Boy do I have a treat for you today!!!  If I know my followers, I know a lot of you are going to enjoy  today’s guest.   I want to thank Jihan, from The Hachette Book Group for giving me the opportunity of hosting today’s guest, New York Times Bestselling Author, Roxanne St. Claire!!

ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE

Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She currently writes romance for Grand Central/Forever, including the popular “Guardian Angelinos” series and also penned an eight-book award winning series called The Bullet Catchers. Next year, Delacorte Press will release her first Young Adult novel, which has been optioned as a feature film.  She resides in Florida.
Visit her website: www.roxannestclaire.com

 GUEST POST

It’s Raining Kisses!  Roxanne St. Claire

As I write this, I’m watching Hurricane Sandy dump buckets of rain on the east coast of Florida and that makes me want to…kiss.  What can I say?  I’m a romance writer.  And I am celebrating the release of Barefoot in the Rain, a book with a few hot kisses in the rain.

A real kiss in the rain is probably not as glamorous as in books and movies.  I mean, what a mess, right?  Your hair is matted, you mascara smears, I bet it’s cold with all that water pouring over you!  But that’s why we call it fiction, folks!  I did a little research and have come up with my five favorite “rain kisses” in the movies…and there is no shortage of them!  To compile my list, I got some ideas from my Facebook fans (thanks, guys!) and my own memory.  My five favorite rain kisses, in order…

5. Four Weddings and A Funeral.  This kiss makes the list because Hugh Grant is so adorable in this movie and the kiss is amazing.  Andie MacDowell’s line (“Is it raining? I hadn’t noticed.”) does fall into the cheeseball category, but bruised Hugh gets high marks for his one of a kind grovel and a lopsided proposal.

4. The Notebook.  This one’s so visually stunning, it made the movie poster!  Also, the hero’s line is sheer perfection.  “It wasn’t over.  It still isn’t over.”  Then Ryan Gosling does a perfect snag and crush kiss and we all melt in the rain.  Nice.

3.  Spider Man – This one got a lot of votes as a memorable romantic moment in an otherwise high-action film.  Naturally, Spidey has to do it upside down.  Would we expect any less?

2. Breakfast at Tiffanys – I recently watched this with my daughter, expecting her to hate this blast to the past in this 1960’s classic.  But she fell in love with Audrey Hepburn (who wouldn’t?) and we were both teary during the incredible “the end” kiss in the rain with George Peppard.  Of course, the cat steals the scene!

1. A Cinderella Story — the “touchdown” kiss.  This is my all time favorite but not because it’s the most swoonworthy of all kisses.  As rain kisses go, it’s very chaste and sweet , like the film itself.  I chose this kiss for #1 because  I. Love. This. Movie.  I find it completely charming and simply cannot bear to pass up Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray when I’m channel surfing.  The movie is in my personal top ten rom com flicks, so the adorable kiss during the first drop of rain following a California drought it definitely delicious for me.

Bonus:  Not a rain kiss but since we’re in Barefoot Bay, that secluded and romantic inlet that is the setting for all four books in the series, how about a great beach kiss, too?  My favorite is from the classic  From Here to Eternity…is that not the best sandy kiss ever?  Wet enough to qualify for Rain Kisses, this one Iands a special place of honor on our list.

What’s on YOUR rain kiss list? Leave a comment below and one winner gets a “Barefoot Bundle” — copies of Barefoot in the Sun and, of course, this week’s brand new release, Barefoot in the Rain!

ABOUT THE BOOK

THANKS TO JIHAN, FROM THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
TWO (2) COPIES TO GIVEAWAY. U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Yes!!!!  It’s THAT Sandra Brown.  Sandra Brown, the renowned author, which I have been a fan of, for many years.  So when Caitlin, from The Hachette Book Group contacted me regarding reading, reviewing and hosting a showcase on Sandra Brown, it was an instant YES!!  It is my honor to have the opportunity of spotlighting Ms. Sandra Brown!!!!

