Truce (Neighbor from Hell #4) by R.L. Mathewson

Elizabeth knows what’s expected of her, perfection. She’s the daughter of an Earl and expected to marry well, say and do the right things with a smile on her face when inside she’s dying for a chance to escape. Thanks to an inheritance her godmother left her years ago, her chance will come with her next birthday. Her hopes of escape abruptly end when Robert, her childhood nemesis that she hasn’t seen in over fourteen years, comes back into her life and does everything he can to drive her out of her mind even as he steals her heart. 

He hated her.

At least, he tried to hate her, but it was so damn difficult to hate someone that he couldn’t live without. He tried to ignore her, tried to focus on anything but her, but nothing worked. Somehow she made her way into his heart and started to make him want things that he never though possible, made him smile and laugh even while she drove him out of his mind and started a legacy by turning him into…..

A Bradford.

Author’s Note:

This is first and foremost a historical novel. If you don’t enjoy historical novels, you may not enjoy this novel. This novel is written differently than the other Neighbor from Hell books. Truce is about a man who takes everything too damn seriously and can’t let go of the past until the woman that he would love to hate comes back into his life and brings out the Bradford within.

4.5 Stars

If he couldn’t make her fall in love with him, at least she probably wouldn’t kill him in his sleep. 

Welcome back, R.L. Mathewson! I’m a HUGE fan of this author’s Neighbor from Hell Series, although the third book wasn’t as good as the first two. So with that said, I was a bit hesitant in reading this; plus this was a Historical. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my Historical Romances, but I’m pretty picky when choosing to read one. My curiosity won out. I mean a Neighbor from Hell + Historical = it must be good…right? Oh, fuck yea it was. 

This book is supposed to be how it all started: The Bradford family legacy of possessive, temperamental, egotistical, Alpha males (increased appetites included). After reading this, I’m still not convinced with the this-is-how-it-all-started theme. The connection between the past and future was a little far-fetched, but meh! I didn’t care. It was like taking our favorite Bradford men, sticking them in England (British accent and all), and transporting them back in time. It was a riot to read. 

“Once upon a time…” 

Elizabeth and Robert hated each other…like really hated. Ever since they were little, they always were at each other throats. They were merciless when it came to name-calling and pranks. But they had to grow up sometime. Even though their families were close, they did their best in avoiding each other growing up. Eventually, their paths crossed once again, but they didn’t recognize each other. 

They met again at a ball. Both seeking refuge from the pressure of the ton and the season, they both find each other in a secluded orangery. Their connection was immediate, passionate and the heat between them was explosive. What happened between them in that orangery is strictly forbidden. If you’re a fan of Historical Romance, you know exactly why: Sex before marriage is a HUGE no-no. Elizabeth risked it all because she never intended to marry, nor depend on any man to run her future. She’s got an inheritance coming to her; she needs no man. She was willing to part with this stranger and keep their night together in anonymity and in secret. But fate had other plans. Once they find out who they are, things get even more interesting. 

For some reason she always went too far where he was concerned. It really couldn’t be helped though, it was simply too much fun to pass up. 

This was such a fun read. I loved noting the similarities between Robert Bradford and the future Bradfords; they were quite entertaining and me quite a happy reader. The sparks between Robert and Elizabeth was also a ton of fun to read. They’re banter, their connection lead to unbelievable sexual tension. Once they called Truce it was even more fun to read. All in all, this book was just fun. 

WARNING: Fans of traditional Historical Romance will find various flaws in this story. One huge flaw: Elizabeth is not supposed to go anywhere alone and unchaperoned…ever. Therefore, the night in the orangery shouldn’t have happened. It bugged me at first, but then I started not caring. I just went with the flow and enjoyed the ride…and boy, was it fun. 

Love & Relativity Blog Tour - Signed Paperback & Swag Giveaways!!

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island’s infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she’s ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.  

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he’s gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she’s gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

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4.25-4.5 Stars

My torso spasmed and heated beneath his touch, and my eyes fell shut. "Open your eyes, baby. Look at me." He pressed his forehead down to meet mine, my eyelids fluttering open at his command. "Look at me and tell me you don't want it." 

**Smirks** Nice teaser line, eh? I was privileged enough to beta read this for the awesome Ms. Wade. This was whole lot fun to read, too, especially when I would vent out my frustrations, bang the palm of my hand to my forehead and vent my frustrations regarding Jackson to her. You know what? Now that I think about it, this isn’t the first Hero that she created that made me want to both reach out and strangle the asshat, but at the same time kiss the fucking shit out of him. **coughs** Ryan. Preservation. **coughs** Ugh! You’re a wicked, wicked person Ms. Wade. lol 

That smile lit up a room. Always wide, always perfect, always accenting his plump lips. Jackson Taylor was the whole tempting, sexy, albeit frustrating package: Playful, charming, and rebellious. All together, it made for one delicious dish. 

