Blog Hop « Sharon C. Cooper

Color of Love Blog Hop 2017 and Giveaway!

First let me say to my U.S blog-hoppers, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Wishing you all the best during this holiday season!

Now, It’s that time of the year again where we celebrate our love for characters of color in romantic fiction in the Color of Love Blog Hop. What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some awesome books and great giveaways? From November 23rd through December 3rd, not only do you get to meet some great writers, but you also get a chance to win LOTS of books and prizes (including a $50 Amazon gift card)! But first, let me tell you about my Color of Love featured novel.

I love reading and writing romance. Not just because you’re guaranteed a happily-ever-after, but also because you get introduced to realistic characters who you often fall in love with. My featured novel is the latest release in my bestselling Jenkins & Sons Construction series – PROPOSAL FOR LOVE. This is the second book in the series and continues the journey of my Jenkins men’s plight to finding love.

About Proposal for Love:

Nathaniel Jenkins-Moore never allows romantic entanglements to get in the way of running Jenkins & Sons Construction. That is until the woman who ripped out his heart crashes back into his life. She wants to leave the past in the past, and though Nate knows a thing or two about rebuilding strong foundations, her betrayal still haunts him. He can’t forget. He won’t forgive. She can’t be trusted. But why does his heart still beat double-time whenever she’s near?

Liberty Stewart has been living a lie. Masking her shredded self-esteem and trying to overcome the emotional torment inflicted by her abusive ex-husband, she’s ready to rebuild her life. But just when she thinks she’s on track, her current assignment brings her face to face with the only man she’s ever truly loved—Nate. Too bad he hates her. Liberty knows she did Nate wrong, and getting him to trust her again might be impossible, but neither of them can deny the attraction that still runs deep.

Is the burning passion they share enough to get their troubled hearts to finally beat as one? Or is the hurt too deep for a happily ever after?

Read an excerpt here.

Get your copy today!

About the Giveaways:

First – here’s what I’m giving away:

1st Prize – A $20 Amazon egift card (you must be on my email mailing list to be eligible for this prize). If you’re not on my mailing list, it’s not too late! To join, just click here.

2nd Prize – A $5 Amazon egift card and an ecopy of STILL THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB, book 1 of the Jenkins Family Series (everyone is eligible).

How to enter to win:

In the comment section below, answer one of the following questions: What do you enjoy most about IR/Multi-cultural romance novels? Or, why do you read romance novels? NOTE: Don’t forget to leave your response in the comment section below. You do not have to leave your email address.

***Deadline for this giveaway: December 3, 2017, 11:59 pm, EST. Winners for my giveaway will be randomly chosen and their names listed in the comments section below on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. NOTE: I will notify winners via email prior to posting their names.

NOW for the grand prizes!

This is how the blog hop giveaways work. Each blog stop (30 blogs) is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has a grand prizes as well! You can go to EACH blog stop and see what they’re giving away AND you can enter to win the grand prizes ($50 gift card and all of the books below). Good luck!

Grand prize list as follows:

1st: $50 Gift card
2nd: $30 Gift card
3rd: $15 Gift card
4th: $10 Gift card

For the Grand Prizes, here’s how to enter: Rafflecopter

For your chance to win some of the books below, be sure to stop by the other participating authors’ blog sites. http://bit.ly/2B8f2LY

#CoLHop2017

November 23, 2017 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | Celebrating black love, Color of Love Blog Hop, Sharon C. Cooper | 27 Comments

Color of Love Blog Hop and Giveaways!

Hi All!

It’s that time of the year again for the Color of Love Blog Hop where we celebrate our love for characters of color in romance novels. From November 25th thru December 4th, you’ll have an opportunity to meet some great writers and win a ton of books and prizes (over $100 in prizes)! First, let me tell you about my Color of Love featured novel.

LOVE AT LAST

Carolyn Jenkins has never had a problem getting a man, but keeping one is another story. After two failed marriages and numerous short-term relationships, she’s ready to wave the white flag and give up on love. Yet, with Christmas quickly approaching, she dreads spending the holiday alone. Will a chance encounter with a handsome stranger make all of her Christmas wishes come true?

After thirty years of a nearly perfect marriage, widower Lincoln Richwood struggles to move on with his life. The idea of dating at his age seems daunting … until he meets the vivacious Carolyn Jenkins. Normally a straitlaced kind of guy, there’s just something about the woman that tempts him to walk on the wild side.

Opposites attract, but will their differences derail their relationship and keep them from embracing the love they both desire?

Excerpt:

Carolyn took a sip of her hot tea that the server had delivered moments before. “So why did you ask Paul for my telephone number?” she inquired, unable to contain her curiosity since he’d mentioned it at the gym.

“This might sound cliché, but the first time I saw you standing behind the bar at Paul’s restaurant, I felt a connection.” Lincoln took a sip from his water glass and set it back down, his dark eyes sparkling with interest. “That feeling only intensified when you walked into his office a short while later.”

Carolyn studied him. She had never been one for holding back what she thought or felt, and had no intention of starting now. “I felt the same way. But when I spotted your wedding band, it was like having a bucket of ice water dumped over my head. I was pissed. Partly at you for showing an interest in me when you knew you were married. Or at least when I thought you were married. I was also ticked at myself for not being able to stop thinking about you.”

“Your comment about removing the ring before calling you was the push I needed. For the past couple of years, I wore the ring as a way to remember my wife and ward off women.” Smiling, Lincoln shrugged. He lowered his gaze and fingered the condensation rolling down the side of his water glass before returning his attention to her. “You’re the first woman I’ve met who made me want to remove the ring and start anew.”

Carolyn wasn’t sure how to respond. For her sake, she was glad not to see the wedding band, but she hoped he hadn’t taken it off before he was really ready.

The server returned and Carolyn’s stomach rumbled when the elegantly plated dishes were set in front of them.

“You’re really going to eat all of that?” Lincoln smiled, eying the two entrées she’d ordered.

