Latest On The Nocturnal Nina Blog
Nina Crespo presents In and Out of the Covers with Rebecca Brooks
Nina Crespo: Finally checking Rebecca Brooks off of my authors-to-meet-in-person list finally happened this past May at the RT Convention. Her smile is genuine. Her sense of humor will brighten your day, and her smart, sexy contemporary stories (featuring some not to miss outdoor love scenes) will definitely become favorites on your bookshelf. Enjoy!
Book covers: Hero with or without a shirt?
No shirt—or in the process of removing it!
Strawberries and whipped cream: On a man or on a plate?
Plate. That a man is bringing to me. Yum.
Rabbit: Under the sheets or in a cage?
Under the sheets. I LOVE animals, but they don’t come with an on/off switch I can use whenever I want.
Happy endings: In a bed or reading a book?
Books are fun foreplay, but I want the ending to happen in bed. 😉
Final question: In your opinion, what makes a book a satisfying read?
EMOTION. No matter what happens, whether it’s good, bad, happy, sexy, angsty, you name it, I want to FEEL it. I have to believe in the characters and why they’re doing what they do.
About Rebecca’s Book
Reeling from a sudden breakup, Casey Webb leaves Brooklyn, drives north, and settles in a sleepy mountain town in upstate New York. She’s convinced she’s happy being alone—until she reads the acknowledgments in her ex-boyfriend’s hit debut novel, thanking his new girlfriend “above all.”
Good thing Ben Mailer is in town. The hot, young Brooklyn-bound chef offers the perfect distraction. Soon the backwoods are heating up… But as their fling turns into more, the demands of Ben’s family and budding career make moving to her idyllic town impossible.
Now Casey must decide what she can’t live without—her life in the mountains, or the man she wants to be hers above all…
Excerpt
At last he turned to go. On his way out, he wished Casey a good night and then reached up to tap the back of the doorframe before swinging the door shut behind him.
She really, really wished he hadn’t.
Because lifting his arms to the doorframe made his jacket rise up enough to expose the top of his low-slung jeans. As well as the thin green line of his boxers hugging his hips underneath. It didn’t take X-ray vision to know that just above that patch of skin, hidden by his white undershirt and whatever else he had on under his black North Face fleece, were two long dimples carved into his lower back, matching the dimples on his face.
Officially the sexiest part of any man’s body, and the one thing Casey dreamed about on those rare nights when she did, in fact, allow herself to dream.
But this was not going to be one of those images she replayed in her mind’s eye. She was already berating herself for noticing. Not only had she turned to putty simply because he slid the hair out of his eyes as if he didn’t know the gesture would make every girl within a ten-mile radius want to extend her hand to his cheek. But she, Cassandra Webb, competent, capable, got dumped on her ass but still got back up again, thirty-four-year-old independent woman, had checked out his twenty-something-year-old butt.
She made herself swear she wouldn’t give him a second thought. She wasn’t interested. Period. She’d come to the woods to be alone and she fully planned to stay that way. She was going to read a little more until she was sufficiently distracted and then head back to her cabin, warm some cookies in the microwave, and go to sleep. Geller would take over registration in the morning and she would never see this group again.
Casey reached for her book, but she couldn’t stop her hand from hovering over the ledger. Before she knew what she was doing, she allowed herself a quick peek at the records and groaned.
Geller’s handwriting was unmistakable. They were staying for four days, three nights.
There was no way she wouldn’t find herself looking at those dimples again.
Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
About Rebecca Brooks
Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than to write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx.
Rebecca is the author of the How to Fall (a HOLT Medallion Finalist), the Men of Gold Mountain series (an IDA Erotica Finalist), and the new Heart of the Adirondacks series. Above All, A Heart of the Adirondacks novel, releases on July 20, 2018. Her next book, Wrong Bed, Right Roommate (Accidental Love Book 1), will be out in the fall of 2018.
Nina Crespo presents In and Out of the Covers with Kerri Carpenter
Nina Crespo: It’s my pleasure to introduce you to fellow Entangled Publishing author Kerri Carpenter. Her sweet, sexy, and funny romances will brighten your day and so will her answers to my questions about what she finds intriguing in and out of the covers.
Book covers: Hero with or without a shirt?
Usually with a shirt. I’m very particular about the kind of man chest I like to see. Muscular, but not steroid-y looking, and a sprinkling of hair.