Jackson Taylor has got one heck of a reputation on Sanibel Island: Resident bad boy and well known womanizer. Emma and he have been good friends for the past three years. Jackson wants more from Emma and has made his intentions clear, but Emma’s not having any of it. She does not want to be another notch on his bedpost. Besides, if she gets in to her chosen University in Seattle, she’ll be leaving the island soon anyway. She has no time for the complications of romance. However, things start to snowball between the two and before Jackson even knows what’s happening between them, he confesses his true feelings for Emma. How much longer can she deny her feelings as well? 

“Yes.” I braced myself against the stovetop, his carnal appraisal sending me into hot flash overdrive, and holy hell, did it feel too good to deny. Why was I here again? Why were we fighting? What was my name?

“Then what are we waiting for?”

“Jackson.” I arched a brow.

“Emma.” He arched one back.

“I’m still mad at you. Don’t come any closer,” I said feebly attempting to peel his fingers away from my waist.

“Or what?” 

**Smirks** I’m telling you, Jackson really knows how to push Emma’s buttons (and mine, if I can be truly honest). Unfortunately, Emma is a tough chick to crack. She’s recently gone through some tough times. First the break up with her ex, Chris. The second and biggest change, being the loss of her beloved sister; a loss that she feels is her fault. Plus, Jackson was there that fateful night, too. Is he a constant reminder of that night? She carries some serious baggage, but Jackson somehow manages to crack her shell and they start a relationship. Unfortunately we do not get to enjoy their relationship before shit starts to hit the fan fast. The next thing you know, they’re fighting and Jackson forces decisions without Emma’s consult. I know Jackson wants what’s best for her, but the way he goes about it drove me crazy. The things he says and does to force Emma away made me so angry. At this point, I was unsure if Jackson was even redeemable. 

“I hope you can forgive me someday, Emma. I really do. I’m begging you, forgive me for all of it.” 

If I can be honest, the relationship between Jackson and Emma drove me insane. Both were stubborn in their own right, but I know they had nothing but good intentions. The ending just made me smile :) 

In addition, the secondary cast of characters were nothing short of awesome. I LOVED Emma’s best friend Whitney. She is my girl! She's just full of awesome. Quirky and fun, thy name is Whitney. However, she is very unlucky in love. However, her luck is about to change. Carter from Preservation joins the cast. This is a HUGE PLUS in its own right. I adored him in Preservation and just fell in love with him some more in this book. He’s such a sweet guy and he's just delicious with his glasses and tattoos **SWOON!!** Seriously, my heart melts for this man. AND! There’s something brewing between he and Whitney. Gahhh!!! I LOVE IT! Did you know that they’re going to have their own book? Oh yea. I’m all over that. Anyway, just do me a favor and pick this up. The story has a lot of drama and a lot of heart. Great overall and I can’t wait for more

AUTHOR BIO 

Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. 

Author links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Lights ON Outreach

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We LOVE Rachael Wade here on Sweet Spot Book Blog, so we figured another giveaway couldn't hurt

We're giving away THREE fantastic prize packages. Look at all this awesome swag and AUTOGRAPHED paperbacks of her fabulous books. 

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Includes Autographed Paperbacks of BOTH Preservation & Reservation.

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Includes Autographed Paperback Copy of The Gates

Bookmarks included

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Includes Autographed Copy of Love & Relativity

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Cover Reveal for Wild by Adriane Leigh

Expected Release Date: December 13, 2013

Erotic Romance

SYNOPSIS

An independent woman, a controlling man, and one wild one-night stand…

Kat Kennedy moved to the rugged coast of Maine to start a new life, but encountered much more than she bargained for in dark, dangerous, and seductive Lane Wild.

Desire and temptation smolder before she succumbs to her darkest fantasies with the captivating stranger. She doesn't expect to see him again after an explosive one-night stand leaves her breathless and craving more, but just like lightning in the darkness, he shows up in her life at the most unpredictable moments.

A sensual game of cat and mouse ensues before the attraction between them reaches a fever pitch—the magnetism combustible, the sexual tension nearly unbearable—and Kat finally abandons inhibition and explores the cunning, selfish, and sexual side of a world she's never known. 

They have the perfect non-relationship—passion-fueled nights with no strings attached—until life gets real and the past and present collide in a dangerous storm of lust and obsession.

Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE

Prologue

Sunday morning and I felt like ass. Complete an total bullshit ass. Worst hangover of my entire fucking existence.

I stepped through the doors of my small cottage on the beach and headed straight for the bathroom. I needed to get the awful taste of alcohol out of my mouth. I hadn’t gotten so fall-down drunk since I was in high school. That graduation party that Jenny Gordon had had when we drank vodka and juice and I made out with her brother. Every time I closed my eyes that night I saw stars. Actual stars spinning behind my eyelids.