The smell of the North Atlantic cod surrounded by tomatoes, basil, olives, and zucchini made her mouth water. The Beef Wellington was just as appetizing. “I plan to eat every single bite.” Carolyn loaded her fork, then wrapped her lips around it. Her eyes drifted shut as she savored the enticing flavors. She loved French food. Hell, she loved food period. She wasn’t one of those petite women who ate only salads. No, she absolutely enjoyed food and could out eat anyone she knew, except for maybe her daughter, Martina.

She moaned with every bite until Lincoln cleared his throat and her eyes popped open.

“You’re killing me here,” he mumbled leaning close, desire radiating in his eyes. “I have been around a long time and have never seen a person enjoy food like that before.”

Carolyn wiped her mouth and grinned. “I’m a foodie with a huge appetite, but I’ll try to behave.”

“Don’t stop moaning on my account,” he whispered, shifting in his seat. “If that’s how you behave with every meal, I plan to keep a plate of food in front of you.”

Release day: Friday, December 2, 2016

Preorder your copy today. $1.99 for a limited time! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

**About the GIVEAWAYS**

First – here’s what I’m giving away:

1st Prize – A $20 Amazon gift card (you must be on my email mailing list to be eligible for this prize). If you’re not on my mailing list, it’s not too late! To join, just click here. *See below for how to enter the giveaways*

2nd Prize – A $5 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of NEGOTIATING FOR LOVE, book 4 of the Jenkins Family Series. *Carolyn Jenkins is first introduced in this story*

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

In the comment section below, answer the following questions: What do you enjoy most about IR/Multicultural romance novels? NOTE: Don’t forget to leave your response in the comment section below. You do not have to leave your email address.

***Deadline for this giveaway: December 4, 2015, 11:59 EST. Winners for my giveaway will be randomly chosen and their names listed in the comments section below on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. NOTE: I will notify winners via email prior to posting their names.

NOW for the Grand Prizes!

This is how the blog hop giveaways work. Each blog stop (over 40 blogs) is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has SIX (6) grand prizes as well! So stop by EACH blog stop, enter to win their giveaway AND you can enter to win the grand prizes!

1^st Prize $75 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

2^nd Prize $50 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

3rd Prize $30 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

4^th Prize $15 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

5^th Prize $10 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

6^th Prize $ 5 giftcard & 7 ebooks (from various authors)

For the Grand Prizes, here’s how to enter: Rafflecopter

Here are some of the books being given away this year!

Participating blog sites:

Hop along to win prizes in the Color of Love 2016 Giveaway event

1.	Kiru Taye	16.	Sharon C. Cooper	31.	Synithia Williams
2.	Nana Prah	17.	Candace Shaw	32.	L. Loren
3.	Empi Baryeh	18.	Natasha Blackthorne	33.	LaQuette
4.	RWOWA	19.	Sydney Aaliyah Michelle	34.	Jamie Wesley
5.	Sexy Romance Novels	20.	Kenya Wright	35.	A.J. Locke
6.	Kai Tyler	21.	Delaney Diamond	36.	A.C. Melody
7.	Love Bites and Silk	22.	LaVerne Thompson	37.	Kay Blake
8.	Felicia Denise	23.	Tia Kelly	38.	Sheena Binkley
9.	Guinevere & Libertad	24.	Patience Saduwa	39.	M.J. Kane
10.	G.L. Tomas	25.	Paulette Harper	40.	The Reading Addict
11.	Georgia Lyn Hunter	26.	LENA HART	41.	Reviews by Crystal
12.	Lea’s Crazy Nights	27.	S.W.Frank	42.	Dionne Grace
13.	Lily Harlem	28.	Reana Malori	43.	Nana Malone
14.	Kim Golden	29.	Rina Gray	44.	Inger Iversen
15.	Ines Johnson	30.	Joyfully Reviewed

November 25, 2016 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | Color of Love Blog Hop, giveaways, Multicultural romance | 18 Comments

Places in My Heart and Giveaway!

It’s always a pleasure having my author friends on my blog and today is no different! Author Sheryl Lister is on a blog tour with Write Now Literary Book Tours introducing her pre-release of PLACES IN MY HEART. Sheryl is currently doing a Pre-order Blitz and Contest that starts today! But more about the contest later. First, check out a sneak peek of PLACES IN MY HEART.

About The Book

Omar Drummond is a pro football superstar with a body that’s a pure work of art. But Morgan Gray is forbidden to act on their chemistry, or repeat their impulsive kiss. Proving her worth as a sports agent means securing the notorious celebrity as a client, not a lover. Yet between flowers, sweet notes and heady hotel interludes, Omar is shamelessly seducing her…

Other agents—and exes—have tried using Omar as a meal ticket, and he’s closed himself off from emotional entanglements. With Morgan, it’s a whole new playbook. Smart and tough, she can negotiate a contract and turn him on all in one go, and he craves more. But in matters of trust, he’s just fumbled badly. To win her he has to show her the man he can be away from the field and the limelight, and hope that this time they’re both playing for keeps.

Excerpt

Omar knew he had taken a risk showing up at Morgan’s office, but he was desperate. It had taken a lot to persuade Malcolm to share his sister’s information, especially since Omar had declined to say what had happened between them. He toyed with calling first, but changed his mind because he didn’t want to chance her refusing to see him. The woman seated outside Morgan’s office, whom he assumed was the assistant, greeted him with a wide smile and an exaggerated sway of her hips as she led him to the office. Omar ignored the not-so-subtle brush of her breasts against his arm when she turned to leave. In his peripheral vision, he noticed the slight rise in Morgan’s eyebrow and knew she’d seen it, too. He waited until the woman closed the door before turning to face Morgan.

Morgan folded her arms. “What are you doing here?”

“Hello to you, too,” he said.

An embarrassed expression crossed her face. “Sorry. Have a seat.”

Omar took the chair opposite her desk. “I apologize for stopping by without calling, but I figured you wouldn’t see me otherwise.”

“You were probably right. How do you know I won’t call security to throw you out now?”

