Will be touched up later today... I am just getting the short review up now before I leave.
Review:
The Barefoot Queen was a very amazing book. It was very long but I thought that it was very interesting. It wasn't the kind of book that I usually read, and I loved the change that this book offered to me.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Blog Tour + Review: Best I Never Had by Loni Flowers
Enter to Win Gift Pack Including:
a wooden bookmark with a quote, a silver bracelet with a "read more books" charm,
a sticky note gift set, and a signed copy of THE BEST I NEVER HAD
THE BEST I NEVER HAD
DeVine Winery #1
Loni Flowers
Releasing May 5th, 2015
New job, new town, new people— new life.
That’s what Olivia Langston needed. At twenty eight, she was given a rare opportunity at an internship in the rolling valleys of Crystal Falls in California wine country, far away from her small town roots in North Carolina. It was an unexpected journey she desperately needed after her ex-husband crushed her.
At DeVine Winery, she expected a fresh start in a new environment to help let go of her past. Instead, she found Daniel Black and a hell of a lot of sexual tension she wasn’t prepared for. He was gorgeous, modestly wealthy, irresistible, and just happened to be part owner of DeVine, one of the largest vineyards in the country.
If only she knew that before she kissed him her first night in town.
That’s what Olivia Langston needed. At twenty eight, she was given a rare opportunity at an internship in the rolling valleys of Crystal Falls in California wine country, far away from her small town roots in North Carolina. It was an unexpected journey she desperately needed after her ex-husband crushed her.
At DeVine Winery, she expected a fresh start in a new environment to help let go of her past. Instead, she found Daniel Black and a hell of a lot of sexual tension she wasn’t prepared for. He was gorgeous, modestly wealthy, irresistible, and just happened to be part owner of DeVine, one of the largest vineyards in the country.
If only she knew that before she kissed him her first night in town.
BUY NOW
Residing in Eastern North Carolina with her husband, 2
girls, and couch-potato dogs, Loni works a full-time professional job during
the day and writes in her free time. She never thought it was possible to have
a satisfying writing career, but with the love and support of her family, she's
made it part of her life.
Loni searches for the tiniest speck of romance in any story
and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after’s. She thrives off the sexual
tension, and gets a kick out of taking her characters on a roller-coaster ride
of drama-filled emotions. A romance that can soothe the soul is her number one
priority.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Review: Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe
Courtesan Duchess by Joanna ShupeHow to seduce an estranged husband—and banish debt!—in four wickedly improper, shockingly pleasurable steps...
1. Learn the most intimate secrets of London’s leading courtesan.
2. Pretend to be a courtesan yourself, using the name Juliet Leighton.
3. Travel to Venice and locate said husband.
4. Seduce husband, conceive an heir, and voilà, your future is secure!
For Julia, the Duchess of Colton, such a ruse promises to be foolproof. After all, her husband has not bothered to lay eyes on her in eight years, since their hasty wedding day when she was only sixteen. But what begins as a tempestuous flirtation escalates into full-blown passion—and the feeling is mutual. Could the man the Courtesan Duchess married actually turn out to be the love of her life?
Rating:
4 stars
Review:
This book was amazing. One of my all-time favorite genres to read happens to be historical fiction with a little bit of romance (or a lot). Joanna Shupe did a fantastic job of writing these wonderful characters. I loved Julia, and her attitude. I really liked Nick also, but he had his moments where I just sat on bed, shaking my head at him. I really loved how Julia and Nick obviously belonged together. They were probably one of my top ten favorite couples in a book.
I just overall loved the style of the book, and the ending, and cannot wait until I read the next two books in the series.
*I received this book free from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Tour + Review: Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe
The Courtesan Duchess
Wicked Deceptions # 1
By: Joanna Shupe
Releasing March 31, 2015
Zebra
Blurb
Can a bold-faced lie lead to everlasting love? One by one, the impetuous heroines in the Wicked Deceptions series intend to find out, each in her unique way…
How to seduce an estranged husband—and banish debt!—in four wickedly improper, shockingly pleasurable steps...