Strawberries and whipped cream: On a man or on a plate?
Strawberries on a plate and whipped cream on a man! #yum
Rabbit: Under the sheets or in a cage?
Ha-ha! In a cage, please.
Happy endings: In a bed or reading a book?
Both???
Final question: In your opinion, what makes a book a satisfying read?
A book is satisfying to me when I can’t put it down. When I know I have to get up super early the next day, yet I don’t care that I’m staying up until two in the morning to finish it.
About Kerri’s Book
It wasn’t shy librarian Lola McBride’s idea to crash someone else’s high school reunion. Her best friend made her do it, insisting that having a little fun with a super-hot rebound would make her forget about her recent breakup. That’s when she meets the hottest guy she’s ever seen.
Architect Luke Erickson had no idea attending his ten-year reunion would turn out to be so fun. He catches the sexy brunette in a lie, and he counters with a proposal—He’ll keep her secret if she helps get his family off his back by pretending to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family reunion.
From one reunion to another, Lola and Luke are suddenly spending a lot of time together. Good thing they’re only pretending, or this super-secret relationship could get really complicated.
Excerpt
Maybe he knew her. Maybe they’d gone out in high school? Surely not. He’d remember someone who looked like this.
“Can you believe we’re already having our ten-year reunion?” he asked.
“What? Oh, right. Yeah. I mean, no.” She laughed. “I mean, no, I can’t believe it’s been ten whole years.” She quickly averted his eyes.
She was adorable.
He stuck out a hand. “I’m Luke Erickson.”
She shook his hand. “I’m Lo…” She glanced down at her nametag as if she needed a reminder. “I’m Kelli Martingale. Nice to meet you.”
Her words were cut off when she stepped forward, hit the side of the table, shaking all the contents on it. Luke jumped to save a particularly wobbly red Jell-O dessert, causing most of the Jell-O mold to mold right onto his favorite white shirt.
Kelli gasped. “Ohmigod. I’m so sorry.”
While he wanted to offer a huge fuckkkkk, he could tell that she felt horrible. So, he shrugged as she quickly tried to help him clean up. Together, they got as much of the Jell-O off his shirt as they could. Then she grabbed a mound of napkins and began running them over his chest.
He shivered. Actually fucking shivered. What the hell? This Jell-O must be extra cold. Kelli must have feel it too, because she paused, hands plastered against his chest, as she met his gaze. Her mouth fell open and formed an O.
Suddenly, it wasn’t his shirt he was worried about; his pants began to feel a tad too snug. He wrapped his hands around her wrists and tried to offer a smile. Although, with the new, um, pain he was experiencing in his lower half, it probably came out as more of a grimace.
“I think I have it from here.”
A red blush tinted her cheeks. “Of course. But I really am so sorry.” Then she dug in her purse and pulled out a pair of thick black glasses. “I’m not usually a klutzy person,” she explained as she put the glasses on. “My roommate thought I looked sexier without my glasses, so she forced me to take them off. But I’m blind as a bat without them.”
He took her in, and if he thought his pants were feeling tight before, he was pretty sure that all oxygen was leaving his body now. All he could say about the glasses was…holy fuck.
Her roommate thought she was sexier without them? Hells to the no. Definitely wrong on that one. The bombshell dress plus the thick sex kitten hair plus the gorgeous face plus the most seductive glasses in the history of eyewear equaled a speechless, hard Luke.
See, if Kennedy High taught him one thing, it was how to do math. Another equation was already becoming clear. Kelli plus Luke was going to equal one hell of a reunion.
Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
About Kerri Carpenter
Award-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy, and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube | Newsletter
FIGHT FOR YOU in 5 Photos
I adore pictures as much as I love words. Here’s my steamy contemporary tale of FIGHT FOR YOU in five photos.
Mountains
Sun, lush green trees, mountain peaks rising into a clear blue sky. Can you see it? Delanie grew up and worked at a mountain retreat surrounded by beauty. It’s also where she first met Aiden. I grew up near the mountains. Writing this story took me back to good memories.
Hot Tub Romance
Moonlight, steam, and the gentle glide of water on skin. Who can resist? My favorite couple certainly couldn’t. They enjoyed many clandestine moments together in a hot tub. Here’s one of my favorite places: https://tenthousandwaves.com/about/history.