“I don’t, but I’m counting on your love of football to work in my favor.” They engaged in a stare-down for several seconds until she looked away first.

“How did you know where I worked?”

“Malcolm.” She frowned and he added, “If it’s any consolation, he adamantly refused to divulge your home address.”

“Well, maybe I won’t kill him, after all.”

He chuckled.

“Since you went through all this trouble, I guess I can spare you five minutes.”

Omar knew the mention of football would rouse her curiosity. “I’d like to talk to you about a business proposition.”

“What does that have to do with football?”

“My contract is up for renewal in six weeks and—”

“Don’t you have an agent? If memory serves me correctly, you have one of the best agents around.”

“Things aren’t always as they seem.”

She sat up straight. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying it’s time for a change, and I’d like you to negotiate my upcoming contract. You’re an attorney and, according to your brother, you know football like you’ve played it all your life.”

Her eyes lit up and her mouth fell open. “Are you serious? Wait a minute.” She sat back again and angled her head. “What about your current agent? Did he dump you or something?”

Omar sighed. “No.” There was more to it, but he would only tell her if she agreed to represent him.

Morgan narrowed her eyes. “There are dozens of sports agents out there, and I’m certain any one of them would be happy to take you on, especially with your numbers from last year. Yet you’re in my office.”

He smiled. “You checked my stats? So, you’re admitting I’ve got game?”

A rush of color darkened her face. “Why me?” she asked, ignoring his questions.

“You want to be an agent, and I need one.” He leaned forward and whispered, “And I know you passed the sport’s agent certification test. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.”

“On second thought, I am going to kill Malcolm,” she muttered.

“I need your help, Morgan. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

“I have to think about this.” She turned slightly in her chair and stared out the window, and then back at him. “You realize I already have a job. And I’m working on a case.”

Omar nodded. “I understand, and I have no problems working around your schedule.”

“Even on weekends or late evenings.”

“Anytime.”

“I see.” She went back to staring out the window.

He could almost hear the wheels turning in her head. She bit down on her lip, drawing his attention and reminding him how much he enjoyed kissing her.

Finally she angled her head his direction. “I’ll agree on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You keep your hands and lips to yourself. No more kisses.”

Omar groaned inwardly. There was no way he could go without kissing her. In fact, it had been the first thing on his mind from the moment he saw her today. “Morgan—”

“No. More. Kisses,” she repeated.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/DqdxKL-YkMo

CONTEST INSTRUCTIONS

In celebration of Sheryl’s upcoming release, Places In My Heart, she’s giving away (5) five prizes: (4) four mini-swag packs and (1) one Grand Prize of a Reader Lovers Basket, including a Kindle Fire and $25 Amazon gift card.

Pre-order your copy of PLACES IN MY HEART and enter for your chance to win! Once you’ve ordered, enter the contest here: http://sheryllister.com/contest

Don’t forget to order your copy first!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OSFA3h

B&N: http://bit.ly/2ae25BQ

iTunes: http://apple.co/2bcYF5q

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aYeslG

This contest is open to US only through September 30, 2016.

Publication (release) Date: Oct 1, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN-10: 0373864701

ISBN-13: 978-0373864706

About The Author

Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She been nominated for an Emma Award and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award and named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two very special little boys.

Connect Socially

Website: http://sheryllister.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1Slynne

Goodread: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7855222.Sheryl_Lister

Tour hosted by WNL Book Tours

Follow Sheryl on Tour

September 15, 2016 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Guest, Blog Hop | Harlequin Kimani, new release, Places in my heart, Sheryl Lister | 4 Comments

Color of Love Blog Hop and Giveaway!

Hi All! It’s the holiday season and what better way to kick it off than with awesome books and great giveaways? It’s that time of the year where we celebrate our love for characters of color in romantic fiction in the Color of Love Blog Hop. From November 27th thru December 6th, not only do you get to meet some great writers, but you also get a chance to win LOTS of books and prizes (including a $75 gift card)! But first, let me tell you about my Color of Love featured novel.

I write multi-cultural, African American, and interracial romance and I know love has no color. That’s one of several reasons why I typically gravitate to romance novels for my reading pleasure, and it doesn’t hurt that I’m guaranteed a happily-ever-after.

In my featured novel, TEMPTING THE ARTIST, book 3 of the Jenkins Family Series, Christina “CJ” Jenkins, a free-spirited painter by trade is juggling her obligation to the family construction business, with the demands of her secret passion. A secret life she has successfully hidden until recently. When sexy, bad-boy attorney, Luke Hayden, enters the picture, he steals her heart. But the truth of Christina’s double life buried under lies, threatens to destroy them both.

Luke is leaving New York to escape the drama, which is his life. Starting over in Cincinnati with Christina appeals to him more than he will admit. Although her secret jeopardizes their steamy affair, it’s not until someone threatens to destroy the Jenkins family empire, and uses Luke to carry out their plan, that their relationship is truly tested. Luke will do what he can to help the Jenkins family, but he will stop at nothing to tempt the woman who has captured his heart.

Excerpt:

“Wha … what are you doing up?” she finally asked.

“I don’t sleep well without you in my bed.” His slumber-filled voice was deep and intoxicating. She had no doubt that he meant what he said. When she wasn’t in New York visiting him, he rarely slept in the bed, preferring the sofa in his home office. He’d often stay at work until nine or ten at night, only to arrive home and work for another few hours. She had no idea how he functioned with only three or four hours of sleep each night.

Luke moved across the room with the stealth of a lion, closing in on its prey. With a lean body, his sculpted chest and muscular biceps stood out. That quiet control swimming in his eyes, with a twinge of fearlessness, rooted her in place and had her heart pounding double-time. She was sure that look played well into him being one of the top defense attorneys at his New York law firm.

“What’s wrong? You’ve been distracted since we returned from the art show.” The richness of his baritone voice washed over her like a smooth, satiny caress. And he smelled so good. The fresh scent of soap permeated the air as if he had just stepped out of the shower. His voice, his scent, and all that made him the man he was, weakened her defenses and sent her senses spiraling out of control.