SANDRA BROWN

Sandra Brown is the author of over sixty New York Times bestsellers, including, most recently, Lethal; Rainwater; Tough Customer; Smash Cut; Smoke Screen; Play Dirty; Ricochet; Chill Factor; White Hot; Hello, Darkness; The Crush; Envy; The Switch; The Alibi; Unspeakable; and Fat Tuesday, all of which jumped onto the New York Times list in the number one to five spots. There are over eighty million copies of Sandra Brown’s books in print worldwide and her work has been translated into thirty-four languages. In 2008, Brown was named Thriller Master by the International Thriller Writer’s Association, the organization’s top honor. She currently lives in Texas.
Visit Sandra Brown at her website here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sandra Brown is again at the top of her game with a fast-paced mystery set in the high profile world of publishing and tabloid media. LOW PRESSURE (Grand Central Publishing Hardcover; September 18, 2012; $26.99) combines all the key elements that make Sandra Brown’s books must-reads.  The Associated Press has said “no one is better in the genre than Brown” and LOW PRESSURE proves them right. Combining an insider’s knowledge of publishing with her trademark dead-on characters and plot, Sandra Brown’s LOW PRESSURE is “a winner.”

Bellamy Lyston was only twelve years old when her older sister, Susan, was killed on a stormy Memorial Day. Bellamy’s fear of storms is a legacy of the tornado that destroyed the crime scene along with her memory of what really happened during the day’s most devastating moments.

Now, eighteen years later, Bellamy has written a sensational, bestselling novel based on Susan’s murder. Because the book was inspired by the tragic event that still pains her family, she published it under a pseudonym to protect them from unwanted publicity. But when an opportunistic reporter discovers that the book is based on fact, Bellamy’s identity is exposed along with the family scandal.

Moreover, Bellamy becomes the target of an unnamed assailant who either wants the truth about Susan’s murder to remain unknown or, even more threatening, is determined to get vengeance for a man wrongfully accused and punished.

In order to identify her stalker, Bellamy must confront the ghosts of her past, including Dent Carter, Susan’s wayward and reckless boyfriend – and an original suspect in the murder case. Dent, with this and other stains on his past, is intent on clearing his name, and he needs Bellamy’s sealed memory to do it. But her safeguarded recollections – once unlocked – pose new, unforeseen dangers.

As Bellamy delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Susan’s slaying, she discovers disturbing elements of the crime that call into question the people she holds most dear. Through haunted by partial memories and conflicted over her feelings for Dent, she won’t stop until she reveals Susan’s killer. That is, unless her killer strikes first….
Watch for me review in the near future.

THANKS TO CAITLIN, AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
ONE (1) COPY TO GIVE AWAY.  OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Have a seat, grab your coffee because we have guests to welcome!!  Jennifer, from Forever, The Hachette Book Group is visiting CMash Reads for the first time and she has brought with her, author, Christie Craig.  And I know you are going to love hearing about her book.  So please help me in giving a warm welcome today’s guests, Jennifer and author Christie Craig!!!

CHRISTIE CRAIG

Photojournalist, Author and Speaker

Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.

Click here to see a video of Christie on the Houston Chronicle.com about her overcoming the difficulties of being dyslexic.
Christie would love to hear from you!
Visit the contact page to send an email or join her mailing list.

Ten Things You Will Learn from Blame it on Texas.

 1. Guys don’t like to play dress up; but when one willingly dresses as a clown for their six-year-old niece’s birthday party—because the real clown canceled—he’s one special uncle. And could possibly make a special hero for some lucky lady.

2. Sometimes, fear itself can do much more damage to us than the thing we’re actually afraid of.

3. Any man who doesn’t cuss up a blue streak when you dump a plate of hot grits on him can’t be all bad. (In fact, he might just be The One.)

4. It’s important to remember the lessons of the past so we can use them when making decisions for the future. But those lessons should never keep us from having the future we deserve.