Stiletto Heel Boots
The perfect footwear for when you need to walk in like a boss, own the moment, and leave on your terms. That’s what Delanie did.
Reunion of the Heart
Sensual sexy payback, owning up to choices, fighting for a second chance, it’s all there in Aiden and Delanie’s story.
Cookies
Fulfill my favorite cookie crush (currently a toss-up between Oreos and chocolate chip), and you’ll win me over every time. Aiden needed to find a way back into Delanie’s heart and a sweet peace offering helped pave the way.
How does their story end? Pick up a copy of FIGHT FOR YOU and find out.
xoxo
Nina
First Look Celebration is here!
http://www.barclaypublicity.com/book-scoop-blog/first-look-fight-for-you-by-nina-crespo
Sizzling New Reads
Hi Everyone,
This was one of the views from my hotel at the RT Convention in Reno. I had a great time meeting up with readers like you and fellow authors Kimberly Kincaid, Xio Axelrod, Jasmine Guillory, Rebecca Brooks and others. Did I mention I also met a few cover models? Check out my pictures on Instagram!
The release of FIGHT FOR YOU, The Kingman Brothers, Book 2 is right around the corner on 9 July, but I’m ramping up for Aiden and Delanie’s book with a pre-release First Look Celebration on 14 June! A sneak peek and giveaway are on the agenda. Stay connected with me on Twitter, FB and Instagram for the highlights.
I’ve also got another special reader treat for you. I’m one of the sponsors of The Romance Reviews’ Sizzling Summer Reads Event! During this event you’ll find more great new books to spice up your days and nights. Make sure to check my featured title out, FIGHT FOR YOU, along the way.
Join the fun at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/
*Lastly, please note the updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for this website in the footer section.
Stay connected! I’ll see you at the Sizzling Summer Reads Event and the First Look Celebration for FIGHT FOR YOU on 14 June.
Enjoy your weekend!
Nina
Nina Crespo Presents Binging on Books with Priscilla Oliveras
Nina: I met Priscilla when we were both guests on a panel. Since then, we’ve had a few interesting conversations about the writer’s life. She’s constantly on the move and full of good energy, just like her books.
Nina: If you were on a restricted diet of romance, what would be your main course (genre or trope) and why?
Priscilla: I’m a big fan of the friends to lovers trope. It adds another dynamic to the will they-won’t they anxiety, for the reader and the characters. Do they really wanna mess up the good thing they have as friends, but what if as lovers it could be oh so much better…? That’s definitely what kept Jeremy from moving faster with Rosa in Her Perfect Affair.
Nina: What’s your favorite dessert—an alpha or a beta hero?
Priscilla: Oh, I’m definitely a cinnamon roll hero fan! Someone who’s not afraid to show his softer side, especially with the right woman. Even my streetsmart cop, Diego Reyes, Lilí’s hero in book #3 of my MATCHED TO PERFECTION series, Their Perfect Melody, has a softer side. Lilí sees it in his work with kids at the youth center and when he picks up his guitar. ~~~sigh~~~
There’s also Nate Hamilton, Sofía’s hero in Resort to Love, who knows exactly how to make a lady feel special. He’s smart, caring, and humble enough to admit his past mistakes. Again ~~~sigh~~~
So, yeah, these are the types of heroes that satisfy my sweet tooth.
Nina: What’s your after dinner drink? Coffee, tea, wine champagne, brandy (or your choice:).
Priscilla: If I’m feeling decadent, maybe a latte with a splash of Tia Maria. Although, I’m good with a glass of a red blend wine or a sweeter chardonnay. And, to be honest, I’ve rarely turned down a glass of champagne, especially if it’s a cava.
About Priscilla’s Book
The Fer
nandez sisters have always had big dreams, and the talent and drive to pursue them. And in this sunny, spicy new series, each one will discover that success is that much sweeter when love follows . . .
Rosa Fernandez doesn’t act on impulse—she’s the responsible one, planning her career with precision, finally landing a job as the librarian at conservative Queen of Peace Academy, confining her strongest emotions to her secret poetry journal. But she’s been harboring a secret crush on dreamy Jeremy Taylor, and after one dance with him at her sister’s wedding, Rosa longs to let loose for the first time. She deserves some fun, after all. So what if she doesn’t have a shot with Jeremy, not with his wealthy pedigree and high profile lifestyle. But one dance leads to one kiss, and soon Rosa is head-over-heels . . .