He pulled her effortlessly against his hard body and her arms slid easily around his neck. What she felt for him was unlike anything she had ever experienced. There was just something about him. Something about the way his welcoming embrace evoked a sense of peace that settled over her like a goose down jacket all snuggly and warm. And there was something about the way his self-assuredness gave her the desire to experience the world through his eyes, making her want to try new things and live life on the edge.

Christina moaned as his body molded against hers, chest to chest and thigh to thigh. He felt too good. It wasn’t helping that the feathery kisses he placed along the length of her neck were reigniting the smoldering heat from hours earlier. She couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t think straight when he looked at her, or when he kissed her, or when he touched her. An experienced lover, his caress had her body bending to his will.

“Maybe you should come back to bed so that I can make you forget your troubles.”

“Or maybe you can make me forget my troubles right here … right now.”

Get your copy today! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ibooks | Smashwords

About the Giveaways:

First – here’s what I’m giving away:

1st Prize – A $20 Amazon gift card (you must be on my email mailing list to be eligible for this prize). If you’re not on my mailing list, it’s not too late! To join, just click here.

2nd Prize – A $5 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, book 2 of the Jenkins Family Series.

How to enter to win:

***Deadline for this giveaway: December 6, 2015, 11:59 EST. Winners for my giveaway will be randomly chosen and their names listed in the comments section below on Monday, December 7, 2015. NOTE: I will notify winners via email prior to posting their names.

NOW for the grand prizes!

This is how the blog hop giveaways work. Each blog stop (50 blogs) is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has SIX (6) grand prizes as well! You can go to EACH blog stop and see what they’re giving away AND you can to win the grand prizes. That means you can enter at all 50 blog stops!

1^st Prize $75 giftcard & 6 ebooks (from various authors)

2^nd Prize $50 giftcard & 5 ebooks (from various authors)

3^rd Prize $30 giftcard & 5 ebooks (from various authors)

4^th Prize $15 giftcard & 5 ebooks (from various authors)

5^th Prize $10 giftcard & 5 ebooks (from various authors)

6^th Prize $5 giftcard & 5 ebooks (from various authors)

For the Grand Prizes, here’s how to enter: Rafflecopter

Note: Here are some of the books being given away.

Participating blog sites.

1.	Love Bites and Silk	15.	Courtney Sheets	29.	Elle Wright
2.	Kiru Taye, Author (INT)	16.	Bookswagger	30.	Kathy Bosman
3.	Nana Prah	17.	Lea Bronsen’s Crazy Nights	31.	Joyfully Reviewed
4.	Empi Baryeh, Author	18.	Sharon C. Cooper	32.	Natasha Blackthorne
5.	Sexy Romance Novels	19.	Sharita Lira	33.	Chanta Rand on Reviews By Crystal
6.	Raven McAllan	20.	V.S. Morgan	34.	allyn lesley
7.	Georgia Lyn Hunter	21.	Kim Golden	35.	Mina Khan
8.	Lily Harlem	22.	Monlatable Book Reviews	36.	Reana Malori
9.	Lucy Felthouse	23.	Musings Of A Romance Junkie	37.	Roxy Wilson
10.	Laurel Cremant	24.	Sydney Aaliyah Michelle	38.	Ambrielle Kirk
11.	Kenya Wright	25.	Ines Johnson	39.	G.L Tomas
12.	In The Pages of a Good Book	26.	Told Ya’ So	40.	Rebellious Cupid Book Reviews
13.	LENA HART	27.	Dariel Raye	41.	J.L. Campbell
14.	Candace Shaw	28.	L. Penelope

November 27, 2015 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | book giveaway, Color of Love Blog Hop 2015, Sharon C. Cooper | 35 Comments

Color of Love Blog Hop and Giveaway

Hi All!

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some awesome books and great giveaways? It’s that time of the year where we celebrate our love for characters of color in romantic fiction in the Color of Love Blog Hop. From December 4th thru December 8th, not only do you get to meet some great writers, but you also get a chance to win LOTS of books and prizes (including a $50 gift card)! But first, let me tell you about my Color of Love featured novel.

I enjoy reading and writing romance. Not just because you’re guaranteed a happily-ever-after, but also because love has no color. As an author who usually writes multi-cultural and African American romance, I recently released my first interracial romance – ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, book 2 of the Jenkins Family Series. Check it out:

Blurb

A woman wants what a woman wants…

Quick-witted, sassy, construction worker, Jada (JJ) Jenkins, loves the finer things in life. She’d rather be in designer clothes and stilettos than sporting steel-toe boots and a hard hat. She hates getting dirty and worst, sweating. Jada’s ready to quit her job and marry a wealthy man who’s able to support her shopping addiction and her expensive taste. She’s not looking for love, only a comfortable lifestyle. What she doesn’t expect to find is a blue-eyed hunk with dimples and a disarming ability to throw her off her game.

For professional football player Zack Anderson, its love at first sight when he meets Jada. The fact that she’s a construction worker is even better. He wants a woman who’s not afraid to get down and dirty, someone who enjoys fishing, hiking and the great outdoors. He thinks he’s found that in Jada.

Before he loses his heart, will Zack discover that the last thing on this feisty steel-toe-boot-wearing-beauty’s mind is getting her hands dirty with love?

Excerpt:

“Okay, answer this. What do I have to do to get a man as fine as yours, one who worships the ground I walk on, and is crazy wealthy?” She rolled her neck and slapped her hand down on the table. “I’m talkin’ stinkin’ rich as in lunch on the French Riviera and dinner at La Vague d’Or in Saint Tropez.”

Toni shook her head, and a wide grin tilted the corners of her rose-colored lips. “I know suggesting that you lower your standards is out of the question. So I won’t bother. I will say though, when the right man comes along, it’s not going to matter if he’s downright fine and stinkin’ rich. All that’s going to matter, or should matter is that he treats you right and loves you unconditionally.”

