Pre-Release Blitz for HIS SCANDALOUS KISS by Sophie Barnes





Thorncliff Manor is the perfect setting for a masquerade ball . . . where the heart’s secret desires are about to be uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance from Sophie Barnes

Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .

Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .

384 Pgs. | Heat: 2 | Pre-Order: Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo
Thorncliff Manor, 1820

A gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the smooth murmur of violins as Richard gazed out over the terrace of Thorncliff Manor. The grand estate and guesthouse where his parents and siblings had chosen to spend the summer while their own home was being renovated, sat solidly at his back—a welcome retreat for those who were wealthy enough to afford it. Standing to one side, Richard watched the guests, their gemstones scattering the torchlight while feathers bowed and swayed.
Although they wore masks, he was able to recognize a few of those present. Certainly, he had seen many of them from his bedroom window since arriving at Thorncliff a few weeks earlier. But there were those whose acquaintance he’d never had the pleasure of, like the young ladies who’d made their debuts since 1815—a year he would not soon forget. In any event, it was a long time since he’d spoken to any of these people. Some, he reflected, had been friends once . . . His heart beat slowly, dulled by the lead that now flowed through his veins.
It was briefly forgotten when a gentle voice spoke at his shoulder. “Your company is much appreciated this evening, Mr. Heartly.”
Turning his head, Richard glanced down at his hostess, the incomparable Lady Duncaster. “After all . . .” His words faltered—no doubt from lack of usage. Inhaling deeply, he took a moment to compose himself before trying again, more slowly this time. “After all the effort you have gone to on my behalf, it would have been rude of me to stay away.” Rigidly, he glanced in her direction, his nails digging against the palms of his hands as he clenched his fists. There was more to be said. “I . . .”
“Yes?” she queried.
“Please don’t use my real name, Countess. Tonight I am Signor Antonio.”
“Of course.” Her eyes gleamed with the mystery of a shared secret. “As to all the effort you mentioned, your presence here after so many years of absence has made it all worthwhile.” A wry smile appeared beneath the edge of her over-embellished mask. “Besides, I have always wondered what it might be like to restore the masquerade ball to its former glory.”
Dipping his head, Richard acknowledged her comment, the gesture encouraging her to continue.
“In my youth, my husband and I experienced a traditional one in Venice—before the Venetian Republic fell. . . . Masquerades have since become popular in other parts of Europe, though they generally lack the flamboyance that I initially fell in love with.” She shook her head somewhat wistfully, then straightened herself and earnestly asked, “What do you think, Signor? Is it grand enough?”
In Richard’s opinion the extravagance was overwhelming, but since he knew this was probably the effect Lady Duncaster was aiming for, he said, “I think you have outdone all other masquerades, my lady. I am certainly impressed.”
Chuckling, Lady Duncaster slapped his arm playfully with her fan. “You are quite the charmer. Do you know that?”
“It is accidental, I can assure you,” he told her dryly, belatedly realizing that he probably should have thanked her for the compliment.

She tsked in response. “I sincerely doubt that.” Taking him by the arm, she guided him slowly along the periphery of the terrace while the orchestra on the opposite side struck up a new tune. In no time at all, the center of the terrace had been occupied by guests who wished to participate in a country dance, their theatrical garments a testament to originality rather than taste. “I know your parents, Signor, and I very much doubt that your mother would have raised a son capable of being anything but a perfect gentleman.”



Born in Denmark, Sophie Barnes spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parsons. But, most impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.


While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion: writing. When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

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Interview, Review and Giveaway~ Doing it over by Catherine Bybee





Doing It Over 




Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.
Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

I am excited to be able to chat with Catherine Bybee and ask her to answer some questions. Thanks again Catherine!

FBL ♥:  Do you write detailed character profiles before writing, or do you find the characters come to life as you write? 
CB:  I do not write detailed character profiles. I will start with a few basic ideas of where my characters come from, who their parents were/are. Who their past loves were...and how they affected them and their romantic decisions. Habits and traits are things that come to life as I'm writing.

FBL ♥:  What do you like better: when you’ve just started writing a book or when you’ve just finished one, and why?
CB:  Depends on the book. If it's a second or third book in a series and I know the characters really well then I love the beginning of their story.  Probably because I've been thinking about their story for over a year before I get the opportunity to write it. If it's a first book in a series than I like the words, The  End! Same rules apply... I have to invent a whole new world and all they players in it so that takes time and hard work. Sometimes those stories flow from page one, but not all.