1. Learn the most intimate secrets of London’s leading courtesan.
2. Pretend to be a courtesan yourself, using the name Juliet Leighton.
3. Travel to Venice and locate said husband.
4. Seduce husband, conceive an heir, and voila, your future is secure!
For Julia, the Duchess of Colton, such a ruse promises to be foolproof. After all, her husband has not bothered to lay eyes on her in eight years, since their hasty wedding day when she was only sixteen. But what begins as a tempestuous flirtation escalates into full-blown passion—and the feeling is mutual!
Could the man the Courtesan Duchess married actually turn out to be the love of her life?
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Thursday, April 23, 2015
Blog Tour + Review, Excerpt, Giveaway, and Teasers: Untrue Colors by Veronica Forand
Untrue Colors
By: Veronica Forand
Releasing March 9th, 2015
Entangled Publishing
Blurb
She’s on the run…
Brilliant art appraiser Alex Northrop’s ex used stolen art to fund his nefarious activities. Now he wants her dead. But it isn’t just herself she’s worried about – if he discovers who she really is, he’ll kill her family.
Professor Henry Chilton is shocked to find a beautiful stranger passed out in his bed, and even more so when she reveals a priceless painting is a forgery – the painting he’d planned to use to fund a woman’s shelter. She’s mysterious and frightened, and he is determined to discover why.
Alex's knowledge of art is undeniable—just as Henry’s attraction to her is irresistible. But in order to help him recover the real painting, Alex isn't just risking exposure...she's risking her life.
Excerpt
Alex grieved as she looked toward the Louvre for possibly the last time. She had no choice but to leave Paris and the sublime treasures forming its artistic soul. Overhearing Luc’s plan to celebrate their four-month anniversary by murdering her set off her own plan of running as far away from him as possible.
What began as a fairytale romance had morphed into a traumatic descent into hell. Luc had no problem stealing fine art and artifacts and using Alex’s expertise in appraisals to dupe art collectors and even small countries of their valuable assets. She had huge problems with those things.
While his main henchman, Pascal, drove them through Paris, Luc held her hand in the back of the Mercedes like they were still lovers. They appeared perfect for each other, a rich art collector and the young art appraiser who had fallen head over heels for him. Rugged good looks combined with an enormous amount of wealth made him an ideal catch for a woman who didn’t mind being beaten into submission. Alex minded.
Dressed in a thousand dollar suit and wearing a sophisticated five o’clock shadow across his chiseled features, Luc seemed headed out for a night at the theater, not on the way to eliminate his girlfriend. Alex leaned away from him. She needed to get away. His free hand caressed her arm, rubbed her shoulder, and pulled her back toward him. Moving slowly, seductively, he wrapped his fingers around her neck and started to squeeze. He stared at her, his eyes neither narrowing nor widening, only observing her reaction.
“I promise I won’t tell anyone. I swear it.” She pleaded for her life, speaking French, the only language they’d ever spoken to each other. As his hand tightened with her words, she gasped and struggled for breath.
Luc pulled her face closer to his. His lips pinched together, causing the muscles in his neck to tense. “Liar.”
The more she struggled to pull away, the more his grip tightened. No longer able to inhale, her eyes watered and her life began to fade. With nothing left to lose, she struck out at his face. He released her, but slapped her ear so hard, her head flew into the door. The pain ricocheted through her skull, leaving her numb for a moment.
She glanced out the window and saw salvation. As Pascal slowed for a turn, she opened the door and jumped. Her Chanel suit acted as her only protection when she hit the ground and bounced onto the road. Asphalt scraped her skin with each rotation until she slammed into the curb. Pain rebelled in ribs not yet healed from her fall down Luc’s marble stairway. Car brakes screeched nearby. In seconds, they would be on her. She hobbled to her feet, sucking in huge breaths.
Alex merged into the manic crowd entering the Gare du Nord at rush hour. She dodged men and women in suits, groups of school children, and what felt like hundreds of tourists. With her passports tucked in a travel belt under her skirt and several hundred euros in her possession, she boarded the high-speed train for London and prayed he wouldn’t follow her.