The adopted son of a prominent Chicago lawyer, Jeremy has a lot to live up to—especially with his birth father in prison—the perfect example of a bad example. With a big promotion and a move to Japan in the works, Jeremy is worlds away from settling down. But sweet, steady Rosa is a temptation he doesn’t want to deny himself, at least for now. Yet when their simple fling turns complicated, everything they’ve both worked for is threatened—except the red-hot intimacy they’ve found together. Can forever really grow from just-for-now?
Excerpt
“Mis amigos, it’s almost closing time.” The DJ’s rich baritone elicited a groan of disapproval from the partiers. “We’ll play our last slow song, then finish the night with a bang. Gracias por venir esta noche! For you gringos, that means ‘thanks for coming tonight’ to celebrate Yazmine and Tomás’s wedding! Now, here’s one for all you couples out there.”
The beginning strains of an old Spanish love song drifted from the speakers. Regret and loss tightened Rosa’s throat when she recognized the tune as one Papi and his trío had often played at their gigs throughout the years.
Around the ballroom, dancers quickly paired up. Rosa watched a young teen work up the nerve to ask a pretty girl from their church to join him. The girl hesitated, hands clasped behind her back. Rosa waited, anxiously hoping the poor boy’s spirits weren’t about to be crushed.
Dios, her adolescent memories were pockmarked with similar self-esteem-diminishing moments. Waiting for this cute boy or that smart one to invite her to a school dance, or out for ice cream. Or even for a library study date. The one time she’d tried taking the initiative, she’d bungled it. Badly. Eventually, she’d given up wishing for a date. Books were far safer companions.
Finally, the girl gave a shy nod and the young couple moved to join the others. Out of the corner of her eye, Rosa noticed Jeremy pushing his seat back. She turned to say good-bye, only to find him holding out a hand to her.
“You’re not going to let the night end without allowing me one dance, are you?” His blue eyes warmed with a plea for her to say yes.
Surprised anticipation hummed in her chest.
She’d wanted an invite from him all night, but figured his date wouldn’t appreciate it. Now that the statuesque socialite was out of the picture. . . .
Behind him, Rosa caught Lilí laughing with her partner, enjoying herself, having done very little tonight to help behind the scenes.
Diviértete, Lilí had chided her earlier during the wedding party dance.
Her little sister was right. It was time for her to have a little fun. The thought had Rosa’s pulse pounding like she’d already started dancing a salsa.
Rising to her feet, she set her hand in Jeremy’s larger one.
His fingers closed around hers, the tight grip welcome, reassuring. He led the way to the edge of the dance floor, where he pulled her close to him.
Amazon | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
About Priscilla Oliveras
Priscilla Oliveras is a 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes sweet contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. Her debut release, His Perfect Partner, and the second book in her Matched to Perfection series, Her Perfect Affair, both earned Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Since earning an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, she serves as English adjunct faculty at her local college and teaches an on-line course titled “Romance Writing” for ed2go. Priscilla is a sports fan, a beach lover, a half-marathon runner and a consummate traveler who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock.
The Kingman Brothers
It’s here! FORGET YOU, The Kingman Brothers, Book 1 arrived last week. I enjoyed introducing King and Sophie to the world. Here are a few things that have been said about the book and this sexy, passionate couple:
“FORGET YOU is a sexy and entertaining workplace romance.” Harlequin Junkie
“FORGET YOU, the first book in THE KINGMAN BROTHERS series, sucked me in from the first page to the last.” Romance Junkies
“FORGET YOU takes a walk down memory lane with the heart as it’s guide, to remind us… the fight is worth the fall.” Isha Coleman – New & Upcoming Releases
“[FORGET YOU]…a rich story in a short timeframe, with corporate intrigue, parental issues and true ambition figuring in beautifully alongside a really good, complicated romance and a champion of a heroine.” All About Romance
You can find the links to pick up a copy here or click here to read an excerpt. 
Make sure you stay connected with me. I’m putting the finishing touches on FIGHT FOR YOU, The Kingman Brothers, Book 2. I’ll also have an update on the first book in a brand new series releasing in October 2018.
Happy reading!
Nina
