This Is Our Song-- Excerpt--Samantha Chase

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase crafts a tender, hopeful family-centered romance

She knows him by reputation

Riley Shaughnessy knew that to stand out in his large family, he'd have to go big. Making a name for himself as a musician wasn’t easy, but he followed his dreams to rock-star success. But the relentless expectations of fans is not helping the slump he's in now. So of course the person who attracts him is the woman who is not impressed by fame.

Which gives Riley Shaughnessy a lot to prove

Entertainment reporter Savannah Daly is completely unfazed by pretty-boy rock stars. She’s just here to get her interview and write her story. But spending an entire month with the Shaughnessys is going to show Savannah a side of Riley she never could have guessed.

He didn’t just beat her in the best of three.

Oh, no. That would have been too easy.

No, Savannah—who realized too late that she was a very sore loser—kept egging him on until he finally put the paddle down after beating her in twelve games. Twelve! Why did she have to keep taunting him? Even while they were playing she couldn’t make herself ask him anything important. They talked about useless stuff—favorite bands, favorite foods—hell, at one point she’d even asked him his favorite color.

She hung her head low in defeat and put her paddle on the table. Riley had excused himself and went to get them each a drink. She prayed it was vodka. Something to make her forget this humiliation.

His prize at the end of the first three games was that she’d stay and have dinner with him.

After the next three she’d stay for a movie.

She really thought she was going to beat him in the third round. Unfortunately, it had been her biggest loss, and he’d simply chuckled and said he’d have to think about his reward. And he’d repeated that after the fourth and final win.

Riley cleared his throat when he walked back into the room and handed her a glass of ice water. They drank in silence for a few minutes. “That was fun,” he finally said, and Savannah realized he wasn’t being obnoxious and he wasn’t gloating. He genuinely looked like he’d had a good time.

And despite all the losing, Savannah would have to agree. It was fun.

“How do you feel about salmon for dinner?”

“It’s one of my favorites,” she said and was relieved he wasn’t gloating.

“It’s kind of early yet. Maybe we can watch a movie first?”

That was a reasonable request, and she agreed. Together they picked out a classic Neil Simon movie from 1967, Barefoot in the Park. “Ooo…Robert Redford.” She sighed. “Another favorite.”

Tucked away in a corner was one of the biggest flat-screen TVs Savannah had ever seen. Riley noticed her stunned look. “It’s one hundred ten inches. They don’t come any bigger than this right now. The picture’s great too.”

Two oversized recliners were centered in front of the screen and they each sat down. Riley started the movie and within minutes Savannah was more relaxed and they were both laughing along with the story.

She kicked her sandals off and tucked her feet up on the chair beside her. Next she pulled the clip out of her hair so she could relax her head against the back of the comfortable chair. Looking to her right, she saw Riley was watching her. His expression was intense and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what was wrong. “Is everything okay?”

He didn’t answer right away.

“Riley?”

“I still have to decide what I get for winning those last two rounds,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.

Savannah nodded, hypnotized by the way his eyes had gone so dark.

“I’m going to combine them into one request,” he said, and it sounded more like a warning than a statement.

“Okay.” Her own voice was almost a breathy whisper.

Leaning closer, Riley’s eyes zeroed in on her lips before meeting her eyes. “Savannah?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m going to kiss you. Twice.”

“Oh.”

His hand snaked out and around her nape and slowly drew her closer to him. And then his lips touched hers and Savannah’s brain simply stopped functioning.

                       *********************************************************************

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Teaching creative writing to students from elementary through high school motivated Samantha to take that step as well. Since then, she has become a NYT and USA  Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fWRTCq

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Barefoot at Midnight by Roxanne St Claire

Barefoot at Midnight

by Roxanne St Claire

 

Barefoot at Midnight is

part of the Timeless series.

 

Law Monroe has lived his life never quite sure just

where he was headed or where he wanted to be.

His guardian angel, Jake, has passed away and now,

Law thinks he is sure where he is supposed to be.

 

Only problem is, Libby Chesterfield is certain that

she is supposed to be in the exact same place.

 

 

The two of them are drawn together, physically.
Emotionally, they are worlds apart. Both keeping

secrets from the other. Not sure who to trust.

They are both in the time of life looking to settle

down. But who will get control of that special place?

 

Can they find a way to trust each other? Will either

of them be able to compromise? Can they make

it all work for both of them? Will their family and

friends get out of the way or help them?

 

Barefoot at Midnight is another romance for

grown ups by Roxanne St Claire. They are all

three easy to read stand alone style. But they

are fun as a series too. Terrific characters that

move along through the series.

I hope you enjoy reading this story as Law and Libby

 argue, kiss, eat, dance and solve a mystery in 

order to find their way.

 

 

I bought my copy from Amazon.

Review by Lisa Hutson

 

 

 





WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Annie Rains - Tasty Book Tours

Their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.

WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A Hero's Welcome #4

Annie Rains

Releasing Nov 8th, 2016

The bestselling Hero’s Welcomes series continues with a juicy Christmas romance set in Seaside, North Carolina, where a bustling military base keeps this small town stocked with dedicated, lovable heroes.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-four days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a man.

Sergeant Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder: the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.

USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Home for Christmas is an appealing opposites -attract story with charming characters set in near a military base in North Carolina. I appreciated how the romance between Allison Carmichael and Troy Matthews developed as the couple dated; the romance was not rushed and this aspect made the couple’s journey more genuine to me. Annie Rains’ use of dialogue is fabulous! Through the honest and sometimes emotional conversations between the characters the reader knew that Allison and Troy were attracted to each other. I enjoyed reading and anticipating when the two of them would realize that their relationship was changing from friends to lovers.

The author does a fabulous job of weaving the true spirit of Christmas in the novel. Allison’s hope is for the orphan’s to have their Christmas wishes fulfilled. She is a character who keeps Christmas in her heart all year long. The novel has a few unexpected plot twists, the ending for all of the characters was perfect. And the epilogue was AWESOME!

If you enjoy holiday novels by authors Debbie Mason and Sherryl Woods—pick up this book—you will love it!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

"So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest. 

“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.” Her cheeks flushed. “And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.” 

She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?” 

Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.” “Did you get everything on the list?” she asked. “Usually.” “So your family had money?” He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military. 

“I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.” “That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.” “So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her. “We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.” Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again. 

 “And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.” “Like what?” he asked. “All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.” He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?” Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”