Xpresso Tours Presents: Man Down by Kate meader; #BookBlitz, #ReleaseBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live, #Giveaway

Man Down

Kate Meader

(Rookie Rebels #3)

Publication date: July 28th 2020

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

Gunnar Bond is broken. 

Three years ago, he lived through the car crash that took his wife and twins away from him—though “lived” barely describes his current state. Giving up professional hockey, going off grid, and drinking himself into oblivion are his coping mechanisms. Another is texting his dead wife about his days without her. Therapeutic? Doubtful. Crazy?

Definitely. But those messages into the ether are virtually the only thing stopping him from spiraling to even darker places.

Until someone texts back . . . 

Sadie Yates is losing it. 

Suddenly guardian to a little sister she doesn’t know and a misbehaving hound she’d rather not know at all, she’s had to upend her (sort of) glamorous life in LA and move back to Chicago. The nanny has quit, the money’s running out, and her job is on the line. The last thing she needs is her sister’s hockey camp counselor, a judgmental Viking type, telling her she sucks at this parenting lark. Thank the goddess for her sweet, sensitive, and—fingers crossed—sexy text buddy who always knows the right thing to say. In the same city at last, they can finally see if their online chemistry is mirrored in real life. She just needs to set up a meeting …

A ruined man who claims to have used up all his love is surely a bad bet, but Sadie’s never been afraid of a challenge … even one that might shatter her heart into a million pieces.

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EXCERPT:

She smoothed the skirt of her dress, a cute shift style she’d cut from an old Vogue pattern and paired with a fun, sparkly belt. Placing her hand on the door handle, she grabbed her Kate Spade, gift from her friend Peyton, only to stall at hearing her phone buzz.

“Hold your horses, woman,” she muttered, expecting to see an all-caps text from Allegra. Instead it was from someone rather unexpected.

LonelyHeart: It’s cold and miserable, like me. How about you?

More than twenty-four hours later, he’d texted back! About the weather, but she’d take it.

Sadie: Sunny with a chance of more sun. Like me!

She cringed at her ridiculousness. Sadie: Sorry, just being a goof. What’s going on? Forehead slap. He’s mourning his wife, that’s what.

LonelyHeart: I’ve been thinking about the 9 million numbers and how it is you have this one number. Of all the numbers. This one that means something to me.

She had no idea what to say to that. Maybe it’s fate? The goddess? Maybelline?

The dots started up again and she let him finish his thought.

LonelyHeart: Maybe it means we’re supposed to be talking.

Sadie: I think so. It has to be a sign.

LonelyHeart: So you don’t think it’s weird?

What? Talking to a man who wished he was chatting with the deceased love of his life. Nah!

Sadie: No, not at all. You don’t have to say anything, but I wanted you to know I’m here if you need to talk.

LonelyHeart: Not much of a talker.

Sadie smiled. This man—and she was sure it was a man—was much more of a “talker” than he claimed.

Sadie: Yet you can’t shut up in those texts J

LonelyHeart: Kind of chatty when there’s only four wooden walls.

Sadie: You have me now.

She sent it before she had time to think about how it would sound. Presumptuous. Needy. A bridge too far.

Allegra: SADIE, WHERE ARE YOU??!!!

Damn. She waited for LonelyHeart to respond, worried she’d scared him off. Her phone rang with Allegra’s high-energy smile on the screen (Allegra had energy degrees for her smiles. This one was an eight.) Sadie let it go to voice mail. It seemed incredibly important that she wait for his response. Just a second, just one more second …

LonelyHeart: I should let you go. I’ll check in later if that’s okay.

Sadie’s heart thundered. Definitely. I’m dying to hear about the wooden walls. Are you Amish? But a user of phones? An Amish tech-lover?

LonelyHeart: No. I live in a cabin. In a forest.

Sadie: Like the Unabomber? I’m not really into revolutionary anarchy but I can tell a million jokes about it.

LonelyHeart: Jokes would be welcome during the revolution.

Sadie: Awesome! I’ll get my arsenal of bad puns ready. (Arsenal? Revolution? Get it?) Prepare to be entertained.

LonelyHeart: Is that your way of discouraging me from checking in? Because I’m not easily frightened.

Sadie: Wait until you hear my A material.

Author Bio:

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she's there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip. 

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IndieSage PR Presents: Hooked on You by Kate Meader; #BlogTour, #ReleaseBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Live, #Review, #Giveaway

Hooked on You

by Kate Meader

Chicago Rebels, #4

Publication Date: May 7, 2018

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Standalone

Rating:  4 Stars

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for review from IndieSage PR and the author.  I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising".

SYNOPSIS:

The steamy Chicago Rebels series returns with this racy and sassy tale of embittered hearts, second chances, and going for the goal—on and off the ice.