FBL ♥ : Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
CB:  There is always a little bit of truth in the pages. But as the disclaimers go... everything is a work of fiction.


FBL ♥: What was the hardest thing to cut from your manuscript? 
CB:  I don't know if I can answer this. I haven't had to cut big sweeping chunks of my manuscripts for several years. And all the cuts I make at this point aren't hard simply because they don't need to be there in the first place or they wouldn't need to be cut.


FBL ♥: If Doing it Over had a theme song, what would it be? 
CB:  Bruises by Train

FBL ♥: What books are on your nightstand, waiting to be read? 
CB:  None...that's because I don't tease myself if I don't have time to read. But soon the RITA books will arrive and I will have to read a stack.


I love being part of this tour. This is a new series for Catherine Bybee and she doesn't let her fans down. Melanie, Zoe and Jo were best friends in high school and they vowed to come back for their ten year reunion no matter where their lives took them. Catherine immediately captures your attention as she brings to life the main three female characters. Melanie- voted most likely to succeed, is a single mom who's life didn't turn out the way most that it would, then there's Jo- she was the one everyone thought would leave once she graduated, but she end up following in her dad's footsteps as the towns Sheriff. And, finally Zoe- well known chef who has a past history that is itching to be told. The first book is Melanie's story. She is trying to find where she fits. She goes home for her 10th HS reunion and is hit with all the reasons why River Bend was "home".  She is a single mom trying to make the best choices for her daughter, that's why she packs everything up and head "home".  Catherine always has a "bad boy" in her books, and she held nothing back when she dreamed up Wyatt.  In his suave and kickback attitude, he weakens Mel's knees. But can Wyatt be the anchor that keeps Mel from leaving?  Read the book to find out. There are several twist and turns in the romance book.  Great start to an awesome new series, looking forward to the next in the series. 


Catherine Bybee is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of romance novels. She writes in the romance subgenres of contemporary, historical, paranormal, and at one time erotica.







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Interview, Review and Giveaway ~ You're Still the One by Darcy Burke




USA Today bestseller Darcy Burke concludes her Archer family saga with a second chance at first love…

Everyone thought college sweethearts Bex Holmgren and Hayden Archer were headed for the altar… until a tragic accident sent young Bex running from a future she wasn’t ready to claim. But when she’s offered her dream job at Archer Brewing, Bex can’t pass up the chance to reconnect with the big, crazy family that once welcomed her with open arms—and the one man she’s never stopped loving.

When he returns home after a year in France, Hayden is less than thrilled to find his ex-girlfriend working for his family’s company. He’s finally moved on, and being around her rekindles long-buried feelings he’d rather ignore. But Bex isn’t the same girl he knew—she’s more mature, more beautiful, more tempting than ever—and he can’t resist the pull of the intense passion he’s only ever shared with her.

Have five years changed them enough, or are they doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? The only thing Bex knows for sure is that for her, Hayden is still the one.

260 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Purchase:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
Darcy, I can't believe you are already releasing the sixth title in the Ribbon Ridge Series.  

FBL ♥: Do you have a favorite of the series yet?  One that was more fun to write, harder to write, one that has a character that touched your heart the most.

I don’t really have a favorite, but some were easier to write (Yours to Hold, The Idea of You, When We Kiss) than others (When Love Happens and You’re Still the One). Sara and Evan Archer are probably the closest characters to my heart. I’m so happy to be able to share quirky characters that have resonated with readers.

FBL ♥: Do you find that you enjoy writing a "Big Family" series as opposed to a single title?

Definitely! I love series and one of my favorites is Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons—the quintessential big family. It’s a familiar place to escape to, like hanging out with friends. Writing a family like that is much the same way. I look forward to many more books set in the Ribbon Ridge world so we can check up on the Archers.

FBL ♥: For those readers who are not aware, you also write historical romance.  Do you find that you enjoy one genre more than another?  Do you find that you need to switch off between each to keep things fresh?

