Spotlight On: Once Her Man, Always Her Man by Heather Long

 

Today, please welcome romance author Heather Long. Heather lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.  

    

Book Blurb (from author):

Fulfilling a favor and executing a business plan, Luke Dexter arrived at Dallas’ Sybarite Club for a one-night stand. He never imagined that in the darkened club with bluesy strains of jazz playing he’d come face to face with the woman he left behind a decade earlier.

Rebecca Rainier fell in love with Luke Dexter in high school and was crushed when he dumped her to join the Marines after 9/11. Now, waiting for a date her best friend and business partner set up, she’s unprepared when Luke walks in.

Can Luke and Rebecca bridge the pain of a decade long abandonment in one cold Texas night?

ONCE HER MAN, ALWAYS HER MAN
By: Heather Long
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
ASIN: B007SFPGDG
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE,
Format:  EBOOK
Length: 490 KB
Release Date: April 7, 2012
Website
Twitter
Facebook

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EXCERPT 

Luke Dexter handed his keys over to the red corseted valet driver, gaze skimming the generous globes peeking up from the open buttons of her white shirt. The Sybarite Club offered the Dallas area generous access to every pleasure. He slipped a card out of his leather wallet and displayed it to the doorman. The doorman, a tall, lanky figure dressed in topcoat and tails exuded a sense of elegance that the club's exclusive clientele enjoyed.

The doorman examined the card, scanned it with a small device in his palm. Luke admired the cageyness of the action. The pen scanner would be out of place with the old world atmosphere encouraged by the man's uniform. “Good evening, Mr. Dexter. Welcome to the Sybarite Club.”

Accepting his card back, he passed through the opening doublewide doors. The gothic style doors were dark cherry, aged like a fine wine and a decorated with wood cut carvings of a man and woman engaged in cunnilingus and fellatio. The joining was subtle, the each left crying out in pleasure when the door opened, only to be joined again when the doors closed.

Amused by the door carving, he smiled as he plunged into the velvet darkness of the club's jazz infused atmosphere. Every night featured a different style of music, but Fridays were reserved for jazz. Old world, cool smooth jazz with smoky voices, haunting guitars and lonely horns played to the soul. The doors barely closed behind him when his phone buzzed inside his breast pocket.
How did the woman know these things?

Pulling it out, he thumbed it on, a new message from Madame Evangeline of the 1Night Stand exclusive online dating service populating the screen. She's dressed in green silk and sitting at the bar. Life doesn't always offer a second chance…

Clicking the screen off, Luke walked down the four red-carpeted steps into the lounge proper. He'd only agreed to the dating service only to support the men in his unit putting themselves out there. The last thing he'd expected was the invitation to the Sybarite Club. His gaze roamed the room the room, coming to a halt as they fastened on a pair of to die for tan legs at the bar. The sweet length of them, one crossed over the other ended in black heels with crystals glittering around dainty feet.

A green skirt skimmed her knees. While he appreciated the legs, he studied the line of her back, curious about the rest of her. His gaze slid higher to the pile of unruly auburn hair fighting to escape a pair of matching crystal hair combs.

As though sensing his appraisal, the green cloaked mystery woman turned on the bar stool and his heart tripped.

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Want to read more? "Once Her Man, Always Her Man" is available now. Go pick up your copy today!

The Sunday Post #2

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 
~this meme was inspired in part by - In My Mailbox~

It's a chance to share News. 

A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog. 

Whew! The blog was hopping last week: I put up thirteen posts, of which six were reviews. Yikes! I need a nap, lol. 

It was Childrens Book Week last week, so I did a post about the 60th birthday of Charlotte's Web, and five of my reviews were kids books: Duncan the Punkin; A Full Moon Is Rising; Spotty, Stripy, Swirly; Watch Over Our Water; and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. 

The other review I did was for a romantic suspense novel, "Sandman"; there was also a three day giveaway of it. I participated in a multi-blog giveaway, now over, for some PNR books by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, and put up a spotlight with giveaway, ongoing, of a romance book, Hot Summer.

Other posts this week included Faith Hunter's Top Ten Things Writers Shouldn't Do, my Dusty Reads, and a submission call by Astraea Press.  

I took advantage of some Kindle Freebies this week (click on image to see goodreads info) {I bought Westward, Home! I love the series and had been waiting anxiously for this, the final, installment}:

I received the following stack of books for review. 

All Spell Breaks Loose by Lisa Shearin
cursed by Benedict Jacka
Bleeding Out by Jes Battis
Blood Kin by M.J. Scott
The Book of Summers
The Last Four Things
Thriller 3: Love Is Murder (blog tour stop June 6th)
Live and Let Drood


This coming week should be calmer, we'll see. :P How was your week? Leave me a link to your recap or mailbox post so I can check it out.

Review of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld

Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 4, 2011
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository


Book Blurb (from goodreads):


As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they'll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play! With irresistible artwork by best-selling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld and sweet, rhyming text, this book will have truck lovers of all ages begging for more.