Violet Vasquez never met her biological father, so learning he left his beloved hockey franchise—the Chicago Rebels—to her is, well, unexpected. Flat broke and close to homeless, Violet is determined to make the most of this sudden opportunity. Except dear old dad set conditions that require she takes part in actually running the team with the half-sisters she barely knows. Working with these two strangers and overseeing a band of hockey-playing lugs is not on her agenda…until she lays eyes on the Rebels captain and knows she has to have him.

Bren St. James has been labeled a lot of things: the Puck Prince, Lord of the Ice, Hell’s Highlander…but it’s the latest tag that’s making headlines: washed-up alcoholic has-been. This season, getting his life back on track and winning the Cup are his only goals. With no time for relationships—except the fractured ones he needs to rebuild with his beautiful daughters—he’s finding it increasingly hard to ignore sexy, all-up-in-his-beard Violet Vasquez. And when he finds himself in need of a nanny just as the playoffs are starting, he’s faced with a temptation he could so easily get hooked on.

For two lost souls, there’s more on the line than just making the best of a bad situation… there might also be a shot at the biggest prize of all: love.

AVAILABLE NOW!

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My Thoughts:

Violet Vasquez has a tough job ahead of her.  Bren St. James is trying to turn his life around.  He has two daughters that he’s trying his hardest to do what is right.  One is sweet and one has attitude – came to enjoy when they popped into a scene.  I came to look forward to the adult interactions as well.

You could consider this a standalone.  I didn’t feel lost in any way by having missed the first three books.  But I did feel a sadness because I find out late in the game that there are at least two other books that are tied to Violet - will have to catch up to the rest of the Chicago Rebels later. 

I loved how Violet was a woman who had been through a lot and came out on the other side with a no excuses and stronger because of it.  She also lets us see her vulnerable side when it comes to family but a little sad because at times she doesn’t feel like she fits in.  For me, this book was all about the women – sorry guys.  The men take a backseat while the women are front and center – and I had no issues with that.  But if I want to know more about Bren, which I do, it would be in my best interest to start the series from the beginning.  I found it interesting that I’m reading this book as the hockey playoffs are going on – have to hope none of the Rebels are into licking.

There was one scene that seemed to solidify my fate and just seemed so perfect.  The only thing I’ll tell you is that it involves family and flour.  You’ll just have to read the book, and no skipping ahead - see if you don’t feel the same.  I came out of this finding a new author to follow and a tear in my eye - glad to see that the author left that scene for the end.

EXCERPT:

Heading toward the kitchen, he heard music: Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” the part where its bass progression builds to that famous outro. A flurry, as his Scottish granny would call it, trickled down his spine, a sign of something momentous on the horizon.

Such as Violet Vasquez’s ass in tiny denim shorts.

That grade A rear stuck out of the fridge while she bent over, its perfect curve of butt cheek playing peek-a-boo through frayed hems. His eyes followed the shorts’ seam along the cleft of her ass until it disappeared to that mouthwatering spot between her thighs. Ker-ist. The inviting accessibility of it hardened his cock in his jeans.

Sixteen months without sex. That’s all it was. He was hard up, and his hard-on was making everything so fucking hard.

“Hey, Harpsichord, not sure you bought enough cheddar cheese. And that was sarcasm, by the way.” Violet laughed at her joke, her voice a musical echo inside the fridge.

Backing up, she turned and frowned on seeing him ogling her so blatantly, as if her ass making him wild was his problem.

He couldn’t help his grouchy reaction. “What the hell are you doing here?”

She stuck out her tongue. “Ingrate.”

He curved his gaze around her, a lump forming in his throat at the sight of a full-to-the-freezer fridge.

“I—” He rubbed his mouth, feeling too warm and cock-dumb. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

Reaching up, she tightened the topknot that barely contained her lush waves of dark hair, which was now streaked with ribbons of pink instead of purple like the last time he’d seen her. She usually wore it down, unrestrained, a rebellious mass he longed to plow his fingers through.

His eyes were drawn behind her to one of the open cupboards and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Double Black, whose label he’d recognize from a hundred paces. First order of business: dump all the booze. There was an entire cabinet of liquor in the den, a bar in the living room, bottles stashed anywhere and everywhere because he could never risk going without.

While he was trying to recall where else he might have hidden one of his “friends,” Violet walked over to the kitchen island, hit the screen on her phone to stop the music, and leaned her hip against the side. The stance drew his attention to her thighs, which were covered in a riotous garden of colorful blooms. Beautifully shaped, those thighs tapered to perfect, smooth golden calves and red Converses. Bren knew little about fashion, but he had enough wherewithal to recognize that Violet’s style was definitely unique. Up top she wore a loose-fitting sweater, which couldn’t help slipping off her body, revealing a wafer-thin blue bra strap bisecting one lovely mocha-skinned shoulder.

Christ, sobriety had turned him into a poet—and a horn dog.

“Your girls with you, Scottie?”

“Aye, upstairs.” Where the bedrooms are. With beds. With my bed.