Historical is actually my first love! I do find it challenging to switch between genres, especially if I’m writing a historical romantic suspense. That’s just a different kind of plotting and researching. I’ve spent more time writing contemporary over the past eighteen months, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I did just release my first historical in almost a year though and it’s been great fun! It is nice to be able to go back and forth—sort of a palate cleanser, if that makes sense!

FBL ♥: Do you find yourself relating more to your heroes or heroines?  In voice?  or Journey?  Do you have a favorite POV to write in?

What a tough question! I guess the best and sort of noncommittal answer is that I relate to just about everyone I write. The heroines I felt the closest kinship with in Ribbon Ridge are probably Tori and Aubrey. I share traits with both of them—I’m definitely independent and a bit of a caretaker. I had an absolute blast writing scenes with the brothers and other guys. I come from a small family—just me and my brother—so writing scenes with all of that interplay and good-natured ribbing was terribly fun. The Archers are the big family I never had.

FBL ♥: What can your readers look forward to in the next few months?

I’m working on the next book set in Ribbon Ridge. It’s the first in a trilogy featuring the Westcott brothers, who you’ll get to know in You’re Still the One. I’m so excited to share their stories. I’m also working on the next book in my new historical series, The Untouchables. This one’s called The Duke of Daring and features an emotionally scarred hero (the best kind, right?) and a heroine with Secrets (capital S!). So much fun stuff coming your way! J
This is the final novel in the Archer Family's series and oh how sad am I. This is not a stand alone book, you need to read all the wonderful, delicious books in this series before you read "You're Still the One".  I have been anticipating Hayden's book and Darcy did not let her fans down. If you love second chance romance books, this one is a must read. Hayden is the odd man out in the large close knit family. He is the one that you would rely on, who was there to pick up the pieces after the untimely death of their sibling Alex. Hayden put his heart on the line to his girlfriend, Bex, but she ran as soon as she could from Ribbon Ridge, while Hayden stayed there to be the glue to his family.
Hayden has since moved on, to fulfill a passion that he left on the burner.

When Hayden returns for his siblings wedding, he is surprised to find the Bex has been recently hired by his dad to run the brewery. Sparks fly the minute they reunite, but is it enough to keep Bex there without running again and can Alex set aside his inner feelings of being the loner of the family? Could they really move on without him?  This is a heartbreaking story of a family that is putting the pieces back together after a family tragedy. Can they rebuild the bond with one of them missing.
You must read this book, I couldn't put it down and read it almost from cover to cover in one sitting.
Bravo Darcy, I will surely miss this family, but I anxiously wait to see what you have next in your bundle of magic.  Until we "read" again, your forever fan.



Darcy Burke is the USA Today bestselling author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily-ever-after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids-who each seem to have inherited the writing gene in some form-and two Bengal cats. In her "spare" time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say "no," but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

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Release Blast ~ Love, Alabama: Alabama #2 by Susan Sand




I am hosting a Release Blast for LOVE, ALABAMA, book two in Alabama, a  Southern Contemporary Woman’s Fiction Series by Susan Sands, releasing with Tule Publishing Group on April 13, 2016.

Emma Laroux's a fallen Southern beauty queen whose past is barely whispered about in her small town. But the secrets and lies surrounding the scandal from long ago still haunt her, and something about Matthew Pope holds the answers. If only she could put her finger on it..

Matthew Pope wonders what awful karmic thing he’d done to land him in Podunk, Alabama. But when he sees Emma again after all this time, he knows he's still the only one that holds the key to unlock the truth of her past...

Will a shared moment in time ten years ago threaten what might be the best thing that’s ever happen to either of them—each other?