“Uh, well, yeah, it is going to matter if he’s fine and rich because if he isn’t he won’t be able to hang with me.” Jada ignored the way Toni’s perfectly arched eyebrows slanted in a frown. “Now what’s the scoop on the hunks who just walked up to your new hubby? The one on the far right looks as if he could carry a small car on his back.”

“Those are the guys he grew up with. Actually, today might be your lucky day.” Toni perked up, a mischievous glint shined in her eyes as she adjusted the hem of her beaded lace wedding gown. “Craig’s bringing Zack over.”

“How does that make it my lucky day?”

“Because he’s single and he’s gawking at you.”

Jada sized him up as he approached. At least six-one, broad shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist, dark, spiked hair, and a powerful stride – he was a walking billboard for everything masculine. “Mmm, I don’t think so. He’s definitely a cutie in that Channing Tatum kind of way. But I like my men like I like my chocolate – dark and exceedingly rich.”

“Is that right?” Toni placed her soda on the table and sat forward in her chair, her elbow on the table and amusement danced in her eyes. “Well, did I happen to mention that he’s a professional football player who plays for the Cincinnati Cougars and has just renewed his contract for nine-point-five-million?”

Jada’s mouth dropped open.

“Oh, and that’s only for one year.”

“Damn!” Jada smoothed down the front of her bridesmaid dress that stopped just above her knees and ran her fingers through her long auburn streaked curls. She quickly pulled a tube of lipstick from her strapless bra and ran the Coral Berry over her lips, and then took another glance at Craig’s friend. “It’s a good thing I’m switching over. I hear white chocolate, like milk, does a body good.”

“What?” Toni narrowed her eyes. “I’ve never heard that before.”

“Oh, hush up and tell me if I have any food in my teeth.”

Toni shook her head and laughed. “Girl, you’re a mess!”

“Hey, baby, are you feeling better?” Craig bent slightly and brushed Toni’s bangs away from her forehead. “Did the soda help?” He extended his hand to help her rise to her feet and rubbed his large palm over her barely-there baby bump.

“Between the soda and the crackers you hunted down for me earlier, I’m feeling much better. You take such good care of me,” Toni said in a baby-like voice.

“That’s my job. I plan to spend the rest of my life taking very good care of you, Mrs. Logan.” Craig lowered his head and his lips brushed against Toni’s.

Jada rolled her eyes when the newlywed’s lip-lock grew more intense and Toni’s arms snaked around her husband’s neck.

“You guys have a lifetime to play kissy-face.” She stood and turned her gaze to the man standing next to her cousin-in-law. He was even sexier up close, and then he smiled. Her knees weakened. Oh my God, he has dimples. A sucker for a man with dimples, the once steady beat of her heart now pounded double-time. Her hand hovered over her chest as she struggled to fill her lungs with air. Okay, just breathe. She told herself over and over again.

“Are you all right?” the sexy gift from God asked, his palm at the small of her back sent a spark of desire shooting through her veins. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Uh, no. No, I’m fine.” She definitely had to pull herself together. Never has a man seen her sweat and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let a cutie with a nine-point-five-million dollar contract see her off her game.

“Evidently we’re invisible,” Craig’s friend said and removed his hand from her back. His voice intoxicatingly deep sent an exciting shiver up her spine. “I’m Zack Anderson.”

Get Your Copy Today! Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | ARe

About the Giveaways:

This is how the blog hop works. Each blog stop (50 blogs) is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has FIVE grand prizes as well! You can go to EACH blog stop and leave a comment to be entered to win. That means you can enter at all 50 blog stops! More details below.

But first – here’s what I’m giving away:

1st Prize – A $10 Amazon or B&N gift card (you must be a subscriber to this blog or follow me on Facebook to be eligible for this prize)

2nd Prize – An ecopy of STILL THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB, book 1 of the Jenkins Family Series AND a $5 Amazon or B&N gift card.

How to enter to win:

In the comment section below, answer one of the following questions: What do you enjoy most about IR/Multi-cultural romance novels? Or, why do you read romance novels? NOTE: Don’t forget to leave your response in the comment section below.

***

NOW, here are the Color of Love Blog Hop Prizes:

Grand prizes:

1st prize $50 Amazon GC + 7 ebooks

2nd prize $25 Amazon GC + 7 ebooks

3rd prize $15 Amazon GC + 7 ebooks

4th prize $10 Amazon GC + 6 ebooks

5th prize $5 Amazon GC + 6 ebooks

How to enter to win: A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Click on the photo of book covers above, for the list of 50 blogs participating in the Color of Love Blog Hop. REMEMBER – every blog stop is giving away prizes!

Deadline: You must enter no later than 11:59 p.m est on Monday, December 8, 2014. This goes for all blog stops and the rafflecopter.

I will post winners in the comment section below by Wednesday, December 10th. Note: The winners will have been contacted via email by this time.

Good Luck – I hope you win!

(don’t forget to leave a comment below)

December 4, 2014 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | The Color of Love Blog Hop | 28 Comments

Winter Wonderman Blog Hop and Giveaway

What better way to stay warm these days than to be wrapped in the arms of a wonderful man? Well, if you don’t have that special someone to cozy up to, no worries! From January 16th – 19th, 2014, the Winter Wonderman Blog Hop will be going on and you’ll have the pleasure of meeting some hot men – but that’s not all! The Hop is hosted by Bella Media Management and over 50 bloggers are participating AND they are giving away some AWESOME prizes (books, giftcards, swag and more)!

First, let me introduce you to a man you’d love to cuddle up with! When I think of a man who is so wonderful that he’ll make your toes curl, I think of my husband (smile) and then I think of Tyler Hollister, the hero in Blue Roses, book 1 of my Reunited Series (a romantic suspense). Tyler is wealthy, intelligent, a real sweetheart who is madly in love with a woman who is…um, how should I say…not the easiest woman to love. Oh, and did I happen to mention that he’s fine?! Here, check out Tyler and Dallas’s story:

Blurb:

Where most women would welcome love from a wealthy, good-looking man, Chicago-based investment manager, Dallas Marcel, is not one of them. She will never let a man control her life again. That includes handsome entrepreneur, Tyler Hollister. Dallas is on track to making partner and she’s not letting anything or anyone get in her way. But when her life is put in danger, and a Ponzi scheme ignites a SEC investigation of her firm, she realizes the one man she’d banned from her heart, might be the only one who can save her career and her life.