The rapidity of his dirty thoughts seemed to have a direct correlation with how fast Violet’s sweater slipped off her shoulder to reveal more skin, as if what was on display wasn’t enough. He wanted to rip that sweater off with his teeth and lick his way down her lush body.

Instead of that he tried something even more dumb. Speaking. “So, you’re here. Helping Harper out.”

“I’m here to fill your fridge.” She winked. “If ya know what I mean.”

She leaned over on the island, her curves flowing with her. The sweater gaped now, giving him an entirely different vista to lust over. The dark shadow between her breasts made his mouth water.

Stop. Please fucking stop.

“Yeah, well, I’m sure you’re busy.” Annoyance at his reaction to her made him testier than usual.

“Nessie, Harper needed help and I offered my services. Calm down, I’m not here to corrupt you.”

A strangled sound emerged from his throat. Dressed like that, she could corrupt the pope.

Her eyes widened, something like surprise—and desire?—in them. But, as it had been a long time since he’s seen a woman’s eyes flare that way, he dismissed it as impossible. Violet wasn’t attracted to him. Not really. She just liked to tease him, like she did the entire team.

He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, frustration loosening his tongue. “You live to test me. Nothin’ but trouble.”

Unfortunately, he had a major thing for trouble.

No. He had a major thing for Violet.

DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE 

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ABOUT KATE MEADER:

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

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Entangled Publishing Presents: #Brazen #ReleaseDayBlitz

You've been waiting for it. Aching for it. Nibbling your lip in anticipation of it. Begging for it. Your next deliciously naughty read... what did you think we meant? ;)

Emergency Engagement by Samanthe Beck

Glass artist Savannah Smith expected a marriage proposal for Thanksgiving—just not from her strong, silent, super-hot neighbor. But when misplaced mail and a wayward can of paint lands them in a compromising position right as her family arrives for dinner, they assume he’s “The One” she’s been talking about.

Then his family shows up.

Fate dealt a crippling blow to paramedic Beau Montgomery’s heart, and he isn’t about to put it at risk again. Except, with his mother crying tears of joy over his surprise engagement to the sexy little blonde next door, he can’t bring himself to ruin her “Christmas miracle.”

Somewhere between the paint can to the head and the chaotic family trip to the ER, Beau manages to talk Savannah into being his fake fiancée long enough to survive the holidays.

If, of course, they don’t fall in love first…

Find a copy of EMERGENCY ENGAGEMENT: 

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About Samanthe Beck: 

Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California with her husband, their young son, a furry ninja named Kitty, and Bebe the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. When not writing fun, contemporary, melt-your-Kindle sexy romances for Entangled Publishing’s Brazen imprint, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien.

Connect with Samanthe Beck:

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Taking the Score by Kate Meader

Paying down her sister’s debts has left personal assistant Emma Strickland with little more than the thrift store suit on her back. And as if the suckfest couldn’t get worse, she’s forced to get a second job as a waitress to support herself and her cat. At a strip club. Her uptight, sexy-as-hell boss Brody Kane can never find out.

Texas property tycoon Brody Kane hired Emma for her spreadsheet skills, but her prim and proper demeanor sealed the deal. There’s no room in his life for a sexy distraction…and yet, he can’t stop lusting after the delicious Ms. Strickland.

But then he takes an important client to a Chicago strip club and gets the worst lap dance in adult entertainment history. From Emma.

Now that he knows his office good girl has a naughty streak, Brody makes it his mission to uncover her secrets, one illicit, over-the-desk encounter at a time. But Emma is hiding more than her side job, and her final secret could end up destroying them both.

Find a copy of TAKING THE SCORE: 

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

About Kate Meader: 

Originally from Ireland, Kate cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills & Boon thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she is so there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

Connect with Kate Meader:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Fade Into You by Tracy Wolff

Wyatt Jennings has been called a lot of things by the media. Bad-boy rocker. Intense drummer. Addict.

Finally out of rehab and desperate for a fresh start, Wyatt rejoins his mega-platinum rock band Shaken Dirty as they prepare for their world tour. But Wyatt’s demons are never far behind, always nipping at his heels for one. More. Fix.

Enter Poppy Germaine, the band’s new social media consultant. A beautiful bombshell who somehow manages to get underneath Wyatt’s skin, Poppy’s an addiction Wyatt can get behind. And even though she’s with the label—and therefore off-limits—he craves her. Needs her.

Except Poppy isn’t actually a social media consultant. She’s the daughter of the label’s CEO, sent undercover to babysit Wyatt and keep him from falling off the wagon again. Proving herself to her father is Poppy’s only goal—until she finds herself in Wyatt’s bed. But if Wyatt discovers the truth, it could send him spiraling all over again…

Find a copy of FADE INTO YOU: 

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About Tracy Wolff: 

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:

Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Connect with Tracy Wolff:

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