Author Info
A Bostonian by birth, Veronica Forand regrettably lost her Boston accent while moving from state to state and country to country. Cleveland probably had the most profound effect on her ability to pronounce the “r” in the word “park.”She does try to return now and then to visit family and eat long neck clams and lobster. Summers on Cape Cod are also high on the priority list.
Her experience in crime involves time as a court appointed attorney. Eventually, she switched fields to where bigger crimes take place, corporate tax. The allure of spending mornings in her pajamas homeschooling her children and writing fascinating fiction caused her to change careers again. Now that the kids are out of the house (in school), she writes romantic thrillers by day and is the perfect wife and mother at night.
Her experience in romance is limited to one man. Luckily, he’s still finding ways to charm her by taking her on vacations to the south of France, Fiji, and the Green Mountains when time is short. Avid travelers, they love to roam with their kids across continents in pursuit of skiing, scuba diving, and the perfect piece of chocolate.
She’s lived in London, Paris, Geneva, Washington D.C., and the accent destroying city of Cleveland. She currently resides near Philadelphia.
Giveaway
Review: Untrue Colors by Veronica Forand
She’s on the run…
Brilliant art appraiser Alex Northrop’s ex used stolen art to fund his nefarious activities. Now he wants her dead. But it isn’t just herself she’s worried about – if he discovers who she really is, he’ll kill her family.
Professor Henry Chilton is shocked to find a beautiful stranger passed out in his bed, and even more so when she reveals a priceless painting is a forgery – the painting he’d planned to use to fund a woman’s shelter. She’s mysterious and frightened, and he is determined to discover why.
Alex's knowledge of art is undeniable—just as Henry’s attraction to her is irresistible. But in order to help him recover the real painting, Alex isn't just risking exposure...she's risking her life.
Rating:
4 stars
Review
*I recevied this book free to read in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really interesting and very well-written. I have never read a book by Veronica Forand, but based on this book alone, I would definitely read another book by her. The book was fast-paced, and kept you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what would happen next. It is from both perspetives of Alex and Henry.
You can definitely tell there is chemistry between the two of the them, and they fit so perfectly together. Henry was really loyal to Alex, and you could tell that she meant a lot to him. His brother was amazing too!
This book has the perfect blend of romance and action, and amazing characters that you love from beginning to end.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Blog Tour + Excerpt, Giveaway, and Review: By the Sword by Alison Stuart
Guardians of the Crown # 1
By: Alison Stuart
Releasing March 22nd, 2015
Escape Publishing
Blurb
England 1650: In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war. The country will be divided and lives lost as Charles II makes a last bid to regain his throne.
Kate Ashley finds her loyalty to the Parliamentary cause tested when she inherits responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. To protect the people she cares about, she will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours.
Jonathan Thornton, exiled and hunted for his loyalty to the King's cause now returns to England to garner support for the cause of the young King. Haunted by the demons of his past, Jonathan risks death at every turn and brings danger to those who love him.
Finding Kate in his family home, he sees in her the hope for his future, and a chance at a life he doesn’t deserve.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester, Jonathan must face his nemesis, and in turn, learn the secret that will change his life forever. But love is fragile in the face of history, and their lives are manipulated by events out of their control. What hope can one soldier and one woman hold in times like these?
Author Info
Alison Stuart fell in love with the English Civil War when her father read her The King’s General by Daphne Du Maurier. She has been writing stories set in this period since her teenage years but it was not until 2007 that the first edition of BY THE SWORD was published. It went on to win the 2008 EPIC Award for Best Historical Romance. Alison has now published 6 full length novels and a collection of her short stories. When she is not writing she is travelling and has dragged her family around the sites of every major battle of the English Civil War. Alison lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is a lapsed lawyer who has worked in the military and fire service, with an obvious obsession for men in uniform, which may explain a predisposition to soldier heroes.
Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 Amazon Gift Card)
Excerpt
(Excerpt Context: Kate and Jonathon are discussing Kate's husband, the parliamentarian, Richard Ashley)
Kate nodded, a faint colour rising in her cheeks. ‘I had a good dowry and Richard fair prospects.’ She looked up at him, holding his eyes with her clear gaze. ‘And we loved each other.’