Tall, dark, and handsome, Tyler Hollister can have any woman he wants, but he only wants one – Dallas. When he starts talking marriage, she breaks things off between them, claiming she doesn’t want a romantic entanglement to hinder her plight to making partner. A chance meeting, six months later, brings them face to face and Tyler soon realizes the intense sexual attraction they once shared is stronger than ever. But he swore he was done with her. Except he finds out her life is in danger, and his protective instincts take over. Can he save her life without losing his heart … again?

Excerpt:

Dallas’s eyes drifted shut as she attempted to fight the drowsiness that suddenly surrounded her. Never in her life had she felt so weak. Why now? Why did this accident have to happen now? On track to make partner at her investment firm, she had too much going on in her life to be laid up in a hospital bed staring at walls. She had worked too damn hard to let a stupid car accident keep her from accomplishing the one thing she wanted more than anything – a partnership.

Her eyes fluttered open again. This was the first time she’d noticed the colorful balloons floating above her, attached to something at the head of the bed. It was thoughtful of the nurses, assuming they were the ones who left them, but Dallas preferred to be home…in her own bed, and in her own room. If only she had the strength to move. Between whatever crap they were giving her for pain and the tight bandages around her midsection she felt like a mummy lying in an open tomb. And the thought of sneaking out was out of the question. She glanced at her elevated leg and cursed under her breath at the cast. It was only then did her gaze zone in on the lone figure sitting in the chair near the window, his eyes closed.

What’s he doing here?

Tyler. The moonlight gleamed through the open blinds, casting a stunning glow around him. He looked like an angel, but Dallas knew he was far from that. He was charming, generous and the sweetest man she’d ever met, but a force to be reckoned with when it came to his business and protecting those he loved. It was his possessiveness that reminded her of a time in her past; a time when she had vowed never to let another man control her life.

Dallas fixed her eyes on his attractive face – still as fine as she remembered. Smooth brown skin stretched over strong cheekbones, and a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee framed his inviting mouth. With lips so irresistibly kissable, she had to steady her breathing to keep the heart rate monitor from going crazy.

As if sensing her watching him, Tyler opened his eyes. When his gentle gaze met hers, her breath caught and her heart slammed against her chest. Oh, God. Give me strength. Those dark, sexy eyes would forever be her weakness.

“Hey there.” He rose to his full six-four height and walked to the bed. Towering over her, he swept a few strands of hair away from her face, which was something he used to do often. That small gesture alone made her feel warmth she hadn’t felt in months. “How are you feeling?” His smooth, velvety voice made her body tremble. She wished she had energy and a fan, because she was pretty sure her temperature had shot up to 120 degrees in just those few short seconds.

She gazed into his eyes. After they’d broken up, there were many days she wanted to call and tell him she loved him and wanted him back, but it would’ve been a mistake. He wanted marriage and a family. She couldn’t give him that.

Tyler leaned closer, affording her the pleasure of his fresh, masculine scent. She might’ve had a slight headache, but there was definitely nothing wrong with her sense of smell.

“Can I do anything for you?”

Yeah, you can move away from the bed, is what she wanted to say, his nearness wreaking havoc on her willpower – her desire to touch and kiss him was overwhelming. Instead she asked, “Can I have some water?”

“Of course.” He poured her a cup from the pitcher sitting on the bedside table and brought the straw to her lips. “Anything else?”

Don’t you want to know what else Dallas asked for? Get your copy of Blue Roses today!

About the Giveaway:

This is how the blog hop and giveaway works. Each blog stop is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has a grand prize as well – a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winners choice)! You can go to EACH blog stop and leave a comment and be entered to win. That means you have a chance to walk away with lots of prizes… and you have over 50 chances to win the grand prize! Below, you’ll find the link to the list of blogs participating.

Now, here’s what I’m giving away:

**A $10Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winners choice)!

How to enter: In the comment section below, answer the following question: What makes a hero in movies and books wonderful to the point your toes curl? NOTE: If you’re a subscriber to my blog, or if you have “Liked” my Facebook fan page, you’ll automatically be entered into my contest twice!

Deadline: January 19, 2014 11:59pm is when the blog hop ends. The winners will be notified via email and announced no later than January 21st in the comments section below.

NOTE: Make sure you stop at all of the participating blog sites. At the end of the hop, using random.org, a winner will be chosento win the grand prize! But you have to leave a comment at each site you visit to increase your chances of winning.

So don’t stop now! There’s more prizes to be won! Click here and check out all of the other bloggers who are participating in the blog hop and enter for your chance to win tons of prizes!

Good luck and enjoy the hop!

January 15, 2014 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | Blue Roses, Romance, Sharon C. Cooper | 72 Comments

Color of Love Blog Hop and Giveaway

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some great books? The Color of Love Blog Hop, co-hosted by Empi Baryeh, Kiru Taye and Nana Prah promises to do just that! From November 21st thru November 25th, not only do you get to meet some great writers, but you also get a chance to win LOTS of books and prizes (including a $50 gift card)!

I’ll tell you about the giveaway shortly, but first, let me introduce you to my Color of Love featured novel – Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series. Two words – Quinn Hamilton. He’s HOT, he’s a former Navy SEAL and he would do anything for Alandra Pargas – even put his life on the line. Check out the blurb and excerpt below for Rendezvous with Danger.

Blurb:

Alandra Pargas, ex-CIA counter-intelligence officer, plans to wreak vengeance on the people who tried to kill her. A little rendezvous with danger is not what scares her, though. It’s seeing the tall, dark, and dangerously sexy man she vowed to love forever that has her running for cover.