Reviewed By: Bea


Bea's Thoughts:


It's not just truck lovers who'll enjoy this book, but pretty much any young child. This book is a favorite in my classroom of two and three year old; even the kids with little or no interest in trucks enjoy it and request it. I've read it so many times, I just about have it memorized.


The art is done in muted shades, which makes a nice change from the brights that often dominate kids books. The muted tones don't hide the detailing and Lichtenheld has some nice details on each page: a bird sitting on a pile of dirt, scattered rocks, a polka dot blanket on top of one of the sleeping trucks, etc. A favorite is the man with his head sticking out of a window, yelling "Pipe down!" at a snoring truck; the kids LOVE that page.


The text consists of simple rhymes, that directly relates to the accompanying illustrations, and is a sweet story. It flows nicely and makes trucks and construction sites, which can be as scary as well as exciting, relatable and friendly. What child doesn't understand about going to bed at night and the rituals we have; it's an activity that any child can recognize and relate to. "Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site" is a sweet, pleasant story that children ages one to four will enjoy.


This book is owned by my school.

Review of Watch Over Our Water by Lisa Bullard

Publisher: Millbrook Press
Series: Planet Protectors
Release Date:
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository


Book Blurb (from goodreads):

Earth has a water problem. People need water to live. But only a little of Earth's water is usable. How can you help? Join Trina to find out how to care for Earth's water. Do your part to be a planet protector Discover how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and more with Tyler and Trina in the Planet Protectors series, part of the Cloverleaf Books collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun.

Reviewed By: Bea


Bea's Thoughts:


Once again, I managed to choose a book that was not the right age group for the class I teach. I look online for books to review for my classroom and yet I often seem to end up choosing books that are too old for them. Sigh. That said, even when I can't buy them or recommend them for my class, sometimes they are right for one of the classrooms. That's the case with this book.

In "Watch Over Our Water" we follow one young girl's quest to find out why there's a water shortage and what can be done about it. The story line is easy to understand, it's really just an excuse on the author's part to present the information. The book contains a lot of information in a short format; the information is clearly presented for children pre-school and older to understand, and it practical. Children, families, and classrooms can easily implement the suggestions provided. The illustrations are cute, and add to what the book is telling us. Even younger kids will enjoy looking at the pictures.


Overall, it's a nice introduction to environmentalism for young children. It's mildly preachy but mostly it's a simple, enjoyable way for children to learn about water conservation.

I received an egalley from the publisher.

Review of A Full Moon Is Rising by Marilyn Singer & Julia Cairns

 

Publisher: Lee and Low Books

Release date: May 1, 2011

Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository  

Book Blurb (from goodreads): 

A collection of original poems about full moon events, phenomena, celebrations, and beliefs from around the world.

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

The artwork  in this book of multi-cultural poems is lovely, though it could have used a few less bright colors and a bit more subtlety. It's not complex but does have some detail and it certainly eye-catching. The poems and the illustrations take us around the world and give us glimpses into other cultures and lives, always revolving around the moon in some fashion. The poems are not inter-related and can be read separately and out of order. I'm not much of a poetry person, I was more interested in the theme of the moon and the diversity of cultures. I think that they would work best for older pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. I was interested in the book because my class of two year olds was fascinated by the moon; this book didn't grab their attention but I think older kids might enjoy it. The poems and and the artwork may spark questions and encourage research and exploring other books, maybe even other poems.

I received an e-galley from the publisher.

Spotlight On: Hot Summer by Judy Powell - Excerpt & Give Away

 

Please welcome Judy Powell to the Nook today. I don't know about you but I could use some heat right about now. The weather in my area has been gray, cool and rainy for about a week and they're predicting it will continue for another week. Luckily, Judy's book has heat, and not just the kind we get from the sun! LOL

Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant who lives in Ontario, Canada. Her works are diverse, featuring romance novels, a historical novel and non-fiction essays which have appeared in anthologies. Her titles include ‘Hot Summer’ which placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition, ‘Hot Chocolat’ – the sequel to ‘Hot Summer’, ‘Some Like It Hot’ – a sensual multicultural romance novel, and ‘Coffee, Cream and Curry’ – a literary work which received the silver medal in a national creative writing competition.

Judy is a great lover of learning which is reflected in the diversity of her studies which includes Masters degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature and Creative Writing and a BA in Foreign Languages & International Business. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (US Honor Society), Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writers and Editors Network of Canada. She loves to travel and has lived in countries including Puerto Rico, the USA, France, Jamaica and Canada. She likes to feature diverse cultures in her works.

 Book Blurb (from author):

A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man - put them together and sparks fly!

After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica - and her world is turned upside down.

Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned - the tigress has tamed the lion.

If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.