Dear God, this bloody war, Jonathan thought. ‘And if it were not for the war, you would be living in wedded bliss in Barton Manor, surrounded by a brood of children,’ he said.
Kate looked away and he knew his observation had hit home. He reached for her hand and when she tried to pull away he tightened his grip, forcing her to look up at him.
‘I’m sorry, Kate, that was a thoughtless remark. I’m the last person who has any right to do that.’ He released her hand. ‘From what I knew of Richard, he did not have the heart of a soldier.’
He knew more about Richard Ashley than he was prepared to reveal. A scholar, not a soldier. Richard should be at home at Barton Manor with this woman and their children. Not dead in the ground at the age of twenty-two.
Kate looked up at him, her brow creased in puzzlement, and he cursed himself for revealing too much.
‘What could you possibly have known of him? The Thorntons have been estranged from the Ashleys for over thirty years.’ This time he bit his tongue and when he didn’t reply she continued. ‘To answer your question, Richard may not have gone willingly to the war but he fought bravely against the terrible odds in the North. He followed Sir
Thomas Fairfax into hell during those early years.’Jonathan nodded. ‘Fairfax’s men had it hard in those early years.’ He paused. ‘Was he with Fairfax that day at Marston Moor?’
‘Of course,’ Kate replied. ‘Were you there? Is it possible you faced Richard?’
Of course Jonathan had been there with Prince Rupert’s cavalry. It had been a bloodbath. Marston Moor had put in train a series of tragic events in his own life that had nothing to do with the battle.
He swallowed and gave a barely perceptible nod. ‘I was on the other flank with Rupert.’
‘What did it matter?’ A rare flash of anger rose in Kate. ‘You wouldn’t have known Richard if you had met on the battlefield.’
Yes I would, he thought. ‘That is the tragedy of a civil war, Kate.’
She didn’t seem to notice that he had used her given name. Her eyes blazed with anger and misery. ‘They brought him home to die. It was a horrible death.’ Her voice cracked.
She lowered her head and took several deep shuddering breaths that wracked her body.
Without thinking, Jonathan lifted his hand to her face, tilting her chin so she looked at him. Her eyes swam with unshed tears. Tears he had caused.
‘So many deaths. Too many, Kate. Believe me, it’s not always easy to be the survivor. I may not be dead but I have lost all that is important to me. It’s a hollow victory over death.’
So many deaths...Marston Moor and afterwards, Oxford. He had run at life, stumbled into the path of innocent people, and he had survived while they had died.
Review: By the Sword by Alison Stuart
By the Sword by Alison StuartEngland 1650. In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war. The country will be divided and lives lost as Charles II makes a last bid to regain his throne.
Kate Ashley finds her loyalty to the Parliamentary cause tested when she inherits responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. To protect the people she cares about, she will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours.
Jonathan Thornton, exiled and hunted for his loyalty to the King's cause now returns to England to garner support for the cause of the young King. Haunted by the demons of his past, Jonathan risks death at every turn and brings danger to those who love him. Finding Kate in his family home, he sees in her the hope for his future, and a chance at a life he doesn’t deserve.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester, Jonathan must face his nemesis, and in turn, learn the secret that will change his life forever. But love is fragile in the face of history, and their lives are manipulated by events out of their control. What hope can one soldier and one woman hold in times like these?
(Please note: The Escape Publishing Edition is only available in digital format)
Review:
I don't usually read books that involve widows because I love first loves (not that there is anything wrong with falling in love again or anything, I just don't usually pick up books like that). But, I was really intrigued because I love historical fiction, and the cover and blurb were fantastic. I love the historical part of this book because one I have never read a book set in 1650 as of yet. So, this was my first book in this specific time period. The romance was interesting in this book because it's not simple. It's not I love you and you love me, so let's just be together kind of love. It's we love each other, but there are things that we have to consider too. The characters were very well-written, a strong hero and a strong heroine. Stuart wrote a wonderful, exciting story, with beautiful descriptions that was easy to become hooked in. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I received this book free from Tasty Book Tours and Alison Stuart in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Cover Reveal + Giveaway and Playlist: Lies Come True by Emerald O'Brien
BOOK INFORMATION
TITLE – Lies Come True
SERIES – The Avery Hart Trilogy, Book One
AUTHOR – Emerald O'Brien
GENRE – New Adult Mystery
PUBLICATION DATE – April 17th 2015
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) unformatted right now, but 65k words
PUBLISHER – Emerald O'Brien
COVER ARTIST – Najla Qamber Designs
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Avery Hart narrowly escapes death after being attacked in the woods of Crown River.
Ten years later...
The body of a young woman is found along the path of a park in the same town. The killer is
cunning and ruthless, but even the best killers make mistakes.
Fiona Wolfe, the second woman to be attacked, survives and reveals a potential link between the
current killer and the attack on Avery Hart.
Noah Cotter, an ambitious new inspector, becomes drawn to the case when his curiosity
combines with his attraction to Avery.
The dangerous search for truth appears to be muddied with each shocking secret brought to light,
as Avery, Fiona, and Noah realize that when someone is deceived for too long, sometimes...
Lies Come True
EXCERPT
She turned back up the trail, and pushed herself to go forward. The next few strides hurt less than the first. She picked up her pace, and squinted into the last of the sunlight, as her heart pounded in her chest.
She took deep breaths as she pushed herself harder, confident that she was gaining ground, and when she reached a clearing by the lake, she looked back.
It was a man, or what looked like one, but his face was white. And red.
AUTHORS PLAYLIST
Music I listened to before I wrote Lies Come True (The Avery Hart Trilogy, Book One) and while
I'm writing The Avery Hart Trilogy, Book Two:
Go Meg Myers
Scared The Tragically Hip
Got You Where I Want You (rerecorded) The Flys
If I Didn't Know Better Nashville Soundtrack
Breath of Life Florence and the Machine
Shouldn't Have To The Mark Inside
Bent Matchbox 20
Make a Shadow Meg Myers
Lie Ryan Levine
Shadows Lindsey Stirling
and the whole soundtrack to Gone Girl
AUTHOR BIO
Emerald O'Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just East of Toronto, Ontario. She graduated
from the program of Television Broadcasting and Communications Media at Mohawk College in
Hamilton, Ontario. Emerald is the author of new adult mysteries Darkness Follows and it's sequel,
Shadows Remain. Her upcoming release, Lies Come True (The Avery Hart Trilogy, Book One), is
also a new adult mystery.
When she isn't reading or writing, Emerald can be found with her family and friends. Emerald
loves to cook and entertain, and spends many nights watching movies with her husband and their
two beagle pups.
AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS
GIVEAWAY PRIZES
3 Darkness Follows ebooks
2 Lies Come True ebooks
1 $5.00 Amazon Gift Card
Cover Reveal Organized & Hosted By:
Friday, March 20, 2015
Blog Tour + Excerpt, Giveaway, and Review: A Code of the Heart by Jacki Delecki
Code Breakers # 3
By: Jacki Delecki
Released February 14th, 2015
Self-Published
Blurb
Miss Amelia Bonnington has been in love with Michael Harcourt since she was nine years old… or so she thought until a not-so proper impassioned and unyielding kiss from the not-so honorable and equally disreputable Mr. Derrick Brinsley, gave her reason to question the feelings of the heart.
Derrick Brinsley, brother to the Earl of Falconbridge, shunned from society for running off with his brother’s fiancée, hasn’t cared about or questioned his lack of acceptance until meeting the beguiling Amelia Bonnington. One passionate moment with the fiery Miss Bonnington has him more than willing to play by society’s rules to possess the breathtaking, red-haired woman.
Amelia unwittingly becomes embroiled in espionage when she stumbles upon a smuggling ring in the modiste shop of her good friend. To prove her French friend’s innocence, she dangerously jumps into the fray, jeopardizing more than her life.
On clandestine assignment to prevent the French from stealing the Royal Navy’s secret weapon, Derrick must fight to protect British secrets from falling into the hands of French spies, but also the chance at love with the only woman capable of redeeming him.