Former U.S. Special Operative, Quinn Hamilton, left the world of covert operations after the love of his life died in his arms during a black op. Three years later, he still loses sleep wondering if maybe he could have done something more to save her – until Alandra shows up on his doorstep. With her lies and betrayal, he wants nothing to do with her, yet, his heart won’t cooperate. It’s not until unknown enemies come after her that he must decide if he can leave the past behind and protect the woman he’ll always love. Will they survive this last mission and rekindle the love and passion they once shared?

Excerpt

Holy Mother of… There is no way she can be alive. When the woman rose from the sofa, Quinn took a slow perusal of her body from the top of her head down to the red ballerina-like shoes covering her feet. Behind the long straight reddish hair, green contact lenses, and a thinner body than he remembered, stood the woman he’d vowed to love until the end of time. Alandra – dark olive skin, the flattened nose inherited from her Hispanic father, full lips, and a curvaceous body all from her African American mother. Her mixed race was more apparent than he remembered.

He moved in closer. Despite the minor changes to her appearance he was almost sure it was her, but how was it possible? He had held her bloodied body in his arms. No way could she have survived a bullet to the chest. Never had he been at a loss for words when it came to a beautiful woman, but when the woman was supposed to be dead, words escaped him.

“Q, don’t tell me you know this woman,” Malik roared.

“Keep him away from me,” Alandra said of Malik.

Quinn shook his head in disbelief when she spoke. Her deep velvety voice could have easily belonged to a 1-900 phone sex operator.

“You attacked me!” Malik yelled. “I think you busted up one of my ribs with that judo shit. Who the hell are you anyway?”

The question jolted Quinn out of his coma-like shock. He looked from Malik to Wiz, who had just returned with the ice. “I need you guys to give us a minute.”

Malik shook his head. “No way, man. Not before you tell us who she is.”

Quinn narrowed his eyes at Malik, wishing he’d back off, but in all fairness, Quinn couldn’t be mad at them for wanting some answers. Hell, he wanted some too. He looked over his shoulder at Alandra.

“Why don’t you tell my friends who you really are Ms. Aguilar?”

Alandra tilted her head. “Porque no puedes decirles? Ellos son tus amigos.”

He stiffened as though she had struck him. Yeah, these guys were his friends and sure he could tell them who she was, but he was still trying to process her actually being alive, and in his house! The last thing he wanted to do was play games. Feeling his patience wane, he said as calmly as he could. “I want you to tell them.”

Her hands slammed on her hips and she huffed, “My name is Velvet Aguilar.”

With one-step, Quinn was in her face. “Tell them who the hell you really are!”

She jumped at his tone, and Quinn felt Wiz and Malik jolt to attention.

“Come on, Q,” Wiz stepped closer, his hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?”

Quinn ignored the question, his eyes trained on Alandra. A few seconds passed with them staring at each other.

“Fine. My name is Alandra Pargas-Hamilton … Quinn’s wife.”

Buy it Now!

Amazon | CreateSpace Available on Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and All Romance ebooks: November 26, 2013

Note: If you haven’t read the short story prequel – Secret Rendezvous – it’s *FREE*! Click here for your copy.

About the Giveaway:

This is how the blog hop works. Each blog stop is giving away prizes AND the blog hop has four great prizes as well! You can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. That means you can enter MANY times!

Here’s what I’m giving away:

1st Prize – A $15 Amazon or B&N gift card (you must be a subscriber to this blog or follow me on Facebook to be eligible for this prize)

2nd Prize – An ecopy of Blue Roses, book 1 of the Reunited Series and a $5 Amazon or B&N gift card

How to enter to win:

In the comment section below, answer one of the following questions: What do you enjoy most about IR/Multi-cultural romance novels? Or, why do you read romance novels?

Good Luck – I hope you win!

(don’t forget to leave a comment below)

***

Here are the Color of Love Blog Hop Prizes:

1st prize: $50 Amazon gift card + 8 ebooks
2nd prize: $30 Amazon gift card+ 8 ebooks
3rd prize: $20 Amazon gift card + 8 ebooks
4th prize: $10 Amazon gift card + 8 ebooks

How to enter to win: Rafflecopter

Click here for the list of blogs participating in the Color of Love Blog Hop.

Deadline: You must enter no later than 11:59 p.m est on Monday, November 25, 2013.

I will post winners in the comment section below by Wednesday, November 27th. Note: The winner will have been contacted via email by this time.

November 21, 2013 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | Color of Love Blog Hop, Rendezvous with Danger, Sharon C. Cooper | 28 Comments

Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop and Giveaway

What better way to round up the summer than with the Hot Sumer Heroes Blog Hop sponsored by Caris Roane and Bella Media Management? Not only do you get to meet some “hot” heroes, but you also get a chance to win LOTS of books and prizes (including a $100 gift card)!

I’ll tell you about the giveaway shortly, but first let’s discuss how hard it is to go through the summer, reading and talking about hot summer heroes without talking about Quinn Hamilton, the hero in Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series. There are many things that make him a hot hero: his amazing ripped body, disarming smile, and his sexy swagger to name a few, but what makes him stand out from the rest is that – he loves hard. When it comes to Alandra Pargas, his love interest in Rendezvous with Danger, he proves over and over again how much he loves her and will do anything to keep her safe.

Blurb:

Excerpt from Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series

Quinn released a long ragged sigh and leaned against a nearby wall, his muscular arms folded across his chest. “Do you have any idea what I’ve been through these last few years, thinking you were dead? Thinking I’d never be able to touch you, hold you, or make love to you? Hell, I watched you die, Alandra, in my arms! You have any idea what that feels like? To watch the one woman you loved more than life get gunned down.”

His voice broke, but he held his gaze steady, maintaining his usual tough-guy composure, and Alandra’s heart crumbled. She blinked rapidly to keep tears from falling. He had always been so hard, tough, and strong willed. It had been too easy for her to forget he was just a man. She drew in a deep breath as she walked toward him.