300 Pgs. |Heat Level: 2/3 | Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes
Emma pulled up behind Matthew’s car and frowned, noticing that his taillight was busted. She got out and pulled the bag of items from the back seat, not giving his car much more thought.
Knocking gently on the door, she figured she would leave the bag on the front step if he didn’t answer. He might be sleeping. But what if he’d gotten light-headed, fallen, and hit his head on the bathtub and was knocked-out cold, lying in a pool of his own blood? The thought, while mildly ridiculous, gave her just enough pause to knock again, this time more loudly.
No answer.She rang the bell.No answer.Now she was concerned. His car was in the drive. He was definitely home. Her heart began to beat in her
ears.She tried the door.Locked. She looked through the leaded glass front door. No movement. Nice house.She knocked again.Emma still had the bag in her arm. So, she carried it with her around the back of the house to the screened in porch. The screen door was open, so she stepped up onto the pretty porch with the comfy furniture. It appeared that Matthew spent time out here. There were pillows, a rug, a throw, a couple books, and a lamp. Nice.
She knocked on the back door. No answer. She didn’t see anyone inside.She bit her lip and tried the door. It opened. “Hello? Matthew?”No answer. She moved inside and let her gaze wander around the room. It was cozy and well decorated for a guy’s place. She noticed the kitchen to the right and headed in that direction. She put her bag on the kitchen counter then headed toward what she knew must be the master bedroom. This house was similar in style to hers.
She called out to him again. Emma was getting worried now. Why didn’t he answer?
As she entered the bedroom, she noticed it the blinds were closed and it was rather dark, but she could see no one was in the bed. Then, she realized the shower was running. Against any kind of decent judgment, she moved toward the bathroom door. She couldn’t help herself; she peeked inside. He wasn’t standing in the shower; he was sitting on the floor. She panicked and rushed towards him before her brain informed her to actually speak his name.
She pulled open the door, certain he was dead before she shrieked, “Matthew, open your damned eyes!” He did. Open his damned eyes. Opened them really wide. “Emma? Why are you in my shower stall?”
She really didn’t have a great answer to that. “Oh, Lord. I thought you were dead.” It was the best she could do.
He did look nearly dead. He smiled weakly. “I’ve been really sick, so I thought I’d sit here for little while. But I’m not dead. So, um, could you hand me a towel? Unless, of course, you prefer a shower?”
Emma then became acutely aware of her position. And his. He was naked. Oh, Lord, was he naked. The most delicious naked she’d ever seen. And now she couldn’t stop staring at his naked. And apparently his naked knew it now. Because it was staring straight up at her, too.
“Emma—a towel? Because I’m a little more inclined to invite you into my shower now.”
She raised her eyes beyond his naked to his eyes, horrified. “Uh, a towel. Sure.” Looking around, she grabbed the closest towel she could find, the one hanging on a hook beside the shower. “I thought you were dead,” she said again, as an explanation.
She was a complete idiot. And now she wanted to jump his sick bones.
Just as quickly as she heard him turn the water off, he all but shoved her out of his way to get to the toilet and throw up. That was enough motivation for Emma to snap out of it and get the hell out of sick, naked Matthew’s bathroom.
While he was getting his clothes on, she did the same things she’d done for Cammie. After everything had been sanitized, she brought in a tray with saltines and ginger ale. She found him lying weakly in his bed wishing for death to take him.
“I’m sorry I invaded your privacy. Cammie asked me to come check on you. She’s sick and wondered if you’d come down with the virus, too. When you didn’t answer, I thought maybe you’d had an accident.”
He opened one eye. “That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”
She grinned. “Probably. But I’m known for my dramatic flair on occasion. I’m artistic, in case you haven’t heard.” She straightened his bed like she’d done for her sister.
“Are you mothering me?” he asked.
“My mother always said you feel better when your bed isn’t a mess.”
“She’s right. Thanks. Sorry you had to—see that.”
“That’s okay. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” She swished her hand as if waving his words away.
“Not that. I meant, the throwing up part. I don’t think anyone has seen me bare-assed, hanging over a toilet before. It’s not very manly.”
“I have an aversion to vomit, so I excused myself from the room as soon as I knew what was happening.
Don’t worry, still manly.” She envisioned the other manly part and kept her opinion of that to herself. Holy moly, every bit of him was manly. It was all burned into her brain permanently.
“I’ve brought saltines, Gatorade, chicken broth, and ginger ale. Call me if you need anything. If it’s a twenty-four hour bug, you should be fine in the morning.”
“Emma, thanks again. I appreciate your looking out for me.”

“We really need to find you some friends in town.” She smiled and left the room.Her legs were shaky. She could never look at him the same way again—not without mentally undressing him, knowing what lay beneath. She drew another unsteady breath.


Susan Sands grew up in a small Northwest Louisiana town, where the seeds for future stories were inspired. Her lifelong love of reading motivated her to finally begin writing as her midlife crisis at age forty—better than a boyfriend or red sports car, according to her husband.
Susan lives with her dentist husband and three nearly-grown children in Johns Creek, GA.
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