HOT SUMMER
By: Judy Powell
Publisher: Lyons Publishing Ltd.
ISBN/ASIN: 978-0973859003/B005OTKXKO
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE,
Format: PAPERBACK, EBOOK
Length: 296 pages, 465 KB
Release Date: October 1, 2005
Website
Buying Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

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EXCERPT 

As he spoke he leaned back into the couch and peered up at her through half-closed eyes. She turned away from his gaze and quickly opened the bottles and poured bubbling liquid into both glasses.

“Here you go,” she said with a smile and handed him the drink. She sat on the edge of the sofa beside him but as far away as was polite. She put the glass to her lips and sipped the sharp cold liquid, feeling the bubbles bursting in her mouth.

She felt his eyes on her and gulped more liquid, then opened her eyes wide as it flooded her throat. Her eyes burned and she struggled to swallow but it was no use. Before she could cover her mouth she coughed violently, spraying her lap and the coffee table with soda.

Summer clapped her hands over her mouth, but too late. The damage was already done. Her eyes grew huge with distress and she looked across at Lance, hot with embarrassment.

“Are you alright?” He’d quickly rested his glass on the table and was leaning towards her, a large white handkerchief in his hand. She took it gratefully, still coughing. Then the spasms gradually subsided and she was able to look at him again. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Are you crying?” He looked incredulous, almost out of his depth, as he raised his hand and wiped away a tear with his thumb.

Summer dabbed at her eyes, sniffed, then looked up at him again, her lips curling into a grin. “Of course not, silly. I’m not crying. It’s the coughing that made my eyes fill up with tears.” Somehow, seeing him look so nonplussed had made her more at ease with him.

“Silly, huh?” He smiled back at her. “You’re the one who gulped down a carbonated drink too fast and ended up losing the whole lot all over yourself. So, who’s silly?”

While he was speaking Lance had rested his arm at the back of the couch right behind her head and had begun to gently stroke her nape with his thumb. Summer swallowed hard but couldn’t get the lump out of her throat.

“I guess…I am,” she said, her voice breathless.

“Yes,” he whispered as he leaned forward to press his warm lips against the side of her neck, “you are.”
Summer’s breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.

She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn’t realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.

“Relax, baby.” He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear. “You’re so tense. Just relax.”

As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.

“Oh, God,” she breathed, “what are you doing to me?”

“What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones,” he whispered. “Teach you what it means to be a woman.”

He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn’t.

She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness…

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Thanks to Judy and Sizzling PR, I have one eBook to up for grabs. Just enter using raffelcopter.

Please read my Giveaway Policy.

Review of Spotty, Stripy, Swirly by Jane Brocket

 

Publisher: Millbrook Press, Lerner Imprint

Series: Jane Brocket's Clever Concepts

Release date: January 1, 2012

Buying Links: Millbrook Press     Amazon

Book Blurb (from publisher):

 

Dotty, stripy, straight and swirly—patterns are all around us. How many different patterns can you find pictured in this book?

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

Brocket has added another wonderful book to her Clever Concepts series. Using vivid, detailed photographs and everyday objects, she explores the concept of patterns for young children. She uses flowers, items of furniture, toys, fabrics, sidewalks, pretty much anything that has a pattern of some kind. There are numerous examples of patterns, including but not limited to, spots, stripes,circles/dots, zig zags, etc. The photographs are eye catching, and despite showcasing patterns, they're not too busy.

Just as in prior books, Brocket encourages readers to look for patterns in the world around them. I like that she uses patterns found all around children in houses, toys, foods, etc. to illustrate her point and she gently encourages children to look for them. A basic understanding of shapes is necessary to recognize and understand patterns but once that has been mastered, children will enjoy spotting patterns in everything around them. Parents and teachers will be able to turn looking for different patterns into a fun I Spy game. 

I received an eARC from the publisher.

Charlotte's Web 60th Birthday

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the release of "Charlotte's Web", a much-loved childrens book that became a classic. While it wasn't one of my favorites growing up, I did enjoy it. One of my teachers, I think maybe in fourth grade?, read a chapter to us every day and I read it on my own several times. I still have a copy though I haven't read it in years.

First released in October 1952, it has won numerous awards over the years:

Newbery Honor Book (1953)
ALA Notable Children's Book
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
Massachusetts Children's Book Award
Horn Book Fanfare
National Medal for Literature (1971)
Presidential Medal for Freedom (1963)
Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1970

HarperCollins Children's Books released special editions on April 24th in honor of the book's 60 years, including a hardcover, a paperback, and a paper-over-board and there's a special new forward by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo.

There's a 60th anniversary book trailer upon YouTube, a special page on facebook (where I found much of the information in this post) and a special page at the HarperCollins Childrens site, that even includes games.


Have YOU read the story? Did you like it? How would you classify it? I think it's a childrens fantasy book, I mean, the animals talk and Charlotte, a spider, can spell and write in English, a human language. Other people argue that it's not fantasy because it lacks elves, or spells or other elements sometimes found in fantasy. What are your thoughts on the story, what worked for you, what didn't? Have/will you read it to the children in your life?