5. Before accusing the sexy guy who pounced, knocked you down, and crawled on top of you of being foreplay impaired; check to see if someone is shooting at you.

6. The southern delicacy of a banana and mayonnaise sandwich may be an acquired taste, especially when a hungry hero chomps down on the delicacy and is expecting ham and cheese.

7. If you think getting caught screaming and dancing on top of a mattress—all while attempting to rescue your cat from an overzealous dog—can be slightly embarrassing, try doing it while you’re wet from the shower, and as naked as a jay bird. Oh, and just to make it even more fun, make sure you’re caught by your possible love interest who hasn’t seen you naked yet, and . . . (yes it can get worse) his two best friends.

8. It’s downright amazing how playing a few rounds of Strip Scrabble can spice up an evening.

9. A family doesn’t always have to be the people who share your bloodline; sometimes, the best families are those we make when we gather together all the people we love.

10. Learning to trust yourself is usually a lot harder than trusting another person. But both are generally required before finding true love.

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Zoe Adams has always been content with her quiet nights at home, watching TV alone-until her life turns into a real-life episode of Unsolved Mystery Hunters. The story of a kidnapped girl triggers unexplained memories, and Zoe is dead-set on figuring out why. Her search leads her to one of the Lone Star State’s richest families-and to sexy PI Tyler Lopez.

Tyler has sworn off women, especially redheads with killer curves who poke their noses into his clients’ private lives. Still, he can’t deny the attraction any more than he can deny that some of Zoe’s crazy story makes sense. But when she becomes a hit man’s target, this cold case starts heating up. Suddenly, Tyler will do anything to protect Zoe-even risk his heart.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM FOREVER BOOKS, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES TO GIVE AWAY. U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

I so enjoy when authors come back to visit.  It means that we are in for a treat to read and escape into their latest novel.  Ms. Alers visited us  back in January, so it has been a while since we had the pleasure of her company.  Grab a coffee, sit and please help me wecome Ms. Rochelle Alers back to CMash Reads!

ROCHELLE ALERS
Photo by Henry Stampel

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Rochelle Alers is a regular on national bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

Bestselling author Rochelle Alers has long been known for her warm yet sensual writing style and intriguing plots set in small towns. Earlier this year she released Sanctuary Cove, the first book in her Cavanaugh Island series. Now Rochelle is poised to release ANGELS LANDING (Forever mass market; August 28, 2012; $7.99), the second book in the charming series.
You can visit Ms. Alers at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolinacoast. Now the quaint town of Angels Landingawaits her – along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff ofCavanaughIsland seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family’s expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

Soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they’ll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.
Watch for my review in the near future.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM GCP/FOREVER, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
U.S RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER
Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners
via publisher, agent and/or author. This blog hosts
the giveaway on behalf of the above.
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

What a day!!  Are you sitting down?  If not, you should, because I have a  very special, talented and amazing author visiting today as she kicks off her summer tour.  Plus some very nice giveaways.   Please help me in welcoming Ms. Elin Hilderbrand to the CMash blog!!!

ELIN HILDERBRAND

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.
Visit Ms. Hilderbrand on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A warm June evening, a local tradition: the students of Nantucket High have gathered for a bonfire on the beach. But what begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy after a horrible car crash leaves the driver of the car, Penny Alistair, dead, and her twin brother in a coma. The other passengers, Penny’s boyfriend Jake and her friend Demeter, are physically unhurt – but the emotional damage is overwhelming, and questions linger about what happened before Penny took the wheel.

As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors and their parents – secrets kept, promises broken, hearts betrayed. Elin Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty, and proves that even from the ashes of sorrow, new love can still take flight.
Read my review here.

Read an excerpt:

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE GENEROUS PEOPLE
AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I AM HOSTING
A HUMONGOUS AND FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY!!!!

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO THE GIVEAWAY
ENTRY PAGE TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN WIN!!!!