“Quinn, I’m sorry, but I lost too. I’ve missed you so much, and staying away was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. So many times I wanted to call you, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t safe.”

He pushed slowly away from the wall and approached her with concern in his eyes. “What do you mean it wasn’t safe?” He reached out to touch her, but dropped his arm.

Disappointment crept in when he took a step back as if she were toxic, as if touching her would somehow weaken him. Alandra swallowed hard and decided it was probably for the best. Had he pulled her into his arms, there was no telling what would happen. Besides, that wasn’t why she had come. Three years ago someone tried to kill her, and now she was determined to find out who and why, but she needed Quinn’s help.

She sighed, anxious about getting him to understand. “Quinn, I’m in the midst of something big and you’re going to blow my cover if you keep coming to the hospi—”

“Are you kidding me?” he yelled. His angry eyes pierced her soul deeper than any knife ever could. “This three year disappearance is connected to some goddamn op?”

She stepped to him and placed her hands on his chest in hopes of calming him down. “No. No, you don’t understand. It’s just that—”

“I can’t believe this shit!” He jerked away from her and raised his fist as if he were going to punch through the wall.

“Let me explain,” Alandra grabbed his arm.

He turned abruptly. “Explain? Hell, you’ve had three damn years to explain.”

“But I couldn’t. I—”

“Yeah, you could have,” he said in a hoarse whisper. He held her face in his large hands, his lips inches from hers. Her pulse quickened. “Lan, baby, there is nothing I wouldn’t have done for you including give my life. I mean absolutely nothing. And you knew that, so don’t tell me you didn’t have a choice.”

But it now:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance ebooks

Note: If you haven’t read the prequel to Rendezvous with Danger – Secret Rendezvous – it’s *FREE*! Click here for your copy.

Books by Sharon C. Cooper

About the Giveaway:

This is how the blog hop works. Here’s the list of over 60 bloggers participating in the blog hop. Each blog spot is giving away prizes AND there is a grand prize. You can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. That means you can enter over 60 times!

Here’s what you can win:

1st Prize – A $10 Amazon or B&N gift card (you must be a subscriber to this blog or follow me on Facebook)

2nd Prize – An ecopy of either of my backlist titles (winner’s choice – Rendezvous with Danger not included)

Grand Prize:

A $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (winner’s choice)

How to enter to win:

* Leave a comment in the comment section below. Include your email address.

* Visit other blogs that are participating in the Hot Sumer Heroes Blog Hop. Each time you comment on ANY of the blogs participating in the Hot Sumer Heroes blog hop (including this one) you are entered to win. NOTE: Each blogger is giving away prizes!!! Did you get that? That means you can enter well over 60 times for a chance to win some amazing prizes (just make sure you leave a comment on the blog sites AND your email address).

Deadline: You must enter no later than 11:59 p.m est on Sunday, August 18, 2013. That means you can enter to win any day from today, August 15, 2013 thru Sunday, August 18, 2013!

I will post my winner in the comment section below by Tuesday, August 21st. Note: The winner will have been contacted via email by this time.

Good Luck – I hope you win!

(don’t forget to leave a comment below and incl. your email address)

Click here for the list of blogs participating in the Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop.

August 14, 2013 Posted by sharonccooper | Blog Hop | Rendezvous with Danger, Romance hero | 70 Comments

Loving Day Blog Hop and Giveaway

If you’re like many, chances are you’ve never heard of Loving Day. Well today, over thirty authors are participating in the Loving Day Blog Hop, giving you an opportunity to learn more about why this day was significant to America’s history, and we’re giving away lots of books and prizes!

But First Things First…

The Loving Day annual celebration held on June 12th is the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving vs. Virginia that struck down all anti-miscegenation laws. Though, the case was brought on by the marriage of a black woman to a white man (Mildred and Richard Loving), the decision eventually had an effect on all interracial marriages, no longer making it a crime for individuals of different races to marry.

Below is a partial interview with one of my most recent heroines, Alandra Pargas, of Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series. Since she’s bi-racial, I thought it would be interesting to get her take on the Loving Day celebration and what effects, if any, did anti-miscegenation have on her life.

Interviewer: Alandra, I understand your parents endured great ridicule when they became a couple and even had to forgo marriage for many years due to a society that was anti-miscegenation. How did this affect you growing up?

Alandra: You’re right, with my father being Hispanic and my mother African-American you can just imagine what life was like for them in the late fifties, early sixties. Not only did they have to deal with a society that was closed-minded, but they also endured ridicule from their own families. Despite not being able to marry right away, my parents refused to allow anyone to dictate to them who they could love, enduring unbelievable derision. By the time I came along, they had officially married and were still very much in love. Though their love stood the test of time, my grandparents, on either side, never came around, despite the Loving vs. Virginia ruling. They still didn’t want anything to do with us and I never had the pleasure of getting to know them.

Interviewer: Wow, I’m sorry to hear that…but tell me, how do you feel about interracial marriages?

Alandra: I’m totally fine with it. You can’t help who you fall in love with. I think if you find that person who makes your heart beat double-time and whom you can’t live without, you should go for it – no matter their race.

Interviewer: I know we’ve been talking all morning, but I only have a couple of more questions. When you think of your childhood kitchen, what smell do you associate with it? Why is that smell so resonant for you?

Alandra: Hmm…interesting question. Well, food was a big deal in our house. Both my parents were excellent cooks. We were well fed on tamales, tacos and arepas, as well as collard greens and fried chicken. Lol! I don’t mean to sound stereotypical, but those were the type of meals we had. I don’t think there is one smell that resonates with me more than another, but if I had to pick one, I would have to say the smell of tamales. My father was killed when I was younger and I can’t help but think of him whenever I smell tamales. They remind me of times when my sisters and I would crowd around him whenever he was in the kitchen cooking.

Interviewer: So tell me about Rendezvous with Danger, book 2 of the Reunited Series.

Alandra: Here’s what you would find on the back cover of the paperback and a short excerpt: