my direction whatsoever. For that alone,
she enjoys my most sincere esteem." 

Fate brings them together enough that
Elias can only accept that Anne is the woman
for him. Especially when he sees how she is
with the boys.
 
This book is written by two  
amazing romance writers. And even though
the tales are rather short, there is a lot of story
in them. They are full of romance and fun.
It's not often that you get to catch up with
old family friends or hear about a duck orgy.
I am a fan of both authors and highly
recommend this book.
I bought this ebook from Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson



Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Scandalous Billionaires - Book Blitz


Scandalous Billionaires
Eve Gaddy, Katherine Garbera, Kathleen O’Brien, Mimi Wells, Nancy Robards Thompson
Publication date: May 3rd 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Escape to Italy’s fabled Amalfi Coast with five USA Today Bestselling and award-winning authors for a limited time at a special price – only $0.99!
The exclusive Isola del Sole is a billionaires’ playground. Intrigue, adrenaline, and deception rule the day for the wealthy De Luca brothers and their closest friends—but only the right women can ignite their passions during the hot Amalfi nights…
The Billionaire’s Temptation
Rocco De Luca lives and loves in the fast lane. Filling in for his older brother for a few weeks sounds… well, boring. Until he meets Steffi Harlan, who’s in charge of keeping the playboy out of trouble. Except Steffi isn’t immune to Rocco’s charms.
They burn up the nights they spend together… But can they both survive love in the fast lane?  
The Billionaire’s Deception
Shel Myerson, wildly successful TV mogul, has no privacy thanks to a recent and ugly public breakup. What he doesn’t expect is to be mistaken as an employee by Janine Pike, the one person in Europe who also doesn’t have any idea who he is.
Shel and Janine discover their chemistry is combustible–but will their budding relationship survive the heat once the press catches on? 
The Billionaire’s Betrayal
Matteo De Luca’s single focus is rebuilding his hotel empire, and he’s close to achieving his goal, but there’s a sexy distraction standing in his way. Helena Von Lienz knows it’s finally time to let go. But what she finds are some unexpected truths about her late hubby, and a strong sensual shared desire with Matteo.
Will mixing business with pleasure be the end, or just the beginning, for Matteo and Helena?
The Billionaire’s Secret
When Sophie Smith’s dearest friend asks her to be her stand in at an Amalfi resort, Sophie won’t let her down. Turns out, she get used to this life, especially handsome gardener Declan Muldoon who’s more thrilling than any of the billionaires around.
But Sophie’s not the only one pretending. Declan is actually the black sheep of a very wealthy family, a man in need of an heiress. An heiress exactly like who Sophie is pretending to be…
The Billionaire’s Charade
Summer St. Croix hates weddings. But when she meets hot-as-sin Luke Vanetti, he promises to give her a reason to like them. It’s all sexy fun and games until Summer realizes that Luke is none other than her new boss. And her first assignment is posing as his fiance.
Playing the happy couple is hard enough during the day, but the nights might turn the charade into more than just a job for both of them.
Grab your copy for only 99 cents!
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Click the title to read an excerpt from each story!

The Billionaire’s Temptation by Katherine Garbera

The Billionaire’s Deception by Mimi Wells

The Billionaire’s Betrayal by Nancy Robards Thompson

The Billionaire’s Secret by Kathleen O’Brien

The Billionaire’s Charade by Eve Gaddy

Monday, May 2, 2016

Man from Uncle movie review

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Movie review
Opened in theaters 14 August 2015
Running time 116 minutes

I have never been a James Bond fan. Or a follower of that
type movie. But my husband wanted to go see this one. He
regularly goes to see "my" movies. So off we went.
Turned out it was terrific.
Action packed. Great dialogue. Fabulous characters.
Perfect casting. A lot of wonderful locations. Plenty of humor.
The story itself was a little dicey. But it was well
worth the afternoon spent. Fun date movie.


I will probably never hear the end of it. Liking one of my husband
 movie choices. But I cant help recommending it for a fun time.


Review by Lisa Hutson