I stepped into the bathroom and assessed myself in the mirror. My cheeks: hollow. My hair: a wild mess, tangled around my shoulders. Dark circles under my eyes and a smudge of mascara rimmed beneath my eyelashes. I looked like hell and I felt like hell, and the actual worst part about it was it wasn’t just me there to witness it. Here I was, stumbling in at six am, fresh from crawling out of someone else’s bed.

What a shit storm I’d created last night.

His wild dark hair and sexy grin slammed into my brain. He’d driven me to distraction at the bar last night. I’d only been in town a few weeks, and I’d stopped in for just one drink. I was keeping to myself, but I couldn’t help but notice his beautiful face and body made for sin throwing darts with a few other guys. His laugh was full and hearty and echoed across the room garnering everyone's attention. The women fawned over him and the guys hung out with him; he was the most popular guy in the pace, commanding the attention of all. And even when I was trying to divert my eyes I couldn’t help but sneak glances.

So I'd had another drink and pretended not to watch that devilishly handsome grin light his face.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked. The breath caught in my throat when I turned to look at him. He looked at me with a sexy sparkle in his endlessly deep, arctic blue eyes. His full lips turned up in a seductive grin. He was so much fucking trouble, I could see it pouring off him. If I hadn’t suspected it before when he was flirting with all the girls in the place, It was obvious now that I was in his space.

But unfortunately for me I so liked being there.

“Thanks.” I nodded my head and turned back to my drink because there was nothing else I could say. He slid onto the bar stool beside me and nodded to the bartender.

“Haven’t seen you before, passing through?” his deep voice reverberated across the space between us and slammed straight between my thighs. He had the sexiest voice I’d ever heard. How was it possible for one man to be so sexy? To be so blessed with the entire package? A sharp stubbled jaw line, the fullest lips that had me wondering what they’d feel like trailing across my body, stunning eyes that sparkled mischievously when he spoke. It was obvious he left intelligent women everywhere struggling to find words.

“New, yes. Thanks.” I smiled as the bartender set our drinks down.

I don’t remember much from that point on.

Well that's not true, I remember bits and pieces, the most delicious parts.

His hands ran up under my shirt as he pinned me against the door of his truck.

His lips on my neck, teeth nipping at the flesh.

Stumbling up the steps to his house, his body slamming me against the front door, hands locked above my head as one of his palms trailed up my thigh and under my dress to hook my leg around his hip. A thumb hooking in the delicate lace of my panties before his fingers breach the fabric and run up my soaking wet length. My body writhing against his as he sucked on my earlobe, his fingers working in an out of me before my first orgasm bloomed low in my belly and shot across every nerve I had.

He opened the door and we stumbled into his house, making it just to the foyer before he kicked the door closed and laid me down on the floor, his hard body hovering over mine, caging me in.

The sound of a zipper as he pushed the jeans down his powerful thighs.

His rough hands trailing up my legs and over my ribcage before pulling the dress over my shoulders.

Fingers hooking in my pushup bra and pulling the fabric down to reveal the hardened peaks of my nipples. Teeth dragging across the sensitive flesh as he slides between my thighs and teases his arousal through my slick folds.

The low growl that escaped his throat as my nails dug into the hard muscle of his back and dragged across his skin.

My second orgasm in as many minutes as he ground his hips between my thighs and fucked me so hard the only words that escaped my lips were, “Oh, God.”

Oh, I remembered plenty.

But the most mortifying of my walk of shame this morning was the realization that I still hadn’t caught his name.

About the Author

Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer.

Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, plays mama to two sweet baby girls, and is a voracious reader and knitter.

Author Links

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

Autumn in the Vineyard (St. Helena Vineyard #3) by Marina Adair Interview & Signed Paperback Giveaway!

 We're so excited to have Marina Adair stop by today for an interview. She also has a signed paperback of her latest release to give away!

  

Interview

What do you think readers will like about the main couple, Frankie and Nate?

First, thanks for having me here today!

As for Frankie and Nate, I think what made them so much fun to write is that this isn’t just an opposites attract story, they also have a secret and heated past, which allows for so much steamy conflict.

The heart of Frankie’s struggle is that she has experienced enough betrayal and disappointment in her lifetime to understand that it is just easier to go it alone. The idea of leaning on someone—especially a man—is terrifying. And I knew that the only way to get her to give into the chemistry and give Nate a chance to earn her trust was to force them to share space, because it’s hard to hide the real you from someone who shares your shower. So if Frankie wants to save her vineyard, she has to cohabitate with the one guy who broke her heart and her trust.

What was your favorite scene to write in this book?

Most women are scared of spiders or burglars or things that go bump in the night… not Frankie. Nope, she is terrified of babies. So I had to write a scene where she is forced to face her biggest fear, so of course I made Baby Sophie a fussy, screaming, poop-machine who, like most vicious predators, can sense fear on their enemy. And. no brainer, her awkward moment had to be witnessed by Nate, St. Helena’s most perfect human being.

What made this scene my favorite is the way Nate is there for her, and how Frankie, for the first time in years, allows herself to be vulnerable to the man who, at one time, had crushed her world. That was the turning point in the book for me, the moment where I really knew who they were and how their story was going to play out.

Can you share with us a little of what you're currently working on? 

I just finished the final edits on Book #4 in the St. Helena Vineyard series, BE MINE FOREVER, which comes out January 21, 2014 and follows the baby of the family, Trey DeLuca. After watching each of his brothers trade in their man-card for a minivan, Trey develops a severe allergic reaction to commitment, compromise, and kids. So of course I paired him up with the sexy single-mom next door who isn’t in the market for a man—so much as a Manny to watch her son. It was fun to witness the commitment-phobe playboy fall hard, especially when the woman he is falling for comes stock-ready with a kid, white picket fence, and a life that screams commitment.

I am also in the middle of writing Book #5, FROM THE MOMENT WE MET, which releases Summer 2014 and follows the only sister of the family. Abby DeLuca and Jack Tanner’s story will wrap up the DeLuca siblings, but don’t worry, the St. Helena Vineyard series isn’t over. Frankie Baudoiun has three sexy, older brothers who all have stories coming out in 2015 … so stay tuned.

Quickie questions:

Current favorite song or band?

Play it Again by Luke Bryan

Sweet or Savory?

Oh easy, sweet!

Read anything good lately?

Finding the time to read has been difficult lately, but I did just buy Long Shot by Hanna Martine. I'm only a few chapters in, but I am loving it!

Thank you, Marina Adair, for chatting with us today about your latest St. Helena Vineyard release! It was a pleasure having you!

  

Frankie Baudouin has a hundred reasons not to trust Nate DeLuca. First, he’s a DeLuca. Second, he kissed her—in front of the entire town—and then never called. Oh, and he’s after her land. Sorrento Ranch is Frankie’s last chance to prove to her family—and to herself—that she has what it takes to be an award-winning winemaker. And she will stop at nothing to ensure her success—even if it means playing nice with the starched, sophisticated, and oh-so-sexy Italian.

For Nate, Sorrento Ranch is more than just soil and grape vines; it was his father’s dream—a dream Nate is determined to make a reality. So when he finds himself forced to cohabitate with a hot-headed, irrational, and incredibly gorgeous Baudouin, Nate is surprised to discover that chaos could be so much fun—especially when she sleeps in nothing but lace.

4.5 - 5 Stars

Marina Adair returns with another great pairing! The third book in the St. Helena Vineyard series showcases two long-time bitter rivals, a family feud and lots of tension and romance! Oh, and the most adorable alpaca named Mittens!

Disowned by her grandfather, Francesca “Frankie” Baudouin takes all that she has and buys one of the most sought after properties in wine country, Sorrento Ranch. She has big dreams for her winery! The only problem is that her long-time rival, Nate DeLuca, bought the same property too. Uh-oh! Tensions flare and heads butt as the two are forced to make things work.

Can I just say that I adored this story and love this couple?! Ms. Adair continues to pair the DeLuca brothers with strong female leads. Frankie is stubborn and has a mean temper, but she's also loyal to the bone, a risk-taker and has this unbelievable drive to prove that she can succeed on her own. She also wears leather and gets around on a motorcycle, which I think Nate finds sexy. Frankie and Nate have known each other since they were little growing up in the same town. Both come from well-respected families with a long history in St. Helena. Nate is one charming and hard-working winemaker! I just loved how he notices the little things about Frankie that no one else does and makes her see things in a different perspective. He completely gets her. I think it's cute that he likes to shut her up with kisses! Awww!

Ms. Adair seems to highlight some sort of local competition in each St. Helena Vineyard book. This time it's the annual Cork Crawl. The way she writes about the townspeople gearing up for annual events is fun, festive and fits well with the plot. It never ceases to amaze me that every time I read a book in this series, I have this urge to visit wine country again and again.

A smart, sexy, tension-filled romance story that will make you laugh, cry and perhaps pop open that bottle of Syrah you've been saving. Salute!

*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

 Book Links: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

About the Author

Marina Adair is a National bestselling author of romance novels. Along with the St. Helena Vineyard series, she is also the author of Tucker's Crossing, part of the Sweet Plains series. She currently lives in a hundred-year-old log cabin, nestled in the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with her husband and daughter.

As a writer, Marina is devoted to giving her readers contemporary romance where the towns are small, the personalities large, and the romance explosive.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

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