Author Info
Descended from a long line of storytellers, Jacki spins adventures filled with mystery, healing and romance. Jacki’s love affair with the arts began at a young age and inspired her to train as a jazz singer and dancer. She has performed many acting roles with the Seattle Opera Company and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Her travels to London and Paris ignited a deep-seated passion to write A Code of Love, a romantic mystery set in the Regency era. Jacki is certain she spent at least one lifetime dancing in the Moulin Rouge.
Although writing now fills most of her days, she continues to volunteer with Seattle’s Ballet and Opera companies, as well as leading children’s tours of Pike Street Market. Her volunteer work with Seattle’s homeless shelters influenced one of her main characters in An Inner Fire. Jacki’s two Golden Labs, Gus and Talley, are her constant companions. Their years of devotion and intuition inspired her to write both dogs as heroes in A Code of Love. A geek at heart, Jacki loves superhero movies—a hero’s battle against insurmountable odds. Fortunately, her heroines don’t have to wear a unitard to fight injustice and battle for the underdog. Jacki’s extraordinary heroines love and heal. Visit www.JackiDelecki.com for more information.
Excerpt
Prologue
Edworth House Party
Christmas Eve, 1802
Amelia Bonnington braced herself as the crowd bumped and pushed, straining to get close to His Highness. The crème of society shoved and elbowed, politely-of-course, since one would never want to be accused of bad manners.
The Prince Regent stood on a small platform elaborately decorated with heavy boughs of greenery and red velvet, matching the Christmas décor of the massive ballroom. Hundreds of beeswax candles burned. No expense had been spared for the house party celebrating his royal visit.
Amelia had no desire to be part of the prince’s circle; they were a ghastly group who were only interested in themselves and their own pleasure.
She sucked in the little air left in the room and pushed, courteously-of-course, toward the door. The crowd and the heat were unbearable. She wasn’t one to swoon, but with the thick mix of perfume and the hot bodies, she felt tonight might be her first. She, one of the steadiest women, felt unsteady and unsafe. The last days of upheaval must have had a greater effect on her than she had wanted to believe.
Her whole world had been turned upside down and twisted sideways at this house party. In the last two days, her friends had been poisoned and kidnapped, and she had been ensnared in the French villain’s trap. But the deadly crisis had to be kept secret. Nothing must look out of the ordinary. No one outside the intelligence world ever know about the enemy’s threat to the Prince Regent’s life. The ball must go on.
Amelia looked over her shoulder for the closest exit, but the throng pushed her forward. She needed to escape from the packed room.
A gentleman used the chaos in the crowded room, to crash into her, to take liberties with her person. After spending the last four years in congested ballrooms, she fully recognized the scoundrel’s ploy. His heavy eyelids didn’t conceal his hungry eyes, focused down her décolletage. As his eyes remained fixated on her breasts, he grabbed her elbow, pretending to help her when in fact he intended to pull her close against his hefty, malodorous body.
His reek of stale alcohol and sour sweat constricted her stomach and burned her throat. She pulled her arm away from his grasp, repulsed by the wetness seeping through his gloves. “Sir, release me this instant.”
She was about to dig her heel into the supposed gentleman’s fat toe when suddenly a space opened around her and a smell of fresh lime soap surrounded her.
The perspiring man stared behind her. His slack mouth and his blood-shot eyes widened in fear.
She recognized Lord Brinsley’s scent without needing to turn; he was an impossibly difficult, yet irresistibly appealing man. His deep, velvety voice flitted down her skin like a caress. “Miss Amelia, may I escort you away from this mob?”
Relief and something much more potent buzzed all her nerve endings. She turned quickly and found herself pressed against the broad chest of the man she had been forced to conspire with to save her friends.
She hastily straightened herself. “I never thought I’d be happy to see you.” She refused to be like all the other women who fawned for his slightest glance.
He lifted an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth in that sardonic way she always found irritating. He was too big, too handsome, and too confident for her to find him irresistible. She’d never let him have the satisfaction of knowing she found him…almost irresistible.
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